14

Map of the Manitoba Farm Electrification Survey
31 January 1946
Manitoba

15

In the spring of 1945, with the war at an end the first test project for farm electrification commenced. Problems started almost immediately, the Manitoba Power Commission was going to start with 1000 farms, however a shortage of building material quickly brought the number down to 674 farms. The test area was divided into two: a large test area and a small test area. The large test area was for farms in the Portage la Prairie, Hanover, Springfield, Roland and Minto municipalities. In order for the large area to qualify for hydroelectric power, 80% of the farmers in the municipality had to sign up. For the small area to receive power 40% of the farmers had to sign up, with the length of the line to the farmyard pole not to exceed three-quarters of a mile in either area. A contract between the Manitoba Power Commission and the farmer had to be drawn up and a deposit of $50, later changed to $65, was required, as well as a deposit on the purchase of appliances. Only three out of the five municipalities in the large area ended up signing on at this time.

16

The Manitoba Power Commission Logo.
1940
Manitoba

17

Thus, farm electrification was descending on Manitoba through the efforts of the Manitoba Power Commission to improve life within the farm community.

18

Catchy graphic about farm electrification.
1942