Melfort, Saskatchewan, a city with a population of 5,992 as of 2016, is a gem nestled in the heart of Canada. Located approximately 95 kilometres southeast of Prince Albert, 172 kilometres northeast of Saskatoon, and 280 kilometres north of Regina, Melfort is a city rich in history and recreational activities.
The history of Melfort, Saskatchewan, dates back to the late 19th century when settlers established themselves on the banks of Stoney Creek, a few kilometres southeast of the current city location. The city was named in honour of Mrs. Reginald Beatty, born on the Melfort estate in Argyllshire, Scotland.
Melfort's first post office was established on August 1, 1892, and the community became a village on November 4, 1903. It was incorporated as a town on July 1, 1907, and finally became Saskatchewan's 12th city on September 2, 1980.
Melfort, Saskatchewan, is located in the Carrot River valley, known for its black loamy soil and productive agricultural lands. The city is bordered by the Rural Municipality of Star City No. 428 and the Rural Municipality of Flett's Springs No. 429. The Melfort Research Farm, located south of the city, is dedicated to researching crops and crop systems for northern prairie black and grey soil zones.
As of the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Melfort had a population of 5,955 living in 2,575 of its 2,788 total private dwellings. With a land area of 14.73 km2, it had a population density of 404.3/km2 in 2021.
Melfort, Saskatchewan, experiences a humid continental climate. The highest temperature ever recorded in Melfort was 41.1 °C on 19 July 1941, and the coldest temperature ever recorded was −47.2 °C on 28 January 1966.
Melfort, Saskatchewan, is home to the Melfort Golf & Country Club and the Spruce Haven picnic area. The Melfort & District Museum showcases pioneering equipment, tools, farm machinery, and archival documents, as well as early settler's buildings.
Melfort, Saskatchewan, is a city of recreation, offering countless opportunities for families and friends, including swimming, camping, skiing, fishing, and golfing. The city was home to the 2006 Saskatchewan Winter Games, the 1988 Saskatchewan Summer Games, and the 1996 Royal Bank Cup Canadian Junior 'A' Hockey Championships.
In Melfort, Saskatchewan, hockey is a key part of the lifestyle. The Melfort Mustangs, a team in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, are well known in Canadian hockey circles.
Melfort, Saskatchewan, is located at the junction of two primary route highways, Highway 3 and Highway 6, where they meet with secondary Highway 41. The city is also home to the Melfort (Miller Field) Aerodrome and is a CNR interchange point and railway station on the Tisdale, St. Brieux, and Brooksby Subdivisions.
