The Rural Municipality of Russell sits along Provincial Trunk Highways #16 and #83 along the Manitoba/Saskatchewan border. Part of the provinces Parkland Region, Russell is roughly 350 kilometres from Manitoba's capital city of Winnipeg. The municipality is mostly rural, and surrounds the incorporated Town of Russell and Village of Binscarth.
History
In 1878, the Canadian Government first surveyed the area that became Russell. Plans were laid for the construction of the railway through the area, and settlers quickly began arriving. By 1881, the local population had grown, and residents were calling for the formation of a local government. That year, the County of Russell was incorporated.
The name Russell was chosen after the surveyor-general, Lindsay Russell, who had surveyed much of the area. The county of Russell soon proved too large to efficiently manage, and in 1884 was split up into several rural municipalities, one keeping the name Russell.
Economic Base
Farming in the major employer of most residents, and the largest sector of the local economy. Field crops are mainly cereal and grain crops, or oilseeds such as flax or canola. Many areas of the municipality lend themselves well to livestock production, with farms raising purebred cattle, bison, elk, poultry and equine ranching.
Industry in the area is expanding, but for the most part is agriculturally based. Local industrial operations include a canola crushing and refining plant and a facility that exports locally produced Timothy Hay. Two inland grain terminals operate in the municipality, and these also act as service centres for the agricultural community providing seed, fertiliser and chemicals.
Major Attractions
The pride of the municipality's recreational facilities is the Binscarth Park and Pool. The outdoor facility offers a host of organised fun and fitness programs for all ages throughout the summer months. Many other recreational facilities are available only moments away in the incorporated centres of Russell and Binscarth. These include curling and hockey rinks, ball diamonds and soccer fields.
