Hamiota, Manitoba
Encyclopedia
Hamiota is a growing community located on Provincial Trunk Highway 21 (PTH 21)
in Manitoba
, Canada
, midway between the Trans-Canada Highway
and the Yellowhead Highway
.
Hamiota has a population of 850 people, including the rural population the population is 1,360. It is located in Western Manitoba, 84 kilometers to the northwest of the city of Brandon, Manitoba
. It is surrounded by the Rural Municipality of Hamiota
. The trading area radius of 20 kilometers has approximately 10,000 people. The Town of Hamiota has seen continued growth for over 25 years.
Hamiota is known for its local sports teams, active arts and culture community, and quality heath care. Hamiota was the home of Dr. John E. Hudson ("Dr. Ed": 1917–2003), a member of the Order of Canada
(2001) and recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Anniversary Medal (2003). Dr. Hudson led Hamiota District Health Center to become the model rural health care facility in Manitoba. A memorial statue of Dr. Hudson was erected near the hospital in 2004. MP
Inky Mark
was a good friend of Dr. Hudson, and was the main force behind the statue project. With local support from the Town and RM of Hamiota, the project was completed. Hamiota is the birthplace of former Scottish rugby player Grahame Budge
and Dallas Smith
who played hockey with the Boston Bruins
.
The agriculture
, healthcare and education
sectors are the major employers within the area. Within the last four years, the region has seen significant growth in the agriculture sector. Over 100 new jobs have been created in Hamiota and area in the last 3–4 years with many of these in the expanding livestock
sector.
Hamiota District Health Care Centre embraced the "community health care concept in the early 1970s.
The community also demonstrates a balance between recreation and cultural/arts activities. Hamiota has many varied and newly developed recreational facilities with associated programming. After healthcare, Hamiota is recognized for its support of sports programming within the community. The community also offers arts/cultural opportunities through the new Heritage Arts Center.
The educational system in Hamiota has continually remained above provincial averages in Provincial Exams and provides an integrated academic, recreational and music curriculum.
Hamiota's retail and service sectors are diverse and provide a full range of services for residents and surrounding area. The retail trade radius ranges from 15 kilometers to over 65 kilometers for some operations.
The Pope National Wildlife Reserve was originally used as a water storage area for the railway during the age of steam locomotives, these parcels of land were returned to the federal government with the advent of the diesel engine. This area was designated as a national wildlife reserve in 1972. It is one of the few federally-owned parcels of land remaining in Manitoba
, and is an important water source for the wetlands and marshes located downstream.
Hamiota also has one of the few known nesting sites for the Western Plains Garter Snake
a species once thought to be extinct. A hibernaculum
was built, 6.5 kilometers west of town, for the snakes.
Pope National Wildlife Reserve — This reserve is located within the Rural Municipality of Hamiota and represents one of only two federally owned parcels of land within the Province of Manitoba. Originally utilized as a water source storage area for the steam-operated railways, it was later determined as surplus land by the railway and returned to the ownership of the federal government who identified it as a national wildlife reserve in 1972.
Mid-West Arts Council — Formally known as the Royal Bank Building, the Heritage Arts Center was originally constructed as the Union Bank in 1905. Now occupied by the Mid-West Arts Council, the building provides a space for exhibiting various forms of art, serving as the only exhibition space within the district.
Hamiota Pioneer Club Museum — Features artifacts relating to the settlement and development of the district, including a taxidermy display, the former McConnell
railway station and their most recent addition — Oakner Church. Open Sundays in July and August or by appointment.
Pitlockery Trail — Takes walkers east of Hamiota to view the marsh life and enjoy the sounds of the varied bird population, which thrives in the area. Spring brings warblers, blackbirds and a wide array of ducks. Many stay to raise their young for the summer, only to migrate south in the fall season. Chickadees keep watch over the frozen marsh during winter, awaiting the return of spring. Located along the former railway line.
Chumah Trail — Leads outdoor enthusiasts west of Hamiota to enjoy the prairie grasslands and native vegetation. A viewing platform, constructed at the end of the trail branching off to the north, affords bird watching enthusiasts a quiet place to get out their binoculars. With more tree and bush cover, this trail is better situated for cross country skiing in the winter and is groomed regularly. Located along the former railway line.
Hamiota Municipal Park — Established in 1967 as part of Canada's centennial celebrations, it is home to seven ball diamonds, an outdoor equestrian arena,
horse and cattle barns, soccer pitch, beach volleyball, children's playground, 28 site serviced campground, Hamiota Municipal Museum and the Hamiota Aquatic Centre. Conveniently located next to the Hamiota & District Sports Complex and the Hamiota Golf Course, the park is the host location of a variety of events on an annual basis.
Hamiota Golf Club — A public 9-hole grass green facility. The new licensed clubhouse boasts a food concession, large lounge area, as well as an outdoor patio area.
Hamiota Aquatic Center — A modern facility complete with change rooms and showers.
Manitoba Highway 21
Provincial Trunk Highway 21 is a provincial highway in the Canadian province of Manitoba. It runs from the U.S. border to PTH 45 and PR 577 in the village of Oakburn....
in Manitoba
Manitoba
Manitoba is a Canadian prairie province with an area of . The province has over 110,000 lakes and has a largely continental climate because of its flat topography. Agriculture, mostly concentrated in the fertile southern and western parts of the province, is vital to the province's economy; other...
, Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
, midway between the Trans-Canada Highway
Trans-Canada Highway
The Trans-Canada Highway is a federal-provincial highway system that joins the ten provinces of Canada. It is, along with the Trans-Siberian Highway and Australia's Highway 1, one of the world's longest national highways, with the main route spanning 8,030 km...
and the Yellowhead Highway
Yellowhead Highway
The Yellowhead Highway is a major east-west highway connecting the four western Canadian provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Although part of the Trans-Canada Highway system, the highway should not be confused with the more southerly, originally-designated...
.
Hamiota has a population of 850 people, including the rural population the population is 1,360. It is located in Western Manitoba, 84 kilometers to the northwest of the city of Brandon, Manitoba
Brandon, Manitoba
Brandon is the second largest city in Manitoba, Canada, and is located in the southwestern area of the province. Brandon is the largest city in the Westman region of Manitoba. The city is located along the Assiniboine River. Spruce Woods Provincial Park and CFB Shilo are a relatively short distance...
. It is surrounded by the Rural Municipality of Hamiota
Hamiota, Manitoba (rural municipality)
Hamiota is a rural municipality in the province of Manitoba in Western Canada. It includes the separately administered town of Hamiota located near its centre, as well as the smaller communities of Oakner, Decker, and McConnell....
. The trading area radius of 20 kilometers has approximately 10,000 people. The Town of Hamiota has seen continued growth for over 25 years.
Hamiota is known for its local sports teams, active arts and culture community, and quality heath care. Hamiota was the home of Dr. John E. Hudson ("Dr. Ed": 1917–2003), a member of the Order of Canada
Order of Canada
The Order of Canada is a Canadian national order, admission into which is, within the system of orders, decorations, and medals of Canada, the second highest honour for merit...
(2001) and recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Anniversary Medal (2003). Dr. Hudson led Hamiota District Health Center to become the model rural health care facility in Manitoba. A memorial statue of Dr. Hudson was erected near the hospital in 2004. MP
Member of Parliament
A Member of Parliament is a representative of the voters to a :parliament. In many countries with bicameral parliaments, the term applies specifically to members of the lower house, as upper houses often have a different title, such as senate, and thus also have different titles for its members,...
Inky Mark
Inky Mark
Inky Mark is a Canadian politician and a former member of the Canadian House of Commons, representing the Manitoba riding of Dauphin—Swan River—Marquette. Mark is a member of the Conservative Party of Canada....
was a good friend of Dr. Hudson, and was the main force behind the statue project. With local support from the Town and RM of Hamiota, the project was completed. Hamiota is the birthplace of former Scottish rugby player Grahame Budge
Grahame Budge
Grahame Morris Budge was a Scotland rugby player. He played 4 times for Scotland and once for the British Isles against New Zealand....
and Dallas Smith
Dallas Smith
Dallas Earl Smith is a former National Hockey League defenceman who played fifteen seasons for the Boston Bruins.-Playing career:...
who played hockey with the Boston Bruins
Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the...
.
The agriculture
Agriculture
Agriculture is the cultivation of animals, plants, fungi and other life forms for food, fiber, and other products used to sustain life. Agriculture was the key implement in the rise of sedentary human civilization, whereby farming of domesticated species created food surpluses that nurtured the...
, healthcare and education
Education
Education in its broadest, general sense is the means through which the aims and habits of a group of people lives on from one generation to the next. Generally, it occurs through any experience that has a formative effect on the way one thinks, feels, or acts...
sectors are the major employers within the area. Within the last four years, the region has seen significant growth in the agriculture sector. Over 100 new jobs have been created in Hamiota and area in the last 3–4 years with many of these in the expanding livestock
Livestock
Livestock refers to one or more domesticated animals raised in an agricultural setting to produce commodities such as food, fiber and labor. The term "livestock" as used in this article does not include poultry or farmed fish; however the inclusion of these, especially poultry, within the meaning...
sector.
Hamiota District Health Care Centre embraced the "community health care concept in the early 1970s.
The community also demonstrates a balance between recreation and cultural/arts activities. Hamiota has many varied and newly developed recreational facilities with associated programming. After healthcare, Hamiota is recognized for its support of sports programming within the community. The community also offers arts/cultural opportunities through the new Heritage Arts Center.
The educational system in Hamiota has continually remained above provincial averages in Provincial Exams and provides an integrated academic, recreational and music curriculum.
Hamiota's retail and service sectors are diverse and provide a full range of services for residents and surrounding area. The retail trade radius ranges from 15 kilometers to over 65 kilometers for some operations.
The Pope National Wildlife Reserve was originally used as a water storage area for the railway during the age of steam locomotives, these parcels of land were returned to the federal government with the advent of the diesel engine. This area was designated as a national wildlife reserve in 1972. It is one of the few federally-owned parcels of land remaining in Manitoba
Manitoba
Manitoba is a Canadian prairie province with an area of . The province has over 110,000 lakes and has a largely continental climate because of its flat topography. Agriculture, mostly concentrated in the fertile southern and western parts of the province, is vital to the province's economy; other...
, and is an important water source for the wetlands and marshes located downstream.
Hamiota also has one of the few known nesting sites for the Western Plains Garter Snake
Garter snake
The Garter snake is a Colubrid snake genus common across North America, ranging from Alaska and Canada to Central America. It is the single most widely distributed genus of reptile in North America. The garter snake is also the Massachusettsstate reptile.There is no real consensus on the...
a species once thought to be extinct. A hibernaculum
Hibernaculum
Hibernaculum can refer to:* Hibernaculum , the location chosen by an animal for hibernation...
was built, 6.5 kilometers west of town, for the snakes.
Pope National Wildlife Reserve — This reserve is located within the Rural Municipality of Hamiota and represents one of only two federally owned parcels of land within the Province of Manitoba. Originally utilized as a water source storage area for the steam-operated railways, it was later determined as surplus land by the railway and returned to the ownership of the federal government who identified it as a national wildlife reserve in 1972.
Mid-West Arts Council — Formally known as the Royal Bank Building, the Heritage Arts Center was originally constructed as the Union Bank in 1905. Now occupied by the Mid-West Arts Council, the building provides a space for exhibiting various forms of art, serving as the only exhibition space within the district.
Hamiota Pioneer Club Museum — Features artifacts relating to the settlement and development of the district, including a taxidermy display, the former McConnell
railway station and their most recent addition — Oakner Church. Open Sundays in July and August or by appointment.
Pitlockery Trail — Takes walkers east of Hamiota to view the marsh life and enjoy the sounds of the varied bird population, which thrives in the area. Spring brings warblers, blackbirds and a wide array of ducks. Many stay to raise their young for the summer, only to migrate south in the fall season. Chickadees keep watch over the frozen marsh during winter, awaiting the return of spring. Located along the former railway line.
Chumah Trail — Leads outdoor enthusiasts west of Hamiota to enjoy the prairie grasslands and native vegetation. A viewing platform, constructed at the end of the trail branching off to the north, affords bird watching enthusiasts a quiet place to get out their binoculars. With more tree and bush cover, this trail is better situated for cross country skiing in the winter and is groomed regularly. Located along the former railway line.
Hamiota Municipal Park — Established in 1967 as part of Canada's centennial celebrations, it is home to seven ball diamonds, an outdoor equestrian arena,
horse and cattle barns, soccer pitch, beach volleyball, children's playground, 28 site serviced campground, Hamiota Municipal Museum and the Hamiota Aquatic Centre. Conveniently located next to the Hamiota & District Sports Complex and the Hamiota Golf Course, the park is the host location of a variety of events on an annual basis.
Hamiota Golf Club — A public 9-hole grass green facility. The new licensed clubhouse boasts a food concession, large lounge area, as well as an outdoor patio area.
Hamiota Aquatic Center — A modern facility complete with change rooms and showers.