Alsask | |
---|---|
Special service area | |
Special Service Area of Alsask | |
Location of Alsask | |
Coordinates: 51°22′00″N 109°59′00″W / 51.366667°N 109.983333°WCoordinates: 51°22′00″N 109°59′00″W / 51.366667°N 109.983333°W | |
Country | Canada |
Province | Saskatchewan |
Region | West-Central |
Census division | 13 |
Rural Municipality | Milton |
Post office established | January 1, 1911 |
Restructured (special service area) | July 30, 2009 |
Government | |
• Governing body | Milton No. 292 |
Area | |
• Total | 1.66 km2 (0.64 sq mi) |
Population (2006) | |
• Total | 129 |
• Density | 77.9/km2 (202/sq mi) |
Time zone | CST |
Postal code | S0L 0A0 |
Area code(s) | 306 |
Highways | Highway 44 |
Alsask (2006 Population 129) is a special service area in the Rural Municipality of Milton No. 292 within west central Saskatchewan, Canada. It previously held the status of a village until July 30, 2009. The community is located 60 km west of Kindersley and just east of the Alberta border. Highway 44 runs to the east of Alsask, and Highway 7 lies a few kilometres to the north. Its name combines the names of Alberta and Saskatchewan, although it is a misconception that it straddles the border between the two provinces (it is actually adjacent to the border). While the village lies completely within Saskatchewan, the local graveyard is actually in Alberta. Its most notable landmark is one of three remaining radar domes that for many years operated as CFS Alsask as part of the Canadian Forces Pine Tree Line. Alsask Lake is located south east of the town site.
The Old Alsask School operated from its opening in 1913 until 1976 when the property was taken over by the Village of Alsask. In 2002 the building was restored as a community centre and is now listed as a Municipal Heritage Property.
By 1916 the population of Alsask had reached 300; in 1959 with the establishment of RCAF Station Alsask a 418-acre (1.69 km2) base was established next to the town site, and by the early 1970s the population had reached over 800. The base was disbanded in 1987. Very few of the original buildings remain. Most notably, the "Gopher Dip" indoor swimming pool as it was known during the lifespan as a military site, is still in use. During the summer months the swimming pool is well used, attracting many children and families from surrounding communities.