Osler, a charming town nestled in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan, is a community steeped in history and brimming with modern amenities. Founded in the 1890s, the town was named in honor of Sir Edmund Boyd Osler, an Ontario-based explorer, railroad financier, and Member of Parliament. Today, Osler is a thriving community located just 20 km north of Saskatoon.
Osler's history is closely tied to the development of the Qu'Appelle, Long Lake and Saskatchewan Railroad. The town was built along this historic railroad after surveying began in 1890 by the engineering firm of Osler, Hammond and Nanton. By 1892, the station house was constructed, and the town of Osler sprang up soon after, becoming one of many communities to emerge along the new railroad.
Osler officially became a village on April 9, 1904. It remained a village until May 1, 1918, when it was reclassified as a Hamlet. In 1949, it was upgraded to an organized Hamlet status. Osler became a village for a second time in 1968, and was officially designated as the Town of Osler in 1985. By the 1970s, the railroad station had fallen into disuse and was demolished by the Canadian National Railway in 1973.
Today, Osler is a vibrant community offering a range of amenities to its residents. The town boasts a library, a seniors' centre, a volunteer fire department, a gas station, a grocery store, first responders, a leisure centre, two schools, and four churches.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Osler had a population of 1,251 living in 420 of its 429 total private dwellings. This represented a change of 1.1% from its 2016 population of 1,237. With a land area of 1.62 km2 (0.63 sq mi), Osler had a population density of 772.2/km2 (2,000.0/sq mi) in 2021.
Osler, Saskatchewan, with its rich history and modern conveniences, offers a unique blend of the past and the present. Whether you're a history enthusiast or a modern-day explorer, Osler has something to offer everyone.
