La Broquerie, a local urban district in the Rural Municipality of La Broquerie, Manitoba, Canada, is a predominantly Francophone community. Nestled approximately 10 kilometres east of Steinbach, Manitoba, and 70 kilometres southeast of the provincial capital Winnipeg, La Broquerie is conveniently located at the confluence of Highways 52, 210, and 302.
La Broquerie has a rich history as Manitoba's largest dairy producer. A testament to this legacy is the distinctive display at the south entrance to the community, featuring a moderately sized, decorative cow. This display serves as a reminder of the community's significant contribution to the province's dairy industry.
The geography of La Broquerie makes it a haven for winter sports enthusiasts. The town's nature trails and the expansive Sandilands Provincial Forest area offer ample opportunities for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. The community also boasts the La Verendrye Golf course, named after the family of 18th century explorers, adding to the recreational offerings of the area.
The St. Joachim Museum in La Broquerie houses historic artifacts that trace the history of the French and Belgian settlers since 1877. These relics provide a fascinating insight into the community's rich cultural heritage.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, La Broquerie had a population of 1,715 living in 620 of its 653 total private dwellings. This marked a significant increase of 22.4% from its 2016 population of 1,401. With a land area of 8.02 km2 (3.10 sq mi), the population density stood at 213.8/km2 (553.8/sq mi) in 2021.
The history of La Broquerie is well documented through the La Broquerie Historical Trail. This trail features a series of 15 interpretive signs that share the history of the community. QR codes on these signs lead visitors to exclusive anecdotes shared by local ambassadors. The Parish centennial, celebrated in 1984, commemorates the St-Joachim Catholic Parish's centennial and adds another layer to the rich historical tapestry of La Broquerie.
