The Rural Municipality of Kelsey is located just outside the surrounding area of The Pas, Manitoba. The R.M. of Kelsey's boundaries stretch 120 kilometres from south of The Pas and as northerly as the Local Urban District of Cranberry Portage.
The Rural Municipality is a collection of communities that form a very effective jurisdiction. The R.M of Kelsey consists of five different areas. These areas include Carrot River Valley (Pasquia Settlement), Young's Point, Big Eddy and Umperville Settlements, Ralls Island, Wanless and the Local Urban District of Cranberry Portage. Each of these areas are individually too small to form an effective government, but combined from an effective, well-managed jurisdiction.
The Rural Municipality of Kelsey is located approximately 600 kilometres north of the City of Winnipeg, Manitoba. There are many means of transportation to and from the area. Hudson Bay Railway provides transportation throughout Northern Manitoba and to Winnipeg. Provincial Highways 10, 60 and 283, serve as the main roads into the municipality. Grey Goose Bus Lines provides service to take you to any destination. The major air carriers are Calm Air and Bearskin Airlines. Cranberry Portage is also only 20 minutes away from the Flin Flon Airport. Chartered air service is also available via Grace Lake Airport situated only 2 kilometres from the Town of The Pas.
The Rural Municipality of Kelsey will provide you with the true northern experience. From farming to fishing, to just relaxing, we have what it takes to make your stay both fun and comfortable.
History
The R.M. of Kelsey was officially incorporated in 1944, yet its history extends far before this. Rich in culture and history, native people have lived in the area for thousands of years before Europeans even set foot in Manitoba. The first permanent settlement in the area was constructed in 1741. The sons of the explorer La Verendyre established Fort Paskoyac, an important fort that was found at the confluence of three rivers. The fort served the local trappers and fur traders for decades. Seeding a few acres of grain around the fort in 1754, Captain de la Corne became Manitoba's first farmer. Arriving in The Pas in 1908, the railroad brought many people into the area in hope of finding a better life in farming and business.
Officially incorporated in 1912, the Town of The Pas continually saw growth through the mid 1900's.
Economic Base
Carrot River Valley (Pasquia Settlement) is the most northerly agricultural area in Manitoba. There are approximately 178,040 acres of arable lands with 110,000 acres currently farmed. 1.5 million bushels of grain and specialty crops are produced annually. Being located north of the 53rd parallel, longer summer daylight hours provide an additional 10 growing days a year in comparison to southern Manitoba communities.
Along with being a large farming community, residential subdivisions have become a large part of the municipality's growing population. A rural water line is currently being developed that will provide residents of this area with good quality potable water. The water system is also very favourable for bringing in residents into our community. The valley offers several businesses, which range from hairdressing and rice processing to heavy equipment businesses.
Big Eddy and Umperville are small settlements located north of The Pas. Surrounded by the Opaskawayak Cree Nation, the native culture is kept alive in this diverse community with various Pow-wow's, as well as, the Opaskawayak Indian Days. Participants come from all over the country to participate in these unique events.
The Young's Point settlement is located just south of the Pas in the Pasquia Settlement, and provides and escape for those wanting to live in the country, but still in touch with an ever-increasing population.
Ralls Island lies east of the Town of the Pas, and was settled in the early 1900's as a farming area. Developed now into rural residential lots, subdivisions have been created to provide opportunity for country living with a beautiful view of the area. There still continues to be hobby farming in Ralls Island with cattle and sheep ranching forming other light economic activity. Whether it is a scenic drive along the river, or visiting the Ralls Island Community Park, this family oriented community will provide you with good friends and good neighbors. The Ralls Island Community Park hosts many fun-filled activities such as an outdoor skating arena, kids carnival, and annual snowmobile poker derby.
Wanless is located approximately 50 kilometres north of The Pas. With a population of approximately 200 people, its primary industry is logging and tourism. Located on nearby Rocky Lake, several cottages and year round homes have been established for those who appreciate the great outdoors. The supply of northern pike, walleye and small mouth bass bring several hundred tourists to our wonderful community. The logging industry not only creates employment, but also supplies Tolko (pulp and paper mill) with a good supply of forest timber. Several small businesses also enhance the economy of this growing community. Wanless has an active community club, which hosts a mini-winter carnival held in March, a pike derby held in August, and an all-new country and western jamboree held in July. These are only a few of the many ways the community shows off their talents.
The Local Urban District of Cranberry Portage derives its name from the profusion of low bush cranberries found there, and from its position on the trail that was used by both natives and fur traders in travelling between Cranberry Lake and Lake Athapapuskow.
Cranberry Portage has a large residential educational facility, which services many northern rural communities of Manitoba. The facility is also a very important factor, in the growth and economy of the community. Children from the R.M. of Kelsey attend the Kelsey School Division #45. The abundance of excess timber makes forestry one of the primary industries in Cranberry Portage.
As a self-sufficient community with churches, service stations, a bus terminal, sawmills, grocery and convenience stores, and motel/hotel, the community of Kelsey is thriving. Cranberry Portage also provides a skating and curling rink for winter recreational activities.
Major Attractions
Kelsey offers visitors many great outdoor activities and events! The R.M. of Kelsey has all of your camping needs, whether for camping in the great outdoors to hunt that "trophy", or fishing for the "big one." The folks of Kum-Bac Kabins, located in Wanless (204-682-7489) are equipped with boat launches and BBQ pits for those starry nights by the campfire. Rocky Lake Cabins (204-682-7423) also gives campers a little more luxurious R&R. The cabins are equipped with showers, washroom facilities and a great restaurant. Caribou Lodge (204-472-3551) located in Cranberry Portage, is also available and equipped with a licensed dining room and lounge, package trip plans, and is open year round. Cranberry Portage's Tonepah Lodge (204-472-3372) is waiting to take you on a true northern adventure!
Whether it is moose, dear, or duck you're looking for, there is plenty of hunting in the area of the R.M. of Kelsey. The fishing is good with an abundant supply of walleye available for those great fish fries!
Halcrow Lake Golf and Country Club (204-623-7551), located in the Rural Municipality of Kelsey, gives golfers access to a nine-hole golf course and is also equipped with a restaurant and pro-shop.
Outdoor adventure is yours with plenty of area for those vigorous walks of just a nice, scenic stroll to clear your mind after a busy day at work. Many people also take advantage of the smooth paved highways for biking, roller blading and jogging.
The R.M. is also a haven for skiers and snowmobilers alike. Enjoy the many kilometres of groomed trails through the R.M. and Cranberry Portage.
The Grass River Provincial Park attracts recreational travelers from around the world, with its numerous canoe routes, hiking and biking trails, ski trails and campsites. There are several beaches, as well as, campgrounds, lodges and public boat launches to accommodate your needs.
The Athapapsukow Lake just west of Cranberry Portage, is one of the world's best "lake trout" fishing waters in Canada! This lake will be sure to pull all those anxious anglers into Cranberry Portage.
Facilities - Recreation, Parks, Culture
Kelsey, in conjunction with the Town of The Pas and Opaskwayak Cree Nation, is host to the annual Music Festival. Competition comes from the many communities located throughout Northern Manitoba. The R.M. of Kelsey, The Pas and Opaskwayak Cree Nation, play host to many arts and crafts displays put on by various organizations. At these events you will find beautiful hand made quilts, sweaters and traditional native wear, such as moccasins and mukluks. Included in the displays are local art works of scenic views, people and wildlife, as well as, photography.
The Opasquia Agricultural Society holds a Fair and Exhibition annually (third weekend in July). Such events that take place are Chuckwagon and Chariot races, Team Roping, Ranch Rodeo, as well as, display tables of homemade pies, fudge, jams and jellies.
The annual Trapper's Festival is held in the third week in February. The festival boasts many exciting events, which include World Championship Dog Races, King and Queen Trapper ceremonies, arts and crafts displays and a Beer Garden that features fun filled contests such as hairiest chest, hairiest legs and the best beard event. Local girls also get a whirl at running for Miss Fur Queen, showing off their many talents in dancing, singing and poetry.
Located on the Opaskwayak Cree Nation Reserve, a celebration of traditional native culture reminds us of a simpler time, and is held during the third week of August. Here the OCN hosts northern Manitoba's largest Indian Days festival, which features events such as canoe races down the Saskatchewan River and moose and goose calling. Come see the beautiful detail and colours of native wear at the celebration!
Other Information
The Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights as they are commonly called, are spectacular in this region of Northern Manitoba. The "dancing skies" leave both hardened residents and visitors constantly in awe. This wonder of nature is one most fascinating and beautiful attractions found in Northern Manitoba.
