The Rural Municipality of Alonsa is located in north central Manitoba, straddling Lake Manitoba along the full length of its eastern border. It lies adjacent to the Rural Municipalities of Glenella, Ste.Rose, McCreary, and Lawrence to the west. The municipality is comprised of 11 townships and has an area of approximately 2915 square kilometres. The municipality's largest centres include the communities of Alonsa and Amaranth. Other centres include Kinosota, Reedy Creek, Bacon Ridge, Shergrove, Eddystone, Cayer and Reykjavik. As of the 1996 census, the municipality listed its total population at 1769.
Access to the municipality is along Provincial Trunk Highways 50 and 66.
History
Alonsa officially became a municipality on January 1, 1997. Prior to then, it was a Local Government District operating with six wards whose elected representatives chose a representative among them to act as reeve. The early history of the municipality dates back to the days of the fur trade, with some lakeside dwellers able to trace their lineage back to the time when the trade routes helped in opening up the country. Many of the place names are derived from Indian names or named after early settlers. Kinosota is among the earliest settlements. Alonsa meanwhile, blossomed in the early 1900's with the coming of the railroad. However, the rail line was never extended beyond Alonsa, and rail service to the area ended in 1961.
Economic Base
The municipality combines agriculture with fishing as its two main economic staples. The central and northern portions of the municipality are used primarily for cattle production thanks to the abundance of hay and pasture land. The southern part of the municipality is engaged in grain farming, including cereal crops and some oilseed production. Along the lake, commercial fishermen catch Pickerel and Jack fish. A plant that processes Jack fish is located in Eddystone and a loading site for the Pickerel is located around Amaranth. Cottages can also be found along the lake, especially close to The Narrows, which is located just outside the municipality.
Major Attractions
Thanks to an active and dedicated Alonsa Conservation District, the municipality has become a haven to naturalists and wildlife enthusiasts. Portia March is an $1.8 million wetland development built by Ducks Unlimited, that include an interpretive area, marsh boardwalk, lookout platform, woodland trails and picnic area. At the marsh, visitors will see waterfowl, beaver, muskrat, mink, birds of prey and a variety of songbirds. Thunderbird Nest is an ancient aboriginal site nestled in an attractive woodland west of The Narrows.
Baconridge is a one square mile mixed woodland area that has been set aside as an ecological reserve, as well as, for horse riding, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling in winter. The Lady's Slipper Viewing Area, found just north of Amaranth, offers two rare species of the orchid family which can be viewed in June and July. The Bluff Creek Nature Trail offers three miles of hiking through mature mixed woods along a beaver-dammed creek.
Facilities - Recreation, Parks, Culture
Blessed with Lake Manitoba along its eastern border, the municipality offers visitors fine beach and fishing sites. Cayer Beach is a renowned fishing spot east of Cayer where Pickerel and Perch can be found. Jackpine Park, midway between McCreary and Alonsa, is a popular wayside park offering restrooms, play equipment, picnic tables and a short nature trail through mature Jackpine. Margaret Bruce Beach offers excellent swimming, boating and fishing, along with campsites, a restaurant, showers and change rooms. In Alonsa, the Alex Robertson Museum contains a large collection of antique firearms and pioneer artifacts which is open to the public on Sundays.
