Melville, Saskatchewan, a small city nestled in the east-central region of Canada, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Located 145 kilometres northeast of Regina and 45 kilometres southwest of Yorkton, Melville is surrounded by the rural municipalities of Cana No. 214 and Stanley No. 215. Despite being Saskatchewan's smallest city with a population of 4,562 as per the 2016 census, Melville is a vibrant community with a rich history and a thriving sports scene.
The city of Melville, Saskatchewan, owes its name to Charles Melville Hays, the president of the Grand Trunk Railway and Grand Trunk Pacific Railway during the city's initial construction. Tragically, Hays was aboard the RMS Titanic when it sank and did not survive. The area's first post office, Pearl Park, was established in 1905 near Pearl Creek, a tributary of the Qu'Appelle River. Melville was officially declared a city by the province in 1960.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Melville, Saskatchewan, had a population of 4,493 living in 2,078 of its 2,296 total private dwellings. This represented a slight decrease of 1.5% from its 2016 population of 4,562. With a land area of 14.78 km2, Melville had a population density of 304.0/km2 in 2021.
Since its founding in 1908, Melville, Saskatchewan, has been a hub for railroad activity. Today, it is served by the Canadian National Railway and Via Rail, with the latter using Melville as the main rail-to-bus connection to Regina for its passengers. The city is also home to the Melville Railway Museum, a Municipal Heritage Property listed on the Canadian Register of Historic Places. Other notable buildings include the St. Peter's Hospital, founded in 1940, and the Melville Heritage Museum, housed in the original Luther College building. Melville is connected to other communities via Saskatchewan Highways 10, 15, and 47, and also has its own municipal airport.
Melville, Saskatchewan, offers a variety of recreational opportunities. Within a 20-kilometre radius, you'll find the Melville Game Preserve, Melville Regional Park, Melville Reservoir, and Duff Recreation Site.
Melville, Saskatchewan, has also made its mark in popular culture. In the film "Hannibal Rising" (2007), the title character Hannibal Lecter appears in the "hamlet of Melville" in the final scene.
Melville, Saskatchewan, is conveniently located in the east-central region of Canada, making it easily accessible from major cities like Regina and Yorkton. Its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Saskatchewan.
