– 25 kilometres away from Ruttan Lake. The town was constructed with a deep respect for the wilderness that is incorporated into every aspect of the community, from construction to infrastructure to recreation. In June 1971, the construction of Leaf Rapids began, ensuring that much of the natural vegetation would be saved. Even in present-day Leaf Rapids, a permit must be obtained before cutting down any trees within the town limits. The Town Centre Complex contains the following: Leaf Rapids Education Centre Leaf Rapids Town Offices Leaf Rapids Consumer Cooperative Library Art Gallery - Currently closed. Restaurant - Currently closed. (September 2009) Hotel - Currently closed. Gymnasium Hockey arena - Currently closed. (September 2009) Curling club (4 sheets of ice) - Currently closed. (September 2009) Health Centre Awards Built in a semicircle of residential bays around the Town Centre Complex, Leaf Rapids won the coveted Vincent Massey Award for Urban Excellence in 1975. The Town Centre Complex was built of a material that was supposed to turn bright blue as it reacted over time to air pollution; however, in this remote part of the world, there is no air pollution, causing the Town Centre Complex to remain rust colored. During the first four years of its life, architects and town planners from across Canada and around the world – some as far away as Japan – visited Leaf Rapids to view its unique design and infrastructure. Over the years, other towns followed suit and today Leaf Rapids is not alone in offering modern urban convenience in the midst of a commanding wilderness – but Leaf Rapids was the first. Transportation Leaf Rapids is located adjacent to provincial highway 391. Highway 391 connects the communities of Thompson, Lynn Lake, the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation, Granville Lake, and South Indian Lake. Six kilometres north of Leaf Rapids is the Leaf Rapids Airport. As of 2007, there was no regular commercial air service at the airport. A number of small local companies provide charter passenger and cargo services. Calm Air used to fly regular passenger flights from Leaf Rapids to Thompson, however these flights have ceased since the Ruttan Mine closed. In 2007 the community again made headlines by proposing the use of golf carts for local transport. Golf carts were offered as an incentive to new buyers of homes in the community. Education Leaf Rapids is home to the Leaf Rapids Education Centre.