The Town of Russell is located along Provincial Trunk Highway 83 just off the Yellowhead Highway 16. The community of 1700 people is part of the Parkland Region of Manitoba, and is 340 kilometres from the provincial capital, Winnipeg. Russell is a local retail and shopping centre serving a trading area of over 14,000 people.
History
In 1878 and 1879, the Canadian Government sent surveyors west to survey the land for townships and for the railway. The first settlers to the Russell area arrived in the spring of 1881. They had left Winnipeg the previous fall and travelled by sleigh over winter roads and trails. The first group faced many hardships along the way, but was rewarded upon reaching the area by having the pick of the best land for as far as the eye could see. Over the next few years, settlers continued to arrive in small numbers. Most settlers came overland in ox-drawn Red River Carts from Winnipeg and the Dawson Trail. Others came up the Assiniboine River to Fort Ellice, and to the important Hudson's Bay Company trading posts. They then travelled by horse from there along the Fort Pelly Trails. Today, Russell is part of the scenic Parkland Region of Manitoba. The area is known for its rolling hills and beautiful valleys. Originally covered in tall prairie grass, the land is now farm a field, broken often by stands of aspen and poplar trees and wood lot forests. Many lakes in the area provide countless recreational and outdoor sporting activities.
Economic Base
Much of the land around Russell is ideally suited to cattle ranching and beef production. Ranching, combined with mixed grain farming, are the biggest contributors to the economy for much of the region. The major crop grown in the area is barley, but many producers grow wheat and other grains, as well as, oilseeds such as canola and flax. In recent years, numerous producers in the area have ventured into equine ranching. Hog barns have also been built in the area, producing high-quality pork for packing and employing local residents. Russell is a major local service centre for the local farm community, with numerous producers relying on Russell businesses to provide supplies and services to their farms. Recent changes to agricultural policies in Canada have placed Russell in a unique position with the elimination of transportation subsidies. This has left Russell farmers facing unusually high transportation costs, which has spurned the growth of many value-added processors in the area, and opened the door to other business opportunities. The town is well positioned to capitalize on these expansions with a good supply of raw product, and a knowledgeable work force. Russell also serves as a trading and retail centre for a large part of the surrounding communities. Town businesses offer a full range of retail, commercial and professional services. Russell's location, close to many area tourist destinations, means Russell also benefits from the many visitors that come to the area each year.
Major Attractions
Visitors are always welcome in Russell, where residents and businesses alike work hard to live up to the provincial motto, "Friendly Manitoba". The town and immediate area have much to do and see for all types and all ages. Only a short drive north of Russell is Asessippi Provincial Park and Lake of the Prairies. Asessippi Park features campground and picnic grounds, and Lake of the Prairies is known throughout North America as one of the top walleye fishing spots on the continent. Asessippi Ski Area & Winter Park are also just outside Russell. The facility is newly completed and is one of the finest facilities in the province, with year-round fun for all ages. Closer to town, the nine-hole golf course offers a great way to spend an afternoon, enjoying the fresh outdoor air and the beautiful scenery. Other facilities include tennis courts, baseball diamonds, beach volleyball courts, an outdoor swimming pool, hockey and curling rinks, and groomed ski-doo trails.
Other Information
The Town of Russell is very proud of one of its most famous citizens. Recognised NHL hockey player and Stanley Cup champion, Theoren Fleury was raised on a farm just outside Russell. Though having travelled throughout North America with his hockey career, Theoren still remembers his home and returns regularly to see old friends and attend community events. Theron has recently started hosting a hockey school in Russell during the month of July, and he recently was part of Team Canada's mens hockey team, which won gold at The Salt Lake City Olympic Games.
