Pinawa (a local government district, LGD) is located in the Canadian Shield, about 110 km north-east of Winnipeg. It was established in the 1960s, to support the Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) nuclear research laboratory that was established in 1963.  The townsite was planned to accommodate a population of about 5000, and much of the infrastructure was completed. However, the population never grew beyond 2000, and peaked in the 1970s. Although some research continues at the laboratory, many of the facilities have been decommissioned.

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The townsite reflects the era in which it was planned, the housing laid out on bays and cul-de-sacs. Unlike most smaller Manitoba towns, it has no historic “main street,” but has a small central shopping mall with a grocery store, pharmacy and other services at its centre. However, Pinawa has been popular with older adults due to its location in the boreal forest, the granite outcroppings of the Shield, wildlife (often literally on your doorstep) and its picturesque position on the Winnipeg River. It has a much-loved golf course, walking trails and a hospital. It accessible to major amenities like Whiteshell and Pinawa Dam Provincial Parks.

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