Landmark, Manitoba, originally known as Prairie Rose, is a charming urban district nestled in the Rural Municipality of Taché. Located approximately 30 km southeast of Winnipeg, the provincial capital, Landmark is a community rich in history and culture. As of the 2021 census, the population of Landmark, Manitoba stood at 1,326, making it a close-knit community that lies on the longitudinal centre of Canada.
The history of Landmark, Manitoba dates back to around 1907 when the first four homesteads were established. However, the area remained largely barren until just after World War I. It was during this period that Mennonite families from the neighbouring East Reserve, facing land shortages for agricultural expansion, began to settle in the area. By 1920, a dozen Mennonite families had purchased land and started establishing their farms in Landmark, Manitoba.
Within a year, the area saw the construction of its first church building, and by 1925, a school district had been organized. The main transportation link in the early years was the Old Dawson Trail, a crude road that led westward to Winnipeg and eastward to Ste. Anne.
The name "Landmark" was registered for the eastern part of Prairie Rose around 1920. The name was chosen at random from a list in the "Farmer's Advocate" by early resident Peter M. Penner and his eldest son.
The 1950s saw a surge in business development in Landmark, Manitoba. Landmark Motors, a repair shop, was one of the first businesses to open in 1950, followed by the Landmark General Store in 1951. Landmark Feeds Inc, a livestock and poultry feed supplier and the largest business in the area, was established in 1954. A plumbing and heating business opened in 1957, followed by a second repair shop, Lincoln Sales & Service (now Giesbrecht Mechanical), in 1958.
In 1961, thanks to the efforts of local farmer and businessman John J Hildebrand, the Landmark Collegiate Institute was opened. Hildebrand worked tirelessly to promote Landmark, Manitoba as the location for the new school, rather than on the prairie between several population centres.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Landmark, Manitoba had a population of 1,326 living in 458 of its 474 total private dwellings. This represented a 2.6% increase from its 2016 population of 1,292. With a land area of 2.97 km2 (1.15 sq mi), Landmark had a population density of 446.5/km2 (1,156.3/sq mi) in 2021.
Landmark, Manitoba is a community steeped in history and culture, offering a unique blend of rural charm and urban convenience. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply looking for a peaceful place to call home, Landmark, Manitoba has something to offer everyone.
