The Rural Municipality of Ethelbert is located in the heart of Manitoba's Parkland region. Ethelbert is approximately 370 kilometres northwest of Manitoba's capital city, Winnipeg. The municipality is also located approximately 60 kilometres northwest of the City of Dauphin, and 115 kilometres south of the Town of Swan River.
The municipality's largest centre is the Village of Ethelbert, which boasts a friendly community of 364 residents. The communities of Ukraina, Mink Creek, Rhodes, and Garland are other significant communities in Ethelbert. The municipality is easily accessible by Provincial Trunk Highway 10, a major trucking route in the parkland region.
The region surrounding Ethelbert has long been regarded as a rich and abundant hunting and fishing playground. Just southwest of the Duck Mountains, and north of Riding Mountain National Park, Ethelbert is surrounded by a plethora of lakes, beaches and recreational facilities. The scenic Duck Mountain Provincial Park boasts excellent hunting, fishing, camping and natural scenery for the avid nature lover.
History
Ethelbert was officially incorporated as a municipality in 1905, yet settlers and trappers have been in the area long before this. Ethelbert's growth as a service area to the surrounding farmlands, increased after the CN rail line expanded through the Village of Ethelbert at the turn of the century. The village itself was officially incorporated as a village in 1950.
Economic Base
Ethelbert's industry revolves around agriculture and logging. The municipality features a diverse range of cereal crops, and livestock operations such as cattle and hog. Farmers grow such crop cereals as Flax, Canola, Buckwheat, and exotic grains such as Alfalfa, Borage and Timothy Hay. Most livestock producers have herds of approximately 40-150 heads. The region also features a hog-fallowing barn with a capacity of 650 sows. With its proximity to the Duck Mountains, logging companies are prominent in the municipality.
Companies such as Harv's Logging, Stratuliak Logging, and Garland Valley Contracting offer diverse services such as falling and skidding of many different types of woods. Trucking companies such as Balanyk Trucking Berezowksi Trucking, and Max Dudar trucking, are predominant in the area transporting a diverse range of agricultural and logging products.
The municipality has much to offer new families. The village boasts a K-12 school, fire protection and a small police detachment. Many churches and organizations keep residents busy. The municipality also has a well-maintained housing stock, and boasts a local retirement home and seniors program.
Major Attractions
The Beautiful Duck Mountain Provincial Park calls all nature lovers! With rich hunting, fishing and recreational activities to be experienced, all visitors to Ethelbert will find the Provincial Park irresistible to visit. July 10, 1999 saw the grand opening of The Ethelbert and District Museum. This beautiful museum features a rich collection of many local artifacts, and also features a beautiful gift shop. Open during the summer months, the museum is something not to miss.
With its curling club, many baseball diamonds and other sporting facilities, the residents of Ethelbert have a wide variety of recreational activities to keep them busy all throughout the year.
Facilities - Recreation, Parks, Culture
While in the municipality, the warm residents of Ethelbert invite you to participate in many of their fun activities. Curling fans will find the many bonspiels in late winter and early spring exciting and entertaining. The rich Ukrainian heritage comes alive in Ethelbert in Vitriwka's Dance and Choral Ensemble in May, and Traditional Malanka (Ukrainian New Years) in January. Ethelbert's annual 4-H Achievement Awards in April are always a popular event for residents. Crisp October heralds Ethelbert's Annual Harvest dance for all those celebrating the summer's bountiful harvest. With its many other numerous church activities and celebrations, the friendly residents of Ethelbert welcome you into their community!
