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| Geography |  Meadow Lake is in the centre of what was once a vast glacial lake. The town is located just west of the lake in a mixture of prairie meadows and forests. Located at the junction of highways 4 and 55, Meadow Lake is 160 km (1.5 hours) north of North Battleford and 181 km (2 hours) northeast of Lloydminster.
| | History | Meadow Lake's history leads back to the fur trade. In 1799, the Hudson's Bay Company's sole surveyor Peter Fiddler, travelled along the Beaver River, which extends from Ile a la Crosse south to Green Lake then west all the way into Alberta. He turned off the Beaver River into Meadow River, travelling south to its source, 'Lac des Prairies,' the original name for Meadow Lake. He built a post (Bolsover House) and left seven men to run it. Although it only remained open for one season, Meadow Lake was now on the map. Base line surveys began in 1877 and within a few years, surveyors were reporting about the agricultural possibilities of the Meadow Lake area. In 1881, a 16-section area immediately north of the lake was surveryed as a future Indian Reserve and in 1888 the area directly west of the lake was surveyed for a future town site. In 1889 a group of Cree Indians signed into Treaty #6 and assumed title to the Reserve, becoming known as the Meadow Lake Indian Band (now known as Flying Dust First Nation).
The first Metis family settled in Meadow Lake in 1879, when Cyprien and Mary Morin moved from Ile a la Crosse to Meadow Lake (where the golf course is now). Cyprien opened a Hudson's Bay Company post, traded in fur and raised cattle and horses. The first Roman Catholic Church in Meadow Lake was built on his land.
In 1919 the fur trade was decimated by a massive forest fire that started near St. Paul, Alberta, crossed into Saskatchewan and raged through the forests in the western Churchill region. The fires opened up the area for homesteads and agriculture. Although settlers began arriving in 1907, the pace quickened after the first World War. By 1929 most of the best agricultural land had been taken.
On August 29, 1931 Meadow Lake was incorporated as a village and the railroad was extended to the town as an economic boom began. Within five years, Meadow Lake had elevated to a town and was officially incoporated on February 1, 1936. Meadow Lake has continued to thrive and now sits on the brink of reaching city status.
| | Economic Information | The Town of Meadow Lake is a prospering community. According to Saskatchewan Health, the 2003 population was 6,202 people. Meadow Lake serves a large area to the north, with the trading area totaling approximately 20,000 people.
The primary industries in the Meadow Lake area continue to be forestry and agriculture. There is a diverse agriculture market including grain and cattle farming as well as less traditional farming practices. Meadow Lake supports the forestry industry through the Norsask Sawmill, Millar Western Pulp Mill and Tolko's Oriented Strand Board (OSB) mill all within the immediate vicinity of the town.
Meadow Lake also has a large tourism industry. Meadow Lake Provincial Park is just 30 minutes away, covering 1600 square kilometres and containing 25 gorgeous lakes and breathtaking scenery. There are many activities offered year round including camping, hiking, canoeing, fishing and ice fishing, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, and snow shoeing. There are also a number of outfitters in the area.
| | Attractions | Meadow Lake has year round activities and events to entertain everyone. There are many lakes and camping facilities in the area, including Meadow Lake Provincial Park, Meadow Lake Lions Regional Park, and Makwa Lake Provincial Park. The Meadow Lake Lions Regional Park has 32 electrified campsites as well as picnic areas and bathrooms. The Tourist Booth and Museum is open from May to September.
The Meadow Lake Arena is home to the Meadow Lake Stampeders and regular ice time runs from October to March. There are other events held throughout the year including dances, concerts, banquets, bingos, and trade shows. The Civic Centre has seating capacity for up to 500 people and is ideal for weddings, banquets, dances, and conferences.
There are a number of parks in Meadow Lake. The Elks park has a paved walking path and beautiful scenery. The Rotary park has a playground, tables and benches, and a beach volleyball area. Westview park has an outdoor ice rink, basketball pad, washrooms, spray pool, playground equipment, two tennis courts, and heated change house. OORP Park has playground equipment, benches, and lots of room to run.
The Meadow Lake Aquatic Centre is Saskatchewan's most northerly aquatic training and leisure centre. The facility features a 5-lane main pool, wheel chair accessibility, wading pool, 15-person hot tub, Red Cross and Life Saving Society Courses, Aquafit swimming lessons, and Birthday Party Packages.
The Meadow Lake Curling Club has two 10 week regular leagues that run throughout the winter as well as Bonspiels on the weekends. The Meadow Lake Library has an extensive collection for all ages. Dynasty Twin Cinemas has two screens offering the latest movies and the Bowling Alley is open September to May and has many leagues to choose from. The Meadow Lake Golf Club offers a beautiful 18-hole course and state of the art clubhouse which is open year round.
There are a number of retail stores throughout the community with many good bargains and unique buys. Meadow Lake also offers a variety of sporting activities year round and is home to many committees and organizations for all interests.
Some of the annual events in Meadow Lake include Bullarama, CPCA Races, Holly Berry Craft Fair, Music Festival, Northwest Trade Show, Ducks Unlimited Annual Supper, and many, many others. No matter what your interests are, Meadow Lake has a little of something for everyone.
| | Other Info | Education
Carpenter High School offers a variety of courses including modified and advanced classes for approximately 400 students. Jonas Samson Junior High School offers classes for Grades 7 - 9; Gateway School has classes for Grades 5 & 6. Lakeview and Jubilee Elementary schools offer Kindergarten to Grade 4. The Christian Academy is a K to Grade 7 school. As well, there is an extensive support network for students who are home-schooled.
North West Post Secondary Centre offers university classes for first and second year students through the University of Regina and the University of Saskatchewan. Other courses include GED prepartion and testing, business courses, technical trade courses and safety and community oriented courses.
Health & Safety
Meadow Lake RCMP serve Meadow Lake and area including Rapid View, Dorintosh, Waterhen, Makwa and Green Lake. The detachment currently has 22 officers and 11 vehicles.
The Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department has 23 members, two pumper units, one response unit and a rescue uint. Training sessions are held every 2 weeks to keep members current on fire prevention, safety and rescue techniques.
Meadow Lake Union Hospital is a 42-bed, fully modern hospital with in-patient services for general surgery, obstetrics, medicine, gynecology, and pediatrics. The hospital also offers physiotherapy and occuaption theray, dietician services and has visiting specialists in radiology, gastoenterology, dermatology, orthopaedics, ENT and chiropody.
There are 4 senior homes in Meadow Lake as well as Northland Pioneer Lodge which is a long-term care facility. The lodge offers respite, long-term and adult day/night care. Northwest Home Care offers meals on wheels, nursing, homemaking and palliative care services.
Meadow Lake Associate Clinic is open Monday to Friday with extended evening service for walk-in patients. There are 4 dentists, 1 denture clinic, and 1 optometrist.
Meadow Lake uses the 911 emergency system.
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