The Village of Belle Plaine is situated on the TransCanada Highway #1 and the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) Mainline, approximately halfway between the cities of Moose Jaw and Regina. There are approximately 70 residents living in the community.
History
Some say Belle Plaine was named by early settlers after Belle Plaine Iowa, USA. Others say it was named by a Frenchman on the CPR construction crew. Translated literally it means 'Beautiful Plain'. The Homesteaders were the first settlers in the district arriving in 1883 and 1884. By 1905, most of the available homestead lands had been occupied. Most of the settlers bought their land from the CPR and the companies such as Luseland Company Calgary, Medicine Hat Land Company, and Canadian Northwest Land Company.
The earliest record of Belle Plaine indicated that the Western Elevator Company was operating here in 1899, but as Stony Beach farmers were hauling wheat to Belle Plaine in 1896 it was likely that there was an elevator operating at that time. The post office opened in 1903 and the church was built that same year. Belle Plaine held its first sports day in 1902. The CPR station was built in 1908 and the Bank of Hamilton operated from 1908 to 1916. In the early days Belle Plaine had many granaries. Farmers filled them in the fall when weather and roads were good and loaded them out in winter when railway cars became available.
Economic Information
Most of the population of Belle Plaine work outside the community in nearby industries such as IMC Kalium, Saskferco, and Canadian Salt. Belle Plaine has been endorsed by the cities of Moose Jaw and Regina as an important link in the industrial development corridor. Businesses within Belle Plaine include Chubby's 2000, Wilderman Mechanical and Backhoe, Second Hand Rose Auto Restoration, GDS Manufacturing, and Prairie House of Memories.
Attractions
Belle Plaine is an important link between Moose Jaw and Regina. The community has a motel, gas station, lounge, and restaurant.
Bell Plaine has a ball diamond, outdoor skating rink, and an active town hall for meetings and other engagements.
The Craft Shop with antiques featuring the history of the community offers culture to the residents of Belle Plaine and travelers coming through the Village.
Other Info
Belle Plaine is an important link between Moose Jaw and Regina. The community has a working motel, gas station, lounge, and restaurant.
For recreation the community has a ball diamond, outdoor skating rink, and an active town hall for meetings and other engagements.
The Craft Shop with antiques and featuring the history of the community offers culture to the residents of Belle Plaine and travelers coming through the Village.
The Village of Belle Plaine is situated on the TransCanada Highway #1 and the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) Mainline, approximately halfway between the cities of Moose Jaw and Regina. There are approximately 70 residents living in the community.
