Selkirk, Man, Town, pop 9752 (2001c), 9881 (1996c), 9815 (1991c), 10 013 (1986c), area 24.87 km2, inc 1882, is located on the W bank of the RED R, 29 km N of Winnipeg. In the mid-1800s the area was an Indian agricultural settlement. Land speculation and frenzied building began 1875 with proposals to route the CPR across the Red R here. Winnipeg gained the rail crossing, but Selkirk went on to become a river port and centre for shipbuilding, lumber, fish exports and agricultural services.
Manitoba Rolling Mills (Canada) Ltd, producer of steel products and the town's major employer, was established here in 1913. Steel, light manufacturing, the service sector and government administration are key parts of Selkirk's economy today. The town has an industrial park, a shipyard, a regional mental health centre, and one of 2 companies in Canada producing high-grade silica sand for glass manufacturing. It has its own radio station and a regional secondary school.
Selkirk - named for Lord SELKIRK - is near Lower Fort Garry National Historic Park and the St Andrews Locks on the Red R. The town has a marine museum and celebrates its Scottish heritage in July with the Manitoba Highland Gathering.