This weekend, the village of Torquay, Saskatchewan, will mark a remarkable milestone: 100 years of resilience, progress, and neighbourly spirit. From its modest beginnings as a farming settlement, Torquay has grown into a vital hub for agriculture and oil, shaped by generations of hard work and shared vision.
Incorporated on December 11, 1923, Torquay was named after the hometown of a railroad superintendent’s wife, who remarked that the local water tasted just like that of Torquay, England. It was a fitting tribute to a community born from the convergence of rail lines, farmland, and frontier optimism.
The early days saw farmers, railway workers, and entrepreneurs team up to build the foundation of the village. Businesses took root and evolved with time. One prime example is the building that started as a general store and post office, later transformed into a lumber company, and today serves the community as Whisked Bakery and General Store. Local history books, including Our Prairie Heritage, document these shifts and paint a vivid picture of a community constantly adapting while preserving its roots.
Long before brick-and-mortar banks arrived, financial dealings were handled by bonded elevator agents, often with nothing more than a simple cigar box for safekeeping. In time, the Torquay Credit Union became a cornerstone of local finance with its earliest leaders like Arsene Marcotte guiding the way. The Credit Union moved into its own facility in 1959, and after several upgrades, it officially became part of Radius Credit Union in 2014.
Education has always been a community priority. In the earliest years, children learned their lessons in the village hall and the United Church. The Red Brick School opened in 1924, followed by the White School in 1946. A modern facility, Torquay School, began serving students in 1953. At its peak in 1966, the school welcomed nearly 300 students before ultimately closing in 2003 due to declining enrolment.
Torquay has never been shy about honoring its heritage. The village has hosted many milestone events: the Saskatchewan Golden Jubilee in 1955, Canada’s Centennial in 1967, and its own 65th anniversary in 1989. In 1999, residents proudly participated in the NWMP March West Re-Enactment, and in 2005, the Saskatchewan Centennial was commemorated with gusto.
The centennial celebration is underway this weekend. As residents and visitors gather this weekend to reflect, reconnect, and celebrate, the village stands as a testament to perseverance, innovation, and the enduring value of community.
