Neepawa
Town of Neepawa, Manitoba | |
|---|---|
| Nickname: Neeper | |
| Country | Canada |
| Province | Manitoba |
| Region | Westman |
| Incorporated | 1883 |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Bob Durston |
| • MLA Ste. Rose | Glen Cummings |
| • MP Dauphin-Swan River-Marquette | Inky Mark |
| Population (2006) | |
| • Total | 3,289 |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (Central (CDT)) |
| Postal code | |
| Area code | 204 |
| Website | Town of Neepawa |
Neepawa is a town in Manitoba, Canada located on the Yellowhead Highway. As of 2006 its population was 3298 (Canada Census). It was incorporated in 1883.
History
Known to its aboriginal dwellers as a good hunting and gathering area, Neepawa in fact means "Land of Plenty" in the Cree language. Early fur traders and settlers knew Neepawa as an area of stable climate, good soils and abundant harvests.
When the Province of Manitoba was established in 1870, the Neepawa area lay within what was then known as "The Northwest Territories", just to the west of the postage stamp province. During the next 30 years, a wave of settlers descended upon the area. The feverish activity established the framework on which the present day community was built. The first settlers came from the British Isles and groups of Eastern European settlers soon followed. The most notable of these was the Hun's Valley Settlement, a colony of Polish and Hungarian settlers.
In 1881, the western boundary of Manitoba was extended to its present location, and Neepawa became part of the province. The residents of Neepawa consider their town one of the most beautiful in the province. They may be right, as the community has been awarded Manitoba's "Most Beautiful Town Award" more often than any other community. Neepawa's streets are lined with trees and beautiful beds of flowers, and the town has been named the "World Lily Capital".
The landscape around Neepawa is almost as beautiful. The rolling hills draped in golden wheat fields make for some of the most picturesque settings in the region. Stands of trees and winding streams only add to the landscape, which to many is a postcard waiting to happen.
Politics
Town Council
Neepawa is governed by a town council consisting of a mayor and six councilors. The town council is elected to a four-year term. The current mayor of Neepawa is Bob Durston. Current councilors include: Wendy Menzies (Deputy Mayor), Monty Simon, Ron Forsman, Wayne Hollier, Bill Stilwell, and Jim Cockburn.
Previous Mayors
- 1998 - 2002 - Ken Waddell
- 1992 - 1998 - Roy McGillivary
- 1981 - 1992 - Homer Gill
- 1978 - 1981 - G. M. McElmon
- 1975 - 1978 - R. L. Hurrel
- 1968 - 1975 - H. B. Smith
- 1960 - 1968 - George Rey
- 1954 - 1960 - William Whitmore
- 1952 - 1954 - D.E.R. Ewer
- 1948 - 1952 - Dr. Paul Cleave
- 1934 - 1948 - W. G. Pollock
- 1932 - 1934 - Robert H. Fusee
- 1929 - 1932 - W. G. Pollock
- 1928 - 1929 - T. G. Murphy
- 1927 - 1928 - G. V. Stonehouse & W. G. Pollock
- 1926 - 1927 - G. V. Stonehouse
- 1925 - 1926 - T. G. Murphy
- 1924 - 1925 - John Hall
- 1923 - 1924 - J. A. Davidson & John Hall
- 1921 - 1922 - J. L. McKay & John. Hall
- 1917 - 1921 - J. L. McKay
- 1914 - 1917 - John Brown
- 1913 - 1914 - R.H. Fusee
- 1912 - 1913 - J. J. Hamilton
- 1909 - 1912 - W. H. Gossell
- 1908 - 1909 - J. J. Hamilton
- 1906 - 1908 - J. H. Howden
- 1905 - 1906 - E. J. Harris
- 1904 - 1905 - John Brown
- 1900 - 1904 - J.H. Howden
- 1895 - 1900 - J. A. Davidson
- 1893 - 1895 - J. A. Clare
- 1892 - 1893 - J. J. Hamilton
- 1887 - 1892 - B. R. Hamilton
- 1884 - 1887 - J. J. Hamilton
Provincial
Neepawa is included in the provincial riding of Ste. Rose. The current Member of the Legislative Assembly for Ste. Rose is Stu Briese (Progressive Conservative).
Previous MLAs
- Glen Cummings, PC (1986-2007)
- Aime Adams, NDP (1971-1986)
- Gildas Molgat, Liberal (1953-1971)
- Maurice McCarthy, Liberal-Progressive (1932-1953)
- Maurice McCarthy, Progessive Party of Manitoba(1927-1932)
- Joseph Hamelin, Conservative (1914-1927)
Federal
Neepawa is included in the federal riding of Dauphin-Swan River-Marquette. The current Member of Parliament is Inky Mark (Conservative Party of Canada). Mr. Mark has been the MP for Dauphin-Swan River-Marquette since 1997.
Previous MPs
- Marlene Cowling - Liberal (1993-1997)
- Brian White - Progressive Conservative (1984-1993)
- Laverne Lewycky - New Democratic Party (1980-1984)
- Gordon Ritchie - Progressive Conservative (1968-1980)
- R. Elmer Forbes - Progressive Conservative (1958-1968)
- Fred Samuel Zaplinty - Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (1953-1958)
- William John Ward - Liberal (1949-1953)
- Fred Samuel Zaplinty - Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (1945-1949)
- William John Ward - Liberal (1935-1945)
- James Langstaff Bowman - Conservative (1930-1935)
- William John Ward, Progressive (1921-1930)
- Robert Cruise - Liberal (1911-1921)
- Glenlyon Archibald Campbell - Conservative (1908-1911)
- Theodore Arthur Burrows - Liberal (1904-1908)
Economic Base
The economics of Neepawa and the region are strongly based in many aspects of agriculture. The rolling fields in the area support many types of crops and livestock operations. Neepawa serves as a major agricultural service centre for many of the producers in the region.
Some of the larger industries are:
- Springhill Farms, a hog slaughter facility which employs approx. 200 people.
- Neepawa Food Processors (a division of Champs Food Systems Inc.) is a chicken hatchery and farm division.
- Prairie Forest Products, a manufacturer of pressure-treated wood products, employes approx. 75 people.
Neepawa was recently chosen as the location for Natural Prairie Beef's cattle slaughter facility. The facility is targeted to be operational by 2008.
Agriculture is a major contributor to the economy of Neepawa and area. Farms in the three municipalities surrounding Neepawa produce annual sales in excess of $68,000,000. Most of the dollars brought into the area through the sale of agriculture products are spent locally on purchases of farm equipment, supplies, labour, services and farm family living expenses.
Neepawa is also famous the world over for another aspect of its agriculture. Growers in Neepawa produce some of the finest lilies in the world. These beautiful flowers are shipped directly from Neepawa to many of the major international floral markets. This is what has earned the town the title of "world lily capital".
As well as being an agricultural centre, Neepawa's businesses serve as a shopping and retail centre for much of the area's residents. Neepawa provides almost all of the expected retail and professional services in its bustling downtown area. Because of its beautiful location, Neepawa also attracts a number of tourists throughout the year.
Education
Neepawa area residents are well served with a strong education system. Neepawa is located 45 minutes from Brandon and the University of Brandon and the main campus of Assiniboine Community College. There are 4 elementary educational facilities available in the Beautiful Plains School DIvision (Brookdale Elementary, JM Young School in Eden, Hazel M. Kellington School in Neepawa and R.J. Waugh School in Carberry). There are two collegiates - Neepawa Area Collegiate and Carberry Collegiate, offering high school education. There are also 7 colony schools offering K-12 Education (Acadia, Riverbend, Riverside, Rolling Acres, Spruce Woods, Twilight and Willerton).
Neepawa Nursery School offers educational opportunities for 3 and 4 year old children in the community. Assiniboine Community College has a campus in Neepawa and offers various post-secondary courses.Westlake Employment Services offers various training opportunities to enable residents to re-enter the work force.
Touchwood Park Association has services available to help mentally challenged students live independently.
Health
Neepawa District Memorial Hospital has a capacity of 38 beds, surgical services, lab and x-ray, ultrasound, physiotherapy, laparoscopic surgery and chemotherapy treatments. East View Lodge, full service nursing home with a capacity of 124 beds and offers Meals on Wheels service to seniors in their own homes.
- Neepawa and District Ambulance
- We Care Home Health Services
- Neepawa Health Unit (1 Public Health Nurse, 1 ½ Continuing Care Case Coordinator, 1 Continuing Resource Coordinator, 2 Family services, 2 ½ Mental Health Workers, 2 Child and Family Services)
- Health Care Clinics (3 fully staffed medical clinics, 6 doctors, 2 surgeons, 1 anesthetist.)
Neepawa will soon have a new personal care home and a cancer ward. Specialized medical services avaible in Neepawa include:
- 2 Dental Offices
- 1 Chiropractor
- 2 Physiotherapists
- 2 Pharmacies
- 3 Optometrists
- 3 Reflexologies
- 2 Massage Therapists
Transportation
The Town of Neepawa is located along the Yellowhead Highway 16 and Highway 5, the Parks Route. The community is located 45 minutes northeast of Brandon, the region's largest centre, and 2 hours northwest of Winnipeg, the provincial capital. Neepawa is also located 1 hour from Riding Mountain National Park. The Town of Neepawa features a 3,500 foot runway that is able to service air ambulance and small jets. The Canadian Pacific Railway services Neepawa for freight transportation. Neepawa is serviced by both Grey Goose and Greyhound Bus lines. Numerous buses make stops in Neepawa each day. Daily Courier services are provided by three major companies. Additionally, transfer services are provide by Gladstone Transfer and Gardewine, which maintains a depot in Neepawa.
Attractions
Margaret Laurence Home
The Margaret Laurence Home, now a designated Provincial Heritage Site and Level 2 Museum, is a living memorial to Margaret. Her approval and blessing was given in 1986 when it was purchased, It is a cultural centre where such events as writers' workshops, book launchings and Elder Hostel education programs have taken place. When the house was purchased the Margaret Laurence Home Committee, Inc. was formed, its mandate being to pay off the mortgage and to restore and renovate the structure.
in 1986, the Neepawa Area Development Corporation donated the initial seed money of $10,000.00. In 1991 McClelland and Stewart, Laurence's publishers, gave a similar amount through the donation of 500 of her memoirs, which quickly sold. Renovations and restorations have been made through Provincial Grants and Foundations. Neepawa businesses and local citizens and others from across Canada and elsewhere were generous in assisting.
Gifts from Margaret's children include her typewriter, doctoral robes, award certificates and much more. Many books, papers, magazines, letters, video and audio tapes are available for research or to peruse. Space is available for meetings or special outings by groups.
An annual sale of Antiques and Collectables is sponsored by the Margaret Laurence Home Committee. For collectors and dealers alike it is an important event. This year the sale will take place during the Neepawa Lily Festival. Please call the home for more information.
The Manawaka Book, Souvenir and Gift Shop offers books by Laurence and others as well as work crafted by local artists. The stamp of Margaret Laurence, released in 1996, available on a first day cover or paper weight can be purchased here.
Manitoba Holiday Festival of the Arts
The Manitoba Holiday Festival of the Arts is held annually in Neepawa during the month of July. The MHFA consists of classes for youth, adults, and seniors in many different art mediums such as clay, painting, and music.
Beautiful Plains Museum
Step back in time by taking a tour through Neepawa’s Beautiful Plains Museum. The Beautiful Plains Museum, established in 1976, was relocated from Viscount School to the CNR Station. This Heritage Railway Station was built 1902 and has been home to the museum since 1981. The museum was created as a tribute to our forefathers, in honour of their fortitude and courage. Throughout the three floors of the station you will see a general store, medical hall, log cabin, chapel and much more.
Viscount Cultral Centre
The Viscount Cultural Council began as an outgrowth of the Manitoba Holiday Festival of the Arts. It was recognized that there was need for year-round cultural programming and in 1976 VCC was formed. For the first six years the arts council operated out of the old Viscount School. In 1982 the Council moved to the basement of the Neepawa Building. The old Simpson home became the Manawaka Gallery, the VCC offices and the Margaret Laurence Home museum in December 1986. In 1993, VCC moved to 388 Mountain Avenue. In July of 2005, the Viscount Cultural Council purchased the former Baptist Church at 293 Mountain Avenue. The move has provided the VCC with opportunity to have many classes and workshops happening at the same time. Drop by the "new" space to see the gallery and gift shop.
Neepawa & Area Lily Festival
The idea of a Lily Festival first bloomed in 1996 when Eleanor Nicholson and Barrie Strohman presented their idea to Neepawa town council. Eleanor and Barrie explained that many different varieties of lilies are grown locally, that many new varieties had been developed locally and named. Town council was very enthusiastic and agreed that it would be a benefit to promote the lily theme in Neepawa and surrounding area as a tourist attraction. With the encouragement of council, Nicholson and Strohman presented their idea to other organizations and groups throughout the community. These presentations resulted in the formation of the Neepawa & Area Lily Festival Committee, which held its first meeting June 24th, 1996. The first thing the committee did was to develop a mission statement. It read: To put the town of Neepawa on the map as the world lily capital and to organize an annual lily festival during the third week in July, focusing on lilies, music, food and fun. Those key elements continue to thrive at Neepawa's Lily Festival.
In 1996 the third week in July the forerunner of the Lily Festival was staged. Lily blossoms and information cards were placed in the businesses throughout the town. The committee began promoting the development of lily beds on both public and private properties. The Lily logo on the letterhead was chosen through a contest and was adopted as the official logo in May of 1997. In 1997 the first annual lily festival was held with a Lily Golf Tournament, Lily flower show, bus tours, breakfast among the lilies, entertainment events and a barbecue. At the first festival there were approximately 6000 people in attendance.
In 1998 it was determined that there were over 1500 named varieties of lilies being grown in Neepawa and area, more varieties than any where else in the world, thus Neepawa was declared "The World Lily Capital" by way of resolution by the Town of Neepawa Council. Note: in 2004 there are now over 2,000 named varieties of lilies in and around Neepawa. The name "Neepawa & Area Lily Festival" was officially registered in February of 2000 with incorporation being completed in March of 2000. In October of 2001 the Logo was officially trademark certified.
The Neepawa & Area Lily Festival is organized each year by a group of dedicated volunteers that sit on the Lily Festival Committee. The committee is structured into four main departments: Lily Development, Finance, Marketing, and Festival Events. Each department has a director who then works with subcommittees in their department. Lily Festival is organized by a group of 20 executive volunteers in the months preceding the festival. During the actual festival week there are approximately 300 volunteers who help to make the festival a reality.
The Neepawa & Area Lily Festival is a non profit organization with proceeds being used for festival events and for beautification of the Town of Neepawa. Five large lily parks have been developed in the town and each year the lily festival partners with the Town of Neepawa to enter the Communities in Bloom competition. In 2003 Neepawa won the National CIB award
From it's humble beginnings in 1996 the Neepawa & Area Lily Festival has grown to attracting between 11,000 to 12,000 people annually from around the world to Neepawa, Manitoba, THE WORLD LILY CAPITAL.
Riverside Cemetery
Riverside Cemetery is located on Smith Drive, in the North East corner of Neepawa. There are well over 2500 graves covered each summer with flowers, under the perpetual care program. It is said that there are more flower covered graves at Riverside than in any other graveyard in North America . The cemetery is peaceful and picturesque with the many flower beds, flower covered graves and plentiful trees groomed to perfection.
Riverside Cemetery is the final resting place for famous author, Margaret Laurence and contains the family burial plot for the founding family, the Grahams. Riverside Cemetery is the furthest west burial place for a victim of the sinking of the Titanic.The cemetery is best known for the Davidson Memorial, or more often called the Stone Angel.
Kaleidoscope Concert Series
For more than 20 years Kaleidoscope Concerts has brought high quality live entertainment to Neepawa. Each year Kaleidoscope presents four concerts. These concerts have included performers from across Canada as varied as the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, the Manitoba Theater Centre, Rusalka Dancers, Men of the Deep, Jerusalem Ridge, Stuart McLean and many others.
Places of Worship
- Calvary Chapel
- Christ Lutheran Church
- First Baptist Church
- Jehovah's Witnesses
- Knox Presbyterian Church
- Neepawa United Church
- St. Dominic's Roman Catholic Church
- St. James Anglican Church
- St. John's Ukrainian Catholic Church
Sports
Neepawa is also home a number of sports teams and facilities. Facilities include:
- Beautiful Plains Agricultural Grounds (6 baseball diamonds, riding rings)
- Evan's Bowling Lanes (5 pin bowling)
- Neepawa Curling Club (6 sheets of ice)
- Neepawa Golf and Country Club (18 hole public golf course)
- Neepawa & Area Collegiate Institute Athletic Track
- Neepawa Swimming Pool (outdoor, olympic size pool)
- Neepawa Rifle Club (indoor shooting range)
- Yellowhead Centre (hockey, figure skating, hall)
- Soccer fields (located at highschool and in the valley)
- Skateboard Park
Junior and senior sports teams in Neepawa include:
- Neepawa Natives (Manitoba Junior Hockey League)
- Neepawa Farmers (Manitoba Senior Baseball League)
- Neepawa Cubs (Manitoba Junior B Baseball League)
Media
Local Newspapers
- Neepawa Banner - weekly (circ. 11,000)
- Neepawa Press - weekly (circ. 8,856)
Regional Newspapers
- Winnipeg Free Press
- Winnipeg Sun
- Brandon Sun
- Wheat City Journal
Local Television
- NAC TV channel 30
Regional Television
- CKY (CTV station from Winnipeg)
- CKX (CBC affiilate from Brandon)
- CKND (Global station from Winnipeg)
Regional Radio Stations
- 880 AM - Q Country(Brandon)
- 94.7 FM - Star FM (Brandon)
- 101.1 FM - The Farm (Brandon)
- 96.1 FM - KX96 (Brandon)
- 106.5 FM - Assiniboine College Campus Radio (Brandon)
- 97.9 FM - CBC Radio 1 (Brandon)
- 92.7 FM - CBC Radio 2 (Brandon)
- 91.5 FM - NCI (Winnipeg)
- 99.5 FM - Radio Canada (Winnipeg)
External links
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