Hafford, Saskatchewan, a quaint town nestled in the RM of Redberry, Canada, is a hidden gem with a rich history and a vibrant community. With a population of 414 residents as per the 2021 Canadian census, Hafford is located near the unique Redberry Lake, known for its saltwater composition.
The history of Hafford, Saskatchewan, dates back to 1914 when T.G. Bavin became the first overseer for the village. The Hafford Village Council and Board of Trade, recognizing the need for medical services, appointed Dr. Whitemarsh as the village doctor. Initially, the Luxembourg Post Office served the community.
The early village was a bustling hub with three lumber yards, a general store, an I.H.C. agency, a poolroom, a livery barn, hardware, and a post office. In 1913, the Canadian Bank of Commerce and the first restaurant opened their doors. The following year, the hotel and bar were established, adding to the village's charm.
Electricity arrived in Hafford in 1916, the same year the Hafford Rural Telephone Company was established. The Hafford hospital, built in 1922, further enhanced the community's infrastructure. Hafford was served by several religious institutions, including the Ukrainian Catholic Church established in 1911, the Ukrainian Orthodox church built in 1909, the Roman Catholic Church, and the Anglican church built in 1918. The Methodist church, originally erected in Hafford, was later moved to Richard.
From 1932 to 1955, the Dominion Government Illustration Station operated in Hafford, testing grains, fertilizers, and improving livestock.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Hafford, Saskatchewan, had a population of 414 living in 190 of its 221 total private dwellings. This represented a 1.7% increase from its 2016 population of 407. With a land area of 1.13 km2 (0.44 sq mi), Hafford had a population density of 366.4/km2 (948.9/sq mi) in 2021.
Historically, the railroad connecting Prince Albert and North Battleford, laid in 1913, played a significant role in Hafford's development. The village was strategically located along this rail line. Today, the Hafford Airport, located 1 nautical mile (1.9 km) northwest of the town, serves the community. The Carlton Trail Railway, which ran parallel to Highway 40, also formerly served Hafford.
(Information about the climate of Hafford, Saskatchewan, is not provided in the original text. Please provide this information to complete this section.)
