Two stories.
One shared legacy
The history of the Whiteshell is shaped by both the land and the people who protect it.
The Whiteshell Cottagers Association began at Brereton Lake when a group of pioneers formed what was then known as the Whiteshell District Association. At the time, families relied on coal oil lamps and ice harvested from frozen lakes, and the dream of hydro power seemed impossible.
Through tireless negotiation and advocacy, hydro-electric power reached Rennie, West Hawk, Caddy Lakes, and eventually the entire region, transforming cottage life and proving the strength of a unified voice.
WCA’s first President, Henry Milbrandt, foresaw that the original community of roughly 700 residents would grow into the thousands, making collective representation essential.
WCA ensured cottage owners were not charged a separate park entry fee in addition to their land lease, protecting families from unfair costs.
WCA helped form the Manitoba Provincial Parks Cabin Owners Association (MPPCOA), which now represents 99 percent of all provincial park cottagers in Manitoba.
For more than 25 years, WCA has supported the Citizens on Patrol Program, helping protect properties and provide peace of mind.
WCA signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Manitoba, establishing a framework for
fair, equitable, and transparent cottage fees.
Today, WCA represents over 3,300 cottages and continues to advocate on behalf of cottagers and visitors alike.
The Whiteshell was shaped by its lakes and forests and inhabited for centuries by Indigenous peoples whose
connection to the land remains deeply significant.
Home to Manitoba’s oldest continuously operating hydro-electric generating station, first delivering power to
Winnipeg on October 16, 1911.
Founded after Alfred Hole rescued four Canada goose goslings, the sanctuary remains a cherished natural
landmark.
Cabins relied on coal oil lamps, wood stoves, and iceboxes. There was no electricity or telephone service across
the park.
Communication required long drives to nearby towns. Party-line phones connected via the CPR marked the first
step toward connectivity.
Access was primarily by train. Highway 44 was once part of the Trans-Canada Highway, and roads like Highway
307 began as corduroy log roads.
Nutimik Lake became a centre for learning and recreation with the opening of the Whiteshell Natural History
Museum in 1959.
Hydro-electric power arrived across the Whiteshell, transforming daily life and enabling growth throughout the
region.
Social traditions, recreational facilities, and community events continue to shape life in the Whiteshell today.