The Town of The Pas is a thriving community of 6,000 people located in the Norman region of Manitoba. Approximately 610 kilometres north of Winnipeg, the area surrounding The Pas is situated on the edge of the Canadian Shield. Sitting in between the thick northern forests and fertile southern farm lands, the community is proud of its heritage and the things that they have accomplished north of the 53rd parallel.
The fore fathers and ancestors of The Pas created a community that has withstood the test of time, a community of shared past and common future. The Pas is a community that is alive,vibrant and with many great things to offer to visitors and residents alike.
History
The areas surrounding The Pas are rich in culture and history. Native people lived in the area for thousands of years before the first permanent settlement was constructed in 1741. The sons of the famous explorer La Verendyre built Fort Paskoyac at the confluence of the Saskatchewan, Carrot and Pasquia Rivers. The fort served local trappers and fur traders for decades. In 1754, Captain de la Corne seeded a few acres of grain around the fort, becoming the prairie's first farmer. The Railroad arrived in The Pas in 1908, and brought flocks of people to the area in search of farmlands and business opportunities. The Town of The Pas was officially incorporated in 1912. In 1939, Provincial Trunk Highway 10 was opened between The Pas and Swan River, and provided easy access to the northern communities from the south.
Economic Base
The Town of The Pas serves as a major economic centre for many communities in Northwest Manitoba. Businesses in the area provide goods and services to a large number of people in the neighbouring communities. Businesses in The Pas also provide services and supplies to the local agricultural community in the area. Inputs and equipment, as well as, places to market crops can all be found in the area.
The area also has a thriving tourist industry due mainly to the forested woodlands of the Canadian Shield. The areas surrounding The Pas are home to many beautiful lakes and rivers, with many scenic panoramas and secluded natural areas. The abundant forests of the area also support a strong forestry industry, supplying local producers with raw timber.
Major Attractions
The Town of The Pas has many cultural and recreational activities for local residents and visitors. Local history exhibits and travelling displays are showcased at the Sam Waller Museum, founded by a well-known and respected teacher in the area. The museum is housed in the original courthouse constructed in 1916. In its day, this building was the focal point of the town, serving as the courthouse, town hall, jail and land registry office.
Two major festivals draw hundreds of visitors each year. The Northern Manitoba Trapper's Festival is held in February. Here, guests can experience days past with displays and events which include activities such as the World Championship Sled Dog Races.
The Opaskwayak Indian days, celebrated in August, celebrate the heritage and culture of the areas native people. Again, visitors can take in events and displays aimed at maintaining native cultural and tradition.
Other Information
One of the brightest attractions in this northern community is the Aurora Borealis. The Northern Lights as they are commonly called, are spectacular in this part of the province. On clear nights when the lights are quite active, residents and visitors crane their neck and train eyes skyward to take in the colourful beauty of the dancing sky. Even long time residents cannot help but gaze in amazement at the beauty of this natural wonder.
