Anola, Manitoba

Infobox city
official_name = Anola, Manitoba
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motto = "Share in our Future... Invest in your Community..."


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subdivision_type = Country
subdivision_name = Canada
subdivision_type1 = Province
subdivision_name1 = Manitoba
subdivision_type2 = Region
subdivision_name2 = Eastman
subdivision_type3 = Rural Municipality
subdivision_name3 = Springfield
leader_title =
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leader_title2 = MP Provencher
leader_name2 = Vic Toews
established_title = Established
established_date = 1907
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timezone = Central (CST)
utc_offset = -6
timezone_DST = Central (CDT)
utc_offset_DST = -5
postal_code_type = Postal code
postal_code = R0E 0A0
latd=49 |latm=53 |lats=06 |latNS=N
longd=96 |longm=38 |longs= 15 |longEW=W
elevation_m =
elevation_ft = 838
website = [http://www.anola.mb.ca www.anola.mb.ca]
footnotes =
area_code = 204

[http://www.anola.mb.ca Anola] , Manitoba is a small town located 24 km east of Winnipeg, 40km north of Steinbach in the municipality of Springfield. Approximately 200 people live within its limits, but many people in surrounding areas/developments consider themselves to be part of Anola.

History

In 1907 when the Grand Trunk and Pacific railway expressed an interest in the district, the land was sold, and the village of "Free Port" was born. Perhaps not the most original name, but a name nonetheless. The subject of just why the name of Free Port was changed to Anola is an interesting one indeed. However, it is all speculation as no concrete reason has been found in the records that were searched, except that the change occurred in 1912. According to the book Place Names of Manitoba, published for the Geographic Board of Canada in 1933 by the Department of the Interior, the name Anola is an "invented name, formerly known as Richland Post Office". A 1905 letter from M. Holloway, who ran the Richland post office which served the area, may have prompted this conclusion. In his correspondence to the Geographic Board of Canada, it was indicated that residents were unaware of why it was so named except "as a more convenient means of referring to it than Township 10-7E" Considering the date of his letter, this makes one think that people in the area were calling it "Anola" even before it was officially changed; at least as far as mail delivery was concerned. Ted Stone states in his book The Story behind Manitoba Names: Locals sometimes ascribe the name to the rise in elevation there. The area is on a slight but perceptible, ridge. According to this theory it's on "a knoll," which gave rise to the name Anola. Others have suggested that Anola is named after the wife of a railway official. This theory has some credence since Anola comes at the end of a series of rail points (Elma, Hazel, Vivian) using women's first names. It's likely that the same official named at least two of these towns after one or more daughters. Since all four towns received their names at about the same time, Elma, Hazel, Vivian and Anola may have been sisters. Or perhaps the local legend is correct and Anola was the mother of the other three." Another possibility is that early homesteaders in the area were of Finnish descent and so the name chosen would reflect that, as there are at least seven towns in southern Finland whose names end with ola: Askola, Hollola, Karkola, Nastola, Kouvola, Hartola, and Heinola. The explanation behind the village name change may be a complicated story, or as simple as someone liking the name Anola better than Free Port. Either way, it could pop up out of nowhere, perhaps to be found amongst memories locked away in an attic; or be lost to us forever.

Economy

[http://www.anola.mb.ca Anola] has many well established businesses, including the Anola Building Centre; an exceptional hardware and lumber store. While the town boasts an expanded Petro Canada, many commuters often stop at Settler's Inn, which used to be a Shell Station/Seasonal Burger Joint but now pumps Esso Gasoline. Lucky Dollar Foods sell Chester Fried Chicken. Anola Motor Hotel is located at the main junction of Hwy #12 & #15 with a bar, beer sales, and restaurant. Most Anolians, as they are sometimes called, do not live and work in the town. Since it is so close to Winnipeg and Steinbach many make the commute for work. This fact undoubtedly contributes to the overwhelming gasoline sales to Anola's loyal customers. Anola's traffic increases on Friday and Sunday night due to commuters that head to and from cottage country in Whiteshell Provincial Park as well as many locations in the Ontario region.

Social Life

While there is the local pub, many believe that the real action takes place at the Over 50 Club. The establishment hosts many Bingo Nights and is also the site of large family gatherings. Anola celebrates it anniversary in early June with games petting farm, games for the youth finishing off with live music, beer gardens and fireworks. With August comes Anola Community Club's anniversary. The weekend kicks off with a Baseball tournament, fun and games for all ages and ends off Friday and Saturday night with a live band and beer garden. The community is currently running fund-raisers to build an expansion onto the existing community club expected to start construction in 2010/2011.

Education

Anola is also home to its very own K-8 school that is highly regarded for producing some of the top achievers in the municipality; even with its smaller size. However, it is this small size that allows it to cater to each students needs and help to create the best community members that it possibly can. Currently Anola School has 253 students enrolled in it with a dynamic teaching and support staff who ensure quality learning opportunities each and every day. It also offers a wide array of programming including French, Band, Music, Choir, Grade 6-8 Life Options, Resource, Counselling, Inter/Intra-school Athletics, and school-wide Talent Development program, just to highlight a few.

Famous Names

Corey Koskie, a Major League Baseball player.

Al Simmons (musician), Children's Performer/Musician

Links

[http://www.anola.mb.ca/ Official Anola Homepage]
[http://www.granite.mb.ca/erdc/springfield/anolacomm.html Anola Community Profile]
[http://www.rmofspringfield.ca/htmlfiles/municipal_services/departments/fire_department/fire.asp Emergency Services]
[http://www.sunrisesd.ca/index.asp?sec=1259 Anola School]