Centrally located within Manitoba, Birtle is an unincorporated urban community in the RM of Prairie View. Nestled in a scenic valley with the Birdtail River flowing through town it’s a true gem. By travelling south at the junction of Highways 83 and 42 you will find our charming and picturesque beach town. Birtle is home to approximately 675 people and is the largest community within the RM of Prairie View with a trading area population of over 2200.
Birtle has a strong agricultural sector, a vibrant arts community and is home to many historical sites and garden tours. We are host to a long time standing annual Agricultural Fair the first weekend in August. Birtle has long since been referred to as the Heavy Horse Capital of Canada.
Economic Development
The Birtle Miniota & District Development Corporation is a community based not for profit organization designed to promote economic and community development to enrich our local communities. It will promote strong rural values and a positive lifestyle within Prairie View Municipality to ensure growth and a sense of pride for all residents.
PVM builds on our strengths and resources to offer a healthy vibrant area for sustainable businesses and services. People are drawn to the naturally scenic region to live, shop, do business and explore.
Address
PO Box 70
684 Main St.
Birtle, Manitoba
R0M 0C0
Phone: 204-842-3403
Population: 675
Industry
The main industries of the area are agriculture and livestock: cattle and hogs primarily, and to a lesser extent sheep, goats, dairy cows, etc. The climate and soil are best suited for hard grains such as wheat, rye and barley, but canola also thrives. Crops are sown in spring (May) and harvested at the end of summer (August/September).
The potash mine located 50 km away just inside the Saskatchewan border provides employment for many people in the area. This has become more prominent since a large expansion of the industry which began in 2009. The Birdtail Oilfield has also offered a boost to the economy with revenue from oil rights as well and supporting industries. More aggressive drilling began taking place in 2010.
Recreation
The community of Birtle boasts a strong recreation and tourism sector Our little valley is home to one of the provinces best natural swimming facilities with lifeguards, beautifully mature treed campground with full amenities, 2019 brought an expansion with 30 amp service/sewer sites, a well maintained riverside golf course and clubhouse, tennis, kayaking, fishing and hiking/skiing trails all offered at Birtle Riverside Park. May – September. Please visit our website for more information.
North Ridge Disc Golf course is a scenic 9 hole course located on the North Hill just below the old Residential School. Discs and score cards available (free of charge) at the Tourism booth during the summer season. Please email cdc@myprairieview.ca outside of peak season for more information.
Riverwalk: signed and maintained trails along the river. Here you will see the historical Lime Kilns.
Birtle Rink is home to the Falcon’s, our high school hockey team, figure skating clubs and league hockey teams. Located behind Birtle Elementary.
Birdtail Cross Country Ski Trail: undergoing a revitalization project in 2020 this trail system is sure to please. Complete with a warm up cabin along a groomed track setting. Trail head located in Birtle Riverside Park.
Birtle’s Skate the River (2019): groomed skating trails along the Birdtail River. Contact Valley Rec for more info at recreation@myprairieview.ca
Education
Birtle is home to two schools, they are part of the Park West School Division. Birtle is home to their division office also. These two schools are proud to offer exemplary education. The Birtle Elementary is K-4 and The Birtle Collegiate is grades 5-12.
The Classic Garden: offers a variety of lessons from art to sewing on a rotating schedule. See their listing and website link in the directory.
Family
Low cost housing, outdoor living, new water treatment plant, municipal high speed wireless internet, medical clinic and lab, two schools and recreation opportunities galore make this the perfect environment for raising a family. For more information on any of the above please contact the Birtle Miniota & District Development Corp at cdc@myprairieview.ca or visit our website.