Archives of Manitoba

1930-1970

The Lands Branch was responsible for administering the sale, granting, leasing, acquisition, and use management of Crown lands in Manitoba.

The Lands Branch of the Department of Mines and Natural Resources was created in 1930 when control of Manitoba's natural resources, including Crown lands, was transferred from the federal Department of the Interior. The Lands Branch became responsible for lands in Manitoba previously managed by the federal government in addition to lands already under the control of the Province. The Branch was responsible for administering land sales and haying, grazing, farm, and special use leases. The Branch also assumed responsibility for administering land grants, including homestead entries and grants to soldiers, that had not been completed or cancelled at the time of transfer of responsibility to the Province in 1930.

Although the Province discontinued the practice of offering homestead and soldier grants, during the Second World War the Lands Branch reserved land in expectation that returning veterans would require farm land. All Crown land suitable for agriculture, and all school lands, were withheld from sale in anticipation of the post-War need. Previously undeveloped areas were assessed and developments such as the construction of roads, ditches, and the clearing and breaking of land were recommended.

The Branch maintained a permanent record of the location and disposition of all Crown lands in addition to administering sales and leases. The Branch cooperated with both the federal and provincial Departments of Agriculture to classify land and carry out soil surveys. The Branch also developed and utilized Crown lands remaining under Provincial ownership by managing the harvesting of wild rice and by initiating such programmes as the Grassland Development Project. Under the terms of the Agricultural and Rural Development Agreement (ARDA), a federal-provincial cost sharing agreement, the Branch acquired further Crown lands.

In 1971, the functions of the Lands Branch were transferred to the Surveys, Mapping and Lands Branch of the Department of Mines, Resources and Environmental Management as part of a departmental reorganization based on function rather than resource type.

The Provincial Lands Act (1930)

The Crown Lands Act (1934)

1930-1970 Manitoba. Department of Mines and Natural Resources

1930-1970 Manitoba. Department of Mines and Natural Resources