Balcarres, Saskatchewan, is a charming town nestled in southern Saskatchewan, Canada. Located along Highway 10 and Highway 22, it is approximately 85 kilometres northeast of Regina. The town is also conveniently situated near Highways 619 and 310. Balcarres is a mere 15 kilometres northeast of the Fishing Lakes, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers.
The history of Balcarres dates back to 1 April 1884 when the Balcarres post office was established in the North-West Territories. The town's name is a tribute to the first postmaster, Balcarres Crawford, from the neighbouring community of Indian Head, North-West Territories (now, since 1905, Saskatchewan).
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Balcarres had a population of 616 living in 257 of its 271 total private dwellings. This represents a 4.9% increase from its 2016 population of 587. With a land area of 1.62 km2, Balcarres had a population density of 380.2/km2 in 2021.
Balcarres is home to several businesses, including a grocery store, inn, pharmacy, bank, and restaurants. The town also boasts Terminal 22, a large inland grain terminal located west of town along the Canadian National Railway rail line.
Healthcare and education are well catered for in Balcarres. The town has a hospital and senior citizens home known as the Balcarres Integrated Care Centre (BICC). It also has an elementary and high school, which educates children from the communities of Balcarres, Abernethy, and the File Hills Indian reserves.
For spiritual nourishment, Balcarres has a United, an Anglican, and a Baptist church.
Balcarres is surrounded by several communities. To the west lies Fort Qu'Appelle, Abernethy is to the southeast, and Ituna is to the north. The File Hills First Nations of Little Black Bear, Peepeekisis, Okanese, and Star Blanket are also located to the northeast.
Whether you're a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful community to call home, Balcarres, Saskatchewan, has something for everyone.
