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Oak River
 

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The RM of Blanshard came into existence when in 1883 the county of Ivanhoe, to which the land belonged, ceased to exist. A municipal by-law, was passed by the provincial government and in the fall of 1883, municipal elections took place. Then on Tuesday, January 8. 1884, the first council meeting took place and Blanshard's records began. With Reeve Chas E. McCullum in the chair and supported by councillors Mear, Barr, Evans, Johnston, Hogarth, and Huston, the towns of Oak River and Cardale sprung up.

Cardale, located on NW 32-14-21, began to shape the bald prairie in 1907 when word spread that the railroad was to pass through that area. The first resident was Mr. R. Elmwood Mr. Elmwood was recruited by Bawlf Elevator Co. to hold land for a new elevator. Cardale was first incorporated a village in 1909 when it was given its name in memory of one of the first settlers of the area, John Cardale. From here Cardale grew into a fairly substantial village. A store and other businesses came and two more elevators popped up.
 

                                                PRESENT DAY                                                           

The Rural Municipality of Blanshard celebrated its centennial during the summer of 1984. The municipality's population decreased to 643 people (according to Stats Canada's Census) in 1991, its lowest point recorded. Since 1991, the municipality has begun to redevelop, increasing the population to 655 people as of 1996 (Stats Canada's Census). The population is continuing to climb as the developments continue within the municipality. Several projects are in the development process providing 18 new employment positions by July 2001. The Rural Municipality of Blanshard has once again become a gathering spot for economic development and increasing population. The new millennium promises an optimistic future, as the R.M. of Blanshard is becoming one of the most progressive communities in Manitoba!

Oak River
The Village of Oak River's population is approximately 125 people. The village has become very determined to surpass the expectations of most rural communities by encouraging economic development. The completion of the nature trail and the golf driving range are excellent examples of the community's determination to progress while many other communities of this size have become ghost towns.   
 

There have been a few new housing developments occur within the last decade. Housing has become an issue, as the number of houses must be increased to accommodate the increase in employment opportunities within the area. The Blanshard Community Development Corporation and the Municipal Council have partnered to researching possible housing development solutions.
 

Oak River will continue to thrive as economic development in this community has only just begun. The village has become a prime example of the saying “never say never”! Many of the local businesses are family owned and operated, while new businesses and the Little Saskatchewan River Conservation District have decided to locate to this friendly community called, Oak River!

Cardale
  

The spirit of Cardale lives on today as the village, though smaller, boasts an active community membership. Community members run Dora's Café, an example of the community spirit that exists. It serves as the gathering place for morning coffee seven days a week, after church, and after baseball games in the summer.
  

Agriculture remains the backbone of the local economy. The community also has one the best used car dealerships in Manitoba. This dealership attracts people from all over because everyone knows that Doug Wilson has the cars that have the right price!
  

Cardale remains a sports hotbed, fielding and icing competitive and recreational teams in baseball and hockey.