MANNING

Located approximately 73 km north-west of Peace River, Alberta is the Town of Manning with a population of 1293 (2004 stats). Situated in the valley of the Notikewin River on the Mackenzie Highway at the junction of Highway 35 and Highway 691.

Mainstreet Manning looking north (All pictures on this website are copyright and cannot be reproduced)

This community was originally known as Aurora. It was discovered, there was already another community in Ontario by the same name, so it was decided to come up with another name. In 1947, when the first post office officially opened, the residents chose "Manning " named after the former Premier of Alberta, Ernest Charles Manning who was premier from 1943 to 1968. He was also a radio evangelist. Later he was an Alberta Senator from 1970 to 1983 and was made a Companion of the Order of Canada. He also received the Alberta Order of Excellence in 1981. Ernest Charles Manning died in 1996. (Father of Preston Manning, former leader of the official opposition party, Reform Party of Canada.) The Battle River Hospital was built in 1937 with a newer hospital constructed in 1955. The settlement was incorporated as a village in 1952 and a few years later it became a town in 1957. The Great Slave Lake Railway finally reached Manning in 1962.

Manning is located in the Municipal District of Northern Lights No. 22. (780) 835-3348.

Manning's main industry is Agriculture, Forestry, and Oil and Gas. The region has a considerable amount of natural gas production. As many as 2000 workers live in camps in the area which adds to Mannings economy. The first gas plant was built in 1975 by Mesa Petroleum in the South Hotchiss field.

Manning Diversified Forest Products, which started in 1993, produces 80 million board feet of dimension lumber and boards yearly. They employ approximately 145 people. Other major employers are the Manning Community Health Centre, Peace River School Division, gas and oil and forestry service industries.

The RCMP Centennial Pool operates from May to September	Battle River Agriculture Hall located east side of town.	The Centennial Library features over 10,000 books. Free Public Internet Access.

Events: There are a number of events each year that brings the community together and attracts many from the surrounding area. June Daze takes place in mid June. The Annual Battle River Fair and Rodeo takes place the third weekend in July at the fair grounds located on the east side of Manning. There are chuckwagon and chariot races, a demolition derby, amusement rides and a dance. At the fair there is plenty of crafts, baking, canning, and more. The Museum Pancake Breakfast and Antique Tractor Parade is held in August.

Battle River Agricultural Society. (780) 836-3773.

2007 Battle River Rodeo, July 27-29th.... Fri. July 27, 2pm - Local Barrels, Thoroughbred & Pony Chariots, Local Flat Races. 7pm - Thoroughbred & Pony Chuckwagons. 8:30pm, Talent Show.....Sat July 28, 10am - Local Barrels, Thoroughbred & Pony Chariots, Local Flat Races. 2pm - Rodeo, 7pm - Thoroughbred & Pony Chuckwagons.....Sun July 29, 12 noon - Rodeo, 4:30pm - Demolition Derby ($5000) Prize Money.

2008 EVENTS OF THE PEACE COUNTRY

The Banner Post weekly newspaper has served Manning and area for over 25 years. Published every Wednesday. (780) 836-3588.

Manning has its own Hospital located on the northeast part of Manning. 600-2nd Street NE (780) 836-3391. The Manning Municipal Airport is located on the northside of Manning which has a 400 foot paved runway. The nearest commercial airport is Peace River.

The Town of Manning is a thriving community that has a fire chief and 18 volunteer firefighters. A 3 person RCMP detachment, a mayor and 6 councillors. It also has a modern 44-bed Senor Citizen's Lodge. Del-Air Lodge was named after Del Harbourne who was a Mayor of Manning and Al Adair, former member of the Legislative Assembly. There are many churches located through-out the town.

Golf: Condy Meadows Golf Course and Recreation Area located 10 km north of Manning on Highway 35. 9 hole golf course, grass greens, golf carts, pro shop. Also at the golf course is a campsite with 17 fully serviced sites and 8 non-serviced sites. The annual open golf tournament is held on the Labor Day weekend in September each year. (780) 836-2176.

Ski Hill: A popular spot in the winter months is the Manning Ski Hill located east of town. Skiing and downhill snowboarding. Racing and ski jumping. Lessons are also provided. (780) 836-2149.

For more information on Manning visit the Town of Manning website
Town of Manning (780) 836-3606.

Visitors Information Centre is located in the Old Hospital Gallery and Museum (formerly the Battle River Hospital originally built in 1937 as the United Church Missionary Hospital and was in use until 1955.) Located on main street, open May to September, Monday through Friday 10AM-5pm. (780) 836-3606.

Battle River Pioneer Museum. Contains a 1500 year old arrow head, artifacts and over 50 tractors, wagons and buggies. Post Office, Anglican Church, Machine sheds, blacksmiths shop and windmill and more. Located 1 km east off Mackenzie Highway 35 on secondary Highway 691. (780) 836-2374.

Aurora Theatre 2000. The theatre was named after the original name of the community, "Aurora". Located across the street from the Aurora Hotel in the centre of town. (780) 836-3228.

Manning Sports Centre Arena. Skating and hockey on artificial ice. (780) 836-3624.
Curling Rink has 4 sheets of ice. Many bonspiels are held each winter. (780) 836-3779.

Home of the Manning Comets, (senior hockey team) NPHL , that challenges other teams in the Peace Country including the Grande Prairie Athletics, High Prairie Regals, Peace River Stampeders, Fort St John Flyers, Grimshaw Huskies, Fairview Kings, Lakeland Eagles (from McLennan), Falher Pirates, Valleyview Jets, and the Spirit River Rangers..
NPHL Hockey Schedule

Schools:

Manning Elementary School. Grades 1 to grade 6. Approximately 150 students attend. (780) 836-3532.

Rosary Separate School. ECS to 9 as well as Kindergarten. Approximately 160 students. 501 River Street. (780) 836-3625.
School Website.

Paul Rowe Jr Sr High School opened in 1966, named after the principal of 20 years. Grades 7-12 with approximately 250 students attending. (780) 836-3397.

Northern Lakes College. Manning Campus. (780) 836-3545.