soils and adequate rainfall. Most precipitation falls as rain in the summer - usually in brief thunderstorms - or in less violent but more protracted snow or rainshowers in spring and fall. Little precipitation falls in winter because the air is then too cold to hold significant amounts of moisture. However, because the temperature rarely goes above the melting point of water in winter, what precipitation that does fall falls as snow, and accumulates on the ground, building to a depth of about before finally starting to melt in March. Economy The economic base of the town lies in agriculture and forestry along with support industries for same. Almost fifty percent of the surrounding area is under cultivation, most of which is seeded to cereal grain, oilseeds, and other speciality crops. Wheat, rye, barley, oats, flax, and rapeseed are the primary grain crops, while other commercial crops include potatoes and strawberries. There are also many mixed farms producing cattle, pigs, and farm-raised wild animals. Softwood lumber trees (primarily white spruce) are cut from the surrounding forests, and milled at Spruce Products Ltd. Also, east of Swan River is located a mill specializing in the production of oriented strand board from aspen and balsam poplar. It is owned by Louisiana-Pacific. Other major industries of the town are health care, retail services, manufacturing, and tourism. Services The Town of Swan River acts as a hub for an area of approximately 8,000 people. Health care The primary healthcare centre in the Swan River Valley is the Swan Valley Health Centre, located in downtown Swan River. The 52 acute-care bed facility was opened in 2005 to replace the old Swan River Valley Hospital, which closed in 2001. Between 2001-2005, the Swan River Valley Hospital was located in a temporary structure adjacent to the old hospital. Services at the hospital include in-patient medical/surgical services, out-patient services, mental health services, and occupational therapy. The hospital is also home to the only emergency department in the Swan River Valley. Retail The Town of Swan River is home to a number of local, national, and international retailers and businesses. Major grocers include the Swan Valley Co-op, Extra Foods, and Giant Tiger. The town is also home to a number of restaurants, including McDonald's, A&W, KFC, Tim Hortons, Chicken Chef, Pizza Place, Subway, and Dairy Queen. Other retailers include Peavey Mart, Ace Hardware, Red Apple, Warehouse One- The Jean