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| Geography |  The Town of Maple Creek is located in southwest Saskatchewan, 8 kilometres (kms) south of the TransCanada highway and midway between Regina, Saskatchewan and Calgary, Alberta. The transcontinental line of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) runs through the north end of the community, and combined with the close proximity of the TransCanada Highway, Maple Creek provides a distinct advantage to producers and manufacturers.
Maple Creek is the gateway to the beautiful Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, just 30 kms south on the #21 highway. Within a short 55 kms is the Fort Walsh National Historic Park and the historic site of the Cypress Hills Massacre.
| | History | Although Maple Creek is considered to have been established in 1883, it actually got its beginning in the late fall of 1882. A group of hardy workers decided to spend the winter camped on the banks of the Maple Creek, rather than return with the rest of the track laying crew when construction halted for the winter a few miles east of the present town site. Historians report that 22 men made up the population of Maple Creek during the winter of 1882.
With the arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) and the movement of the NWMP 'A' Division from Fort Walsh to the railhead in the spring of 1883, the community of Maple Creek was born. The new community was comprised of businesses and pioneers that had either come to the west by train or had relocated from the Village of Fort Walsh. Agriculture was initiated immediately and, in 1884, Maple Creek exported 650 bushels of wheat and the first shipment of cattle from western Canada. In short order (1885-1887) schools and churches were erected, new settlers and businesses were attracted, and by 1896 the settlement was large enough to require an 'overseer'. Elected to this position was Mr. J.J. English. By 1902 the village boasted a population of 461.
On April 30, 1903, under the statutes of the North West Territories, Maple Creek was incorporated as a town and the first town election was held shortly afterwards. Mr. John Dixon was elected Maple Creek's first mayor. The first meeting of the newly incorporated Town Council was held May 26, 1903.
The community experienced many firsts in its early years of growth. In 1907, the Mayor and Councillors decided to proceed with a gravity-fed water system for the town. Water was piped into the community from springs located some nine miles southeast of Maple Creek. Most of Maple Creek's present water supply still comes from that main source. A sewage system was installed in the community in 1913. The town also had its own electric light system and a flourmill in the early years. Later, Maple Creek embarked on a program to pave virtually every street in the community - one of the first towns of its size in the province to undertake such a project.
| | Economic Information | Maple Creek retains one of the most diverse economies seen in a town of its size. Agriculture is the primary contributor, but it is important to note that both farming and ranching work together to stabilize the area. Gas exploration and production, tourism, small manufacturing, and related service industries also contribute to a stable and healthy economy. There is future potential for increased eco-tourism, alternative energy production, and intensive livestock operations.
Long roots with the agriculture industry have established the town's reputation as being the centre of ranching for the Province of Saskatchewan. The Cowtown Livestock Exchange remains one of the most important auction rings in Canada. Generally speaking, the lands to the south of town are used for ranching and the lands to the north are used for farming.
Located at the bottom of the Cypress Hills, Maple Creek has become the gateway to Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, Fort Walsh National Historic Park and the Cypress Hills Massacre National Historic Site. Every year 250,000 people pass through town to access these flagship destinations. While visiting the well-known sites, many people take advantage of the sights and services provided within Maple Creek.
Small manufacturing has always had a home in Maple Creek. Today, the town produces food mills, automotive parts, cabinet doors, leather works, fur-on-hides, and reproductions of period furniture. A central location in Western Canada and low costs make Maple Creek a great location for manufacturing.
Gas exploration and production is a new comer to the economic scene in town. Huge fields surrounding the town sustain direct and indirect employment. Several gas field service companies call Maple Creek home.
| | Attractions | Maple Creek boasts of two museums: the Jasper Cultural and Historical Centre and the South West Oldtimers' Association Museum. The Jasper Cultural and Historical Centre, formerly the Jasper Street School, has been converted into a theme-room museum. Visitors will also be intrigued by a toy tractor collection and the very popular Irvine and Tootsie Fleming collection of antiques. In addition, there is a performing arts group in the former school building, as well as an art gallery. The South West Oldtimers' Association Museum houses many artifacts and antiques of the early west. The Burmese Statue, unveiled at the Centennial Celebration in 2003, has its home in the museum.
Local events like rodeos, the renowned Cowboy Poetry gathering, and the Stock Dog trials draw many a tourist to the small community. While here visit the many recreation facilities including: playgrounds, ball diamonds, outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, drill hall and rodeo grounds, skating and hockey rink, skateboard park, golf course, and curling rink.
Cypress Hills, Canada's first Interprovincial Park lies 20 minutes south of Maple Creek. Where once a mighty plateau existed, now remains a lush forest - an oasis in the midst of the open prairie. Here you can escape into a world of fresh trickling springs, crisp clean air, and the sights and sounds of moose, elk, and deer. The numerous viewpoints are essential starting points for your visit. For those more adventurous, the twists and turns of many trails provide opportunities to see and sense the past.
Fort Walsh National Historic Park is located 55 kms southwest of Maple Creek. Established in 1875 and operated until 1883, Fort Walsh played a central role in the North West Mounted Police (NWMP) efforts to suppress the whiskey trade, enforce Canadian law, and peacefully encourage First Nations to sign treaties and settle onto reserves. The site was later used to establish a Remount Ranch. Until 1968 Fort Walsh ranch was used by the RCMP to raise large black horses for recruit equitation training and the RCMP Musical Ride. Guided tours of the Fort's buildings, town site, two cemeteries, and reconstructed whiskey trading posts are conducted in season.
Cypress Hills Massacre National Historic Site can be viewed from Fort Walsh. The massacre of 1873 occurred near the whiskey trading posts of Farwell And Solomon. A group of Assiniboine were camped along the banks of Battle Creek near the posts. American Wolfers had stopped in at Farwell's. They had lost some horses and believed the Indians to have stolen them. Eventually the anger, hostility, and alcohol took its toll. When the battle was over, nearly 30 Assiniboine and one white man were killed. The Cypress Hills Massacre helped shape the destiny of Western Canada and encouraged the Canadian Government to establish the North West Mounted Police.
| | Other Info | Education:
Under the direction of the Maple Creek School Division and local school board there is both an elementary and high school in Maple Creek. K-7 is offered at Sidney Street School with 8-12 being offered at Maple Creek Composite High School. Both facilities offer computer and library services, arts and music programs, and with the assistance of resource workers, programs to meet the special education needs. The total enrollment in 2003 was 658 students.
The Great Plains College offers extension services for the University of Saskatchewan as well as the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology. Adult education classes, satellite classes, English-as-a-second language, and upgrading classes are available locally.
The Family Advocacy Program is a partnership program for vulnerable families in Saskatchewan's southwest region. It acts as an advocate on behalf of families, to insure that they are aware and accessible to the services, resources, and support applicable to their needs.
Organizations:
Maple Creek houses many community organizations including: Chinook Regional Library, Royal Canadian Legion, Lions Club, Rotary Club, Kinsmen, I.O.O.F., Elks Club, farmers' market, various youth clubs and activities, including play school and a variety of church organizations.
Health:
Cypress Health Region provides excellent health care to Maple Creek and the surrounding area. Three physicians and a 21-bed hospital serve the community. Hospital services provided are acute care, 24-hour emergency care, treatment services, laboratory and x-ray services, medical care, pediatrics, and palliative care.
Cypress Lodge, a 48-bed facility, offers levels 3 and 4 long-term care and respite care. The facility also houses an adult daycare.
Emergency services provide Maple Creek with two ambulances, six emergency medical technicians, and four attendants.
Other health services available within the community include: home care, case management, public health nursing, mental health, addition services, youth counselors, health educators, and an optometrist.
Maple Creek and District Opportunities Inc. operate a daytime vocational and life skills program and a residential service to adults with disabilities. They also provide the community with a local cardboard and recycling service and a Sarcan depot.
Maple Creek has also built a new state of the art water treatment facility that provides residents with bottled water quality right out of the tap.
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