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Geography The Rural Municipality of Shoal Lake is located in western Manitoba. The municipality is 280 kilometers northwest of Winnipeg. Kelloe and Oakburn are communities found in Shoal Lake. Provincial Trunk Highways 16 (The Yellowhead Route) 21 and 42 access the municipality, at their junction is found the Town of Shoal Lake. PTH 21 also provides Shoal Lake with direct access to the United States and the American markets. HistoryDuring the 1874 North West Mounted Police famous "March West" some constibles traveled north through Fort Ellice to Fort Edmonton. They established posts at Shoal Lake, Minnedosa and Gladstone. In 1885 the Canadian Pacific Railway was constructed at the north end of Shoal Lake rather than the south, and an exodus of settlers from the south end of the lake began. The south end of the lake survives today as a resort area. The resort area is popular for boating and water skiing.The community of Oakburn began when the Canadian National Railway was built in 1906. Named originally by its Scottish settlers, the area also has a strong and healthy Ukrainian heritage that boasts many well preserved heritage sites. Economic BaseAgriculture is the main economic activity in Shoal Lake. Agriculture compromises approximately one thrid of the municipality's economy. Mixed farming is the main type of farming. The area also is home to numerous cow-calf operations. Dominant crops in the municipality include canola, flax, peas and lentils. The Town of Shoal Lake has increasingly become a major center for agribusinesses. The Town boasts six implement dealers, two grain elevators, four fertilizer and chemical dealers, three seed cleaners and the new United Grain Growers grain elevator.The Town of Shoal Lake has a healthy retail trade sector that boasts over 70 local businesses. These businesses provide products and services needed to residents of the town, and of the surrounding communities. Food processing manufacturers will find Shoal Lake a favourable location because of its plethora of agricultural crops and excellent connections to markets to the east, west and south. Major Attractions The Shoal Lake region has a plethora of recreational oactivities for the entire family. Located in the southwest corner of the Town of Shoal Lake, Lakeview Park offers 20 full service and 10 unserviced camping sites. The beach along Shoal Lake features a damned off area that is cleaned and treated every year. The walking trails along the park also offer an easy hike from the campground to good fishing spots. The south end of the compground features a boat launch and a Police and Pioneer Museum.The Marshal Chambers Park located at the south end of the lake offers 12 serviced, and 8 unserviced camp sites and washrooms. The park also features a playground, beach and boat launch.The Lakeside Golf Club is a nine hole grass green on the west shore of Shoal Lake. The blend of low lying shrubs, trees and wildflowers along with a scenic view of the lake and local wildlife makes the course attractive to golfers and nature lovers also. Facilities - Recreation, Parks, CultureThe Shoal Lake Communiplex offers many recreational facilities to the entire municipality. The communiplex boasts a modern rink and 4 sheets of curling ice. During the summer the arena is transformed into the Shoal Lake Recreation Center which boasts basketball, tennis, pool tables and many other fun activities. The Shoal Lake Agricultural Society Fair grounds surround the communiplex and are another integral part of the social and cultural life in Shoal Lake. The Fair Grounds play annual home to the Agricultural Society Fair in July. |
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