 The
Town of Arborg is located in Manitoba's Interlake Region 100
kilometres north of Winnipeg, Manitoba's capital city. The
Arborg area was originally part of the R.M. of Bifrost but
was incorporated as its own entity in 1964. The community
with a population of 959 has experienced steady growth since
its incorporation.
Arborg
is a service and shopping centre for a market area of almost
13000. The town is large enough to provide all the expected
comforts, yet maintains a sense of community and small town
hospitality. A variety of businesses and industries call
Arborg home.
History
The Interlake Region around Arborg is rich in Icelandic
history. In 1876, the Canadian Government set aside a reserve
for Icelandic settlers called the Republic of New Iceland
along the west shore of Lake Winnipeg. By 1887 the people
of the reserve voted to become part of Manitoba and formed
a municipality. Settlements on the shore of the lake gradually
spread west along the Icelandic River and approached the
present day site of Arborg in 1890. In 1901, the homestead
of Ardal was settled which gave Arborg its name.
The
Interlake Region where Arborg is located is a unique combination
of landscape and terrain. The lake has a moderating effect
on the climate and much of the area is covered in wooded
areas of ash and poplar. The land is relatively flat and
much of the brush has been cleared for farming fields.
Economic
Base
The Town of Arborg serves as the main service center for
a number of residents and communities in the Northern Interlake
Region. Many retail businesses provide a wide array of goods
and services to area residents. Farming plays an important
role in the local economy with many diverse agricultural
operations in the area. Conventional grain and oilseed crops,
as well as livestock producers operate alongside more unique
operations like PMU producers. The area also supports many
strong lamb producers, and a growing rabbit industry.
The
Arborg area is also well known for producing very high quality
forage and grass crops for livestock production. Local producers
are currently developing an alfalfa dehydrating facility,
able to ship dry product to foreign markets. Many manufacturing
firms and machine shops in Arborg produce many things from
pellet burning stoves for international markets to custom
products for local customers.
Nearby
Lake Winnipeg supports a strong commercial fishery and many
Arborg residents make their living fishing the lake year
round. Arborg is also home to many businesses providing
speciality services to the fishing industry.
Major
Attractions
Arborg has many recreational, sporting and cultural activities
available. The Arborg Recreation Complex boasts a number
of facilities. Located at the North end of Ingolfs Street,
the complex houses a skating arena, curling rink, community
hall, day care, playground, and a baseball park. The complex
is home to a number of organised sports and activities such
as minor and adult sports teams and an active seniors club.
Arborg
has a public library situated in the historic CPR station
in the main commercial section of town. The town also has
numerous walking trails and paths throughout and along the
picturesque Icelandic River.
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