Area Information



Winnipeg has a population of approximately 706,900 (2005) and ranks as a crossroads city and is the link between East and West and a natural northern terminus for trade flowing north-south.  Water, power, land and a natural position as a geographic hub to direct the flow of trade from Asia, the US, Mexico and across Canada signal a future for continued growth.  Winnipeg is located in the famous Red River Valley where the Red and Assiniboine Rivers meet and is at the geographic centre of North America.  The descendants of pioneer settlers and the continuing inflow of immigrants from around the world have built a cultural and economic mosaic making Winnipeg one of the most international cities in Canada.  Winnipeg is the centre of transportation, communications and finance for Western Canada and is the grain centre of Canada.

Winnipeg has a stable labour force, high level of education, stable economy, and low cost of doing business with respect to quality which makes it the most cost effective of all locations around the world including the U.S. and the Far East. 

Some of the factors which support new development in Winnipeg are the low cost serviced industrial lands, an abundance of energy in all forms including natural gas, oil and electrical power (hydro rates are among the lowest in North America), a specialized and productive labour force, universities, and technical schools.  Winnipeg has the most diversified secondary manufacturing base of any city in Canada and the service industries to support it.  Winnipeg is the home of the only Commodity Exchange in Canada and location of the Canadian Mint.