Churchbridge, Saskatchewan

History

Churchbridge began with the arrival of settlers from the Anglican Colonization Society, with director and missionary Reverend Robert Bridger.

There are two different theories as to where the town's name came from. One, is in 1887, the society combined the word "church" from the name of the society, and the name "bridge" in recognition of Robert Bridger, one of the prominent directors, to name the new settlement "Churchbridge". Another theory is the name was taken from the hamlet of Churchbridge, Cornwall in England.

The village of Churchbridge was incorporated in 1903 with James Heasman as the overseer. He was solely responsible for the affairs of the village. There was no council, but M. Thorlakson and A.O. Berger, both hotel keepers, were trustees, which meant they made themselves responsible for the honesty and integrity of the overseer in his financial duties. In 1962, there were 260 people residing the village, and by 1964, the population had risen to 600. The village became a town in 1964.

Geography

Churchbridge is located north of Big Cut Arm Creek and Deer Creek which drain into the Assiniboine River.

Demographics

Economy

Churchbridge is a community with an excellent location along Highway 16 for business. The Mosaic Potash mines to the south of employ many of the residents of Churchbridge and surrounding area, including nearby towns Esterhazy, Langenburg, and Bredenbury.

Amenities

Over the years Churchbridge has grown. The community has a school, a library, a fire department, a daycare, and recreation facilities (including a new swimming pool).

Sites of interest

Sites of interest in the town include the Coin Monument erected to celebrate the 125th anniversary of Canadian Confederation, Veteran's Memorial Wall, photo archives and the many heritage murals displayed throughout the community. These displays of art were created by local artists to help commemorate various events, as well as to honour former residents.

Duck Mountain Provincial Park is located north on Highway 80; Asessippi Ski Area and Lake of the Prairies is located just east on Highway 16.

Churchbridge Campground is located south of the junction of Highway 16 and 80. The campground offers 33 sites - 29 electrified, pull through sites, grass covered sites for tents, sewer dump, washroom and shower facility. Across the road is a picnic area, swimming pool, playground and ball diamonds.

Located within 15 km (9.3 mi) is the Langenburg Recreation Site.

The Saltcoats Game Preserve is within 19 km (12 mi).

Transportation

Churchbridge Airport supplies limited air service to this Saskatchewan town. The main mode of transportation would be via Saskatchewan Highway 16, the Yellowhead Route, and to a lesser extent via the north/south secondary highway, Saskatchewan Highway 80.

As of the early 1900s, Churchbridge was a part of the Minnedosa, Saskatoon, Edmonton section of the Canadian Pacific Railway.

Publications

A local history and family biography book written for the province's 75th anniversary by Ruth Swanson and published by the Churchbridge History Committee and is entitled: The first hundred years: around Churchbridge, 1880-1980.

Media

Bredenbury, Churchbridge, Langenburg, and Saltcoats are all served by The Four-Town Journal.

Notable people