A Brief History and Introduction to Milestone
Milestone is a community with deep historical roots and a vibrant present. Today, Milestone sits on the border of Treaty 4 and Treaty 2 land. The area was originally inhabited by the Cree, Anishinaabe, and Sioux long before European settlers arrived in North America.
A Glimpse into Milestone’s History
- 1893: The Canadian Pacific Railroad was completed from North Portal to Pasqua Junction, and a station house along the line was named Milestone in honour of C.W. Milestone, the superintendent of the new Soo Line extension.
- 1899: The land rush began, with 96 homestead entries filed between 1899 and 1902.
- 1900: Significant settlement began with new arrivals from eastern Canada, the British Isles, other European countries, and the United States. The first businessman, John R. Bunn, appeared, dealing in lumber, coal, and wood.
- 1901: The Canadian Pacific Railway put the Milestone Townsite on the market, and the Milestone School District No. 595 was established, leading to the construction of the first school building.
- 1902: Milestone School and the Milestone Hotel were opened. This year also saw a building boom with many stately brick homes and businesses, including hardware stores, barbershops, blacksmiths, liveries, restaurants, real estate offices, and boarding houses. The town welcomed its first doctor and held its first Sports Day.
- 1903: Milestone was incorporated as a village on March 14th. The Presbyterian Church was erected, and the first fire occurred.
- 1906: Milestone was incorporated as a town on August 15th.
- 1912: Bethesda Lutheran Church was built west of Milestone.
- 1920: Saint Aloysius Roman Catholic Church was erected.
- 1982: Saint Aloysius Roman Catholic Church became a Municipal Heritage Property.
- 1985: Bethesda Lutheran Church became a Municipal Heritage Property.
Modern Milestone
Today, Milestone is a thriving community of approximately 699 residents, located just 30 minutes (50 km) from Regina and 35 minutes (55 km) from Weyburn. It is an ideal location for commuters who enjoy the peace of small-town living while being close to urban amenities.
The community is known for its strong sense of togetherness and vibrant social life. Residents engage in various recreational activities, including skating, hockey, swimming, baseball, volleyball, and curling. The town offers numerous extracurricular programs, such as piano, drama, and dance, ensuring year-round engagement for all ages.
Community Services and Facilities
Milestone provides essential services, including a comprehensive ambulance service for the town and surrounding areas. The town also boasts a seniors’ complex with an assisted living program that organizes day trips, events, and transportation for shopping or medical appointments.
The educational needs of the community are well-supported by a local school that serves around 200 students from Kindergarten to Grade 12, complemented by various extracurricular activities.
Economic and Recreational Highlights
Milestone’s economy benefits from agriculture-related industries such as fuel, fertilizer, and chemical companies. The downtown area is bustling with a grocery store, a bank, a restaurant, a regional public library, and several other service-oriented businesses.
Nearby attractions like the Long Creek Golf and Country Club and the Dunnet Regional Park offer excellent amenities and recreational opportunities. The town’s seniors actively participate in dancing, travel, health and fitness activities, bingo, and more at the Senior Citizen’s Centre (Carrington Court) and the Local Drop-in Centre.
A Warm Welcome
Whether you’re visiting or considering a move, Milestone warmly welcomes you to experience the unique blend of small-town hospitality and vibrant community life. Come and explore the rich history, engaging activities, and friendly faces that make Milestone, Saskatchewan, a wonderful place to call home.
