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| Geography |  The R.M. of Piapot is situated in the southwest part of the province. It extends from the 'Bench', the nickname for the Cypress Hills plateau, which lies ten to fifteen miles south of Piapot, to the flatter land on the northern edge of the area, about twenty miles north of the former townsite. It also covers east and west from ten to twenty miles.
The country is rolling with some steep hills and ravines between more level areas. At the northern edge of the area you will find light, sandy soils with numerous sandhills. As you travel south the soil becomes heavier, and more hills appear. Nearing the Cypress Hills area, trees are found growing along the creeks. The main creeks in the area are; Piapot Creek, Bear Creek and Skull Creek. There are many wooded coulees on the northern slope and trees are thick and plentiful. Upon reaching the 'Bench' thick short grass is evident. This area is ideal for raising cattle, but because of early frosts is not well suited for farming.
The Cypress Hills is a unique landscape. The highest point in Saskatchewan is found in the 'West Block' of the Cypress Hills and is 4,500 feet above sea level.
The area is prone to warm, southwest chinook winds which blow during the winter months and bring with them short periods of thawing.
There is abundant wildlife in the area.
The former townsite is one mile south of the trans-Canada highway, sixty-five miles west of Swift Current and seventy-five miles east of Medicine Hat, Alberta.
| | History | At the turn of the century, railroad construction was in full swing. Chief Piapot and his followers deeply resented the disturbance of their hunting grounds that the railroad would cause. He offered strong opposition to the surveyors and refused to move his camp. The C.P.R. called upon the Royal North West Mounted Police, who finally lost patience trying to negotiate with Chief Piapot. With a small axe and a rope, two officers completely dismantled Piapot's tepee and left a scattered camp. A humiliated Chief Piapot packed his travois and moved on. The area was cleared and the railroad work continued.
Upon completion of the railroad, a dam was built on Bear Creek with a pump house and water tank nearby to supply water for the locomotives. The dam became a hub of activities from swimming to skating.
Sir John Lister Kaye bought land from the government and the C.P.R. and established the 76 Ranch in the Crane Lake area. The ranch included large numbers of cattle as well as sheep and pigs. Hard times brought with them heavy losses and Sir John retired. In 1909 the packing firm of Gordon, Ironside and Fares bought the ranch. The ranch employed about 25 men, many of which remain in the area. In 1910 a parcel of land was sold for the townsite of Piapot.
The village was organized in 1912. The first store was the Tompkins Supply Store which was sold to J. A. Bowie in 1912. Bowie's General Store was reputable for many miles. The store consisted of hardware, clothing and groceries. The saying was prevalent among the residents that, 'if you can't get it at Bowie's, it probably isn't available'.
During the summers of 1910-12 it was a common sight to view carloads of settlers unloading at Piapot. They were coming to aquire homesteads and try their luck in the new country.
The Piapot sports day was one of the highlights of the year. The first sports day was in 1912 and it became an annual event thereafter. The Piapot school and all the rural schools marched in the parade. Businesses entered elaborately decorated floats.The day consisted of children's races, baseball, football, horse races and ended with an evening dance.
In the 1920's the Dominion government decided to carry important mail by air. One of the emergency landing fields was set up 1 1/2 miles northeast of Piapot. Although never used extensively, it was important to the pioneering of air mail in Canada.
Although there were times of hardship and difficulties, the people of th area had stamina to hang on with stubborn determination and refused to accept failure. They possessed an uncompromising sense of values that clung to the principle of hard work.
| | Economic Information | The Piapot area economy is based on the industries of farming, ranching, and gas.
The farmers and ranchers take pride in their agriculture industry. Preserving the land and good farming practices are important to the area residents. Cattle buyers' interest from within Canada and beyond the borders of Canada is based on the reputable herds of many of this area's ranchers. Several of these ranchers have been the recipients of awards and recognition because of the quality of their herds.
Expanded exploration of the gas industry within Saskatchewan has boosted the economy of the RM of Piapot. It is expected that further exploration will occur in the area.
Piapot area invites new business and offers an incentative to those with a entrepreneur spirit. A five year tax exemption is available for new businesses setting up south of the #1 Highway and including the former Village of Piapot site.
| | Attractions | The RM of Piapot residents believe in active lifestyle. The municipality boasts of its curling and Piapot Rattlers Ball Club. Sports facilities include a curling rink, an outdoor skating rink and of course the ball diamonds.
The annual 'Piapot Pride Day' in August is a homecoming event for the area. Besides the opportunity to visit with your neighbor and reaquaint with those returning home for the event, there is the ball tournament filled with excitement and competition.
The Piapot campground is a unique spot to visit. The tables are made from wooden wagon wheels, and the stools are implement seats welded to pipes and mounted on the blades of old disc harrows. There is running water with showers, toilets and a bird bath. The playground has swings, monkey bars, teeter-totter, maypole, and a kiddie slide made from the bale chamber of a New Holland baler. In 1963 the Sask. Department of Highways recognized the playground as a public campsite and erected signs to notify the passing motorists.
There is abundant wildlife in the area. Hunting and fishing are both popular sports. If you have never visited the area, there is a guarantee you will not be disappointed.
| | Other Info | Many of the youth in the area are members of the Bear Creek 4H Club. This Beef Club gives young people an opportunity to engage in a beef project which may include a steer, heifer or cow/calf pair. The youth can enter in all three categories if they choose. The animals are cared for during the winter and judged on the achievement day and regional day. The steers can also be sold at this time.
The group is involved in a variety of fundraising efforts including a fall supper in Piapot, auction sales and serving and doing dishes at local events. These fundraising tasks take on a new meaning when the youth venture off on their annual trip. These trips have included visiting Poundmaker Feedlot, universities and colleges and a chocolate factory.
There is no excuse for young people to be bored with such a vibrant 4H program.
Piapot Lions Club is an extremely active group. They have supported and sponsored many community activities and efforts including additions and renovations of the local Legion Hall, a successful annual antique show in Maple Creek, a tractor pull, various donations to individuals who have suffered from serious illness or injury, donations to Ronald McDonald House and numerous other projects.
The club has been active within the community for 26-27 years and maintains a active membership of about 30.
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