Our History
Learn about our past
Every town has a story, and Choiceland is no exception. From its early beginnings to the close-knit community it is today, Choiceland’s history reflects the perseverance and spirit of those who helped shape it. Explore the roots of our town and how it came to be the place we proudly call home.
Drought, depression & Pioneer's spirit
The prairie drought, the depression and a pioneer spirit, influenced people to move north into the new raw land.
In 1926, a community meeting resulted in the organization of the post office. The name of Choiceland was suggested by Pete Rotz as the name of the post office. This suggestion was based on the fact that there was an abundance of available land and many different types of soil to be found.
In 1930 the CPR track was laid and the hamlet of Choiceland began to emerge. The post office was relocated. The first train rolled into town in 1931 and Choiceland’s Railway Avenue became the commercial hub of the town. In the next few years during the 1930’s , three general stores – Robinson’s Grabowski’s and Bachlunds, Harjula’s hardware store and garage was added. Vic Harjula also operated the first power plant and provided lighting for the small hamlet. The Choicleand Consumer Co-operative Association was incorporated in 1936 with 55 members. The Choiceland Hotel was constructed in 1936. The Saskatchewan Wheat Pool Elevator was erected in 1937 and the Choiceland Credit Union opened in 1943.
The early years
From the 30’s and into the late 40’s a livery barn and dray business, a black smith shop, a shoe repair business,a confectionary and barber shop ( with a pool table) a drug store, a butcher shop/meat market with locker plan were added to the commercial district.
The 40’s and 50’s saw businesses and services open up to support the growing agriculture industry. International Harvester Company, Massey Harris, Cockshutt and Case provided competitive sales and repair services along the main drag. A lumber yard, construction and trucking/ transportation services and other trades and services grew in the 50 and 60’s. 1944 saw the creation of the Choiceland Village’s first municipal council. The sports ground land was purchased in 1946. Boardwalks were replaced with cement sidewalks along Railway Avenue in 1948. Choiceland’s fire hall was constructed in 1952. A new school was completed in 1953 and 1958 saw the creation and housing of a new regional library.
1964 - town water & sewer
Businesses in welding, automotive repairs, radio and electrical and T.V. repair, insurance and real estate businesses present a reflection of the changing times and technology in a growing town through the 1960’s. Water and sewer was installed in 1964 along with the completion of a brand new composite high school to accommodate a growing population of young people. Choiceland purchased land for an air strip in 1967 and also for trailer court in 1968.
1972 - dial telephones
Natural gas in 1970 and dial telephone in 1972 were features that added to the modernization the town. 1971 the Choiceland Village petitioned the Department of Municipal Affairs to address the need for senior citizen housing in the area. A local competition determined the name Placid Place and in 1974 the construction of 24 units was completed.
1980 - becoming a town
Choiceland became a town in 1980. For the history of the1980’s and 90’s, many of the early families and their offspring still live in Choiceland. They are now the living history of the community. All have memories and stories that can fill in the gaps of the years leading up to present day. The price of a cup of coffee at Coffee Rowe or Terry’s Coffee shop will buy you an entertaining hour or so of reminiscing about “the good old” days.
early settlers
Early settlers set up this basket on cables as a convenient means of getting across the Saskatchewan River between Nipawin and the communities surrounding Choiceland. The sky basket was a great asset to the communities, but wasn't much help with horses who were afraid of heights. In 1928, the cable-guided Nipawin Ferry was established and well utilized by area residents.
old nipawin bridge
With the arrival of the railroad, construction on the famous 2-deck "Old Nipawin Bridge" began in 1929 to span the rails across the Saskatchewan River gorge and effectively connect neighboring communities along the north shore of the Saskatchewan River with those on the south.