Gateway to Nature
Mariapolis
When the railway expanded west in 1888, officials purchased land for a station every ten miles and surveyed town sites along the way. Local homesteaders approached their parish priest, Father Campeau, to help choose a name for the new community. Aware that railway officials preferred to avoid another “St.” designation, he suggested Marieapolis, meaning “city of Mary.” The name was accepted, and in later years the final “e” was dropped, giving us the name Mariapolis. Today, the population shifts gently from year to year as longtime residents age and younger families move in. As of 2025, the town is home to 66 residents.
Historic and Notable Features
Mariapolis is known for its charming and notable landmarks. The first building to greet visitors is the impressive Roman Catholic Church, built in 1908 and able to seat approximately 250 people. Not far away is the Community Recreation Centre, built in 1970, which offers seating for 330 and features a hardwood dance floor along with newly updated kitchen facilities and washrooms. The Senior’s Centre, built in 1982, continues to host small gatherings and activities for residents of all ages.
Local Services and Businesses
The community is served by a variety of local businesses and services that contribute to the town’s welcoming atmosphere. Gateway Getaway functions as a restaurant, mini-mart, alcohol and beer vendor, and social hub. Briand’s Cabinets has offered quality woodworking since 1989, while Garnet Pouteau provides reliable plumbing services. The Pembina Co-op operates a training and meeting building in town, along with three fertilizer sheds, including a newly constructed facility added in 2025. Just west of Mariapolis, the Co-op maintains its Agro office and anhydrous operation, and the former elementary school now serves as the maintenance building for Prairie Mountain School Division.
Community Recycling Initiative
A strong sense of community pride is reflected in the Recycling Depot, built in 2000 and maintained entirely by volunteers. Residents bring their recyclables and sort them into the appropriate bins, and the funds received from the Municipality for diverting waste from the landfill are reinvested directly into community projects.
Recreation and Community Life
Recreation is at the heart of life in Mariapolis. The Community Hall welcomes weddings, socials, anniversary celebrations, and funeral lunches, as well as several family-friendly events throughout the year. Popular gatherings such as the Crokinole Tournament and the Minute to Win It evening consistently draw enthusiastic crowds. Each year, the Mari-Gyle Game and Fish Association hosts a supper and awards night where hunters and fishers of all ages enter their hoped-for trophy catches to be judged. During the winter months, the hall provides space for walking, and in fall and winter pickleball players meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Christmas brings added excitement, as the hall transforms into “party central” for children during the annual Santa Dance.
The Arena, built in 1975, is used year-round and is recognizable by its distinctive Dring rafters, which lend a warm and familiar community feel. A fully equipped fitness centre sits above the dressing rooms. The surrounding sports grounds feature four well-maintained baseball diamonds, one of which was completely renewed in 2025 thanks to extensive volunteer labour and community fundraising. The annual Mari-Happiness Ball Tournament celebrated its 53rd year in 2025 and is accompanied by a Belgium Bowling tournament played on the ten permanent outdoor alleys behind the Arena, as well as an indoor pickleball tournament. A play structure and inflatable playground keep younger visitors busy, while a social evening of music and dancing wraps up the weekend. Visitors may camp on the grounds, which offer three electrical sites, additional non-electrical spaces, an outdoor washroom, a septic cleanout, and a nearby food booth open during Mari-Happiness weekend and on baseball game nights.
Mari-Gyle Park
Another cherished destination is Mari-Gyle Park. In 1972–1973, a small group of residents approached the municipal councils of Argyle and Lorne—whose shared boundary lies just south of town—to request support for building a road to the lake with the hope of creating a recreational area. After many hours of volunteer labour and a generous land contribution, the project succeeded, and Mari-Gyle Park was established. Today it serves as a peaceful place to picnic, relax, or launch a boat for a day of fishing.
Mariapolis proudly welcomes visitors with its slogan, displayed at the highway entrance: “Gateway to Nature.” Those interested in learning more about the community’s heritage can purchase the town’s history book at the Lorne Municipal Office in Somerset.