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Melfort, Saskatchewan

Coordinates: 52°51′23″N 104°36′36″W / 52.85639°N 104.61000°W / 52.85639; -104.61000
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Melfort
City
City of Melfort
Coat of arms of Melfort
Coat of arms
Motto: 
From Many Builders One Community
Melfort is located in Saskatchewan
Melfort
Melfort
Coordinates: 52°51′23″N 104°36′36″W / 52.85639°N 104.61000°W / 52.85639; -104.61000
CountryCanada
ProvinceSaskatchewan
Post office establishedAugust 1, 1892
Incorporated Village1903
Incorporated TownJuly 1, 1907
Incorporated CitySeptember 2, 1980
Government
 • MayorGlenn George
 • MLA MelfortTodd Goudy
 • MP Prince AlbertRandy Hoback
Elevation
[1]
480.10 m (1,575.13 ft)
Population
 (2016)
 • Total5,992
 • Density405.4/km2 (1,050/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC−06:00 (CST)
HighwaysHwy 3, CanAm Highway
Hwy 2 CanAm Highway, Sk Hwy 641
Websitewww.melfort.ca
[2][3][4]

Melfort (2016 population 5,992) is a city in Saskatchewan, Canada, located approximately 95 kilometres (59 mi) southeast of Prince Albert, 172 kilometres (107 mi) northeast of Saskatoon and 280 kilometres (170 mi) north of Regina.

Melfort became Saskatchewan's 12th city in 1980. Melfort was formerly called the "City of Northern Lights" due to the frequency with which the aurora borealis appears. However, in 2016, Melfort became "Play Melfort" due to its vast recreation programs and facilities.

The city is bordered by the Rural Municipality of Star City No. 428 and the Rural Municipality of Flett's Springs No. 429. It is also the administrative headquarters of the Peter Chapman First Nation band government.

History

[edit]

A few kilometres southeast of current location of Melfort settlers established themselves on the banks of Stoney Creek before relocation due to the surveying of the Canadian Northern Railway.[5] Melfort was named to honour Mrs. Reginald Beatty (née Mary Campbell, 1856–1916), wife of one of the early settlers (1884). She was born on the Melfort estate, south of Oban, in Argyllshire, Scotland.[6]

Melfort's first post office was established August 1, 1892, in the provisional district of the North West Territories with Benjamin Rothwell as the first postmaster.[2]

The community became a village on November 4, 1903, and incorporated as a town July 1, 1907. It finally became the twelfth city of Saskatchewan on September 2, 1980.[5][7][8]

Three one-room school houses used the name "Melfort". Melfort School District No. 54, later called Tiger Lily No. 54 17, near Pleasantdale. (Pleasantdale post office was previously named Windgap and was located at Township 41, Range 18 west of the 2nd Meridian). Melfort School District No. 318 was established in 1904 at Clemens, Rural Route 1, Melfort. Melfort School District No. 1037 was the last one-room school house to use this name.[9]

Geography

[edit]

Melfort is on the banks of Melfort Creek in the Carrot River Valley. The valley is noted for its black loamy soil and productive agricultural lands.[10][11] The drainage region for Melfort is the Lower Saskatchewan - Nelson and the area is characterized by a prairie ecozone.[12] The Tiger Hills Uplands ecozone provides rich soil to grow a diversity of crops.[7][13] Melfort Research Farm is located south of Melfort in the Boreal Shield ecozone and the Churchill drainage basin. The farm's main purpose is to research crops and crop systems for northern prairie black and grey soil zones.[14][15] The Melfort branch of the Canadian Legion has assembled a photographic display of the geographic memorials designated to honour the war dead.[10][16]

Demographics

[edit]

In the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Melfort had a population of 5,955 living in 2,575 of its 2,788 total private dwellings, a change of -0.6% from its 2016 population of 5,992. With a land area of 14.73 km2 (5.69 sq mi), it had a population density of 404.3/km2 (1,047.1/sq mi) in 2021.[17]

Historical populations
YearPop.±%
1906351—    
1910599+70.7%
1916971+62.1%
19965,759+493.1%
20015,559−3.5%
20065,192−6.6%
20115,576+7.4%
20165,992+7.5%
20215,955−0.6%
[18][19]


Canada census – Melfort community profile
202120162011
Population5,955 (-0.6% from 2016)5,992 (7.5% from 2011)5,576 (7.4% from 2006)
Land area14.73 km2 (5.69 sq mi)14.78 km2 (5.71 sq mi)14.78 km2 (5.71 sq mi)
Population density404.2/km2 (1,047/sq mi)405.4/km2 (1,050/sq mi)377.3/km2 (977/sq mi)
Median age42.8 (M: 39.6, F: 45.6)43.8 (M: 41.3, F: 45.5)
Private dwellings2,788 (total)  2,575 (occupied)2,691 (total)  2,464 (total) 
Median household income$71,500
References: 2021[20] 2016[21] 2011[22] earlier[23][24]

Climate

[edit]

Melfort experiences a humid continental climate (Köppen climate classification Dfb). The highest temperature ever recorded in Melfort was 41.1 °C (106 °F) on 19 July 1941.[25] The coldest temperature ever recorded was −47.2 °C (−53 °F) on 28 January 1966.[26]

Climate data for Melfort CDA, 1981–2010 normals, extremes 1901–present[a]
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 8.5
(47.3) 		10.6
(51.1) 		20.0
(68.0) 		32.2
(90.0) 		35.0
(95.0) 		39.0
(102.2) 		41.1
(106.0) 		38.3
(100.9) 		37.2
(99.0) 		32.2
(90.0) 		20.0
(68.0) 		11.1
(52.0) 		41.1
(106.0)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) −12.2
(10.0) 		−9.5
(14.9) 		−2.2
(28.0) 		8.2
(46.8) 		17.2
(63.0) 		22.3
(72.1) 		23.6
(74.5) 		23.5
(74.3) 		16.8
(62.2) 		8.3
(46.9) 		−4.3
(24.3) 		−10.9
(12.4) 		6.7
(44.1)
Daily mean °C (°F) −17.2
(1.0) 		−14.2
(6.4) 		−6.9
(19.6) 		2.8
(37.0) 		10.7
(51.3) 		15.9
(60.6) 		17.5
(63.5) 		16.8
(62.2) 		10.8
(51.4) 		3.3
(37.9) 		−8.1
(17.4) 		−15.4
(4.3) 		1.3
(34.3)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) −22.0
(−7.6) 		−18.8
(−1.8) 		−11.5
(11.3) 		−2.6
(27.3) 		4.1
(39.4) 		9.4
(48.9) 		11.3
(52.3) 		10.0
(50.0) 		4.7
(40.5) 		−1.7
(28.9) 		−11.7
(10.9) 		−19.9
(−3.8) 		−4.1
(24.6)
Record low °C (°F) −47.2
(−53.0) 		−45.6
(−50.1) 		−40.0
(−40.0) 		−35.0
(−31.0) 		−13.3
(8.1) 		−4.4
(24.1) 		−6.7
(19.9) 		−5.6
(21.9) 		−13.9
(7.0) 		−24.4
(−11.9) 		−36.5
(−33.7) 		−44.4
(−47.9) 		−47.2
(−53.0)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 14.5
(0.57) 		10.2
(0.40) 		17.2
(0.68) 		26.7
(1.05) 		42.9
(1.69) 		54.3
(2.14) 		76.7
(3.02) 		52.4
(2.06) 		38.7
(1.52) 		27.9
(1.10) 		16.5
(0.65) 		17.8
(0.70) 		395.8
(15.58)
Average rainfall mm (inches) 0.5
(0.02) 		0.3
(0.01) 		1.3
(0.05) 		14.6
(0.57) 		39.8
(1.57) 		54.3
(2.14) 		76.7
(3.02) 		52.4
(2.06) 		34.3
(1.35) 		14.8
(0.58) 		1.5
(0.06) 		0.4
(0.02) 		290.8
(11.45)
Average snowfall cm (inches) 14.3
(5.6) 		10.3
(4.1) 		16.0
(6.3) 		12.2
(4.8) 		3.0
(1.2) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		4.4
(1.7) 		13.2
(5.2) 		15.0
(5.9) 		17.5
(6.9) 		106.0
(41.7)
Mean monthly sunshine hours 87.5 116.7 152.2 203.7 250.4 259.0 281.1 262.2 167.7 137.0 79.4 66.5 2,063.3
Percent possible sunshine 34.4 42.1 41.5 48.8 51.2 51.4 55.5 57.4 44.0 41.5 30.2 27.8 43.8
Source: Environment Canada[26][27]

Economy

[edit]

The Agriculture Melfort Research Station is centred in Melfort along with many other agriculturally based industries.

The Melfort Research Farm near Melfort was established in 1935 by the Federal Minister of Agriculture.[28] It is one of the three field sites of the Saskatoon Research Centre (SRC). SRC is one of nineteen research branches of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.[29]

Melfort is near a large diamond exploration site. The ongoing diamond exploration by a joint venture between Shore Gold Inc. Newmont Mining Corporation of Canada in the Fort à la Corne district was expected to begin mine construction in 2012.

Attractions

[edit]

Within the city of Melfort is the Melfort Golf & Country Club, which hosts an 18-hole grass greens golf course, and the Spruce Haven picnic area.[30] A show ring, grandstand, museum, and exhibition building are all located within the Melfort Exhibition Grounds.[31] The Melfort & District Museum next door showcases pioneering equipment, tools, farm machinery, archival documents as well as early settler's buildings[32][33] Neighbouring points of interest are Fort Carleton, Duck Lake, and Seager Wheeler's Maple Grove Farm.[34]

Sports and recreation

[edit]

Melfort was home to the 2006 Saskatchewan Winter Games, the 1988 Saskatchewan Summer Games, the 1996 Royal Bank Cup Canadian Junior 'A' Hockey Championships, the 1995 Saskatchewan Men's Curling Pool Tankard finals and the 2002 Saskatchewan women's Scott Tournament of Hearts finals.[35] The Kerry Vickar Centre, a multi purpose sports and leisure facility, opened in the autumn of 2009[36] The previous multi-use facility at that location, the North East Leisure Centre, was taken down to make way for the new Kerry Vickar Centre.[37] Melfort offers countless recreational opportunities for families and friends including swimming, camping, skiing, fishing, and golfing,[38] among other things.

Ice hockey

[edit]

Hockey is a key part of Saskatchewan's lifestyle and Melfort is no different. The Melfort Mustangs play in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League. The Mustangs are well known in Canadian hockey circles in many ways—for instance Marc Habscheid, past coach of Canada's World Junior team, started his coaching career with the Mustangs in 1996.[39] Other notable Mustang alumni include Willie Mitchell of the Los Angeles Kings and Ruslan Fedetenko formerly of the Philadelphia Flyers.[39]

Government

[edit]

Municipal affairs are handled by the city's mayor, Glenn George and council. City council currently consists of George and six councillors.[40] The Rural Municipality of Flett's Springs No. 429 office is located on McDonald Avenue West in Melfort and provides municipal rural affairs to the small unincorporated areas of Claggett, Ethelton, Ethelton Airport, Flett Springs, Lipsett, McMichael, Melfort Airport, Minto Park, Pathlow, and Taylorside.[41]

Melfort is in the federal electoral district of Prince Albert with their Member of Parliament being Randy Hoback.[42]

Provincially, the area is within the constituency of Melfort with its MLA being Todd Goudy. He was preceded by Rod Gantefoer.[43]

Transportation

[edit]

Melfort is located at the junction of two primary route highways, Highway 3 and Highway 6 where they meet with secondary Highway 41. Approximately 327 km (203 mi) of Highway 6 contributes to the CanAm Highway between Corinne and Melfort.[44] Approximately 96 km (60 mi) of Highway 3 contribute to the CanAm Highway between Melfort and Prince Albert.[44] Melfort is approximately 174 km (108 mi) northeast of the largest provincial city, Saskatoon along Highway 41 (turning onto Highway 5) and approximately 94 km (58 mi) southeast of Prince Albert via the CanAm Highway.[45][46]

Melfort (Miller Field) Aerodrome (TC LID: CJZ3), is located 2.6 NM (4.8 km; 3.0 mi) west of Melfort.[47]

In 1925, Melfort was listed as a Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) station on the CPR Melfort Subdivision. Melfort is currently a CNR interchange point and railway station on the Tisdale, St. Brieux and Brooksby Subdivisions.[48]

Education

[edit]

The government's Canada-Saskatchewan Career and Employment Services office was to be combined with Melfort's Comprehensive High School and the Cumberland Regional College. The Melfort and Unit Comprehensive Collegiate provides education to grades 7 to 12 and is a part of the North East School Division No. 200.[49][50][51]

Historically students in Melfort were educated at the Melfort School District Unit 54.[52]

Media

[edit]

The Melfort Journal, owned by Postmedia Network, is the city's weekly newspaper.

Jim Pattison Group owns two radio stations in Melfort, country station CJVR-FM, and adult hits station CKJH.

Notable people

[edit]

Further reading

[edit]
  • Fast, Henry R; Neil, D. A. (1973). "The Melfort-Wakaw region of Saskatchewan". Agriculture Canada (Regina). OL 4591578M. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  • "Melfort 1903-2003 : 100 years of history as recorded in the Melfort Journal, Tuesday, July 29, 2003". Melfort Journal / Carrot River Journal.
  • Clancy, R.S. (Ron) (c. 2000). "Melfort Pipe Band, 1935-2000". Carrot River, Sask. : Patches Ventures Ltd. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  • Ryan, Timothy (1955). "Voices of the past: a history of Melfort and district". Melfort: Melfort and District Golden Jubilee Committee. ASIN B0037UAECO. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  • Russell, Ralph C. "Melfort District History (and the 44 Trail)". scaa.sk.ca (Overview of the Carrot River Valley with notes about the Beatty homestead, Flett's Spring, the Carrot River Fort, the Prince Albert to the Carrot River crossing trail, trails to neighbouring Indian Reserves. ed.).

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Canadian Climate Normals 1971-2000". Environment Canada. Archived from the original on 29 November 2013. Retrieved 25 December 2016.
  2. ^ a b National Archives, Archivia Net. "Post Offices and Postmasters". Retrieved 8 May 2009.
  3. ^ Government of Saskatchewan, MRD Home. "Municipal Directory System". Archived from the original on 15 January 2016. Retrieved 8 May 2009.
  4. ^ Commissioner of Canada Elections, Chief Electoral Officer of Canada (2005). "Elections Canada On-line". Archived from the original on 21 April 2007. Retrieved 8 May 2009.
  5. ^ a b "History of Melfort". City of Melfort. 2009. Archived from the original on 30 August 2009. Retrieved 13 August 2009.
  6. ^ Barry, Bill (1998) People Places: The Dictionary of Saskatchewan Place Names, p. 236, Regina, Sask: People Places Publishing Ltd., ISBN 1-894022-19-X
  7. ^ a b "Melfort". Sask Biz. Government of Saskatchewan. 2008. Retrieved 25 January 2009.
  8. ^ Coneghan, Daria (2006). "Melfort". The Encyclopedia of Saskatchewan. Canadian Plains Research Center, University of Regina. Archived from the original on 25 March 2013. Retrieved 13 August 2009.
  9. ^ Adamson, Julia (23 October 2006). "Saskatchewan Gen Web - One Room School Project - Home Page". Retrieved 13 August 2009.
  10. ^ a b "Geography of Saskatchewan". Faculty of Arts. University of Regina. Archived from the original on 6 July 2011. Retrieved 14 August 2009.
  11. ^ "Melfort and District Chamber of Commerce". Archived from the original on 16 October 2010. Retrieved 14 August 2009.
  12. ^ "Canadian Environmental Assessment Archives - Geographical Location". Home > Registry Archives > 07-01-26770 > Geographical Location. Government of Canada. 31 December 2008. Retrieved 14 August 2009.
  13. ^ "City of Melfort". 2008. Retrieved 25 January 2009.
  14. ^ "Connections Services Directory". Government of Saskatchewan. 19 November 2008. Archived from the original on 17 December 2005. Retrieved 14 August 2009.
  15. ^ "Canadian Environmental Assessment Archives - Geographical Location". Home > Registry Archives > 05-01-12232 > Geographical Location. Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency. 27 June 2005. Retrieved 14 August 2009.
  16. ^ "Saskatchewan Branches Use Geography To Honour War Dead". Legion Magazine. 1 January 1002. Retrieved 14 August 2009.
  17. ^ "Population and dwelling counts: Canada, provinces and territories, census divisions and census subdivisions (municipalities), Saskatchewan". Statistics Canada. 9 February 2022. Retrieved 27 March 2022.
  18. ^ Taché, J. de Labroquerie (print version); Adamson, Julia (online version). "Census of Prairie Provinces Population and Agriculture Manitoba Saskatchewan Alberta". Ottawa: Printer to the King's Most Excellent Majesty. 1918 republished to the internet 17 October 2000. Table 3 Towns page 121 Alameda, Sk to Watson, Sk {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  19. ^ "2001 Community Profiles". Statistics Canada. Government of Canada. 1 February 2007. Retrieved 28 September 2008.
  20. ^ "2021 Community Profiles". 2021 Canadian census. Statistics Canada. 4 February 2022. Retrieved 19 October 2023.
  21. ^ "2016 Community Profiles". 2016 Canadian census. Statistics Canada. 12 August 2021. Retrieved 15 March 2017.
  22. ^ "2011 Community Profiles". 2011 Canadian census. Statistics Canada. 21 March 2019. Retrieved 7 July 2012.
  23. ^ "2006 Community Profiles". 2006 Canadian census. Statistics Canada. 20 August 2019.
  24. ^ "2001 Community Profiles". 2001 Canadian census. Statistics Canada. 18 July 2021.
  25. ^ "July 1941". Environment Canada. 31 October 2011. Retrieved 4 May 2016.
  26. ^ a b "Melfort CDA". Environment Canada. 25 September 2013. Retrieved 4 May 2016.
  27. ^ "Melfort". Environment Canada. 31 October 2011. Retrieved 4 May 2016.
  28. ^ "History of the Melfort Research Farm" (PDF). Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. 2010. Retrieved 5 April 2014.
  29. ^ "Saskatoon Research Centre (SRC)". Government of Canada. 2014. Retrieved 5 April 2014.
  30. ^ "Melfort Parks & Gardens". World Web Technologies Inc. 1994–2009. Retrieved 14 August 2009.
  31. ^ "Melfort Fairgrounds: Fairgrounds in Melfort, Saskatchewan". Canada Saskatchewan East Central Region Melfort Sights & Attractions Fairgrounds. World Web Technologies Inc. 1994–2009. Retrieved 14 August 2009.
  32. ^ "Melfort & District Museum". City of Melfort. 2011. Archived from the original on 29 July 2010. Retrieved 14 August 2009.
  33. ^ "Melfort & District Chamber of Commerce". Family Farmers. 2009. Archived from the original on 17 October 2010. Retrieved 14 August 2009.
  34. ^ "Workshop 6: Melfort" (PDF). Clearing the Path. Archived from the original (PDF) on 15 February 2012. Retrieved 14 August 2009.
  35. ^ "Melfort to Host 2006 Saskatchewan Winter Games". Home/About Government/News Releases/February 2004. Government of Saskatchewan. 16 February 2004. Archived from the original on 11 June 2011. Retrieved 14 August 2009.
  36. ^ "New Kerry Vickar Centre". City of Melfort. 2009. Archived from the original on 24 September 2013. Retrieved 14 August 2009.
  37. ^ "North East Leisure Centre". City of Melfort. 2009. Retrieved 14 August 2009.[dead link]
  38. ^ "Melfort |". www.tourismsaskatchewan.com. Retrieved 22 July 2023.
  39. ^ a b "Melfort Mustangs". 2009. Retrieved 13 August 2009.
  40. ^ "City of Melfort". Municipal Directory System. Government of Saskatchewan. 2021. Archived from the original on 15 January 2016. Retrieved 13 April 2021.
  41. ^ "Economic Regions 2006 4715051 - Flett's Springs No. 429, geographical codes and localities, 2006". Statistics Canada. 3 July 2006. Archived from the original on 6 July 2011. Retrieved 18 September 2008.
  42. ^ "Voter Information Service -". Elections Canada. Archived from the original on 6 December 2012. Retrieved 18 September 2008.
  43. ^ "CTI Canadian Textiles Institute". Supported by the Government of Canada through the Canadian Apparel & Textile Industries Program (CATIP). Powered by iCongo. 2005. Archived from the original on 23 September 2006. Retrieved 18 September 2008.
  44. ^ a b Microsoft Streets and Tips (Map) (2004 ed.). Microsoft Corp. § Route Planner.
  45. ^ "Driving Directions from Melfort, SK, CA to Saskatoon, SK, CA". MapQuest, Inc. 2009. Retrieved 25 December 2016.
  46. ^ "Driving Directions from Melfort, SK, CA to Prince Albert, SK, CA". MapQuest, Inc. 2009. Retrieved 15 August 2009.
  47. ^ Canada Flight Supplement. Effective 0901Z 16 July 2020 to 0901Z 10 September 2020.
  48. ^ Waghorn's Guide (18 January 2005). "Canadian Maps: January 1925 Waghorn's Guide. Post Offices in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and western Ontario". Rootsweb. Adamson, Julia. Retrieved 13 August 2009.
  49. ^ "Melfort shared education facility gets green light". Home/About Government/News Releases/July 2000/. Government of Saskatchewan. 7 July 2000. Archived from the original on 11 June 2011. Retrieved 14 August 2009.
  50. ^ "Grand Opening of Melfort Career, Education and Employment Services". Home/About Government/News Releases/November 2001/. Government of Saskatchewan. 28 November 2001. Archived from the original on 11 June 2011. Retrieved 14 August 2009.
  51. ^ "Melfort and Unit Comprehensive Collegiate – Education in a Culture of Excellence". Retrieved 14 August 2009.
  52. ^ "Country School Memories Melfort and District Museum Melfort, Saskatchewan". Community School Memories. Virtual Museum Canada. Archived from the original on 15 January 2013. Retrieved 14 August 2009.
  53. ^ "Gaillard, Martine". Rogers Sportsnet Website. 2009. Archived from the original on 18 November 2012. Retrieved 13 August 2009.
  54. ^ "Lorne Henning's hockey statistics profile at hockeydb.com". Hockey Database. 2008. Retrieved 13 August 2009.
  55. ^ "Actor Arthur Hill Dies At 84". Los Angeles News. 26 October 2006. Archived from the original on 6 November 2006. Retrieved 25 December 2016.
  56. ^ "New York Islanders". www.nhl.com.
  57. ^ Melfort, Saskatchewan career statistics at The Internet Hockey Database date accessed 2009-08-13
  58. ^ "Jaden Schwartz's hockey statistics profile at hockeydb.com". Hockey Database. 2012. Retrieved 27 March 2023.
  59. ^ Mitchell, Kevin (14 November 2008). "Watt returns to ice". The StarPhoenix. Archived from the original on 5 November 2012. Retrieved 21 November 2008.
  60. ^ "Voice: The Killer App". Andrew Seybold's Outlook. 30 September 2000. Archived from the original on 11 May 2009. Retrieved 25 December 2016.
  61. ^ "Logan Ferland". www.riderville.com.
  62. ^ "Tyson Strachan Hockey Stats and Profile at hockeydb.com". www.hockeydb.com. Retrieved 7 August 2020.
  1. ^ Climate data was recorded in the town of Melfort from October 1901 to December 1960 and at the Melfort Canadian Department of Agriculture from January 1961 to present.
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