Business View Civil & Municipal | Volume 2, Issue 8

133 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 2, ISSUE 8 RM OF ST . ANDREWS , MANI TOBA a national historic site in 1970. Its distinctive steeple and Gothic Revival architecture make it instantly recognizable and a treasured legacy for the community. Today, there is a wide variety of economic activity in the area. The north and central portions of the municipality are actively involved in agriculture and farming and have been for generations. Many small and large family farms produce several varieties of cereal grains and oilseeds. There are also livestock producers. An abundance of small and large manufacturing firms also operate close to Winnipeg and Selkirk and employ RM residents. These include Gerdau a multi-national company. The century-old steel mill is one of the largest steel manufacturer and metal recyclers nationally and is located in both St. Andrews and Selkirk. The municipally-owned regional airport is another great asset to the community from an economic development and tourism perspective. St. Andrews Airport is the second largest in the Province and St. Andrews Industrial Park is the site of many businesses in the aviation and other industry sectors. The airport is also home to one of the largest flying clubs and flight training centres in Manitoba. Lisa McLean, Economic Development Officer for the RM of St. Andrews, describes the municipality as “an attractive bedroom community of Winnipeg with the city’s bustling downtown district only about 15 to 20 minutes away. Our northern area is largely agricultural with a lot of home farms, some charming small communities, and a significant seasonal resort area around Lake Winnipeg.” RM of St. Andrew’s residents don’t mind the short commute to Winnipeg for work, where there is a lot of employment in professional services, such as the medical and legal fields. After a day in the office, they’re happy to return home to a small acreage in the municipality where they can enjoy the relaxed rural lifestyle. High-speed internet is currently available throughout most of the southern area of the