The Swan River Valley is one of the most picturesque and fertile areas of Manitoba. Nestled between the Duck Mountains and The Porcupine Mountains, the heart of this area is The Town of Swan River. Swan River is a bustling trading centre with a population of 4000, and a trading market area of over 20,000 people. Swan River is known as the gateway to Northern Manitoba and is located along Highway 10 at the north end of Highway 83. Highway 83 links Canada's vacation lands with The United States and The Gulf Of Mexico.
History
The landscape around Swan River offers some spectacular scenery. The pronounced hills to the north and south contrast beautifully with the gently rolling agricultural plain of the valley floor. The Hudson's Bay Company began trading furs in the Swan River area in the 1700's. Occasionally, wild swans were seen on nearby Thunder Hill, and the valley was given its name. The first permanent settlement dates back to 1770 when fur traders from both the Hudson Bay Company and the Northwest Company bought and sold goods by way of birch bark canoes. The first pioneers arrived in the valley through the Duck Mountains in 1897. Recognizing the agricultural potential of the area, they cleared land to expose the fertile soils. The farming opportunities began to lure new settlers from Southern Manitoba. The proposed construction of the Canadian Northern Railway was announced in 1898 and the town was founded in 1900. Swan River was officially incorporated as a town in 1908.
Economic Base
The economic base of the town lies in many industries. Since its settlement, the town has thrived on agriculture. Almost fifty percent of the surrounding area is under cultivation. Most is seeded to grains and oilseeds but many producers are diversifying to specialty crops. There are also many mixed farms producing cattle, dairy, hogs, pigs and other more unique animals. The Town of Swan River is a major service centre for the agriculture industry. Woodlands around the town also support a large 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. Recreation and tourism are major parts of the Swan River economy too. Many hotels and motels provide accommodations to the hundreds of visitors travelling to Swan River each year to enjoy the scenery and activities available in the local area, and at neighbouring lakes and beaches.
Major Attractions
Recreation is alive in Swan River with a variety of organized programs and leisure activities. The town's recreation office offers organized sports programs in co-ed volleyball, youth soccer, men's and lady's basketball, a slo-pitch league, and fitness programs like Aqua-Size. Legion Park, located in the middle of town, has a picnic area, a playground and three baseball diamonds, one of them set up for night play. The park also has the Rotary Pathway for Active Living. A nine-hole golf course features grass greens, watered fairways, a pro shop and a licensed dining room. The Swan River Kinsmen Pool is a junior size Olympic pool that offers recreational swimming and qualified instruction in various areas of water sports and safety. Centennial Arena and the Swan River Curling Club provide venues for all types of winter activity.
Other Information
Swan River has been growing since the pioneers founded the community in the 1800's. It continues to grow today. The friendly atmosphere and relaxed environment add a decidedly rural flavour to this prosperous urban centre.
