Beauval, Saskatchewan, also known by its Plains Cree name, sîpîsisihk, is a charming northern village nestled near Lac Île-à-la-Crosse in Northern Saskatchewan. Founded in the early 20th century as a Roman Catholic mission and a transportation hub, Beauval has grown into a vibrant community with a rich history and a promising future.
The earliest known settler in Beauval, Saskatchewan was Philip Yew, who arrived in 1905. By 1907, other settlers, mainly from Dore Lake, had joined him. In 1910, Alexander Laliberte opened a fur trading store to serve the local trappers, establishing Beauval as an important outpost.
In 1969, the community established the 'Beauval Local Community Authority', which elected a council to oversee bylaws, collect taxes, and maintain law and order. Unlike most Northern Saskatchewan communities, Beauval has seen a population growth over the years. From a population of approximately 350 residents at the end of the Second World War, Beauval now boasts over 1,000 residents, with an additional 200 living in the surrounding area.
La Plonge 192, an Indian Reserve where the Beauval Residential School was located, is situated across the river from Beauval and was home to 115 residents in 2011. La Plonge 192 is part of the English River Dene Nation.
The Beauval Indian Residential School opened in 1895 and closed in 1983. It then became the Meadow Lake Tribal Council's Beauval Indian Education Centre, which closed in 1995. The building has since been demolished. Tragically, a fire in 1927 and a flu epidemic in 1936 claimed the lives of many students.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Beauval had a population of 685 living in 232 of its 279 total private dwellings. This represents a 7% increase from its 2016 population of 640. With a land area of 14.72 km2 (5.68 sq mi), Beauval had a population density of 46.5/km2 (120.5/sq mi) in 2021.
Beauval is well-connected, with Highway 165 running through the community and Highway 918 leading north to Patuanak just three kilometres east. Eight kilometres east lies the hamlet of Lac La Plonge on Lac La Plonge, and eight kilometres west, where Highway 165 joins Highway 155, is Beauval Forks. The Beauval Airport, along with several businesses, are located there. Dirt roads also connect Beauval to neighbouring communities.
Beauval, Saskatchewan, situated in the valley of the Beaver River, truly lives up to its name, which translates to "beautiful valley" or "beau val" in French. With its rich history, growing population, and beautiful surroundings, Beauval is a must-visit destination in Northern Saskatchewan.
