Wolseley, Saskatchewan

Swinging Bridge across Fairy Lake

1,140 miles

Jan 19 – In the year 2000, Harrowsmith Country Life Magazine named Wolseley one of Canada's 10 prettiest communities.

The major feature of Wolseley is Fairly Lake, a pleasant little body of water right in the middle of town, created in 1902 when the Canadian Pacific Railway dammed Adair Creek.  A swinging footbridge built across the lake offers a fun way to enjoy the watery scenery and a mid-lake fountain.  This third version of Wolseley's swinging bridge was constructed in 2004 at a cost of $250,000. The original one in 1905 was built for $300.

The town of Wolseley consists of a population of 782.  It has a number of “heritage properties” such as the Provincial Court House building, constructed in 1893, which is the oldest surviving Court House building in the province. The Town Hall/Opera House, built in 1906 is a classic building and is used for all sorts of community events.  A 1904 Queen Anne revival-style home is now the Grenfell 'Adare' Museum. This is the same pattern I’ve been seeing in so many declining towns.  The grand old private properties are re-purposed as community gathering places and museums.  The sprawling property surrounding the former mansion has been annexed by the neighboring town of Grenfell.  I wonder how much territorial bitterness was involved.

image & info:  http://www.virtualsk.com/current_issue/wolseley.html