1528 Population
25.1% Growth Rate
2 Schools
Ile des Chênes is a hopping little community just seven
minutes south of Winnipeg’s Sage Creek neighbourhood. Ile des Chênes is located along the twinned
Highway 59, meaning that commutes are a breeze.
This francophone town was settled in the mid-nineteenth
century in an area prolific with oak trees, and that’s where the town got its
name, which translates to Oak Island.
Many have come to recognize this small community for
Manitoba Wildlife Haven, located just to the north. A one of its kind facility
in Manitoba, the Haven provides shelter and a hospital for injured animals, as
well as an Education Centre, ponds and interpretive park for those interested
in learning more about our region’s rich variety of wildlife.
The TransCanada Centre is another regional draw. Named after
the Trans Canada pipeline running near town, the environmentally friendly and
sustainable facility offers an exceptional venue for weddings, trade shows, and
socials all at small town pricing.
LIVE
No matter your housing preference, diversity is the name of
the game. Condos are available in apartment and townhouse style, Main Street
features residential units, and there are lots of single family homes on large
lots.
Two schools provide education from preschool through grade
twelve. The elementary to Grade Eight school features both English and French
immersion, while the high school is strictly French. English high school
students are bussed to other communities. The high school also boasts a
prestigious athletic program for budding young athletes. Community libraries
can be found at both schools.
Amenities include a wide array of licensed restaurants, a gas station, hardware store, credit union, automotive repair shops,
convenience store, and a whole lot more. New amenities are pop up regularly.
The community is also proud of its most recent addition, a
community wellness centre which has become home to the local doctor, pharmacy,
physiotherapy and law office.
WORK
There is a new commercial development opening soon. Lease
space is also available if you are inclined to start your own business, at
lease rates a fraction of the cost of Winnipeg’s. Medium size employers are in
the town site which provide many jobs to local residents from retail to
construction companies.
This community is home to Ritchot Regional Chamber of
Commerce, a group dedicated to providing services and benefits to businesses in
the region.
PLAY
Optimist Park is home to the Seine River Minor Ball
Association and its well maintained diamonds make this park a baseball hub for
the entire region. Green thumbs can rent garden boxes, a great place to meet
other locals. Year-round arts and fitness programming include painting classes,
yoga, pickleballl, gymnastics, and karate. A local studio trains kids in a
variety of dance disciplines and the fitness centre will help you get your
sweat on.
The Vintage Club, a group of active local seniors who enjoy
staying fit and having fun, host a regular luncheon to maintain ties and share
stories.
Of course, this is rural Manitoba, where hockey and ringette
take centre stage in winter. The arena provides free public skating and recreational
hockey for all ages. Snowshoeing and cross country ski trails along the
community’s groomed trails are another great way to stay active. Avid
snowmobilers can grab a coffee at the gas station, then get on the trails for
some great riding in the wide open countryside.
The Snowman Festival is an annual highlight, with organized
family activities happening inside the TransCanada Centre after the snowman
building contest, skating and toboggan run have chilled your fingers and nose.
The festival offers a variety of art and play activities for kids. Mom and Dad
can show off their skills in the pea soup and chili contest and then take in
the vintage car show. The event closes with a beer garden, social, and
fireworks display.
