A Brief History & Introduction To Lumsden

1881 Lumsden was commonly known as “Happy Hollow”.

1889 Canada Pacific Railroad selects area to build rail line. Happy Hollow renamed after CPR Chief Engineer, Hugh D. Lumsden.

1889 Lumsden incorporated as a Village (January 10).

1892 Thomas Hill opened the General Store and the Canada Post Office was opened. Soon after, a blacksmith shop and implement agency were established. Grain elevators were erected.

1897 First Doctor opened for business.

1900 Newspaper began publication.

1904 Flour Mill opened. First major flood.

1905 Lumsden incorporated as a Town (March 15).

1900-1910 Building boom – many stately brick homes and businesses were built, including Balfour’ s General Store, hotel, and United Church.

1900-1950 Lumsden is a thriving farm service centre. Described as one of the best farming districts in Saskatchewan. Population was approximately 500 people.

1961 Highway #11 diverted around Lumsden.

1962 Water/sewer infrastructure installed. Lumsden begins evolution as a commuter town.

1963 Lumsden High School (LHS) opens. Academic and athletic excellence has been a Hallmark of Lumsden High School since its inception. LHS has received numerous academic awards. Girls’ and boys’ volleyball, curling, golf, wrestling, football, track and field, and cross-country running have won provincial championships.

1970 Lumsden Community Centennial Centre (Hall) constructed.

1974 Highest water levels in history. Volunteers from Regina came to help sandbag. Decision is made to construct major flood protection works (dike) and straighten the Qu’Appelle River Channel. The dike system is one of the most elaborate in Canada. This marks the beginning of a major population growth period. The population of Lumsden has doubled since 1974.

1987 Lumsden Duck Derby inaugural race. Funds to go to the construction of the new Lumsden Sports Centre.

1992 Lumsden Sports Centre (hockey and curling rinks) opens.

2001 New public works and firehall facility, as well as new fire truck.

2002 Plans for new water treatment plant.

2004 Duck Derby continues to be a success having generated about $400,000 in profits. All proceeds go to capital projects at Lumsden Sports Centre. The Lumsden Arts Council was established with the help of Artist In Residence. Centennial Committee formed to plan celebrations for 2005. Water Treatment Plant was Constructed.

2005 Lumsden celebrates is Centennial, Queen Elizabeth visits Lumsden. Special Issue of Waterfront Press Newspaper. Centennial Celebration Poster. Guest Book Signed by Queen.

2009 New RiverPark building constructed in RiverPark Campground

2011 High water event. The Town monitored water levels in the Qu’Appelle River closely. The James Street Bridge was closed and sandbagged for just over a week until levels receded. 2011 Flood Event Photo Gallery

2018 Construction commenced on a new Wastewater Treatment Facility. Wastewater Project

2020 Construction commenced on various solar projects around town. Solar Project

2022 Completed Wastewater Treatment Facility and solar projects.

Click here for more Historical Pictures.

Town Bell: The historic bell is situated in front of the current Town and

Municipal Office (once the site of the Fire Hall). It was used in the past to

sound fire alarms and was rung to signal specific times - 7am, 12 noon,

1pm and 6pm.