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| Geography |  The City of Humboldt is strategically located in Central Saskatchewan. Located on Highway #5 and Highway #20, Humboldt is 655 kilometres (kms) (390 miles) west of Winnipeg, about the same distance east of Edmonton and 728 kms (432 miles) east of Calgary. Regina lies almost directly to the south, located 231 kms (138 miles), Saskatoon is about 113 kms (66 miles) to the west, and from Humboldt to the United States (U.S.) border is 350 kms (210 miles).
Humboldt lies in what is known as the Park Country, as distinguished from the open prairie.
On average, the month of July is the warmest month in Humboldt averaging 17.7 degrees Celsius. The coldest month during the winter season is, on average, January.
| | History | Humboldt takes its name from Baron Alexander von Humboldt, a famous German naturalist and explorer. Over 1,000 places carry his name, including rivers, mountains, glaciers, streets, and cities; but, there is only one Humboldt in Canada.
Humboldt's beginnings date to 1875 when it was a mere dot on the Carlton Trail between Fort Qu'Appelle and Fort Carlton. When it became a stage depot and Dominion Telegraph Station in 1878, it was the central point between Fort Edmonton and Fort Garry. In those days a trip between these two points took two months by Red River Cart - in good weather. General Middleton and the North West Mounted Police (NWMP) camped at Humboldt on their way to crush the Riel Rebellion in 1885. The Humboldt Telegraph Station operated until it was officially closed in 1923.
With the construction of the railway between Regina and Rosthern in the late 1800s, settlers began moving in. One of the first was Caspar Feltin, who in 1903 homesteaded near Burton Lake, north of the City. After the Benedictine Fathers arrived from Minnesota that same year, thousands of people followed and settled in Humboldt and District. The railroad arrived in 1904 adopting the name Humboldt for the new settlement from the old Humboldt Telegraph Station and Supply Depot situated some seven miles to the southwest.
The original site for Humboldt was actually Dixon, west of the City, however, because of the proximity to water at Burton Lake for the steam locomotives, the location was moved eastward to the present day site of Humboldt. More settlers arrived and more businesses opened in the ensuing months. On March 6, 1905, the community elders wrote to the Deputy Commissioner of the Northwest Territories in Regina asking for the necessary papers to incorporate as a Village. An Order-in-Council was issued June 30, 1905, and the new Village of Humboldt was officially established. By April 7, 1907, Humboldt was declared a Town. On November 7, 2000, with a population over 5,500 Humboldt was declared Saskatchewan's thirteenth city.
In less than a century, Humboldt has become a thriving, dynamic community for business, industry, health, education, and culture. Humboldt's record of growth is assurance that opportunities do await the Investor in Humboldt.
Humboldt welcomes thousands of visitors a year who are invariably impressed with the cleanliness and efficiency of our modern community. The parks, streets, and homes are shaded by luxuriant trees, the people friendly and helpful.
| | Economic Information | Humboldt's main source of growth in the early years was attributed to the Canadian Northern (CN) and Canadian Pacific Railways (CPR). But in addition to it being a railroad division point, Humboldt (its motto is Heart of the Sure Crop District) is located in one of Saskatchewan's most progressive and prosperous farming areas, and has very rarely experienced a crop failure. Just as agriculture contributed to its early growth, agriculture can take credit as Humboldt's economic mainstay today. As a result of the community's diversified economy, the City has grown to become a focal point in the Province of Saskatchewan, encompassing agricultural, industrial, and commercial development in its economic make-up. The area has been favoured with many entrepreneurial people who have established numerous agricultural service industries not the least of which is a number of manufacturing concerns in the surrounding area that not only serve local needs but export markets as well. A mixed farming region, the Humboldt district is part of the largest hog producing area in Saskatchewan.
Some of the features which make Humboldt an ideal location for commercial and industrial development include:
An excellent central location, strategically located in the heart of Saskatchewan
A 25 acre industrial park which includes all services required by industry
A large trading area population, currently in excess of 26,000 people
Excellent transportation facilities to major centres
Competitive costs in taxation, labour, and utilities
The availability of education, medical, and recreational and cultural facilities.
Humboldt offers a wide variety of housing styles (from one-bedroom apartments to single family dwellings) at an affordable price. The average price for a three-bedroom home in Humboldt is approximately $75,000 but can also range from $50,000 to $200,000 depending on the year of the home. Average rent can range from $300 to $550 per month in Humboldt.
The City of Humboldt welcomes commercial and industrial interest. City Council is committed to building a City in which business can prosper while maintaining their responsibility to the community taxpayers.
Excellent recreational, educational, and shopping facilities along with the friendly atmosphere of the community further enhance Humboldt's appeal. A stable agricultural economy, reasonable land prices, trained labour force, and proximity to major urban centres such as Regina, Saskatoon, and Prince Albert, make our City a desirable place to live and work.
For more information on the City of Humboldt please contact the Economic Development and Tourism Department at (306) 682-3444.
| | Attractions |  Humboldt and surrounding area offers a number of things for residents and visitors to do in their leisure time. During the year people can attend events relating to the German theme such as the following:
German Kaffee Stunde (April)
Summer Sizzler & Rodeo (June 29 - July 1)
Polkafest (July)
Oktoberfest (October)
St. Nickolaus Tag (December)
Residents and visitors to Humboldt and area can enjoy the following attractions and facilities:
Willkommen Centre - A 1912 structurally sound building where the interior resembles a small German village - your one stop shopping spot to learn all about Humboldt's attractions, German history and demographics.
Humboldt and District Museum and Gallery - This historical building presents artifact displays which depict lifestyles from the 1885 - 1940 period. The various displays include: a schoolroom, train station, general store, and a replica of the Telegraph Station.
Humboldt Murals - Stroll through downtown Humboldt and see the mural depicting the German history of the area.
Humboldt Golf Club - Tee off on the 18-hole golf course with grass greens, watered tree-lined fairways, and unique island greens. The pro shop, lunch counter, and licensed lounge with outdoor patio are yours to enjoy in the clubhouse.
Humboldt Aquatic Centre - Enjoy many hours of fun at the Aquatic Centre. Take in the 20-person hot tub, 186-foot waterslide, 25-metre lane pool, 0.6 depth kid's pool, and so much more.
Humboldt Uniplex & Grounds - This multi-use facility is equipped with a community centre for all your meeting needs; Elgar Petersen Arena which boasts a 1,869 seat artificial ice arena; curling rink with six sheets of artificial ice; Aquatic Centre, and equipped with ball diamonds to keep you busy in the summer.
Neighbourhood Parks - Humboldt has five parks for use by area residents and their children. The parks contain playground equipment safe for all children to play on.
St. Peter's Cathedral and Abbey - located 10 kms east of Humboldt in Muenster. St. Peter's Cathedral built in 1908 and 1910 is one of Saskatchewan's seven man-made wonders featuring paintings by Berthold Imhoff. St. Peter's Abbey was the first Benedictine monastery in Canada and is now home to St. Peter's College.
Waldsea Lake Regional Park - A short drive northwest you will find a Park that offers summer fun at its best with camping, swimming, picnicking, minigolf, sailing, boating, and water-skiing.
| | Other Info | Education:
There are four schools serving Humboldt and District. Three elementary schools with enrollment from kindergarten to Grade 8; two Catholic (St. Augustine and St. Dominic) and one public (Humboldt Public School). Humboldt also has one High School (Humboldt Collegiate Institute) serving students in the Grade 9-12 range.
Carlton Trail Regional College offers programs in the following areas: adult literacy, career services, skill training, distance education, institute programs, university programs, adult basic education, personal development, and computer training.
Health and Safety:
Humboldt is a participating member of the Humboldt and District Mutual Aid area with a network of communication servicing the member municipalities.
The Humboldt Fire Department consists of 23 volunteers, paid on call firefighters, and a full-time Fire Chief.
Humboldt is policed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) with a permanent detachment in Humboldt consisting of five city patrol officers and six rural patrol officers.
Humboldt is part of the Central Plains Health District. Within Humboldt there are nine physicians, three dentists, one orthodontist, two optometrists, and five chiropractors. The St. Elizabeth Hospital has a capacity of 45 beds. The doctors on staff at the hospital provide general medicine and surgery services. Other services provided at the hospital are: laboratory, radiology, physiotherapy, palliative care, dietary counseling, cardiology, obstetrics, urology, gynecology, internal medicine, neurology, roomotology, ear/nose/throat specialists, and geriatric services.
St. Mary's Villa is a 101-bed facility, which provides Level III and Level IV care for senior citizens. There are also 13 enriched housing units at the Villa as well.
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