The Rural Municipality of Shell River is located in Manitoba's beautiful Parkland region, and is located approximately 100 kilometres west of the City of Dauphin, the Parkland's largest community. Shell River is 230 kilometres north of Brandon and 400 kilometres northwest of the capital city of Winnipeg.
The Rural municipality of Shell River has a population of 1050 and covers 2 ranges and 4 townships.Located along a major rail line,Shell River is accessible by Provincial Highway 83 and Provincial Highway 5. Provincial Highway 83 is seen as an international highway and provides access from Shell River to the United States and Mexico.
History
Shell River was first settled in the early 1880's. The municipality was incorporated on December 22, 1883. During the winter of 1901-02, surveyors scouted the Shell Valley looking for a railway route through the region. With the railway complete by 1903, a large influx of settlers came into the area .
An abundance of rich farmlands in the area resulted in fast settlement and rapid economic growth for the Shell River area.
Economic Base
Agriculture has historically been the predominant industry in Shell River and continues to be so today. Farms in the area mainly grow grains and oilseeds. Several livestock operations and cattle ranches are also found in other parts of the community.
Shell River has expanded on its roll as an agricultural service centre with several implement dealers, agricultural repair shops, veterinary clinics, soil service centres, seed cleaning facilities and a newly constructed grain handling facility. The new elevator is the first of its kind, being a joint venture between publicly and privately held grain companies. Several other agricultural services exist within nearby Town of Roblin. Services include auction services,the Roblin Bull Test Station and several bulk fertiliser and chemical dealers.
The "AC Roblin" variety of wheat which is grown extensively in the Shell River area was developed by Agriculture Canada in Winnipeg and named after the community following testing at several sites in Shell River.
Major Attractions
The municipal and rural governments in the area share a long history of co-operation. One of their greatest accomplishments is an active and successful recreation commission that serves many communities in the Shell River area.
Shell River is located in one of the most beautiful areas of Manitoba. The Parklands provide a rolling, well-forested landscape that is not usually associated with the prairies. The Shell River and Big Boggy River both run through the R.M. of Shell River, as well as the Lake of the Prairies.
The Lake of the Prairies was constructed in 1968 by the damming of the Assiniboine River. The lake behind the Shellmouth Dam is over 67 kilometres long with a surface area of over 15000 acres. The lake is well suited to canoeing and boating, wildlife viewing and a host of other water sports. Lake of the Prairies is also known as one of Manitoba's premier walleye fishing grounds and provides Shell River with an abundance of recreational and tourism opportunities. Many visit the Shell River area each year to camp, fish and to hunt during the fall.
