La Salle, Manitoba is a charming town nestled in the Rural Municipality of Macdonald. Situated along the picturesque banks of the La Salle River, it is approximately 30 kilometres south of downtown Winnipeg. As of the 2016 Canadian Census, the town is home to 1,589 residents.
The history of La Salle, Manitoba dates back to September 5, 1882, when the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) laid its tracks. The Roman Catholic Church purchased land on the north shore of the La Salle River to establish the St. Hyacinthe Seminary. This marked the beginning of the College Forum on sections 24-25-8-1-E.
The area was initially inhabited by English and Métis families. However, the English community was short-lived. The Roman Catholic Church purchased the land to establish the Parish of St.-Hyacinthe of La Salle. In 1891, the municipal council passed Bylaw 144, forming the St.-Hyacinthe School District. By 1902, the town had a post office, a store, and a grain elevator.
The town saw an influx of French families from Quebec in the summer of 1892. The construction of the Maison Chapelle, which included a chapel, accommodation for a priest, and a classroom, began. By 1905, the population had grown to 271 residents. The La Salle region was known for its fertile land, suitable for cultivation. Early farmers raised cattle, chickens, and sheep, and plowed the land with ox or horse.
The early 1900s saw the use of steam engines to break up the land. The town continued to adapt to farming technology. By 1924, local farmers had organized a union to purchase bulk oil for their equipment. The town built an outdoor hockey rink in 1925, and a Mennonite Church in 1930. By 1953, the La Salle Caisse Populaire had opened for business.
Today, La Salle is the largest urban centre in the RM of Macdonald. With a population of approximately 1,589, the community members are active in establishing facilities and infrastructure that will meet the needs of the urban centre. The community is rapidly growing, serving as a bedroom community for the City of Winnipeg.
Local businesses contribute to the progressive and interactive lifestyle of the community. The Domain Co-op Gas Bar & Car Wash, La Salle River Inn, Carman Co-op grocery and hardware, Lagace Trucking, La Salle Towing and Autobody, Peckham's Re-Upholstery, La Salle Insurance & Travel, The Color Lounge, Spectrum Engineering Inc., Clarity Dental, Body Waves Massage Therapy, Custom Edge Construction, Bailey's Towing La Salle Credit Union and Subway restaurant contribute to an active Main Street.
The community boasts some of the best recreational facilities in the municipality, including a community hall, curling rink, hockey rink, soccer and football fields, and baseball diamonds. The community also has the challenging 18-hole, grass greens, Kingswood Golf and Country Club.
In the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, La Salle had a population of 2,687 living in 854 of its 870 total private dwellings, a change of 29.9% from its 2016 population of 2,069. With a land area of 6.97 km2 (2.69 sq mi), it had a population density of 385.5/km2 (998.5/sq mi) in 2021.
