St. Pierre-Jolys, Manitoba

Saint Pierre, Manitoba is a community in Manitoba.ST-PIERRE-JOLYS (formerly Riviere-aux-Rats/Rat River, St-Pierre/St. Pierre, and St- Pierre-Jolys), pop. 893, is a village 50 km SSE of Winnipeg on Highway 59 near the Rat River. Part of the 19th-century Crow Wing Trail linking Upper Fort Garry with St. Paul (now MN) is the area that was initially settled by French speaking people, including Metis and Quebecois. English settlers later came here in smaller numbers, as well. Father Noel-Joseph Ritchot and Mr. Joseph Dubuc both helped with St-Pierre's founding. The Breton-born Father Jean-Marie Jolys started a parish and encouraged many Quebec families to move here. The name "Jolys" was added to "St-Pierre" around 1922 to recognize the 40 years of Father Jolys as parish priest of Saint-Pierre. The Roman Catholic faith has been inextricably linked to the settlement's growth. A former convent of the Sisters of the Holy Names here is now the villager’s museum. Though the post office opened in 1879, St-Pierre-Jolys only incorporated as a village in 1947. Agriculture was the dominant industry: primarily dairy farming and livestock. Being important sectors for the life of the community, the local businesses, services, and hospitality are strong. There are also 3 schools, a hospital, and a sizable RCMP detachment here. Tourism is also important to the village: the former Crow Wing here is now part of the Trans-Canada Trail, and St- Pierre-Jolys hosts several popular festivals, such as the Cabane a sucre (maple syrup festival) in April; the Festival Chantecler, a celebration of Francophone arts; and the signature St-Pierre-Jolys Frog Follies, a village fair featuring the Canadian frog jumping competition. Bilingual St-Pierre-Jolys has collaborated with nearby St. Malo on several ventures, including a trade show and a hockey league