|
| Geography |  Melfort 'City of Northern Lights' is situated in east central Saskatchewan's parkland belt surrounded by the famous black loam of the fertile Carrot River Valley. Here, agriculture has been the number one industry since the first settlement days in 1892. The City is minutes away from an abundance of lakes, beaches, and forest.
Melfort is known as the 'City of Northern Lights' because of the spectacular aurora borealis seen in the night skies for much of the year.
| | History | The first settlers came to the area in 1892, to a settlement south of the City, called Stoney Creek. The name Melfort was that of the first post office in the area which had been named after Mary Melfort Campbell of Melfort, Argyleshire, Scotland. She was the wife of Indian Agent, Reginald Beatty. The first rail line was constructed in 1909, making Melfort a main trade and cultural centre for the surrounding area.
Melfort was incorporated as a Village in 1903 and achieved Town status on July 1, 1907 and became Saskatchewan's twelfth City on September 2, 1980.
| | Economic Information | Melfort is located in one of the richest, most productive farmland areas in Canada. Melfort is a leading agricultural service centre, with most industries in the City being agriculturally related. These include meat processing, feed mills, seed cleaning plants, the distribution of farm chemicals, and the largest grain storage capacity in northeast Saskatchewan. The Agriculture Melfort Research Station in Melfort serves approximately 10 million acres (10% of Canada's agricultural land). The potential for Melfort is unlimited given its fertile soil and favorable weather conditions.
The climate and soil conditions allow for a wide range of agricultural products. Crops grown in the district include wheat, barley, canola, peas, flax, lentils, alfalfa (for dehydration and seed production), canary seed, rye, various forage crops (much for seed production), as well as spices and other specialty crops. Livestock production is mostly cattle and hogs but does include some specialty livestock such as elk, deer, and wild boars.
The sale and service of agricultural equipment and supplies is a key component of the retail sales in the City. As the hub of northeast Saskatchewan, Melfort serves a strong trading area population of 60,000. Services required for its residents, rural neighbours, and traveling public are readily available from the merchants either in the downtown core, along the highway corridors, or in the three malls. Friendly merchants are eager to serve your needs.
Tourism is a major industry with an estimated 12.2 million dollars spent annually in Melfort and area by travelers.
| | Attractions | Located just minutes north of the City on the banks of the Saskatchewan River and Codette Lake is Wapiti Regional Park, a four-seasons resort complete with quad chair, downhill and cross country skiing, chalet and a marina, houseboats, excellent fishing, picnic, and camping areas. Wapiti is the home of the annual Codette Lake Walleye Challenge at the end of June and the Codette Lake Walleye Cup Fish Derby held the first weekend of August.
The City of Melfort's campground with electrified sites, showers, and lighted areas is situated just south of the golf course at the junction of Highways #3, CANAM #6, and #41.
The Melfort & District Museum, a renovated old power house containing artifacts from Melfort and District early days with an adjacent unique replica of a pioneer farmstead, compliments the rich history of the area.
The City Administration is located in a new, modern aesthetic facility located at 202 Burrows Avenue West.
Popular Melfort celebrations are:
In May the Melfort Mustang's Polkafest and Community Pig Roast is a 3-day event.
'Back to the 50s' in mid-June, a city-wide promotion with classic car and bike shows, Moonlight Madness, retail promotions, food booths, music, and great carnival atmosphere.
In July the annual Melfort Agricultural Exhibition and Mile Long Fair Parade.
Each August the internationally recognized Walleye Cup takes place at Codette Lake.
In the fall, The Northern Lights Showcase a Farm, Home and Leisure Show with Entertainment that takes place in combination with the Handmade Treasures Craft Show and Sale.
Midnight Madness and that ever-popular Santa Parade end the year in Melfort on an exciting note.
|
|
|
|
