Melita, a charming town nestled in the south-western corner of Manitoba, Canada, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Surrounded by the Municipality of Two Borders, Melita is situated on a bend of the Souris River, with Graham Creek running along the town's western side. This quaint town, home to 1,042 residents according to the 2016 census, is conveniently located at the junction of Highways 3 and 83, approximately 320 km southwest of Winnipeg. Known as the "Grasslands Bird Capital of Manitoba," Melita is also part of Manitoba's banana belt.
Melita's history is steeped in the rich heritage of the First Nations. The Linear Mounds Archaeological Site and the Brockinton Archaeological Site bear evidence of First Nations habitation, with artifacts dating back to 800 AD. These sites have been recognized as a National Historic Site of Canada, adding to Melita's historical significance.
The first recorded European settler, Charles West, made Melita his home in 1879. The town's name, "Melita," was inspired by a Bible reading (Acts 28:1) recounting St. Paul's shipwreck on the island of Malta, known in older texts as Melita.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Melita's population stood at 1,041, with residents living in 465 of its 548 total private dwellings. This represented a slight decrease of -0.1% from its 2016 population of 1,042. With a land area of 3.19 km2 (1.23 sq mi), Melita had a population density of 326.3/km2 (845.2/sq mi) in 2021.
Whether you're a history enthusiast, a bird watcher, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, Melita, Manitoba, with its rich history and natural beauty, is a destination worth exploring.
