Located just twenty minutes south of Winnipeg, Ste. Agathe provides a peaceful repose for those looking for a home in the heart of nature. Here, the winding Red River provides an authentic riverfront experience, accessible from anywhere in town.
This primarily francophone community has a compelling history, founded by Quebec settlers for its rich farmland. Ste. Agathe was the name of the Roman Catholic parish built here in the 1800s, followed by a French Catholic school and a convent. This was also a stopping point for the steamboat Cheyenne, which ferried settlers to the region until it was shipwrecked near town in 1885.
While the community has long been a welcoming place for people of every nationality, its French roots are definitely part of its charm. Locals can take French language classes and attend the many bilingual events held year-round. The parish’s brick edifice, a lasting heritage icon, stands at the centre of town as a constant reminder of the area’s history.
Live. A recent residential development has blossomed on the community’s south side, providing options for turn-key occupancy or large lots for new builds. Underground hydro, asphalt streets, curbs, and gutters offer city amenities without sacrificing that small-town feel. Closer to the Main Street, property hunters can find condos—and soon, rental units.
École Ste. Agathe, part of the province’s Franco-Manitoban School Division, provides students with a French education. A French-language preschool is also available here. English and French immersion options are just a short bus trip away. A large daycare centre offers full-time and part-time care for infants to school-age children.
The school boasts a community library, and just up the street you’ll find the hall where residents gather for fall suppers, town meetings, dances, and a variety of markets. When you’re not in the mood to cook, the local bar and grill whips up a delectable poutine! Other amenities include a gas station, automotive repair shop, convenience store, insurance agency, credit union, and of course a variety of home-based businesses.
If you’ve got friends or family coming in for a visit, camping is available at Cartier Park, or you can discover the uniquely French-Canadian experience of the Maison près de la Rouge Bed and Breakfast.
Work. Because of its position along the busy Highway 75, the Riel Industrial Park in Ste. Agathe has been growing into an in-demand commercial hub, attracting big business like Hemp Oil Canada, a Flying J Travel Centre, Del Mar Commodities, and Upper Deck Transport. Others are on the way with the introduction of new industrial lots last fall. These kinds of businesses create jobs for hundreds of locals, fuelling residential growth. And with four-lane highway access to Winnipeg, the commute is always quick and easy.
Play. The summer kicks off with the Festival d’Été Cheyenne Summer Fest, drawing crowds for its baseball tournament, live bands, children’s entertainment, voyageur games, and fireworks display. A beer garden and food booths keep the crowds greased and oiled.
Locals enjoy the picnic shelter, baseball, soccer, volleyball, and Frisbee-golf at Cartier Park. The community will soon be adding a garden where every age can try their hand at growing fresh produce. For hikers and cyclers, a trail network winds between the river and the community dike. The season closes with a traditional fall supper, French-Canadian style.
Ice fishing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiings, and indoor and outdoor public skating leave no excuse for boredom in winter. Ste. Agathe is also a perfect home base if you’re a snowmobiler looking for great trails and wide-open space. Organized sport includes hockey and ringette, and if you don’t play you can always cheer on your neighbours at the annual outdoor Winter Classic hockey tournament.
Fitness classes for the whole family include yoga, zumba, taekwondo, and kickboxing. The community provides programming for seniors and toddlers, too.
Just a few kilometres down the road, the Bruce Campbell Farm and Food Discovery Centre is an excellent place to take the family and learn, in an interactive space, how food gets from our region’s farm to the table. Take a hayride tour of the entire facility as you go. You can also make home-baked bread and ice cream at one of the many workshops.
In Ste. Agathe, small-town living may just bring out the best in you.
