Nestled in the heart of the Swan River Valley, one of the most picturesque areas of Manitoba, the Rural Municipality of Swan River is located between the beautiful Duck and Porcupine Mountains. The villages of Benito, Bowsman and the communities of Kenville and Durban are the major communities in the R.M. The main centre of this area, however, is the Town of Swan River. Provincial Highways 10 & 83, as well as, a number of provincial roads service the municipality.
Swan River offers some spectacular scenery. The pronounced hills of the Porcupine Mountains to the north and the Duck Mountains to the south, contrast beautifully with the gently rolling agricultural plain of the prairies found in the R.M.
History
The Rural Municipality of Swan River received its name from settlers who had seen swans on the nearby Thunder Hill. The R.M. of Swan River was officially incorporated on May 1st, 1901, although activity in the valley had been occurring since the early 1700's with the Hudson's Bay fur trappers. Settlement to the area dates back to 1770. The first true homesteaders arrived in the valley from southern portions of the province, through the Duck Mountains by 1897. Fertile soil in the valley began luring new settlers from southern Manitoba for agricultural activities. In 1898, construction of the Canadian Northern Railway was announced. The Town of Swan River was incorporated in 1908.
Economic Base
A large percent of the economy of Swan River depends upon agriculture. Cereal farming for seeded grains and oilseeds is prevalent in the region, while mixed farming for producing cattle, dairy, pigs and other animals is very prominent too. The Town of Swan River has a very diversified economy, and forms and integral service centre to the surrounding communities.
The Rural Municipality also has a strong and prosperous forestry industry. In 1998, Swan River was awarded the Forest Capital of Canada Award for excellence and commitment to maintaining the forestry industry. The R.M. also looks at tourism as having a large economic impact. Local businesses cater to hundreds of visitors travelling to Swan River each year for the beautiful scenery and plethora of activities at neighboring lakes and beaches.
Major Attractions
The R.M. of Swan River offers its residents and visitors a variety of events and activities to partake in. The Duck Mountains and Porcupine Provincial Forest offer its visitors great hiking, camping and fishing. Arctic Char, Brook and Lake Trout, Northern Pike and Walleye are just some of the fish that can be caught in the many lakes of the area.
East Blue Lake (approximately 1 hour and twenty minutes away from the Town of Swan River) offers some of the best scuba diving in the province! The lake is so popular that dive shops from Winnipeg and Regina frequent its waters to conduct their courses.
Wellman Lake (located in Duck Mountain Provincial Park) boasts year-round facilities that include camping, swimming, tennis, canoeing, cross-country skiing and ice fishing for all sports and nature enthusiasts! Swan River also proudly boasts its own downhill ski facility. Thunderhill has cross-country trails, 16 ski runs, a t-bar, a rope tow, and a lodge with concessions.
Facilities - Recreation, Parks, Culture
The Town of Swan River's recreation office offers a variety of organized sports programs. The Swan River Kinsmen Pool is a junior-size Olympic pool that offers recreational swimming and qualified swimming classes in water sports and water safety. Curling and hockey leagues are held at the Centennial Arena and Swan River Curling Club. Co-ed volleyball is also offered. The local nine-hole golf course features grass greens, watered fairways, a pro shop and a licensed dining room to meet the needs of all avid golfers. These activities are very popular in the R.M.
The warm and friendly people of Swan River invite you to visit their beautiful municipality!
