Crystal City, Manitoba

Crystal City
Elevators in Crystal City.
Crystal City
Location of Crystal City in Manitoba
Coordinates: 49°08′47″N 98°56′56″W / 49.14639°N 98.94889°W / 49.14639; -98.94889
CountryCanada
ProvinceManitoba
RegionWestman
Rural MunicipalityRural Municipality of Louise
Established1947
Government
  MP (Brandon-Souris)Larry Maguire (CPC)
  MLA (Turtle Mountain)Doyle Piwniuk (PC)
Area
  Total
2.80 km2 (1.08 sq mi)
Elevation
465 m (1,525 ft)
Population
 (2016)
  Total
389
  Density138.9/km2 (360/sq mi)
  Change 2006-11
1.3%
Time zoneUTC-6 (CST)
  Summer (DST)UTC-5 (CDT)
Postal code span
Area code204

Crystal City is an unincorporated community recognized as a local urban district in the Municipality of Louise within the Canadian province of Manitoba. It held village status prior to January 1, 2015. It is located on Highway 3, 16 kilometres north of the Canada–United States border and 200 kilometres southwest of Winnipeg.

In summer 1878, Thomas Greenway, who would later serve in the Manitoba Legislature and become Premier of Manitoba, traveled to the region. During the following winter, he organized the Rock Lake Colonization Co. In summer 1879, the party of eight men arrived at Crystal Creek. By 1882, Crystal City was a substantial town. The earliest newspaper reference is for the land development that year.

The community was moved near the railway, which is no longer in use, for more attraction. The local school is named after him: Thomas Greenway Middle School (TGMS). TGMS has grades 5–8, and the Crystal City Early Years School (CCEY) has grades K-4.

The community has a rich heritage as a thriving agricultural service centre. Since the 1960s, Crystal City has had to adapt to changes brought about by the trend toward larger farms and an aging population.