Economics of Selkirk Mb.

"Quality means doing it right when no one is looking."

Henry Ford

Selkirk, Manitoba, a small city located about 35 kilometers northeast of Winnipeg, has a local economy that is influenced by several key sectors. Here's an overview of the economic landscape of Selkirk:

1. Manufacturing and Industry

• Manufacturing plays a significant role in Selkirk's economy. The city is home to Gerdau, a major steel production company, which operates one of the largest steel mills in Canada. Gerdau provides many local jobs and supports ancillary businesses in transportation, logistics, and supply services.

• Other industries include metal fabrication, manufacturing of building materials, and smaller manufacturing firms that serve both local and regional markets.

2. Agriculture

• The surrounding area around Selkirk is rich in agriculture, which contributes to the local economy. Farms in the region produce grains, oilseeds, dairy, pork and various livestock. While Selkirk itself is more urban, it benefits from being close to this agricultural base through food processing and agricultural services.

3. Tourism and Recreation

• The Red River and nearby Lake Winnipeg attract tourists to the region for fishing, boating, and other recreational activities. Selkirk is known for its connection to the outdoors, with attractions like Birds Hill Provincial Park nearby.

• Tourism and hospitality businesses in the area benefit from visitors, particularly during the summer months when people come to the region for camping and fishing trips.

4. Retail and Services

• Retail and local services are important for the local economy, particularly since Selkirk acts as a service hub for surrounding rural communities. The city has a number of shopping centers, restaurants, and service-oriented businesses that support both local residents and people from nearby towns.

• Health care services, including the Selkirk Regional Health Centre, are also significant employers in the region.

5. Government and Public Services

• Selkirk’s economy is bolstered by government jobs at both the municipal and provincial levels. The city is the administrative center for the Rural Municipality of St. Clements and Rural Municipality of St. Andrews.

• Selkirk Regional HOSPITAL

  Health Programs & Services

  
  Acute Care
  Cancer Care
  Community cancer program
  Diagnostic imaging, MRI, CT
  Dialysis
  Emergency
  Family Birthing Unit
  Laboratory Services
  Palliative Care
  Rehabilitation
  Surgery

  
  Amenities
  Drop off and pick up zone for patients at the front entrance
  Located on a bus route
  Bike racks available
  Connected to a community walking trail system

• The Selkirk Mental Health Centre, a provincial mental health facility, also provides a significant number of jobs and is a key institution in the area.

6. Construction and Infrastructure Development

• With growth in population, Selkirk has seen some investment in infrastructure and residential construction. This includes new housing developments, upgrades to public facilities, and local infrastructure projects like roads and water management.

7. Economic Challenges

• Like many small cities, Selkirk faces some economic challenges, including the need to diversify its economy and attract new businesses. While manufacturing and agriculture are stable, the community is exploring ways to expand into new sectors like technology and renewable energy.

• Affordability and access to services in comparison to larger urban centers like Winnipeg also play a role in shaping economic policy.

In summary, Selkirk has a diverse economy with a strong base in manufacturing, agriculture, and public services. While the city benefits from its proximity to Winnipeg and its industrial base, there are ongoing efforts to attract investment and diversify economic opportunities.