Our Histories

1882

• The York Farmers' Colonization Company Limited of #1 Victoria Street, Toronto, Ontario, under the presidency of N. Clark Wallace was incorporated May 12, 1882 with a capital of $300,000. The Company sent emissaries to this area of the North West Territories to view the land. Impressed, they purchased portions (the odd-numbered sections) of 6 townships and began inviting settlers from York County, and other parts of Ontario, Quebec, the Maritimes, Manitoba, British Columbia, England, Scotland, Ireland, and United States.

• Four settlers, Wm. Meredith, Cosmo McFarline, Wm. Hopkins and Edward Hopkins stayed the winter of 1882-1883. They lived in one shack, existing on a minimum of supplies and with the assistance of Indigenous people.

1883

• The York Farmers' Colonization Company opened for business at York City, District of Assiniboia, North West Territories. They acquired 2 more townships. Acting as agents of the Dominion Government for the assigning of free homesteads, they also sold their lands at $3.00 per acre. The settlement was called "York Colony" and the hamlet, situated on the banks of the Little White Sand River became "York City." Mail would be freighted from Whitewood, and delivered at Reaman's store.

• It would appear that in the summer of this year, a colonist by the name of Donald Livingstone returned from a trip to Minnedosa, Manitoba with a cat and four kittens. He sold each for a dollar and half -- a high price for the times. These "pioneer" cats saved the colony from being over run by mice, and being robbed of their precious food.

1884

• On January 1, 1884, the post office was officially opened under the new name of "Yorkton." The first postmaster was Joel Reaman. The change of name occurred to prevent confusion with "York" in Ontario. (The hamlet or post office was never named "Yorktown.")

• Residents of York Colony got together for their first Fair and Exhibition.

• SE1/4 of Section 2-Township 26 Range 4 West of the 2nd Meridian, (designated a Pre-Emption quarter) which comprises north of Broadway Street, now part of the downtown business sector and northward, (includes City Hall on Third Avenue North) was entered as a pre-emption quarter by the first woman in York Colony, Ida Jane Reaman to make entry on a homestead quarter (NE 1/4 S2-T26 R4 W2nd Mer.) and this pre-emption quarter, on July 15, 1884. Ida Jane Reaman's entry was cancelled in a letter dated May 11, 1885.

1885

• The new colony now comprised 180 settlers. Fearing that the Riel Uprising might find sympathetic followers with Indigenous people of the region, Fort Watson was erected nearby the Hamlet of Yorkton. The "Yorkton Home Guard" made up of 58 volunteers was organized.

• Just to put things into perspective, Canada's first intercontinental railway was completed at 9:22 am on November 7, 1885 in Craigallachie, British Columbia, when a construction crew from the east and one from the west met at that location. The Canadian Pacific Railway representative, Donald Smith drove the last spike.

• Charles H. Smith made entry on the cancelled SE quarter Section 2, Township 26 Range 4, on June 2, 1885. Charles Smith, at the turn of the century sold this land to his brother John. J. Smith who had the land surveyed into lots. John J. Smith's development plan represents Yorkton's first privately owned sub-division.

1886

• Joel Reaman's store and hotel served for multi-purposes: entertainment centre, church, and other public gatherings.

• Thomas H. Garry became operator of the stone grist mill.

• The Yorkton Home Guard volunteers received Military Bounty Warrants or cash as grants for service in the militia organized at Yorkton.

1887

1888

• The York Farmers' Colonization Company had now successfully achieved settlement as per the agreement with the Dominion Government. It continued to have interest in local land holdings until 1947, and was doing business in Ontario and other parts of Canada.

• The Manitoba and North Western Railway built a line up to Saltcoats, 16 miles (26 Kilometers) east of Yorkton.

• Joel Reaman, who was Dominion Land Agent for the York Farmers Colonization Company was still recording entries for homestead and pre-emption quarters.

1889

• On January 18th, the first Yorkton and District Board of Trade was organized.

• First school was opened in a cottage near the old flour mill on the banks of the Little White Sand River, December 13th. There were 15 pupils.

• During the summer of this year, a North West Mounted Police outpost was established in Yorkton, under the command of the Saltcoats detachment.

1890

• The Orkney Literary and Debating Society's subject for the week of March 4th was Stock-raising versus Grain growing, resulting in favour of Stock-raising. (Source: The Regina Leader, March 11, 1890.)

• Joel Reaman, Member of the Legislative Assembly of the Territorial government traveled to Ontario in the interest of immigration. (Source: The Regina Leader, March 11, 1890.)

• On August 16th, the Dominion Land Surveyor, R.C. McPhillips declared that the map of the "Plan of Yorkton" bearing the seal of the Manitoba and North Western Railway Company of Canada dated Dec.12, 1890, being the north half of Section 35, Township 25, Range 4 West of the 2nd Meridian was accurate and made in accordance with the "Territories Real Property Act."

• The Manitoba and North Western Railway extended its line to Yorkton, now at the new location, 2½ miles (4 kilometres) south of the old site. The railway company put their lots for sale and businesses moved to the new site.

1891

• Yorkton's first school at the new location was "Argyle School" constructed of field stone and situated on Argyle Street.

• A settlers' train arrived in Yorkton in May, 1891. They had left South Dakota after a series of very dry years. They brought their household effects and farm machinery on the train and drove their livestock across country.

1892

• Joel Reaman was elected as Yorkton's first representative to the Territorial Legislative Council.

• The first newspaper THE MESSENGER, published Issue No. 1 on June 24, and the last one in September. It was handwritten by Editor, Rev. R.P. Byers, a Presbyterian missionary.

• Frederik Robert Insinger, immigrant from the Netherlands, educated businessman, fluent in English, rancher near Willowbrook, was elected as the member for Wallace Constituency (which included Yorkton) to the Legislative Assembly of the North West Territorial Council. He resigned in 1897 and moved to Spokane Washington to manage a bank.

1893

• John F. Reid, early York Farmers' Colonization Company settler served on the first board of the Orkney Presbyterian Church.

• On April 29, the Yorkton Anglican Church was officially established as a parish.

• Christie's Funeral Home was founded.

1894

• On July 15th Yorkton achieved the status of "VILLAGE' with a population of 215.

1895

• The Legislative Assembly of the North West Territories authorized the appointment of a deputy clerk of the court of the Judicial District of the Eastern District of Assiniboia for the Yorkton area.

1896

• The Legislative Assembly of the North West Territories established a Cheese and Dairy Association and appointed a Dominion Dairy Commissioner.

• It was reported that the wheat crops of the Yorkton and Saltcoats districts were excellent. (Source: Journals of the Legislative Assembly of the North West Territories)

• “The Yorkton Enterprise” began publishing a weekly newspaper.

1897

• An epidemic of scarlet fever and typhoid fever ravaged the area.

• Dr. T. A. Patrick was elected to the Territorial Council of the North West Territories.

• On December 10, C.W.R. Pearson opened a branch of the Pickering Private Bank.

• The Hudson Bay Company opened a store.

• The Balmoral Hotel was built by R.C. Arnold, and initially known as "Arnold House."

• An influx of settlers began to arrive by train from various countries. They were Germans, Russians, Poles, Hungarians, Americans, and in greater numbers, Ukrainians. The great majority of these pioneers came for the most part to settle on homesteads still available in the outer reaches of the original York Colony lands: Rhein, Canora, Beaver Hills, Crooked Lakes, Otthon, Ebenezer, Preeceville, etc. They continued to arrive until the early 1900s.

1898

• Dr. T. A. Patrick, Secretary of the Board of Trade was corresponding with THE GOLDIE & McCULLOCH CO. LTD., for equipment supplies for the flour mill being constructed in the village.

• The City's second school - Victoria School was built on 5th Avenue North.

1899

• On July 1, the Union Bank of Canada, took over the Pickering Private Bank.

• Two organizations were founded this year: the Masonic Lodge and the Odd Fellows Lodge.

• In July this year, after taking part in a parade, Scotty McDonald a well-known horseman took the notion to ride his horse into the Balmoral Hotel bar and order a drink.

1900

• Yorkton was officially incorporated as a TOWN, with a population of 600. It was then larger than Saskatoon, which did not obtain "Town" status until 1903.

• The "Travellers' Aid Society "was organized under the auspices of the Women's Christian Temperance Union. These volunteers provided assistance to travelling women and children arriving in the town.

• On April 13th, a meeting was held at Meredith Hall to discuss cricket, baseball and football.

• On June 8th, Town Council enacted its very first by-law which was for the appointment of a Liquor License Inspector. (Source: Copy of Bylaw No. 1 -Jackson Collection)

1901

• Bylaw # 28 was enacted exempting from taxation Levi Beck's Flour Mill enterprise for one year. It was signed by W. Hopkins, Mayor and R. H. Lock, Secretary-Treasurer.

• The Queen Victoria Cottage Hospital was erected at a construction cost of $5,380.00. $100.00 for the land and furnishings: $3,131.11.

• The record of the first organized hockey was January 10th with a game played by two Senior Teams, the "Reds" and the "Blues."

• The population of Yorkton was 1,486.

1902

• “The Yorkton Enterprise” of July 18th reports that the 17th Annual Exhibition was a successful one. Indigenous people from the Little Bone Reserve and other Reserves in the region arrived early to camp, and soon the town took on the appearance of an old frontier post. They participated in pony races and pow-wows.

• Levi Beck erected a mansion on Smith Street and 2nd Avenue North, site of the present day fire hall.

• The Yorkton Hotel was built this year. Over the 103 years of its existence, the Yorkton Hotel had a number of successful owners/managers. It was only during Prohibition in Saskatchewan (1915-1923), when bars were closed that the Yorkton Hotel fell in the hands of creditors. Famous owners were Harry and Sam Bronfman of Montreal from July 18, 1927 to November 28, 1945, when Frank Brunner purchased it. The Bronfmans were never the operators of the Hotel, but had a lease agreement for both the Yorkton and the Balmoral Hotel with their friend, Frank Brunner. The hotel has been closed since 2001. (Written Feb. 9, 2005.)

1903

• Bylaw #40 (now obsolete) stated:" It shall be the duty of the Town Constable, at least once in every year, to enter the premises of any baker or vendor of bread, within the said town and weigh the bread found therein."

• The Scandinavian Canadian Land Company began operation in Yorkton under the management of John D. Lageson, a graduate of Agriculture from Minnesota. The Company established an office in Canora as well, and helped settlement of mostly Scandinavians in Sturgis, Preeceville, Ketchen and North Prairie districts.

• Citizens of Yorkton were able to talk to each other via telephone for the first time.

• A faction of the Doukhobor sect marched from their communities in the Good Spirit Lake area to stage a nude parade near Yorkton to protest homestead policies.

1904

• "A windmill was erected on Front Street in Yorkton to pump water from a hand dug shallow well."

• "It was early in the year that agitation began for a public library, skating rink, curling rink and electric light plant for Yorkton." (The Yorkton Enterprise, Jan. 15, 1914.)

• January 21st, The Yorkton Enterprise reported that a telephone was to be installed in the office of the Town Clerk, Robert Lock.

• In January, the Yorkton Public School was closed for 3 weeks so it could be disinfected. There had been cases of scarlet fever and dypheria.

• On March 22, Council decided that the night constable should be supplied with a belt and revolver, also a baton and handcuffs. Cost of the revolver and baton was $9.00.

• For more than a week in February, Madame Neidle, the palmist was busy reading the hands of Yorktonites at her Balmoral Hotel apartments.

• Levi Beck, Yorkton's "Merchant Prince" sold a section of land adjoining Yorkton to Messrs. Robert Rousay, Peter Rousay and Robert Sinclair for the price of $18,400.00. (April 17 issue of The Yorkton Enterprise)

• Detachments of the Royal North West Mounted Police were circulating a warning to newly arrived American settlers that the practice of carrying revolvers was prohibited in Canada. (The Yorkton Enterprise, May 19, 1904)

• The Roman Catholic Redemptorist Fathers broke the first sod on Third Avenue North to erect a monastery, the first in the North West. The work will be under supervision of Rev. Father Gerard. (The Yorkton Enterprise July 7th, 1904.)

1905

• L.J.C. Bull, was manager of the Vermillion, Assiniboia & Saskatchewan Land Co., with headquarters at Yorkton. The land held by the company was north of Yorkton, in the Canora area. In the winter of this year, they had disposed of 9,000 acres. Almost all homesteads in the district had been taken largely by Americans, many who were ex-Canadians. (The Yorkton Enterprise January 4, 1905.)

• In January, the Balmoral Hotel had installed an acetylene light-making machine--the building then illuminated by gas instead of coal oil.

• THE SASKATCHEWAN ACT AND THE ALBERTA ACT both came into force on the first day of September, 1905. Alberta's inaugural ceremonies took place on September 1st, 1905 in Edmonton. Saskatchewan's inaugural celebrations took place in Regina on Monday, September 4, 1905. No special celebrations took place in Yorkton on either of those dates.

• A resolution was passed by Council to send a telegram to the Superintendent of the Canadian Pacific Railway in Winnipeg, stating that "Yorkton is blocked with grain elevators all full."

• On August 4th this year, Abe Bronfman and Harry Bronfman became owners of the Balmoral Hotel.

1906

• The new town hall was opened without fanfare on January 9th with the second Council meeting of the year.

• Thomas Veitch Simpson, veterinarian travelled to Chicago, and returned with a "Jolsman" -Yorkton's first automobile.

• About this time, Jewish settlers of the Yorkton area founded the congregation, Shaarey Shomayim, and made plans to erect a Synagogue.

• The Horticultural Society made its debut with an exhibition in the town hall on September 7th.

• An addition was made to the Town Hall which served as a fire hall, and housed two fire trucks, offices and repair rooms on the main floor and quarters for the firemen on the second floor. A volunteer fireman and barrister by profession, Harold Brown started living in the quarters in 1924 and was still there in 1961. (Article in The Yorkton Enterprise by Ruth Shaw dated June 9, 1961.)

1907

• In The Yorkton Enterprise VOL.11 NO.5 OF JANUARY 31ST: "Doukhobours were warned by means of a circular printed in both Russian and English by the Dominion Government, that they can hold land only by obeying regulations and becoming British subjects. They can occupy and cultivate their lands individually as other citizens do. It assured them of protection of religious beliefs. Warned them that entries on lands not properly held will be cancelled, but the Doukhobours will be given an opportunity to make re-entries so as to hold lands properly."

• The land abandoned by the Doukhobors was opened for homesteading by the Dominion Government, causing the largest land rush in the region.

• Yorkton was established as a judicial district exercising the powers of the Court of Queen's Bench.

• Prairie Schooners from Nebraska were photographed on Broadway Street in front of Collacott's Hardware store. Settlers were looking for land in the region. At time of settlement, a study of the differences in farming between some north-central states such as Nebraska and the Canadian West had shown that from the middle of June to the middle of July there were over 2 hours more daylight in every 24 hours than in Nebraska. The longer period of sunshine was one reason why Western Canadian wheat grew to such perfection.

• Two brick yards were in operation; one by Carl T. Erichsen and the other by the Doukhobor Brickyard Society.

1908

• The Post Office building was erected at 29 Third Avenue North. It also housed the Lands and Customs Office, and the upper story provided a residence for the R.N.W.M. Police.

• The Fire Brigade consisted of a chemical truck, a fire engine, two hose reels, and the ladder truck, all horse-drawn and manned by volunteers.

• “The Yorkton Times” newspaper was established by supporters of the Liberal party to oppose the Conservative monopoly of “The Enterprise”.

• Harry Bronfman became sole owner of the Balmoral Hotel on June 8th.

• The Ladies Auxiliary were planning a Shakespearian tea at the home of Mrs. Christopherson in the afternoon of Tuesday, November 10. Admission was .25 cents.

• “The Yorkton Times” announced that "sign boards indicating names of streets were put up by the town fathers. The new boards are made of enamel and fill a long felt want besides adding greatly to the appearance of the town." (Dec. 24, 1908 issue.)

• Yorkton's Chimney Sweep was a fellow by the name of G. Watson.

• The newspaper, “The Yorkton Times”, announced in their November 5th issue that it would feature a "Ladies Column" on a weekly basis. Church activities, social and philanthropic news would be topics of interest.

1909

• The Canadian Bank of Commerce opened a branch in Yorkton.

• The City purchased the property west of the Hospital for a town gravel pit. Cost: $1,500.00.

• William Simpson, Clerk of the Surrogate Court and his wife Margaret built a large house at #51 Smith Street East, which still stands today.

• This year the directors of the Yorkton Agricultural Society concluded that the work involved with the annual fair had increased to the extent that a more formal organization was necessary. In December, the Yorkton Agricultural and Industrial Exhibition Association, Limited, was incorporated.

• St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church (St. Andrew's United Church) was opened this year.

• The first cement sidewalks were built by C. Deverill of Winnipeg, starting on North Front Street. After the fair was over, the workmen did Broadway. "From the favorable remarks heard on every hand it is safe to predict that few wooden sidewalks will ever again be asked for in this growing burgh." (The Yorkton Times, June 17, 1909.)

• The Yorkton Enterprise Editor, Sam Wynn stated that "Incoming settlers do not speak the English language and most are not familiar with the glorious history and heritage of Canadians. It's beholding that we Canadians do our best to acquaint them of Canada's history and instill a spirit of patriotism to their new adopted land." He further stated that in Eastern Canada, Dominion Day on July 1st is patriotically celebrated, while in the West it is merely a day of vacation. (June 30, 1909 Issue)

• On December 16, the Yorkton Fire Brigade held their fourth annual banquet at the Balmoral Hotel. (Source: The Yorkton Enterprise, Dec. 23, 1909.)

• On May 15, at 10:15 PM., Yorkton residents felt the tremors of an earthquake, especially experienced by those who were indoors. Some at first thought that a box car of dynamite had blown up in Melville, and that the vibration felt in Yorkton was an aftermath. However, it was soon learned that the earthquake was felt all over the Southern part of the Prairie Provinces.

1910

• The C.P.R. roundhouse was in operation in December with two freight trains leaving daily, one going east and one west. While this building is sometimes referred to as a "roundhouse" (usually found in large railroad divisional points) in fact it was an engine shed, with a spur line, likely holding no more than two locomotives. These were brought into the building to keep them warmed up, and for the purpose of cleaning and repairs. The train would proceed in either direction by using rails shaped in a "Y" on which the train would back up, then the rails were moved using the "switch" device. The "Y" lines were located around where the Yorkton Tourism offices are today. (Sources: The Yorkton Enterprise, and interview with retired CPR Conductor, John Maluga.)

• Father Achille Delaere founded St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic parish.

• The Agricultural Society was absorbed by the Yorkton Agricultural and Industrial Association Ltd.

• Prime Minister Wilfrid Laurier visited Yorkton.

• St. Gerard's Roman Catholic Church and Monastery were built this year.

• Yorkton received long distance telephone service.

1911

• Levi Beck, Yorkton's "Merchant Prince" was elected Mayor.

• The citizens of Yorkton turned on their electric lights during the spring of this year.

• Yorkton shipped 2,600,000 bushels of grain. 125,000 remained in the farmers' hands.

• The Yorkton High School was officially opened on December 20th by Lieutenant-Governor Brown and Dr. Murray, the First President of the University of Saskatchewan. Total cost of the structure and the equipment was $75,000.00.

• The population of the town was 2,309.

1912

• January 2nd, a company of 24 from Sydney Australia, known as the "Lilliputians" were in Yorkton for a performance and stayed overnight at the Balmoral Hotel.

• The Yorkton Enterprise reported that Levi Beck's Yorkton Flour Mill was regarded as the pioneer industry of the town, making products that have become household words in eastern Saskatchewan.

• The Hudson Bay Company erected a new building this year.

• Yorkton boasts to be the "largest and most prosperous community in eastern Saskatchewan."

• A major fire occurred on April 19th when the Canadian Grain Elevator was badly damaged.

• The Rural Municipality of Wallace was organized.

1913

• Charles Donald Livingstone, a lawyer became Mayor. He resigned within a year to join the army. He achieved the rank of Major, and died in battle in 1916.

• On July 3rd, 1,635 Yorkton people visited a "Made in Canada" touring train of exhibits of a great variety of manufactured products.

• The Rural Municipality of Orkney was organized.

1914

• World War 1 began. Yorkton became the squadron training base for such areas as Indian Head, Regina, Weyburn and Moosomin. The Royal Hotel became a mess hall for Yorkton recruits.

• Chief Peepeetch of the Little Bone Reserve was interviewed by a reporter of “The Enterprise”. He gave an account of the local incidents surrounding the events of the 1885 Riel Uprising.

• The Ladies Auxiliary of the Order of Odd Fellows was founded this year.

1915

• A barrel of oil exploded in the basement of T. H. Collacot's Hardware and caused a disastrous fire.

• Prohibition in Saskatchewan was enacted July 1st, shutting down the hotel bars, resulting in province-wide illegal manufacturing of booze. The Bronfman brothers began to capitalize on all the loopholes of the complicated prohibition laws.

• Simpson School was built on Melrose Avenue.

1916

• The Sacred Heart Institute, a boarding school and orphanage was opened under the ministry of the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate.

• Electric lights were installed in early April at these locations: two lights between Betts Avenue and First Avenue; one between First and Second Avenue North; two between Second Avenue and Third Avenue North; and one between Third and Fourth Avenue North.

• At the October 13th Council Meeting a motion was passed to reduce Harry Bronfman's water account for the year by 40%. This was in consideration of the lavatories and wash houses in the premises known as the Balmoral Hotel, being kept open for the use of the public.

1917

• John F. Reid was elected Member of Parliament for the Mackenzie Constituency.

• Thomas Garry defeated J.A.M. Patrick in the Provincial election.

• The Dominion Lands Office located in the J.J. Smith Block on Argyle Street was closed this year. All available homestead lands in the district had been disposed of.

• St. Magnus School was formally opened on November 1. (Yorkton Enterprise Oct. 6, 1965.)

1918

• Lieutenant Edmund De Wind, a former Yorkton banker was killed while defending a position near Grougie, France. He was awarded the Victoria Cross posthumously.

• A Yorkton landmark, the Royal Hotel was torn down.

• The Yorkton Literary Society held a meeting at the Collegiate Institute on April 8th. The purpose was to study Longfellows' "Evangeline."

• The Dominion Daylight Saving Act was discussed at a town council meeting of April 26.

1919

• A "Peace Arch" was erected on the corner of Third Avenue and Broadway to welcome returning servicemen.

• Harry Bronfman erected a building on the east side of the Balmoral Hotel and opened the CANADA PURE DRUG COMPANY.

• A “Grand Peace Concert" was held in the Town Hall on March 11th in aid of the Red Cross funds. A chorus of 40 voices sang old songs, and an arrangement of the "National Anthem of the Allies." There were also male choruses, male quartets, mixed and ladies quartets, and local violin soloists such as Miss Gertrude Oathwaite.

• In a colourful ceremony Right Reverend Bishop Budka laid the cornerstone of St. Joseph's College on September 7th of this year.

• Construction began on the Provincial Court House on Darlington Street. It was designed by Saskatchewan's first Provincial Architect, Maurice Sharon. Completed in 1920, it was officially opened in February 1921.

• Yorkton Skating Rink was officially opened on December 4. (Yorkton Enterprise Oct. 6, 1965.)

1920

• The Allen Theatre was built at 17, 3rd Avenue North and opened for business on February 5th.

• Burke School was opened this year.

• In “The Yorkton Enterprise” of June 3rd, a citizen signing "Bread Eater" complained in the Letters to the Editor that the price of bread in Yorkton was 12½ cents for a 14 ounce loaf, while in Winnipeg it was 9 cents for a 16 ounce loaf.

1921

• On May 24, Deer Park Golf Course held its official opening.

• March 29th of this year, the Rotary Club of Yorkton held its first luncheon meeting.

• The population of Yorkton was 5,151.

1922

• The Council made a resolution whereby unemployed men who refused to make themselves available for employment would be refused relief.

• Fire completely destroyed the Curling Rink on Agricultural Avenue on March 24th. (Note from the Howard Jackson Papers.)

1923

• Spring floods affected Yorkton in April.

• A.R. Reusch was the man in charge of the local Wheat pool campaign.

• Harry Bronfman purchased the Yaholnitsky Block on Betts Avenue.

• The unveiling of a memorial tablet dedicated to Major C. D. Livingstone took place at the Provincial Court House on November 11, 1923. The tablet was a project of the International Order of the Daughters of the Empire.

1924

1925

1926

• The Yorkton Rotary Club established a library in the Patrick Block on Third Avenue.

• This was the last year gas lamps were used on Yorkton's streets.

• The Yorkton Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion was organized with General Alexander Ross as President.

1927

• Chinese restaurant owners still had to apply to Council for a permit to hire white waitresses.

• C.J.G.X. Radio Station was officially opened on August 19th.

1928

• Yorkton was incorporated as a City on February 1st.

• J. J. Maloney, leader of the Provincial Ku Klux Klan, was in town to make a speech.

• York Farmers' Colonization Company Limited of Toronto donated $500.00 to help with the construction of the new hospital. (The Yorkton Enterprise.)

1929

• Building permits for the City of Yorkton amounted to over $62,000.00

• J.T.M. Anderson, school inspector and leader of the Conservative Party was elected Premier of Saskatchewan.

• A.C. Stewart, who was Mayor from 1927-1929, became an MLA and joined the new Anderson Government.

• The cornerstone of Victoria School was laid on June 25. (Yorkton Enterprise Oct. 6, 1965.)

• The official opening of the Roxy Theatre at #11 on Broadway Street was held on November 5th.

• The new Queen Victoria Hospital was erected on the same grounds at the cottage hospital. (From “Eighty Years of Caring” Kathleen Wood.)

1930

• The mercury dropped to 50 below zero Fahrenheit on January 8th.

• On April 10th, the first Canadian National Railway train passed through Yorkton on its way to Churchill.

• The Royal Canadian Legion founded the Ladies Auxiliary on April 22nd.

• On May 25th, Yorkton's War Memorial was erected on Darlington Street.

• “The Enterprise”, Sept. 16th: "Famous Montreal Distiller and Former Yorkton Man is Found Not Guilty By Jury on Last Charge of "Tampering with Witnesses”." This news referred to Harry Bronfman's acquittal.

• The first water tower manufactured by Horton Steel Works Limited of Bridgeburg, Ontario was erected this year.

1931

• Dr. Harry Spalding Swallow opened a Chiropractic clinic in Yorkton.

• The first bus arrived in Yorkton to compete with rail passenger service.

• On March 31st, the Bank of Toronto was robbed of $3,000.00. The culprit was arrested at Fenwood on April 3rd.

1932

• This year Howard Jackson, who later became known as a local historian obtained the position of City Clerk.

• The Doukhobor Community erected 6 brick houses on Myrtle Avenue for rental purposes.

• Richard Beatty was chosen president of the Yorkton Agricultural and Exhibition Association.

1933

• In July, 363 old-timers were present at a reunion celebration in conjunction with the annual Yorkton Exhibition.

• Enthusiasts founded the Yorkton Hardball Association under the Presidency of D.R. Ball.

• Headline of “Yorkton Enterprise”: Thurs. Aug. 10; "Each freight train brings more "rod riders."

• A coned shaped cairn was erected on July 17th on Darlington Street, in honour of Yorkton pioneers.

• An unsuccessful robbery attempt was made at the Crescent Creamery.

1934

• A Council resolution read: "That all recipients of relief be required to work for the amount of relief given."

• Jubilee Park was the place where baseball games were held.

1935

• 150 unemployed petitioned Council for an open voucher system, and increased quotas.

• There was a 10% reduction in pay to school staff. (Yorkton Enterprise Oct. 6, 1965.)

• 3 people were arrested in an unemployment strike on March 16th.

• In August, J.A.M. Patrick, King's Counsel was appointed district court judge at Moosomin, Saskatchewan.

• In October, Stan Hunter was appointed Boy Scout Commissioner.

1936

• On Feb, 5th, CJGX sold to James Richardson & Sons of Winnipeg

• B. Sachatoff presented a petition to Council signed by the unemployed protesting the City's policy to appoint a doctor for indigents.

• Council imposed a large license on big dogs.

• In March, Yorkton pioneer, Levi Beck died.

1937

• The first mechanical sewage plant was constructed at Dracup Avenue and York Road.

• Yorkton Minor Hockey was in the limelight, when the Midgets won their first Provincial Championship.

• Milk sold for 10 cents a quart, coffee cream was 22 cents a quart, and whipping cream was 45 cents a quart.

• The first advertising for EATON'S STORE appeared in The Yorkton Enterprise on August 5. (Enterprise Progress Edition Mar. 31, 1982.)

1938

• A colourful Pow-Wow took place by the Crescent Lake Indian Reserve on Sunday July 24th, as part of a joint celebration with Yorkton and area people.

1939

• Charles A. Peaker returns to the Mayor's chair and remained for 8 years.

• Construction of the new Armoury was underway when war broke out in September.

• Stephen Meush undertook the work of creating the beautiful painting of St. Mary's dome, completing it May, 1941.

1940

• In May, Mayor Charles Peaker and Council dedicated a park in memory of Brother Stanislaus, which is located between Wellington and Ontario Avenues, facing Darlington Street.

• Chief Kinistino of the Little Bone Reserve died.

• The Yorkton Coop was organized on March 6th.

1941

• Council resolved that any City employee wishing to enlist for military service, would be assured of a job upon return.

• By May, the first class of Australians arrived for training at No.11 Yorkton Service Flying Training School of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (B.C.A.T.P.).

• Official opening of the B.C.A.T.P. base took place on June 11.

• In May, there was an armed robbery at the Bank of Toronto.

1942

• The City of Yorkton was asked to find a name for a war ship. "ORKNEY" was chosen. During war time maneuvres, a ship named "Yorkton" could have been confused with the existing ship USS YORKTOWN.

• On January 20th, Miss Phyllis Brown was appointed superintendent of nurses at Yorkton hospital.

• On February 9th, "all clocks in Yorkton advanced one hour to start one of the greatest controversies in Yorkton's history." (From an outline of past events published in 1955 in THE ENTERPRISE GOLDEN JUBILEE EDITION, JULY 14TH.)

• Charles Beck's Hardware on Broadway East closed after providing 40 years of service.

• On November 18th, 40 Yorkton young women left to work in munitions plants in Eastern Canada.

• Representatives of Ducks Unlimited were honoured on November 20th for building a $15,000 ditch at Willowbrook Creek.

1943

• The mercury registered an all-time 54 degrees below zero Fahrenheit, equivalent to -47.75 Celsius, in Yorkton on January 20.

• Three of Yorkton's first pioneers Cosmo J. McFarline, John F. Reid and Dave Fergus visited the offices of “The Yorkton Enterprise” in July to reminisce about their 60 years in Yorkton.

• Over 1000 people attended a hoof and horn dance at the John Deer showrooms.

• Rotary Club raised $5,000 for "Milk for Britain" fund.

• John F. Reid, parliamentarian farmer and public spirited citizen died in July.

• No. 11 S.F.T.S (Fight Training School) won the pennant for the most efficient twin-engine school in Canada.

• September 6th, pioneer doctor Thomas Patrick died.

• October 18 Archie Fraser signed a professional hockey contract with the New York Rangers.

• On December 6, the Yorkton Community Savings and Credit Union was incorporated.

1944

• The sale of Victory Bonds in the City of Yorkton totaled $662,000.00.

• January 29, Bob Rousay, pioneer Orkney farmer shipped a car of outstanding cattle to Winnipeg. (It was a big deal in those days when a farmer came into town to ship a carload of cattle.)

• King's Counsel F.C.Wilson, who practiced law in the city for years died in Vancouver on Feb. 16th.

• Toy Ying, former longtime Yorkton restaurateur died in China on May 4th.

• On June 11th, Cosmo J. McFarline, one of Yorkton's first citizens, died.

1945

• The Victory over Japan Committee requested that a civic holiday be declared for VJ Day celebrations.

• This year, Yorkton was mentioned in Robert L. Ripley's BELIEVE IT OR NOT. Broadway Street constituted a section of highway deemed the "longest straight road in the world." It ran 82 miles without a curve, from Roblin, Manitoba to Ituna, Saskatchewan. (See article by Ruth Shaw -- http://yorkton.info/shaw/bits3.html )

• On January 15th, A.P. Simpson presided at the annual meeting of the Yorkton Queen Victoria Hospital at which time it was decided to transfer ownership of the hospital to the City.

• James Sinclair. a Yorkton pioneer died at Flin Flon on the 24th of January.

• On March 16th, the Yorkton Kinsmen Club received their charter.

• June 20th, Premier T.C. Douglas opened a new wing in the hospital.

• August 14th, "The greatest war in history ends. Yorkton with all humanity goes wild." (The Enterprise Golden Jubilee Edition published 10 years later on July 14, 1955)

• October 15th, the First Yorkton Light Anti-Aircraft Unit was given a thunderous welcome home.

• October 17th, Yorkton sent a railroad car full of clothing to Europe.

• December 18th, Yorkton viewed a total eclipse of the moon.

1946

• The Dept. of Veterans' Affairs officer, Jack Willis and Dr. H. G. Grant of the Yorkton branch of the Canadian Legion attended a convention in Regina about rehabilitation of veterans.

• The Yorkton Flying Services was organized with cooperation of the Board of Trade.

• A school for Metis children of Crescent Lake settlement was opened in the autumn of this year.

• Retail sales and services in Yorkton approximated $20,000,000.00

• On April 14th, a Mammoth Auction Sale of Power Farm Equipment took place in Yorkton. One report has it that 10,000 farmers attended.

• March 2, an air ambulance brought in the first patient, Mrs. Charles Rathgaber of Macnutt to the Yorkton hospital.

• March 18th, Yorkton wanted a Union Station--a combined CPR and CNR station, and relocation of tracks.

• On May 22nd, the Rotary Club celebrated its silver anniversary.

• On June 16th, a dance pavilion and booths were being erected at York Lake.

• On September 27th, Mayor Charles Peaker officially opened the York Theatre on Third Avenue.

• On October 22, Mayor Charles Peaker opens the first wartime house and handed over the keys to Charles Taylor, the first veteran to move into the house.

1947

• Yorkton District Board of Trade reports that Yorkton region has the biggest crop in the province.

• The first 50 wartime houses were filled on May 15th.

• A 50 bed Auxiliary Hospital opened at the airport on May 20th.

• On June 2nd, 5,000 people flock to Yorkton to visit Cardinal Eugene Tisserant.

• On March 11 local organizations founded the Yorkton Film Council.

• On July 6th, thousands of Lutherans gathered at the Fair Grounds for a divine service.

• On July 7th, 4000 attend the religious feast of Vidpust.

• The Board of Trade organized a drive on October 8th to collect funds for a gift to Princess Elizabeth on the occasion of her wedding. It was decided to send her a carload of flour milled in Yorkton to help with post war shortage of food in England.

• The Post Office reported that letter carriers delivered 82,700 Christmas cards in Yorkton in the five days preceding Christmas.

1948

• The City Planning Commission recommended the location of Peaker Heights for new homes on January 8th.

• Cliff Shaw of the Yorkton Historical Society requested that City Council erect a cairn for the old millstone and locate it at the York City site, not far from where the old mill stood.

• On March 10th, Central Mortgage and Housing Corporation agreed to soon start building 58 houses here, which were part of the wartime housing project

• On March 13th, Samuel Wynn, Editor of “The Yorkton Enterprise”, sent a wire from Ottawa to announce that Yorkton would be served by the Trans Canada Airlines. The TCA officially opened for service on May 10th.

• The Yorkton Lions Club received its charter on September 13th.

1949

• A Parks Board was set up by the City of Yorkton to plan for any development of designated areas.

• George Morris moved his farm implement business from Bangor to Yorkton.

• City Council sent a telegram of good wishes to the Government of Newfoundland on becoming Canada's tenth province.

• On August 28th the Yorkton Branch of the Canadian Legion dedicated a cairn in the cemetery to "To the glory of God and in grateful memory of our gallant dead."

• Dr. Harley Large purchased the dental practice of Dr. D.J. Brass on May 23rd.

• On August 7th, an all-time heat record was set at 99.9 degrees Fahrenheit (37.7 degrees Celsius).

• Mac's Barber Shop, Lutcher's Leather Goods and Wolfe's Shopping Centre opened stores on First Avenue in November.

1950

• The first Yorkton International Documentary Film Festival was held at City Hall.

• The Pro for York Lake Golf Course was Metro Prystai, Detroit Red Wings Hockey star.

• Emmanuel Balacko and M. J. Yaroshak took over the ownership of the Balmoral Hotel in March.

• The Coop Store opened on Betts Avenue on January 14th.

• Cradle phones were installed in the city in mid-January.

• On March 11th, over a thousand people flocked to the opening of the new Bank of Montreal.

• On June 26th, the Crest Drive-In Theatre on Broadway East opened with a capacity crowd.

• In mid-July, Yorkton and district raised $9,000 for the Manitoba Flood Relief Fund.

1951

• In a newspaper column "Along Game Trails" dated July 5th the author Harry Swallow reports that 2 whooping cranes had been seen in the area.

• A movement began to restore the Presbyterian Church in Yorkton, and on February 15th, it became officially known as Knox Presbyterian Church.

• The official opening of the Dr. Brass Vocational School took place in the new auditorium on September 28th.

• Preston's Prescription Pharmacy opened Monday, December 4, 1951.

• The Patrick Block on Third Avenue North was sold in early January to Levine and Silverman.

• On January 28th, a huge fire consumes Croll's Broadway Store.

• In May the famous R.C.M.P. dogs were being trained in Yorkton.

• Over 1,200,000 worth of livestock was handled at the Yorkton Co-op Stockyards in the first three months of the fiscal year, August 1 to September 30th.

1952

• Private Gregory Anaka died in battle in the Korean War on October 23. He was the only one to die of the Yorkton men who enlisted.

• On June 18th parking meters were installed on Broadway and Betts Avenue on a trial basis, although polls showed much opposition.

• Saskatchewan Motor Club opened a branch office in Yorkton.

• CJGX celebrated its 25th anniversary.

• Blommaert and Svenson took over the General Motors agency.

1953

• After having been situated in two different locations in the city, the Salem Evangelical Church was relocated on the corner of West Broadway and Franklin Street.

• Parrish and Heimbecker built a new elevator on 7th Avenue North.

• Louis St. Laurent, Prime Minister, visited Yorkton in July.

• A severe lightning bolt hit the tower of City Hall then located at # 30 Third Avenue North (in 2006 the location of the Painted Hand Casino & Parking lot.) The tower considered unsafe, was removed along with the bell and displayed at the Western Development Museum located at the Yorkton Airport. Both can be viewed today at the WDM on Highway #16 west of the City.

1954

• In October, the traffic signal lights were in operation on Broadway Street.

• Woolworth Stores bought the old Hudson Bay property on Broadway and Second Avenue North.

• The Canadian Federation of University Women/Yorkton Club was established this year.

• The first diesel-driven freight on the Canadian Pacific Railway passed through Yorkton at 3:10 p.m. on Friday February 19th, having left Winnipeg at midnight on its way to Edmonton. (Source: Clipping from “The Yorkton Enterprise” Feb. 25, 1954.)

• The official opening of the Federal Government Building at # 37 Third Avenue North was held on September 20th.

1955

• On the occasion of the Governor General Vincent Massey's visit a reception was held at Dr. Brass School, and a dinner at the Yorkton Armouries.

• "Terriers won the league standing and went on to win the playoffs to advance to the Allan Cup playoffs. Vern Pachal won the league scoring honors." (“A Centennial History of Senior Hockey in Yorkton, 1901-1967)

1956

• The City council purchased 100 copies of Dr. H. Swallow's book "Ox-Tails to Highways."

• In July, the Deer Park Ladies Club voted in favour of affiliating with the Canadian Ladies Golf Union.

• H. M. Bailey, City Engineer gave a report that the Post Office building was being renovated for City offices. The first meeting of Council took place on June 25, 1956 in the new offices.

• In the first part of July, Survey Aircraft Limited of Vancouver (Anson CF DLF) spent four days completing photo survey work in the Yorkton area, crewmembers were H. W. Topliss and H. Russel.

1957

• William E. Fichtner became Mayor, serving until 1969, making him the longest to hold this office in the history of Yorkton.

• On April 15th, the City administrators began plans to celebrate 75 years of settlement, but decided to hold festivities in 1958.

1958

• Yorkton Television Ltd -CKOS-TV was established.

• Anderson Lodge was officially opened on Wednesday May 27, with Premier T. C. Douglas officiating.

• A two-man diplomatic Russian delegation from the Canadian Embassy visited Yorkton and attended Yorkton's 16th International Film Festival.

• The Yorkton Film Council introduced a special trophy in the form of a "Golden Sheaf" representative of the "Wheat Province" of Saskatchewan. It has been awarded yearly since to the exhibitor judged the most outstanding of the entire Film Festival.

1959

• This year, a monthly periodical of the Ukrainian Redemptorist Fathers, THE REDEEMERS VOICE first published in the Ukrainian language, began publishing in English and Ukrainian.

1960

• Yorkton's last horse drawn milk wagon made its final run.

• The last C.P.R. east bound passenger train No. 42, left Yorkton Tuesday night, May 31st to terminate its run at Winnipeg.

• The C.P.R. west bound passenger train No. 41, departed Yorkton at 8:50 a.m. Tuesday, May 31st for its last run to Saskatoon.

1961

• In June, one of Yorkton's early landmark buildings, the City Hall on Third Avenue North was demolished.

• The population of the city was 9,995.

• A men's rink from Yorkton won the Marshall Field trophy in the 12th Annual Chicago International Bonspiel.

• Three thousand people from across the prairie provinces attended the Vidpust celebrations—a Ukrainian Catholic pilgrimage which took place in July.

• Council passed Bylaw #1487 establishing an advisory committee to council known as the Deer Park Recreation Committee.

• George Dulmage of Yorkton invented the Bale Lifter, a patent number 624,295. (Source: Saskatchewan Firsts originally from Sask Centennial web site)

1962

• Bylaw # 1503 authorized issue of debentures amounting to $38,000.00 for the purpose of paying the cost of installing an artificial ice plant in the city skating arena. (Aug. 27/62.)

• A Christmas gratuity was given by City Council to their employees; married employees received one turkey, and single people received $5.00.

• The Yorkton Union Hospital was completed at the beginning of the year.

• The Dominion Silver Ladies Curling Championship was held February 13 & 14 this year.

• The Yorkton Figure Skating Club was organized this year.

1963

• A 48-bed Psychiatric Centre was constructed next to the Union Hospital.

• Bailey's Funeral Home was established this year.

1964

• The Yorkton and District Board of Trade underwent a change of name; now Yorkton Chamber of Commerce.

• On March 8 at St. Mary's Parish Hall, His Excellency Bishop Andrew Roborecki, D.D. presented a papal medal and certificate to Dr. Stephanie Potoski of Yorkton for her dedicated services to people and to the Ukrainian Catholic Church.

• The Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church on the corner of Bradbrooke Drive and Independent Street was officially opened October 25th.

• Theodore Onufrijchuk, Horticulturalist and Landscaping Architect for the City of Yorkton (1959 to 1981) wrote and published a book entitled LANDSCAPING FOR MODERN CANADIAN LIVING IN THE PRAIRIE PROVINCES.

1965

• Dr. Houston appeared before Council to promote the idea of making York Lake into a regional park.

• Yorkton hosted the Saskatchewan Turkey Conference on January 27, 28 and 29th. Mrs. George Procyshyn was crowned Yorkton's Turkey Queen after winning the province-wide contest for best turkey recipe.

1966

• The Yorkton Arts Council was founded this year.

1967

• Howard Jackson, retired City Clerk and local historian presented a 5 album pictorial history of Yorkton to City Council.Mayor W. E. Fichtner said:" It is a pictorial essay on the settlement of Yorkton during its first 50 years."

• The City of Yorkton chose as a centennial project the building of a new outdoor sports centre. The name "Century Field" was proposed by the City's Centennial Committee and the Parks and Recreation Board, and accepted by city council.

• The Yorkton Regional High School was officially opened on November 10th.

• Two grants were given by the City of Yorkton: $500.00 to the Yorkton Art Centre, and $500.00 to Yorkton Minor Sports Association.

• The Kinsmen Club of Yorkton agreed to build a new fountain at the corner of Second Avenue and Broadway Street at a cost of $3,000.

1968

• Dedication of the new Yorkton Apostolic Church at 175 Gladstone Avenue South took place on October 14th.

• The Yorkton Friendship Centre opened its doors this year. They provided counselling, recreational, vocational assistance to those in need, and to all races and nationalities.

• The Yorkton Credit Union Ltd. was located in their new building on Fourth Avenue North and Smith Street.

1969

• Some events planned for "Sno Sho '69" were: skating party, turkey shoot, dog races, contests, wild game dinner, borsh and perogie supper, and ice sculpturing.

• The Church of Christ located at 550 Parkview Road opened for services in April this year.

1970

• The Yorkton Terriers Hockey Club captured the Provincial Senior Championship.

• A sod turning ceremony was held for the opening of Yorkton's Industrial Park.

1971

• Yorkton's population was 13,430.

• Yorkton International Film Festival received a grant of $500.00 from the City of Yorkton.

1972

• Jack Zepp was appointed curator for the Western Development Museum on Highway 16.

• Lorne Nystrom, Federal N.D.P. candidate for this constituency was elected.

1973

• The Yorkton Chamber of Commerce elected its first woman president, Winnie Spence.

• Brigadier General Alexander Ross died.

• Fifty rinks entered the Annual Ladies Curling Bonspiel.

1974

• Brother Methodius Koziak, teacher at St. Joseph's College received the ORDER OF CANADA.

• The Parkland Synchronize Swim Club was founded by Margaret Cugnet, with the objective of entering a team in the first Saskatchewan Winter Games held in North Battleford.

• The City donated $500.00 for the Senior Citizens Lounge at the S. I. G. N. building.

• For the first time in years Yorkton had 2 newspapers. YORKTON THIS WEEK began printing this year.

1975

• York Lake Cross Country Ski Club was established on December 21st.

• Yorkton Slow Pitch was organized this year.

• Brent Logan was President of the Yorkton Chamber of Commerce.

• YORKTON THIS WEEK was founded by Bob Thom, Ed Betker, and Dick DeRyk.

1976

• The Ukrainian Canadian Professional and Business Association of Yorkton and District hosted the 7th Annual Malanka at the Corona Hotel.

• The Yorkton Farm and Leisure Show was founded by the Broadway Park Merchants Association, with a promotional feature held at the Broadway Park Plaza.

• The Parkland Mall was opened on October 7th.

• Artificial ice was installed at the Kinsmen Arena.

• The City of Yorkton Recreation and Parks Department hosted the 1976 Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Conference.

1977

• John Wytrykush, Manager of Eaton's Store became Mayor. He was a strong proponent of railway relocation.

• The Yorkton School Unit Band broke an earlier record by playing non-stop for 15 hours.

1978

• Yorkton Mayor, John Wytrykush greeted Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip as they stepped down on Broadway Street from their special train on Saturday July 29th.

• The Dominion Lands Office, 10 Argyle Street constructed in the 1890s and one of the City's oldest buildings was demolished.

• Paul Ogrodnick of Yorkton invented a Doughnut Lifter, a patent number 1,034,781. (Source: Saskatchewan Firsts originally from Sask Centennial web site)

1979

• Antoinette Kryski received a special Gold Sheaf Award for her many dedicated years of work with the Film Festival.

• The water consumption in Yorkton was 457 million Imperial gallons per year (mga) for a population of 15,400; or an average of 81 Imperial gallons per capita per day (gcd). (Source: YORKTON MUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN, MAY 1982.)

1980

• George H. Morris, President of Morris Rod Weeder Company of Yorkton received the ORDER OF CANADA on June 23, 1980. Recognized for his contribution to industrial development, farming and his own community. (Source: The Governor General of Canada Web site.)

• The Orkney Historical Society was formed to plan the restoration of the Orkney Church and School.

1981

• The population of the city was 15,339.

• The Godfrey Dean Cultural Centre's official opening took place on October 28th, 1981. (Source: Letter signed by G.W. Crowder, City Commissioner Dec. 24, 1981.)

1982

• The Yorkton Centennial Committee and the City of Yorkton produced the history book: YORK COLONY TO TREASURE CHEST CITY.

• In January, the City's new flag designed by Dean Printz was unveiled at City Hall.

• The "Yorkton Centennial Song" was composed by Paul Malec and the Grade 6 students of Columbia School.

• The Ravine Ecological Preserve was established.

• A cairn was unveiled in July in Patrick Park to commemorate Dr. T. A. Patrick's efforts with conservation issues, as well as his work as a pioneer physician and legislator.

• The Yorkton and District Historical Society buried a capsule at the Godfrey Dean Cultural Centre, with Norman Roebuck officiating. The capsule was manufactured and donated by RAM Industries of Yorkton.

• This was the year the Yorkton Lions Club, along with The Parkland Lions, the Lionelles, and the Sunrise Lions and Sunrise Lionelles organized the Annual Bunny Drive.

• City grocery stores were converting their meat and produce scales to Metric from Imperial units. (Yorkton This Week May 5, 1982)

1983

• A group of theatre enthusiasts founded the Paper Bag Players.

• St. Mary's Parish Ukrainian Catholic Cultural Centre held its official opening.

• A thunderstorm deposited four inches of rain in a four hour period, causing flooding around Laurier and Assiniboia Avenue.

• Christie's Funeral Home was established 100 years ago.

• Yorkton Regional High School Curling team took the Provincial Championship.

• Yorkton Terriers claimed the Saskatchewan Amateur Junior Hockey League championship. (Yorkton This Week Special Salute Edition 1983)

1984

• The Synchronize Swimming Provincial Championship event was held in Yorkton April 14th.

• The Ukrainian Catholic Women's League donated $10,000 to the St. Mary's Ukrainian Cultural Centre.

• The new facilities at the Western Development Museum were opened this year.

• June 15th, the York Lake Ladies Golf Club invited the Deer Park Ladies Club for a "Fun Day."

1985

• A prominent historical landmark, the famed Balmoral Hotel was destroyed by fire on February 12th.

1986

• A group of writing enthusiasts founded the Parkland Writers' Alliance.

• Yorkton hosted the Saskatchewan Winter Games attended by 2500 athletes, plus coaches, officials and spectators.

1987

• The City of Yorkton Council established a Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee.

• Norman Roebuck was nominated for the Saskatchewan Agricultural Hall of Fame by the Yorkton Exhibition Association.

1988

• The Yorkton Court House was declared a Provincial Heritage Property on February 15th.

• The City of Yorkton opened the H. M. Bailey Water Pollution Control Plant.

• On September 7, George Morris, inventor, was the recipient of the 1988 Saskatchewan Order of Merit.

• In September, Mayor Brian Fromm attended the sod turning ceremony for the new Yorkton Coop Shopping Centre.

• The Provincial B Men's Playdown Slo-pitch event was held here this year.

• The opening of the White Spruce Youth Treatment Centre took place in June.

• St. Paul's Lutheran Church celebrated its 75th Anniversary May 21 and 22.

1989

• The old Land Titles Office achieved Municipal Heritage status on November 20th.

• The Saskatchewan Provincial Parks & Recreation Association Conference was held at St. Mary's Cultural Centre in October this year.

• Ruth Shaw received the "Yorkton Citizen of the Year" award during the Canada Day Celebrations at the Western Development Museum.

• Yorkton hosted the Provincial Bantam Baseball Playdowns, and the Provincial Playdowns & National Qualifiers for Slo-pitch National.

1990

• On March 26th, the old Hudson Bay Company Store on Broadway Street and 2nd Avenue received "Municipal Heritage Property" designation.

• The American Bus Association selected Yorkton's Threshermen Festival as one of the top 100 events on this continent.

• THE ENTERPRISE AND YORKTON THIS WEEK are purchased by Armadale Company Ltd. of Hamilton, Ontario.

1991

• The population of the city stood at 15,320.

• The Yorkton Regional High School Girls Volleyball Team took the Provincial Championship.

• The Yorkton Regional High School Football Team became Provincial Champions this year.

• YORKTON & DISTRICT PAPER INC., owned by Ken Chyz and David Buscis, starts publishing THE PAPER, a free-distribution advertising publication.

1992

• The Doukhobor brick house located at #29 Myrtle Avenue received Municipal Heritage designation on August 10th.

• Labatt's Men's Curling Playoffs were held here this year.

• Members of the Zion Eight Scout Troop planted 13 trees at the Arboretum, representing each Province and Territory, and one representing the First Nations.

• YORKTON AND DISTRICT PAPER INC. begins publishing THE NEWS PAPER which is free of charge to residents.

• The Yorkton Credit Union Ltd. introduced the city's first Drive Through ATM. ( Source: Booklet "50 years of History YORKTON CREDIT UNION LTD. 1943-1993)

1993

• In March, eleven area residents received a medal each for their contribution to the community and to the country. Presentation was made by Lorne Nystrom, N. D. P. Member of Parliament.

• The Sports Hall of Fame was established with founding members: Vern Pachal, President, Dave Rusnak, Randy Goulden, Bev Fruin, Patti Pilon, Lynda Ziglo, Dave Baron, Byron McCorkell, Merv Laube, Gordon Johnson and Gerry Bulitz.

• The Yorkton Credit Union had the grand opening of their new building at #64 Broadway Street East on Tuesday, November 2nd.

• On December 13, the official opening of the City of Yorkton and R.C.M.P. building was held. Master of Ceremonies was G. Wayne, Jensen, City Commissioner.

1994

• The Kinsmen Recycling Centre began operation in May this year.

• Canada Post issued a stamp in the Architecture series illustrating the Provincial Court House in Yorkton, describing it as "A distinctive public landmark....a striking example of the Beaux-Arts style of architecture in Canada."

• The Special Olympics Summer Games were held in Yorkton.

• Yorkton was host to the Saskatchewan Country Music Awards.

• Saskatchewan Wildlife Convention was held here, with 350 delegates attending.

• Yorkton hosted the Western Divisional Figure Skating Competitions.

• The Canadian High School Rodeo was initiated in Yorkton this year.

• Yorkton Regional High School initiated the Student Leadership Conference hosting 1500 delegates from across the United States and Canada.

• Demolition of the old City Hall building at #29 Third Avenue North, began in June and was completed in December.

1995

• In April a large area around Yorkton experienced extreme flooding due to the swollen Assiniboine River.

• Yorkton hosted the Western Canadian Premiers Conference.

• On the occasion of the 65 Anniversary, Morris Industries held a "Dealer Days" event.

1996

• The Henry Apartments at #81 Second Avenue North was designated a Municipal Heritage Property on February 26th.

• THE COMMUNITY REVIEW is first published by Community Publishing Ltd.

• The Painted Hand Casino opened its doors at 30- 3rd Avenue North on December 14th.

1997

• The official opening of the building housing Tourism Yorkton and The Yorkton Chamber of Commerce took place on June 6.

• A reunion celebration of the Yorkton Terriers was held this year.

1998

• The Yorkton Chamber of Commerce held their first "Celebrate Success" Awards night.

• Work got underway to redesign Jubilee Park to upgrade it to standards required for provincial competitions.

• The population stood at 16,783.

• The Logan Green Committee as part of the Arbor Day project asked Yorkdale School for help to plant 3,400 trees on Logan Green park. One hundred and fifty students from Grades 4, 5 and 6 were responsible for about 30 trees each. The project was funded by the Logan Green Committee and the City of Yorkton. (Yorkton This Week & Enterprise, May 27, 1998.)

• FLETCHER'S DRUG STORE was sold after 48 years of operation and finished business on Wednesday, June 30th. It was the longest continuous Drug Store/Pharmacy in Yorkton and Western Canada, owned by only four different families dating back to 1895. (Source: Garry Fletcher.)

• Yorkton Tribal Council celebrated the opening of Safe Haven on Bradbrooke Drive on October 30th.

• St. Paul Lutheran Church was designated as a Municipal Heritage Property on November 20th.

• Yorkton hosted the Saskatchewan Real Estate Convention attended by 250 delegates.

• Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce Annual Convention was held here with an excess of 500 delegates.

• In December, the new water Tower was erected.

1999

• Yorkton hosted the National Hockey Championship Royal Bank Cup.

• The population of the city reached 17,113. (Sask. Health figures.)

• It was the 25th year of the Yorkton Arts Council "Stars for Saskatchewan Concert Series."

• The first water tower built in 1930 was demolished in August this year.

2000

• On Feb. 7th City Council presented Meritorious Service Awards to Ruth Shaw and Stan Stephenson

• Yorkton was the site of the "2000 Saskatchewan Summer Games."

• On August 6th, the First Baptist Church held their 100th anniversary celebration.

• This year, St. Joseph's College held a reunion for approximately 500 former students and teachers.

• Yorkton Short Film & Video Festival was held May 11th -14th. It's ads state: "Longest Running Short Film Festival in North America & Home of the Coveted Golden Sheaf."

• The City of Yorkton Municipal Heritage Advisory Commission launched the book "City of Yorkton Cemetery Walking Tour."

• On Wednesday, June 14th the Trans Canada Trail officially opened up through Yorkton. Mayor Ben Weber was presented with the official Trans Canada Trail 2000 flag.

• On Nov. 15, a Plan of Survey was registered confirming the official name "Yorkton Creek" for the waterway previously known as "Little White Sand" River, and/or as locals often called it "Bull's River." The creek crosses the East boundary of the North East Quarter of Section l, Township 26, Range 4, West of the Second Meridian. (Letter signed by W. Larson, Deputy Chief Surveyor, Property Registration Branch, Chief Surveyor's Office Regina, Sask. Mar. 8, 2001.)

2001

• On January 24th, “Yorkton This Week and Enterprise” published a special booklet entitled: "A Salute to Minor Hockey 2001".

• Yorkton hosted the Western Canadian Midget Softball Championships, the S.H.S.A.A. Provincial Track and Field Championships, the S.G.A. Mid Amateur Gold Championships, and R.C.G.A. Future Links Junior Golf Championship.

• “The Community Review” and “The Newspaper” amalgamate to form “The News Review”.

• “Yorkton This Week & Enterprise” is purchased by Peter Ng, owner of “The Estevan Mercury”, who shortens the name to “Yorkton This Week”.

• Mayor Phil De Vos and Director of Leisure Services, Jody Hauta, presented Norman Roebuck and Lucien Cugnet with certificates of Appreciation for their years of work in heritage preservation on Thursday, October 25th.

2002

• YORKTON IS 120 YEARS OLD. The York Farmers Colonization Company was incorporated on May 12, 1882, and settlement of the area began.

• City Leisure Services Department installed banners on several streets as part of a downtown beautification plan.

• City Councillor, Brian Fromm died suddenly Thursday, August 22. Fromm was Mayor of Yorkton from 1985 to 1988, and was Councillor since 1989.

• Leon's Manufacturing Company founded by Leon Malinowsky celebrated 50 years in business on Friday, August 16th.

2003

• The Grand Opening of the new Sacred Heart High School located on Gladstone Avenue North took place on March 4, 5 and 6th.

• The Saskatchewan Tourism Awards of Excellence was accepted by Tourism Yorkton President Terry Wright and Executive Director, Randy Goulden on March 14th.

• A small publication entitled "The Whiskey Man" was launched Tuesday, June 17th by the City of Yorkton Municipal Heritage Advisory Sub-Commission during Yorkton's 75th celebration as a city. It tells the story of the Balmoral Hotel and the Bronfman family's saga in Yorkton and Saskatchewan.

• In April, two brick buildings originally constructed by Harry Bronfman on the corner of Broadway and Second Avenue South were demolished. On this site the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority is erecting a liquor store. The parking lot will be located on the land where the Balmoral Hotel once stood.

• This year Morris Industries celebrated their 75th Anniversary.

2004

• The Dulmage Farmstead was designated as a Municipal Heritage Property in accordance with the Heritage Property Act at the Yorkton City Council meeting of March 8.

• “Yorkton This Week, The News Review, and The Community Post” are purchased by Glacier Ventures International Corp.

• Robert Thom, co-founder of “Yorkton This Week” died on Monday, April 12th.

• On Thursday September 23rd, the Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 Launch took place at Century Field. Dr. Lynda Haverstock, Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan; Lorne Clavert, Premier of Saskatchewan; Clay Serby, Deputy Premier and Minister of Rural Revitalization; Legislative Secretary Glen Hagel; Yorkton Mayor Phil De Vos and other special guests were in attendance to kickoff the countdown to Saskatchewan's centennial year and preview the first of the centennial plans.

• Throughout December, 2004 until Ukrainian Christmas on January 7, 2005, school children and the public were invited to tour the Yorkton Court House at #19 Darlington Street East to view the historic building and the elaborate interior Christmas decor.

2005

• An ice sculpture of the War ship "HMCS Orkney" was created in the CPR Park on Broadway by cadets, officers and parents of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps. It was unveiled Friday, February 4th.

• On February 19th, the 28th Annual Snowarama for Easter Seals took place. 295 snowmobilers raised $81,310.00 to help children with disabilities.

•Seven Yorkton Centenarians were honoured at a ceremony at the Yorkton and District Nursing Home on March 2nd. The seven persons were: Bessie Lamson, John Oystryk, Mary Pankoski, Mearl Zacher, Edith Romaniuk, John Zorian and Caroline Mundt.

• On April 7, the Brother Stanislaus Knights of Columbus Assembly held their Second Annual Patriotic Dinner at St. Mary's Cultural Centre. In celebration of Saskatchewan's Centennial, the special guest speaker was William A. Waiser, Historian and University of Saskatchewan professor who spoke on the hardships of the early pioneers.

• One unique production - a "Ghost Walking Tour" of areas and buildings of the downtown called THE HAUNTS of YORKTON written by Kathy Morrell took place on July 6 and 7, and Sept.1 and 2.

• Saturday, June 17th a British Garden Fete was held at Holy Trinity Anglican Church as a celebration of the British culture of Yorkton, the first settlers of York Colony and their encounter with Native people.

• It has been 12 years since Sonya Pawliw of Wellington Avenue opened her Healing and Meditation Garden to the public. This year, she welcomed nearly 400 visitors from as far away as the Netherlands, Israel, Germany and the United States.

• On September 4th, the Special Centennial Celebration of Yorkton kicked off on the Exhibition grounds, attended by a crowd estimated to be at 10,000. All sorts of events took place culminating with a spectacular show of fireworks. Another 5 to 8,000 people were estimated to be on surrounding streets, school play grounds, and other places around the city.

• On September 5th, Mayor Phil De Vos presided over a 1905 Mock Council meeting in City Hall.

• The history book “Yorkton – Windows on our History” was launched December 22 at City Hall.

2006

• On September 7th, two major agricultural companies each announced plans to build state-of-the-art canola crushing plants to be operational within the next two years. The Companies are: James Richard International, and Louis Dreyfus Canada.

• The Gallagher Centre - a multi-purpose facility, held its official opening on Saturday, September 16th. Officials were: Chairperson Randy Goulden, Dave Farrell, Mayor Phil DeVos, George Gallagher (whose donation had his name attached to the Centre), Yorkton-Melville MP Garry Breitkreuz, and Yorkton MLA Clay Serby.

• Local Barrister, Arliss Dellow won the Ken Filippelli Award at the Annual General Meeting of the SWIMMING CANADA held in Vancouver October 14. The award is given to an outstanding Canadian official who has made a difference to swimming in Canada.

• On October 19, the plasma cut metal mural, entitled "Grassroots" by artist Linda Keilback, honouring the peoples who were here first and those who came after, was officially dedicated. A project of Renaissance Yorkton Foundation Inc., the mural is the first in the RYF series, "The Storytellers Circle". It was installed on the wall of Liquidation World facing Livingstone Street.

2007

• The third yearly production of the HAUNTS OF YORKTON took place May 31, June 1, and June 3. It portrayed this year's theme of 125 years of settlement.

• The Princess Royal, Princess Anne visited Yorkton on June 2nd to help celebrate our 125th anniversary of the settlement of York Colony and York City/Yorkton.

• Yorkton's big 125th celebration "Family Fun Day" was held on Sunday, September 2nd at the Gallagher Centre Flexihall.

• The book “Lest We Forget”, compiled by the Royal Canadian Legion, Yorkton Branch volunteers was launched in November.

• Gordon, Brian and Derek Berrns, third, fourth and fifth generations of the family to farm north of Springside received the Farmer of the Year Award at the Grain Millers Harvest Showdown on November 1st.

• Yorkton candidate Greg Ottenbreit of the Saskatchewan Party was elected to the legislature on November 7th.

2008

• Cornerstone Credit Union officially amalgamated with Tisdale and Gateway Credit Unions on January 1st.

•The Yorkton and District Scottish Society hosted their 30th Annual Robert Burns Banquet and Dance on Saturday, January 19th.

• Elmer McInnes, Yorkton author of Old West history launched his second book “Bud Ballew: Legendary Oklahoma Lawman” on March 27.

• Agrium Inc., undertook potash exploration work south of Yorkton in the spring, with a view of a possible mine project in the near future.

• The Yorkton Exhibition Association is celebrating 125 years this year. In the early 1880s, Agricultural Societies sprang up across the Canadian West, organizing fairs dedicated to entertain the new settlers, and to bring first hand information on agricultural methods, marketing etc.

• S.S.F.A. 55 Plus Provincial Games were held July 8 – 10. Over 600 participants from across the province competed in a variety of events such as cribbage, bowling, golf, kaiser, track & field and slo-pitch.

2009

• On January 24, the Yorkton & District Scottish Society hosted its 31st Annual Robbie Burns Dinner and Dance at the Royal Canadian Legion Hall. The event marked the 250th anniversary of the famed poet born in 1759.

• The City of Yorkton achieved a big surplus in 2008.

• The City of Yorkton received $12 million in March through the joint federal/provincial Building Canada Fund for the water treatment plant upgrade.

• The new Painted Hand Casino building opened its doors on Wednesday March 11th.

• A public meeting has been set for April 8th, in respect of the annexation of land from the Rural Municipality of Orkney.

2010

• The Olympic Torch Relay Community Celebration was held on January 9.

• In February, GOOGLE STREET VIEW now contains online photographic images of Yorkton streets and those of nearby towns and villages. In fact, Street View for all of Canada was put online around the same time.

• Agrium Inc., the potash company exploring for potash deposits in an area between Yorkton and Melville decided, in March, to put on indefinite hold on development plans.

• In April, the City Department of Leisure Services underwent a change in name to the Department of Community Development, Parks and Recreation

• On the afternoon of Saturday, May 15 a rededication ceremony was held for the City of Yorkton cenotaph.

• The new City of Yorkton Fire Station held their grand opening on June 25.

• Richardson International Limited officially opened its canola processing plant on Tuesday June 29.

• Heavy rains on Thursday July 1st led to extensive flooding of homes and business in Yorkton. A State of Emergency was called the very next morning.

• A spray water park was opened in Weinmaster Park in mid-July.

• The "Flood Fund Cabaret" was held on August 27 at the Gallagher Centre.

• Yorkton Group “Beauty for Ashes” sang at a concert to benefit flood victims at the Heritage Baptist Church on the last weekend of August.

• The implementation of Bike Lanes took place in August.

• City Council approved in October the installation of six historical markers in the downtown area.

• The old mill property: The wood structure elevator and other buildings were demolished on Friday Oct. 29th, save for the brick mill.

• A Community Strategic Plan Conference was held at the Gallagher Centre on October 28-30.

• The Provincial Disaster Assistance Program opened an office in Yorkton in October to deal with the flood claims process.

• In December, the Federal Government announced the Prairie Oat Growers Association were to receive $1.8 million to develop new oat breeding varieties.