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About Us

General

The Village of Drake serves a community of approximately 210 and is located 125 km east of Saskatoon on Highway 20, just south of Highway 16, and 140 km north of Regina. The nearest larger community is Lanigan (on Highway 16). Although small in numbers, residents of the village are big at heart and it is a great place to call home and raise a family.

Drake was founded in 1908 and named after Sir Francis Drake. Many streets are named after Sir Drake and members of his crew, such as: Francis, Howard, Norreys, Hawkins, and Gilbert.

Economy

Mixed farming and specialty farming such as domestic deer, elk, and bison are a part of the ranching landscape. Farming enterprises range in size from small, family-run farms, to larger, organized ventures. Inland grain terminals and the Poundmaker Feed Lot are within easy commuting distance. Mining also plays a large part economically, with one of the largest potash mines within 15 minutes of the village, making it affordable to live here and close to employment opportunities.

Manufacturing

The Village of Drake is home to Drake Meat Processors, a significant players in the meat processing industry:

Drake Meat Processors – 112 Francis Street, Drake, SK, S0K 1H0

Phone: 306-363-2117
Fax: 306-363-2119
Website

Mining

Saskatchewan is the largest potash producer and exporter in the world, supplying over one third of the world demand. By moderate estimates, Saskatchewan could supply the current levels of world demand for potash for several hundred years. In this region there are two Potash mines, one located in Lanigan and the other in Colonsay. There is also a Sulphate of Potash/Potassium Sulphate mine closer to Wynyard. A new mine is underway at Janzen, and more are planned in the general area.

The Village of Drake is less than 15 minutes away from one of the largest potash mines in production, with new potash mines started.

Nutrien Potash Lanigan Division
(Potash Mine)
Box 3100, Lanigan, SK, S0K 2M0

Phone: 306-365-2030
Fax: 306-365-2526
Website

History of Drake

Location

Drake is a village in a farming community in Saskatchewan. It is centrally located one hundred miles south of Saskatoon and one hundred miles north of Regina.

In 1903-1905 there was a scattering of settlers in the Drake area. When the railroad was completed in 1907 the district was well settled, some schools and churches were already established. The Canadian Pacific Railway made life easier for homesteaders and paid homesteader MacKenzie $900.00 for the quarter of land on which Drake is presently located. Canadian Pacific Railway officials named Drake after Sir Francis Drake (1540-1596) Sir Francis Drake was the first Englishman to sail around the world. The Village of Drake has streets named after the crewmembers, Hawkins, Howard, Gilbert, Norreys, and Cadiz.

Timeline

  • 1910- The Presbyterian church moved to Drake, and became the first school in Drake with Mr. Craig Sadler.
  • 1912- first telephone service had 30 subscribers.
  • 1919- Union Bank opened and became a sub-branch to Lanigan, with Mr. L.J. Walley as acting manager.
  • 1922- Drake Union Church was built, and the first Power Plant had 10=20 subscribers.
  • 1959-60- New school was built on the same location as the former school. 1964-65- Drake Arena was built. It had facilities for skating, hockey and curling.
  • 1968-69- Sewer and water was connected to businesses and residences in the village.
  • 1974- Village of Drake purchased stock in Central Parkland Lodge to provide residents a place to retire to.
  • 1977- Drake and district Recreation Board was established.
  • 1978- Wheatland Regional Mobile Library came to Drake.
  • 1979- Drake and District Fire Protection Association was organized, and a water treatment plant was installed. Soon zoning bylaws came into effect. Drake Community Center was built and attached to the school. With most of the labour and construction of the building was supplied by volunteers.
  • 1984- Reverse-osmosis unit installed.
  • 1987- Enriched housing (6 units) and the Villa (4 units) were constructed.
  • 1994- Drake Sportsplex was built, most of the funds for this project were raised by volunteers, bingos and lotteries.

Businesses in Drake in 1910:

  • Arthur S. Brandon — Merchant
  • Andrew E Brandon — Liverman
  • Thomas W. Sadler — Blacksmith
  • John J. Gerbrandt — Implements
  • J. Barkman — Lumber Agent
  • Wm. Brandt — Implements
  • J.H. Funk — Implement Dealer
  • B.E. Rempel — General Merchant
  • Adam Smith — Restaurant
  • Ezra Funk — Hardware Merchant
  • Edwin Thoens — Barber
  • Oscar J. McFayden — Station Agent
  • John J. Gerbrandt — Post Office
  • Saskatchewan Elevator Company

Businesses in Drake today

 

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