Manitoba Region: Interlake

Working age population (15+): 71,900
Employed labour force: 47,500
Unemployment rate: 4.6%
Participation rate: 69.3%

Major construction and infrastructure activities in 2010/11:

A new $4.8 million four person renal health dialysis unit was recently opened in the Gimli Community Health Centre. (Key Source: Manitoba News Release)

Hecla-Grindstone Provincial Park underwent lagoon and road upgrades as well as marina environmental improvements to Hecla and Winnipeg Beach totalling $1.3 million.  (Key Source: Manitoba News Release)

Manitoba’s investments in the bio-products industry continue to grow, such as through the Province of Manitoba’s $4 million 2011 commitment to project funding to research institutions and employers, such as Erosion Control Blankets in Riverton. (Key Source: Manitoba News Release)

Construction of a new 15,000 square foot Home Hardware Store in Arborg is underway.  It is anticipated that the store’s existing retail workforce will be doubled to 15 to 20 following completion of construction.  (Key Source: Interlake Spectator)

Interlake Region Industry Sectors 2010

From 2009 to 2010, Manitoba’s Interlake region increased total employment by 4.2% to 47,500 employed.  The goods-producing sector increased by 1.7% to 12,300 employed; the services sector increased by 5.4% to 35,300 employed.

In 2010, the largest goods producing industry was construction with 4,500 employed.  The largest services industry was retail trade with 7,300 employed. 

Industries with largest year over year increases in employment between 2009 and 2010 included construction - goods producing sector (28.6%) and professional, scientific and technical - services sector (45.5%).