The starting point of this research was to better understand how rural areas are accommodating the influx of immigrants – a testimony to the success of the Government’s economic growth strategy. The resulting rural settlement pattern in Manitoba suggests that upwards of 80% of immigrant are concentrated in certain rural areas. Two such areas are around Winkler and Neepawa.

This report is about the Neepawa area (including Minnedosa and Gladstone), chosen due to its recent and rapid immigration growth over the last 4 years. From our statistical profile, this area has had a stable population for more than 70 years, then grew by 10% between 2006 and 2011. Local stakeholders indicate this growth is more than 20% due to temporary foreign workers not accounted for in the 2011 Census.