Wolseley, Saskatchewan, a charming town located in southeast Canada, is a hidden gem with a rich history and a vibrant community. Situated approximately 100 km east of Regina on the Trans-Canada Highway, Wolseley is home to 852 residents, according to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada.
Wolseley's history is deeply rooted in its architectural landmarks. The Provincial Court House, constructed in 1893, is the oldest surviving court house building in the province. The Town Hall and Opera House, built in 1906, is a classic building that hosts numerous community events.
Wolseley is also the birthplace of Canada's first Beaver Lumber, opened by co-founder E. A. Banbury in 1883. Now protected by Heritage status, Beaver Lumber is a testament to Wolseley's rich history. The Banbury House Inn, originally built in 1905 as a private home for E. A. Banbury, was relocated to the west end of Wolseley in the 1980s. Today, it serves as a charming bed and breakfast.
Two private residences, the Perley Residence and the home of Wolseley's first mayor, R. A. Magee, are also on the Canadian List of Historic Places, adding to the town's historic charm.
Wolseley is not just about history; it's also a thriving community. The town boasts two schools, Dr. Isman Elementary School and Wolseley High School, and a recently rebuilt "swinging bridge" that has been a feature of Wolseley since 1905.
Healthcare is well-served with a twelve-bed hospital, an eighty-bed nursing home, and two resident doctors. The town's news is covered by three weekly newspapers: The Wolseley Bulletin, The Indian Head-Wolseley News, and The Grenfell Sun. A tourist information radio station, CISE-FM, is also based out of Wolseley.
For recreation, Wolseley offers a modern artificial ice arena, a curling rink, a nine-hole golf course, and a public swimming beach on the shore of Fairly Lake. The lake, the town's most distinguishing feature, was formed when the Canadian Pacific Railway dammed a creek for a water supply for its steam engines.
Wolseley's thriving arts community is another highlight. The downtown area houses an art gallery, which is the meeting place of the Wolseley Writers Group, the Wolseley Photography Club, and the Ellisboro Artisans Guild. The Twilite Drive-In Theater, one of the few left in Saskatchewan, is also located in Wolseley.
As of the 2021 Census of Population, Wolseley had a population of 852 living in 360 of its 392 total private dwellings. This represented a slight change of -0.2% from its 2016 population of 854. With a land area of 5.84 km2 (2.25 sq mi), Wolseley had a population density of 145.9/km2 (377.9/sq mi) in 2021.
In conclusion, Wolseley, Saskatchewan, is a town that beautifully blends history and community. Whether you're a history buff, an art enthusiast, or someone looking for a vibrant community, Wolseley has something to offer.
