Elma, Manitoba is a community in Manitoba. It is located on the Whitemouth River, at the junction of Highway 15 and Highway 11 in the Rural Municipality of Whitemouth.
Its name may originate from all the elm trees in the area, though it is more likely the name was given when the Canadian National Railway was built through the area (1905?) It was common for small railroad towns to be named by the railroad engineers or other planners. Elma has a small rail station (hut) used frequently by people going to isolated cabins in the eastern Whiteshell and North Western Manitoba.
Its population is approximately 95 full-time residents. This grows during the summer as many people have small cabins for summer use. There are no nearby facilities for children. The Community Club is practically defunct and opens for only occasional functions, the Fall Supper being one of them.
There were several debates in the town over sewer and water being installed over the years. In 2010 the latest bid by the RM of Whitemouth was quashed by the courts. . Most of the opposition was due to the large cost, on average 20,000 dollars per property, some as much as $100,000, under an updated Provincial Order in September 2010.
In the Fall of 2011 the RM of Whitemouth installed a drinking water pipeline (originating in Seven Sisters, 35 Kilometres away) for those residents who wanted it. The costs were to be shared between those people and a small government grant. Costs averaging 13,000 dollars per household.
There is currently little infrastructure in Elma. The biggest employers are the Pineland Forest Nursery, Canadian national Railways, Sun Gro Horticulture Income Fund, and Seer Logging. Two Service Stations, Restaurant, Gift/Crafts shop and a successful grocery store make up the other local businesses. Plans for a Seniors Centre are still pending (2010.) Delays for this project are due to provincial requirement for a safe drinking water supply and an adequate sewer system. Several derelict buildings in this small town are slowly being torn down as the RM becomes more active in enforcing Bylaws. Residents are hoping with the arrival of a fresh drinking water supply and promises from the RM to clean the area up, the town may rejuvenate and attract new people to the area. It is an excellent area for retirement due to its location.