Big River, Saskatchewan


Big River is a town located on the southern end of Cowan Lake in north central Saskatchewan, Canada. It is just north of Saskatchewan's extensive grain belt on Highway 55 and about sixteen kilometres west of Prince Albert National Park. Delaronde Lake is accessed east of the town. Big River is approximately 132 kilometres to Prince Albert.
Except for some land cleared for farming and a few natural meadows, the town is surrounded by the northern boreal forest.

History

Big River began as a company town created as a base for the lumber industry at the turn of the 20th century. Commercial fishing also played a major role in the town in the early years. In 1910 a post office was opened in Big River. It incorporated in 1921.

Demographics

Notable people

film producer and director Wil Campbell was born here. He helped establish the first video program for Aboriginal people with Alberta Native Communications in 1968 and founded the Dreamspeakers Festival Society and the National Film Board's Native Studio.
Former 18th overall draft pick of the 1980 NHL Entry Draft, forward Barry Pederson was born here, as well as former NHL defenseman Jim Neilson.

Education

There are two schools in the community. Big River Public High School & TD Michel Public School.
They are part of the Saskatchewan Rivers School Division #119 out of Prince Albert.