Hudson Bay, Saskatchewan, is a charming town nestled in the east-central part of the Canadian province. Located approximately 49 kilometers west of the Manitoba border, this town is enveloped by the Rural Municipality of Hudson Bay No. 394.
The history of Hudson Bay, Saskatchewan, dates back to 1757 when a Hudson's Bay Company fur trading post was established in the Hudson Bay District beside the Red Deer River. Archaeological remnants from the post have been discovered near the village of Erwood.
In 1790, the North West Trading Company set up a trading post at the mouth of the Etomami River, known as Fort Red Deer River. Speculations suggest that a South Company's post was established on the opposite mouth of the River, where remains of a second post are yet to be accounted for.
Over the years, a settlement grew around these trading posts. In July 1907, an application was made to erect Etomami as a village. The name Etomami, a First Nations word, translates to "a place where three rivers join." However, to establish a hamlet, fifteen occupied dwelling houses were required. By August, the list was completed, and the village was formed with Mr. B.F. Noble as the first "overseer."
In 1909, the Canadian Northern Railway Company renamed the village to Hudson Bay Junction. The town continued to grow despite early difficulties, and it was incorporated in 1946. The first council meeting in 1947 saw the town's name shortened to Hudson Bay.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Hudson Bay, Saskatchewan, had a population of 1,403 living in 693 of its 782 total private dwellings. This represented a change of -2.3% from its 2016 population of 1,436. With a land area of 17.38 km2, the town had a population density of 80.7/km2 in 2021.
Hudson Bay, Saskatchewan, is accessible by road and air. The town is at the junction of Highways #3 (east and west) and #9 (north and south). The Canadian National Railway has three lines, including the Bay Route to the Port of Churchill.
Highway 9, also known as Saskota Flyway, runs from Hudson Bay south to Northgate at the border with North Dakota and north to the Manitoba border near The Pas. Highway 3 heads west to the Alberta border passing through Prince Albert and east to the border with Manitoba.
Hudson Bay is a major railway junction with the railway running in three different directions. Via Rail provides scheduled passenger service at the Hudson Bay railway station.
The Hudson Bay Airport is unusually large for a town of Hudson Bay's size, making it an attractive option for industrial expansion. The airport provides service for charter and local aircraft and serves as a water bomber base for forest protection.
Hudson Bay, Saskatchewan, is home to a number of established groups that provide cultural and artistic opportunities for the residents. The Hudson Bay Allied Arts Council is very active in bringing professional performing artists to the community.
The Hudson Bay Economic Development and Tourism Committee is appointed by the Councils of the town of Hudson Bay, the Rural Municipality of Hudson Bay #394, and the Hudson Bay Chamber of Commerce. The Committee aims to aid local economic opportunities and revitalize the economic interest of the community.
Service Clubs include the Rotary Club, Lions Club, Knights of Columbus, Masons, Elks and Royal Purple, Royal Canadian Legion, Legion Ladies Auxiliary, and Health Care Auxiliary. Other organizations focused on the youth in this area are 4-H, Beavers, Cubs, AWANA, Scouts, and Army Cadets.
