Manitoba Regions: South West

Working age population (15+): 83,400
Employed labour force: 52,900
Unemployment rate: 3.8%
Participation rate: 65.9%

Major construction and infrastructure activities in 2010/11:

The new Len Evans Centre for Trades and Technology was opened at the Assiniboine Community College in Brandon in 2010.  This new high-tech, world class training facility will accommodate more than 1,400 students and include more than 700 new apprenticeship spaces.  (Key Source: Manitoba Budget 2011)

Capital investments continue at Brandon University with a $3.9 million investment for the physical plant and in partnership with the federal government, $5.3 million for the new Healthy Living Centre, and $562,520 for upgrades to the Information Technology Server Room. (Key Source: Manitoba Budget 2011)

With a recent $40 million expansion completed and an additional $15 million expansion underway, HyLife Foods International, Inc, located just outside Neepawa, plans its hog processing plant workforce will continue to expand from an existing 550 to 800 workers by 2012. (Key Source: Winnipeg Free Press)

The Yellowhead Manor in Neepawa will receive $2.4 million from provincial and federal sources for a building renovation.  (Key Source: Neepawa Press)

The governments of Manitoba and Canada are investing in a new LEED Silver rated Riverdale Community Complex, located in Rivers, Manitoba.  Total cost of the project is estimated at $6.1 million. (Key Sources: Manitoba News Release, Canada’s Economic Action Plan)

The Town of Virden is receiving provincial funding for the construction of a multi-purpose recreation facility.  Total value of the project to be completed in 2011 is estimated at $17.5 million. (Key Sources: Manitoba News Release, Virden.ca, Brandon Sun)

Spirit Sands Casino and Resort, a $40 million project, to be located between Carberry and Glenboro, has received approval of the Gaming Agreement and continues to progress with its planning phase. (Key Source: Brandon Sun)

South West Region Industry Sectors 2010

From 2009 to 2010, Manitoba’s South West region decreased total employment by -5.2% to 52,900 employed.  The goods-producing sector increased by 1.8% to 17,400 employed; the services sector decreased by -8.3% to 35,400 employed.

In 2010, the largest goods producing industry was agriculture with 7,300 employed.  The largest services industry was retail trade with 7,900 employed. 

Industries with largest year over year increases in employment between 2009 and 2010 included utilities - goods producing sector (80.0%) and education - services sector (17.1%).