Country Canada Census division No. 16 Post office founded 1910 Area 251 ha Area code 306 Province Saskatchewan | Region Saskatchewan Rural Municipality Big River Time zone Central Standard Time Population 639 (2011) Local time Wednesday 10:12 AM Number of airports 1 | |
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Weather -18°C, Wind E at 10 km/h, 69% Humidity | ||
Big River is a town located on the southern end of Cowan Lake in north central Saskatchewan, Canada. It is just north of Saskatchewan's extensive grain belt on Highway 55 (part of the inter-provincial Northern Woods and Water Route) and about sixteen kilometres west of Prince Albert National Park. Delaronde Lake is accessed east of the town. Big River is approximately 132 kilometres to Prince Albert.
Contents
Map of Big River, SK, Canada
Except for some land cleared for farming and a few natural meadows, the town is surrounded by the northern boreal forest.
History
Big River began as a company town created as a base for the lumber industry at the turn of the 20th century. Commercial fishing also played a major role in the town in the early years. In 1910 a post office was opened in Big River.
Notable people
Métis film producer and director Wil Campbell was born here. He helped establish the first video program for Aboriginal people with Alberta Native Communications in 1968 and founded the Dreamspeakers Festival Society and the National Film Board's Native Studio.
Former NHL forward Barry Pederson was born here.
Education
There are two schools in the community. Big River Public High School (Grade 7 to 12) & TD Michel Public School (Pre-K to Grade 6). They are part of the Saskatchewan Rivers School Division #119 out of Prince Albert.