About Hepburn
(Last updated: August 27, 2024)
The Town of Hepburn is located approximately 50 kilometers north of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan on highway 12. According to the 2021 Census, Hepburn has a population of 784 people. In August 2012, Hepburn received its Town status. 2012 also marked the completion of a major water project, linking Hepburn to the City of Saskatoon's water supply. Hepburn is a beautiful, friendly community featuring mature trees, playgrounds, K-12 school, fire department, grocery store, agro store (at highway junction), gas station, arena, churches, insurance agency, museum, salon, seasonal marketplace, coffeeshop, and more!
The Town of Hepburn acquired Heritage Common (formerly known as Bethany College Campus) on May 1, 2021, and has created a venue for community services, recreation, business, childcare hub, playschool, office leases, event rentals, school athletics, youth programs, and more. To make your bookings, contact events@hepburn.ca.
Regular community events include: Minor Hockey Tournaments (January), Figure Skating Carnival (March), Winter Festival (March), Kidventure Spring Camp (April), Earth Day Event (April), Garage Sale Day (May), Bike Safety Event (May), Spring Clean-up Day (June), Museum of Wheat (Saturdays, May-Sept), Hepburn Marketplace (May-Aug), Minor Soccer Season (May-June), Fair Days Weekend (June), Athletes in Action Soccer Camp (July), Garden Tours (July), Kidventure Program (August), Taste of Hepburn (September), Museum of Wheat Threshing Day (September), Fall Clean-up Day (October), Community Clothes Swap (Fall), Reconciliation Event (October), Fall Museum of Wheat Fundraiser Dinner (November), Light The Night Event & Market (November), Christmas Events & Concerts (December), and New Year's Eve Skating (December).
History
Hepburn was officially recognized on July 5, 1919. The town obtained its name from the first post office on the farm of Rowat Hepburn (the home of Gordon Hepburn). Opportunities for plentiful fertile land attracted homesteaders and settlers to the area in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. As with many rural Saskatchewan communities, people of similar culture and language gravitated to the same community. Many of the settlers were German Mennonites. The settlement of Hepburn grew quickly in the first two decades of the 20th century before being declared a village. Progress was evidenced by the construction of the first store and two elevators in 1908, the commencement of train service (1909) and the construction of a lumber yard and of a church (1910). During the next decade, the Hepburn Trading Post, Cockshutt dealership, a telephone company, garage, livery barn, and other business establishments were built. Other businesses such as various stores, garages, implement and vehicle dealerships, drug store, restaurants, and grain elevators were built after it became a village. 1927 marked the building of a new school (now a heritage property) and the beginning of Bethany College. Over the years, Hepburn has experienced many changes.
Twin Rivers
Hepburn joined the Twin Rivers group in February 2008. The group formed with the desire to build inter-municipal relationships and identify regional opportunities. It is comprised of council members and administrators from seven municipalities including: Duck Lake, Hepburn, Waldheim, Rosthern, Hague, RM of Rosthern No. 403, and the RM of Duck Lake No. 463. Twin Rivers is located in Central Saskatchewan in an area approximately 20 km southwest of Prince Albert and 40 km north of Saskatoon between the borders of the North and South Saskatchewan Rivers.
Centennial
The Town celebrated its 100th anniversary year in 2019, with several special events and initiatives, including a summer festival weekend on June 14-16, 2019. The theme was "Celebrating 100 Years of Building Community!" In honour of this special milestone, The Centennial Park Team was formed to enhance the Museum of Wheat, a focal point to Hepburn's Main Street. The Centennial Park Project included improvements such as: a gazebo, boardwalk, sidewalk, lighting, floral displays, benches, signage, landscaping and more, with work being done by both vendors and volunteers. The Centennial Park Team consisted of a joint group of the Museum of Wheat Committee and the Parks & Recreation Board. The Grand Opening Event of the Hepburn Centennial Park Project occurred on September 11, 2021, featuring an outdoor concert with Donny Parenteau and other local musicians. The committee is grateful to the entire community for all their participation and support for the Centennial Year and Centennial Weekend. The Centennial Celebration Committee was: Jeff Peters (Chair), Lisa Braun (Secretary/Community Coordinator), Tim Baerwald (Parks & Rec Rep), Teddi Dear (Museum of Wheat Rep), Janet Hamilton, Wendy Featherstone, Morris Pompu, Henry Ens, & Linda Ens.
Hepburn, “Where Friends and Family Meet”
