Carman and Dufferin History
CARMAN WAS INCORPORATED AS A TOWN IN 1905.
Carman was settled in 1870 when Winnipeg settlers used the Missouri Trail to locate around the Boyne River.
Businesses began to open in 1878 and it was during this period of growth that the settlers became interested in founding and properly naming a village on their Boyne site.
A vote was taken and Carman City was chosen, later shortened to Carman, after Episcopal Methodist Church bishop Rev. Albert Carman.
Located at the junction of Highways #3 and 13 just minutes southwest of Winnipeg, Carman is situated in the heart of a rich prairie agricultural belt and just 100 kilometers north of the United States border.
Incorporated as a town in 1905, the community served as an agricultural, manufacturing and commercial service centre to the surrounding areas, a role it continues today.
RM OF DUFFERIN
The Municipality’s existence as the RM of Dufferin (North and South) began in 1880 when it was created by the Province of Manitoba. Previously it was the County of Dufferin.
The official population of the Municipality is 2,543. This comes from the 2021 Canada census. Population numbers are important to municipalities as some major grants from higher levels of government are based on population.
The assessment roll is a compilation of all the properties in the municipality, with a value shown for each property. For 2022, the combined market value assessment of all properties in the Municipality exceeds $1,180,142,900.
As mentioned elsewhere in this handbook, municipalities are major operations, and this Municipality is no exception. For 2021, the operating budget exceeds $6,718,763 (add general and utility together if applicable).
Back in 2009 the financial reporting requirements for municipalities was completely revamped. That audited financial statement was the first statement to show what the accounting industry considers to be a true reflection of assets. The list of assets includes land, buildings and equipment, which most people would expect. Municipalities have also been required to include other infrastructure such as roads, sewer lines and sidewalks, to name a few. The capital assets of the Municipality are currently valued at over $31,874,747 (this number can be found in Schedule 1 of the Consolidated Financial Statements).
Finally, the Municipality could not operate without dedicated employees to carry out the direction outlined by Council. At present the Municipality has 10 full time employees. As well there are part time employees, with the number varying by season.
Council consists of 7 members with 6 wards (based on after the election if the size of council and number of wards are changing).
More to come…..
Carman Dufferin Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee
Check out their website at: http://carmandufferinheritage.ca/
Whether you are a visitor to our community, are researching your family roots, need background on an historic building or are just interested in local history, this website is your one-stop source of information on our heritage.
The site offers you a glimpse of the history of Dufferin Municipality from the pre-settlement era to the post–1870 influx of homesteading families, and from the arrival of the railways to the rise and decline of the small towns and communities along its path.
You will also discover the wealth of historic buildings, cairns, plaques and other heritage resources that our communities have to offer.
Dufferin Historical Museum
Dufferin’s Historical Museum is located at the corner of King’s Park Road and Hwy 245 in Carman Manitoba. Surrounded by the Carman Golf Course and King’s Park this wonderful facility is superbly located for an afternoon of education and recreation.
Visiting the museum you will see collections of early 1900’s furniture, a pianola, agricultural items, log house, one room schoolhouse, various clocks, early wedding dresses, tools, weapons, coins, books, household items, children’s toys, Dutch artifacts and recollections of pioneer days depicted in a series of 24 water color portraits.
HOURS OF OPERATION:
June – August
Tues – Sat 10:00 – 5:00 pm
Sunday: 1:00 to 5:00 pm
Phone: 204-745-3597
For more information on the Dufferin Historical Museum visit http://www.dufferinhistoricalmuseum.ca
Golden Prairie Arts Council
Carman is well known for its fine artists and the local arts council- The Golden Prairie Arts Council (GPAC)
The Golden Prairie Arts Council is located in the historic train station building in the centre of Carman. For more information about the Council’s programs and events, please contact 204-745-6568
Website: https://www.goldenprairieartscouncil.com/ Email: gpaccarman@gmail.com
The Town of Carman and the RM of Dufferin are located on Treaty 1 Territory, traditional territory of the
Anishinaabe, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, and Dene Peoples, and on the homeland of the Métis Nation.