Kamsack, Saskatchewan
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Kamsack, Saskatchewan, Canada is a town located in the Assiniboine River Valley where the Assiniboine River joins the Whitesand River. The fertile land, scenic location and great weather make Kamsack "The Garden Of Saskatchewan".
[edit] A Brief History
The lands around what is now Kamsack were originally settled in the 1880’s by a handful of agricultural settlers. The farming area around Kamsack was well settled by 1905. These farms consisted of a variety of ethnic groups which are still present to this day: Doukhobours, Ukrainan’s, European’s, American’s and Eastern Canadian’s were all among the early settlers to the area.
In 1903 the CNR railway and station were built which literally forced the birth of Kamsack. The name Kamsack came from an early post office of the same name, which was located in one of the early settlers' homes. The name itself is probably taken from the same named city of Kamsack in Russia. Although there are some who think the name was of native origin.
The first buildings were constructed in 1904 along the north side of the CNR Right-of-way. These included a general store, drug store, pool room, hotel and post office. In the spring of 1905 the first school was opened in the Hallson building (named after a local businessman and town councillor). The village grew rapidly and by 1911 it had a population of over 500 people and was declared a town. The town continued to expand and by 1913 its assessment totalled C$1.2 million. In the summer of 1914 construction was started on the waterworks, sewage system and electric light plant. By 1921 the population was in excess of 2000 people and the expansion of services continued to take place.
During the depression years Kamsack suffered, as did all communities during the period, and as a result the town's population dropped to 1800 people. This exodus of people was small compared to many other communities and Kamsack survived. During the summer of 1944 Kamsack once again faced adversity when it was hit by a tornado that is now referred to as the "Kamsack Cyclone." The devastation involved 400 homes and 100 businesses and caused over C$2 million damage. The rebuilding process began again with the help of the veterans returning from World War II. As it turned out, this period turned into the biggest building boom in the town's history.
This building period included business, public and residential sections of the town. Water and sewer systems were extended, streets were paved and cement sidewalks were built. The building boom continued right up to 1961 when the census showed 2941 residents in the town. When the 1970s rolled around Kamsack saw its business district continue to grow with the arrival of the Royal Bank, the construction of the "Kamplex" (a dual purpose hockey and curling rink) and construction began on the new hospital.
In the last few years with the closure of a few keystone employers Kamsack has declined in population, and many service related businesses have closed or moved elsewhere. However, the Duck Mountain Provincial Park continues to attract thousands of people every year, and a new inland grain terminal was constructed. Low housing prices (homes start at under C$10,000)and a low tax rate are incentives to those who are retired who wish to move to a quiet community. Major stores and services are available in Yorkton, approximately 80 km away.
Today the town of Kamsack is working to improve the community, by offering building lots for one dollar, and offering other business incentives.
