The Sunbelt Development Group represents a beautiful region that lies along the Canada-U.S.A. border in south central Manitoba. Resting in the heart of the Plains near the Red River Valley, the community is roughly 100 kilometers southwest of Winnipeg. The region is a mix of rural and small urban communities with a population of almost 9000 residents. The region is encompassed by the Rural Municipality of Rhineland, which surrounds the incorporated towns of Altona, Gretna, and Plum Coulee.

History/People

The Sunbelt is not only the Sunflower Capital of Canada, it is also the Sunshine Capital receiving more hours of sunlight through the year than any other region of Western Canada. This and the productive soil of the region have created an extensive agricultural base on which to build a strong local economy. The Manitoba prairies around the Sunbelt were first settled in the early 1870's. Early Dutch and German Mennonite settlers from Russia and the Ukraine were attracted to the area by the quality of the soil and through their backbreaking toil and effort transformed the grasslands of the prairies into the high value cultivated crops of today. This penchant for hard work and community minded development is as strong to day as it was over one hundred years ago.

Quality of Life

The Sunbelt is a beautiful, family friendly place to live. The region boasts some of the finest schools and education facilities in Canada and is part of the Border Land School Division. Students from kindergarten to Grade 12 benefit from the philosophy that cooperation between home, school and community is essential in providing young people with the best education possible. Numerous graduates, stay in the area to live and work and many more have gone on to become leaders in their chosen field around the world. Recreation programs for the young as well as the seniors are scheduled throughout the year. With the newly built Aquatic Center, Millennium Center, Hall, Arena and Curling Rink and asphalt walking trails, there are many activities for all ages. There are fairs and community get-togethers held all year round. You are always welcome in the Sunbelt!