The Town of Birtle, population 720 (Census, 1996), is located along Provincial Trunk Highways 42 and 83. Located in the valley along the Birdtail River, within the Rural Municipality of Birtle. Primarily an agricultural community, the town provides services to surrounding producers. Cereal crops and oilseeds are principal crops, in addition to livestock and specialty animals. Birtle also hosts a growing tourism industry. The Rural Municipality of Birtle has a population of 862 (1996 Census), and covers 816.37 square kilometers.