Nestled in the heart of the Canadian province of Saskatchewan, Wilkie is a charming town with a rich history and a vibrant community. Located at Section 5, Township 40, Range 19, west of the 3rd Meridian, Wilkie is conveniently situated at the junctions of Highways 14, 29, and 784. The town is surrounded by the RM of Buffalo No. 409 to the north and the RM of Reford No. 379 to the south.
Wilkie's history dates back to February 2, 1907, when the first post office was established under the name Glenlogan. The town was later renamed Wilkie on October 1, 1908, in honor of Mr. Daniel Robert Wilkie, the president of the Imperial Bank of Canada from 1906 to 1914. A supporter of the Canadian Pacific Railway and a member of the Canadian Art Club, Mr. Wilkie and his family resided at "Seven Oaks," a heritage property in Toronto. His sons, Major Arthur Benson Wilkie and Major Charles Stuart Wilkie, served in the Royal Sussex Regiment and the Royal Canadian Artillery, respectively. Wilkie was once home to "The World's Largest Grasshopper," a roadside attraction located in front of the town rink and hall.
Wilkie is a station on the Canadian Pacific Railway line, which runs from Portage la Prairie, through Saskatoon, to Edmonton. The town is also the starting point of Canadian Pacific's Reford Branch, leading to Kerrobert, and the former Kelfield Branch, leading to Kelfield. Adjacent to Wilkie is the abandoned Wilkie Airport, a testament to the town's transportation history.
Wilkie is home to the Wilkie Regional Park, a beautiful green space established on February 24, 1970. The park features 22 campsites, four ball diamonds, and a picnic area, making it a perfect spot for outdoor activities. The Wilkie Golf Club, located on the south side of town, offers a 9-hole golf course with grass greens. The Wilkie Saskcan Community Centre, which houses an ice rink and curling rink, is a hub for community events and sports. In 2019, Wilkie was a top four Kraft Hockeyville finalist, and funds raised from this and a campaign started by Brett Wilson helped install a new ice plant for the facility in 2021.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Wilkie has a population of 1,195 living in 509 of its 569 total private dwellings. This represents a slight decrease from its 2016 population of 1,219. With a land area of 9.22 km2, Wilkie has a population density of 129.6/km2 as of 2021. Despite its small size, the town of Wilkie, Saskatchewan, boasts a vibrant community and a rich history, making it a must-visit destination for those exploring the province.
