Île-des-Chênes is a charming unincorporated community nestled in the heart of Manitoba, Canada. Located within the Rural Municipality of Ritchot, this quaint community is just 13 kilometres southeast of Winnipeg, the provincial capital. Its unique name, Île-des-Chênes, translates to "Island of the Oaks," a moniker inspired by a nearby stand of oaks on higher ground. This area served as a refuge for early settlers during the annual spring floods.
The history of Île-des-Chênes dates back to the 1880s when the first settlers, francophones from Quebec, arrived. The community quickly grew, with the establishment of a post office in 1890 and the founding of a local Catholic parish in 1905. Telephone service reached Île-des-Chênes in 1920, but it wasn't until 1946 that electricity was introduced. The credit union, a staple in the community, was established in 1945.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Île-des-Chênes boasted a population of 1,606, living in 634 of its 657 total private dwellings. This represented a 3.9% increase from its 2016 population of 1,546. With a land area of 2.03 km2 (0.78 sq mi), the community had a population density of 791.1/km2 (2,049.0/sq mi) in 2021.
On August 31, 2000, Manitoba Health issued a boil-water advisory for Île-des-Chênes after water testing revealed contamination in the water supply well. The following year, a C$6-million program funded through the Canada-Manitoba Infrastructure Program was launched to replace the supply pipes, distribution pipes, and water treatment plant. The project was successfully completed in 2002, ensuring the community's access to clean, safe water.
Île-des-Chênes is also home to the North Stars ice hockey team, a source of local pride. The team made headlines in 2003 when they captured the Allan Cup national senior men's championship, cementing Île-des-Chênes' place in the annals of Canadian hockey history.
