Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/669520
6 WINNIPEG FREE PRESS, SATURDAY APRIL 23, 2016 C A R B E R R Y Covering all of Manitoba and the rest of North America. ��������� ��� ��� ��� � �� � ������� ���� ��� ������ ����� ���� ���� ����� ��� ������ �� ���� �� �� �� � � ����� ����� ����� �� ���� � ���� � �� �� ��� ���� ���� ��� �� � ������� � ����� � ��� ���� �� ���� ���� � ��� ���� ����� �� �� �� ������ ��������� ���� ������� �� ���� �� ���� � � ����� ���� ��� �������� ����� ������ ����� � � �������� ���� ����� �� 1.800.265.1485 www.manitoulintransport.com By David Square for the Winnipeg Free Press A lready a draw for tourists, it has recently benefited from an influx of visitors to the new Sand Hills Casino, 12 minutes south of Car- berry on the Swan Lake First Na- tion, says Tricia Zander, community develop- ment coordinator for Carberry and the RM of North Cypress-Langford. "To date, we know the casino is drawing people from Brandon, Winnipeg, Portage, Dauphin, and Moosomin, Saskatchewan," says Zander, adding that many take advantage of bus tours that include side trips to Carberry and nearby Cypress Hills. Now in its second year of operation, the casino has 350 slot machines, a variety of gaming tables and a restaurant and lounge, providing jobs and increased business opportunities for tourism-related enterprises. And it's far from the only game in town. McCain Foods Canada is Carberry's largest employer, with some 220 people on the payroll as of January 2016. Another 10 positions will be created over the next three years as a result of government-supported investments. The McCain plant produces more than 400 million pounds of French fries each season. Indeed, Carberry and the RM of North Cypress-Langford have been dubbed "King Spud Country" and there are preliminary plans to erect an iconic statue of the spud, similar to Glenboro's famous camel. Local potato growers benefit by signing yearly production contracts with McCain negotiated by the Keystone Potato Growers Association, which notes processed potatoes are a multi-million dollar crop in Manitoba, second only to Prince Edward Island. Carberry's economic base is also bolstered by an industrial park with businesses including a shotgun-shell factory and a farm implement dealer. The town has two grocery stores, several restaurants, including a new Subway, as well as a 10-bed hospital with an attached clinic and personal care home. For growing families, day care is available in the Carberry Co-op Daycare or in many home- operated day cares, and there's a 300-student elementary school and a 500-student high school. Zander says the town has bucked the trend toward waning populations in other small towns by promoting Carberry as a friendly — "people wave at each other" — locale that offers a blend of rural and city advantages. "Since 2006, our population has increased by over 11% — not too shabby when you consider many towns are seeing their populations shrink," she says. Carberry has planned for expansion by erecting a 55-plus housing complex, and an assisted-living centre is on the books. As well, two new subdivisions are filling up, mostly with commuters from Brandon and CFB Shilo who appreciate the peaceful lifestyle. Miranda Bromley, of Royal LePage McPhail Agencies, says there are presently 15 infill houses available for about $65,000 to $330,000 as well as serviced town lots and rural acreages with houses. A new 30-lot development on Cache Creek Road has 2.5 to five-acre lots from $44,000 to $80,000. Sightseers, outdoor enthusiasts and sports aficionados are also in luck. Two blocks of Carberry's main street are designated as Manitoba's first Provincial Heritage District, which includes a Gingerbread House of Victorian architectural design. The Seton Centre museum, art gallery and gift shop is another attraction, dedicated to Ernest Thompson Seton, the famed author, botanist and artist who lived and worked in the area for several years. A Provincial Heritage Site called Camp Hughes is located about eight minutes west of Carberry. The military camp was opened in 1909 and features trench systems and grenade and rifle ranges built at the height of the First World War. Nearly 40,000 Canadian troops were trained at the camp, named in honour of Canada's Major-General Sam Hughes. Nature lovers and hikers appreciate Spruce Woods Provincial Park, about 12 minutes south of Carberry. One of many attractions is the Spirit Sands Desert, a mystical area formed by the receding waters of Lake Agassiz. Sports enthusiasts can participate in bowling, hockey, skating, soccer, baseball, a rifle range, curling, tennis, swimming (including at a large outdoor pool) and golf. "We have a beautiful and challenging nine-hole course that is open to the public," says Zander. For those who prefer games of chance, the Sand Hills Casino provides non-stop action and contributes to the growth of this sublime area of Manitoba. ❙ Place your bets on Carberry if you enjoy small-town living in a scenic area with city amenities. With a strong, stable economy and a wealth of cultural and recreational advantages, the town offers quality-of-life benefits for more than 1,600 residents. LIVING LARGE IN A SMALL TOWN OPPORTUNITIES KEEP CROPPING UP IN THE CARBERRY AREA Recreation, heritage sites and a blend of rural and city amenities make Carberry a great place to live. Photos courtesy of Carberry and RM of North Cypress-Langford Economic Development Commission