Life and Leisure
Leisure is what it is all about it Southwest Manitoba. This is the best place on earth for you and your family to always have something new and exciting to experience. Each community organizes a variety of events and celebrations: summer fairs, pancake breakfasts, fundraising barbeques and fall suppers are just a few.
Autumn and Winter Sports
From mid October to the end of March the local skating rinks are packed with community members cheering on their children and grandchildren during local hockey games. Every evening and weekend the community curling ice is full of young and young at heart. Each community is passionate about the maintenance of their facility, insuring it is there for generations to come. Most arenas are within a comfortable walking distance from anywhere in town. Driving is also an option as parking is readily available free of charge. For those who prefer unorganized winter activities, there are many of those available as well: snowmobiling, ice fishing, skiing (cross-country or downhill), snowshoeing — the possibilities are endless.
There are certain licences and seasons that are required for hunting and fishing. Find out more about the hunting and fishing regulations in Manitoba. (2008 Guides)
Spring and Summer Sports
April, May and June bring warmer weather. Children start to participate in outdoor soccer and baseball. The ice begins to thaw giving us the opportunity to fish the open waters. There are over 125 scenic golf courses in Manitoba and you will be able to experience many of them just outside you door. Within our region there are over 15 challenging golf courses perfect for beginners or pros. Each course takes pride in maintaining the lush vegetation and grounds. Throughout the summer months of June, July and August it is very easy to find an outdoor activity: hiking, biking, swimming, boating, camping, tennis and much more. Most communities have a recreation department that plans and implements recreational activity for everyone in the community. This may consist of baseball games, children’s programs, hockey skills camps, golf lessons, gymnastics, dance, swimming lessons and more. Each community is always open to ideas for new programs.
Parks
Our region is full of lush wooded areas and parks. A beautiful location for a walk, picnic, wildlife viewing, camping or some sightseeing. The Southwest region contains four provincial parks with many just outside its borders. Each community is also honoured to have their own park space, all so known as “green space”. These beautiful parks are maintained by the people in each community. Each one is different and reflects the community as a whole. Some include play structures, monuments and picnic areas. Some larger green spaces also encompass the community baseball diamonds and campgrounds. In many of the communities you can find multiple green spaces all with a different purpose. It could be to honour someone or something, create a family atmosphere or just a spot to relax.
Festivals
Year round the province is celebrating! Agriculture, winter, community, culture everything you can imagine. Each community will have one or more festival throughout the year. Everyone is encouraged to attend other community festivals and events. There are so many celebrations you can’t even do it all in one year!
Libraries
Each community is home to a collection of literature found in the local library. Residents are welcome to come into the facility to borrow books, periodicals, records, newspapers, sound recordings and other print and non-print material all at no cost. Each local library may also house their own programming for children and adults. This may include author readings, art displays, book sales and more. Many of the local libraries offer computer and internet access.
Agriculture
Agriculture is the predominate industry in Southwest Manitoba. Located in this rich black soil zone are many diverse farms dominated by crops and livestock. The diversity of soil types varies from heavy clay loams to light sandy soils setting the stage for a variety of farming operations practices. Typically the growing season runs from late April to early September with approximately 110 frost free days. Common crops through the country side are wheat, barley, oats, canola, flax, sunflowers, peas, and forage crops like alfalfa and grass hay or pastures. Soils in the southwest are quite fertile with organic matter contents ranging from 3-5% organic carbon status. With an average of 10.5 inches of rain during the growing season out of a total of 19 inches of total moisture, many crops will thrive and produce bountiful yields. Both cow-calf and feeder production beef sector are major economic drivers which also dominate the country side. The Government of Manitoba provides numerous services and offices for the agricultural community from farm production advisors to business development specialists, all lending a hand for the farmer and the communities they live in. The essential goods and services for agricultural producers are available in most of our communities.
Tourism
With higher gas prices families have been known to stay closer to home for family vacations. This is perfect for our region, because we have a lot to offer in the way of tourism. There are many things to see and do within a 200 kilometre radius of where ever you live in the region! There is something for everyone. Whether you like the outdoors for sightseeing, hiking, swimming, fishing and biking or you prefer a more cultural experience. Take in the museums, heritage sites, performing arts and festivals. Check out Tourism Westman , or Travel Manitoba.