Central Location
Located centrally between the major centres of Saskatoon, Regina, Brandon and Winnipeg, transportation systems and infrastructure are extensive. Provincial Highways #5, 10, and 83 link the region to other parts of the country. A regional airport provides daily return service to Winnipeg International Airport reducing travel time to less than 40 minutes. Private aircrafts use other municipal airports such as in Roblin.
A Canadian National Railroad (CNR) Secondary Mainline runs through the region parallel to Highway #5 providing both freight (CN) and passenger service (VIA Rail). The region is also serviced by inter-provincial, regional, and local trucking companies. Natural gas and hydro-electricity are provided by Manitoba Hydro, one of the most reliable and low cost suppliers in North America. Water sources are available throughout the region and PARC is working with Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration (PFRA) to determine accurate capacities of the river systems and aquifers.
A reliable workforce is available from a total population over 15 years of 14,500. The average unemployment rate is 6.24% and there are many young skilled families who would move back home if they had a job opportunity. We have found that there are many immigrant families that ahve arrived in the region ( mainly from Europe), who are highly skilled, such as engineers. The community has demonstrated support for new business ventures by investing in a labour study of the area. Post-secondary education opportunities, including diploma and certificate programs, are available through Assiniboine Community College, Campus Manitoba, Academy of Learning and Brandon University North.
Farm land has been selling for approximately $500 to $1,500 per acre and commercial/industrial land may be available for $1,000 to $3,000 depending on location. A majority of land is rates as Class 2 and 3 for agriculture capability and is ideally suited for growing feed grains, cereals and oilseeds such as canola and flax. Over 2.2 million acres of land are in crop production and there are more the 5,200 farms in the area.
