Government of Saskatchewan Western Red Lilies


Imperial

Geography

The Town of Imperial is geographically situated at the center of Southern Saskatchewan's agricultural grain belt, at the northern end of Last Mountain Lake.

The Town of Imperial is 140 KM north-west of Regina and 150 KM south-east of Saskatoon.

The Imperial District is rich in prairie history and wildlife.

History
European settlers first arrived in the district in the late 1800s setting up a town site at Watertown, seven miles east of the present town, on Last Mountain Lake. The lake was the primary transportation link to the railhead at Regina as the lake stretches some seventy-five miles to the south. A paddle wheeler boat brought mail and people to and from the area until the Canadian Pacific Railroad (CPR) ran a line north from Regina seven to ten miles west of the lake. Placing the rail line this far from the lake provided the necessary agricultural land on both sides of the line. In those days adequate grain producing land needed to be within a reasonable distance for horse-drawn wagons and sleighs to deliver enough grain to the elevators on the rail lines. Communities sprang up along the rail lines at 8 to 10 mile intervals where stops were made to refill the water tanks of the steam engines.

The communities on this line have a distinctly royal flavor to their names: Simpson, Imperial, Stalwart, Liberty, Penzance, and Holdfast. Imperial's streets are named after royal titles: Duke, Duchess, Prince, Princess, and of course main street is Royal Street.

The new rail line provided the impetus to move the community to its present location, and incorporate it in 1911 just six years after Saskatchewan became a Province.

Economic Information
The Imperial District is primarily a grain and oilseed agricultural region. There is also a strong livestock segment with both commercial and pedigreed breeders in the area.

Jeckyl Ag Commodities is also located in Imperial, here they have a large leaf-cutter bee operation and alfalfa seed production.

Stalwart, a community eight miles south has a large turkey operation, and there are also some specialty livestock producers in the area.

Rite-Way Manufacturing is located in Imperial producing top quality agriculture implements.

The Town of Imperial has an Economic Development Committee and is actively pursuing business ventures. The town and residents are very open to business development in the area.

Attractions
The land varies from flat plain to rolling hills. Native aspen bluffs have become more predominant especially in the hills to the west as agriculture developed.

Wildlife abounds in the area especially during the twice-yearly stopover for the millions of migratory birds who make the district a staging area spring and fall. At the top of Last Mountain Lake is the oldest federal bird sanctuary in North America.

Today a wildlife protection area maintained jointly by the Canadian Wildlife Service and Ducks Unlimited surrounds it.

As agriculture tamed the raging prairie fires that decimated much of the aspen bluffs and other habitat in the early Twentieth Century much more wildlife is evident today. So today, in addition to migratory birds, the area is home to many upland bird species such as Hungarian Partridge and Prairie Chicken (Sharp-tailed grouse).

White-tailed and mule deer are common and in the past few years it is not uncommon to sight Prong-horned Antelope herds northeast of Imperial.

And how could we leave nature without mentioning the lake itself. Last Mountain Lake is home to many species of fish. Northern Pike and Walleye are sought after in the summer and ice fishermen find Whitefish and Perch in abundance.

Lush green tree lined streets are the mark of a community which has taken the greatest of care to create a comfortable home for its residents. The changing seasons are reflected in the wondrous colours of our trees.

An RV Campground is located in Imperial with water and power hookups. A 9 hole sand-green golf course is located just south of the town.

Other Info
Health and Safety:
Imperial is within the Regina Qu'appelle Health Region. The Long Lake Valley Integrated Facility is an 18-bed facility that provides short-term and long-term care, and a wide range of outreach programs. The Centre also offers prevention and education programs, respite and day care services.

Ambulance & Fire Protective Services:
Imperial and area is serviced by a local volunteer ambulance service. The area is also services by a volunteer Fire Department. Call 911.

RCMP:
The RCMP stationed in Watrous provide protective services to Imperial. Call 306-946-3316.

Transportation:
Saskatchewan Transportation Company (STC) provides bus service to Imperial with connections to Saskatoon and Regina.
Frieght service is provided by DHL, STC and Purolator.

Electricity:
Electricity is supplied by SaskPower. For information phone 1-888-757-6937.

Gas:
Gas is supplied by SaskEnergy. For information phone 1-800-667-3075.

Water:
The Town of Imperial has a Reverse Osmosis System in place to service all residents.

Sewer:
Lagoons are located South-east of Imperial.