Hepburn, Saskatchewan

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This article is about the town in Saskatchewan. For other places named Hepburn, see Hepburn (disambiguation).

Hepburn is a small farming and college town in Saskatchewan, Canada, approximately 40 kilometres northwest of Saskatoon.

The 2001 Canadian Census recorded the following data for Hepburn:

Population in 2001 (1) 475
Population in 1996 (2) 442
1996 to 2001 population change (%) 7.5
Total private dwellings 187
Land area (square km) 1.02

The 2006 Canadian Census reported a 11.6% population growth increasing to 530 residents. ^[1]

1 History
2 Today
3 Education
4 External links
5 Location
6 See also
7 References

[edit] History

Hepburn was settled in the early 20th century as a railroad station. Connection made the town grow overnight and many people moved to the area. Before the 1930s the population of the town had reached over 800 people. In the 1930's, the area was affected by both the great depression and a huge drought affecting most of Western Canada. Many of the town's residents and farmers flocked to cities like Saskatoon and even to the United States. By the end of the decade, the population was less than 300.

In the 1940s, the village sent over 60 men to serve in World War II. After the war, the town started to grow, and new homes were built. In 1989, the province shut down the railroad line, stranding the large grain elevator built c1928 in the town. Unlike most Saskatchewan grain elevators, the one in Hepburn was not torn down, but rather turned into a museum about the history of Hepburn.

[edit] Today

Hepburn today is at 500 residents and is trying to expand itself. In 2000, the town developed some old railroad land into a new subdivision. Only 8 lots were made and 3 have been sold. Hepburn residents also enjoy the local bowling alley.

[edit] Education

The town is home to a small Bible college called Bethany College which has a population of 120 students. Hepburn is also home to Hepburn School (elementary and high school) which in 2001 celebrated its 75th anniversary. It is believed to be the oldest school in Saskatchewan continuously operating in its original building.