Snapshot of Dysart

By Gladys Petrar

The Village of Dysart is situated in the RM of Lipton # 217 and was named after Dysart, Fifeshire, Scotland. It was incorporated on April 6, 1909, and had a population of 79. The population now fluctuates around 200.

During and after the Depression, the rural population declined, and the village suffered the effects. Then into the World War II era and into the 1970s and 1980s businesses benefited from better economic and agricultural times. Despite the setbacks in the 1990s and into the 21st century, with farms becoming larger, the school closing, and some businesses shutting down, the community continues to cope through dedication, cooperation, and volunteerism.

Assets that residents are proud of include our water (one of the best water sources in southern Saskatchewan), natural gas, a recreation centre/restaurant/convenience store, a community centre, seniors’ subsidized housing, paved streets, a museum, a library, and a park. There is also a “state of the art” skating rink built in 1988, mostly by volunteers, following the fire that destroyed the old skating and curling rinks in 1987. As well, the local fire department keeps up to date on firefighting techniques.

Sports include badminton, bowling, hockey, figure skating, slow-pitch ball, and a workout centre. Active organizations include church groups, senior citizens, the historical society, the Lions, the Recreation Board, and rink-related groups. Some residents sit on municipal and provincial boards.

Local businesses include Agrimex, Countryside Supplies, Co-op Garage, Dysart Housing Authority, Harrison Editorial Services, Herb’s Shop and Car Wash, JEM Café, Konecsni Music Studio, Lee’s Painting, Niall’s Tire Company, Pat’s Hair Care, Pure Prairie Western Giftware and Coffee Garden, R.C. Machine, Raymore Credit Union (Dysart Branch), Scrobe’s Custom Meat-Cutting, SK Books, SK Telemarketing Primus Canada, SMS Manufacturing, TNT Tavern, Weekenders Clothing, and Wheatland Agencies.

Low-cost living, a friendly atmosphere, an abundance of community spirit, and a safe place for the young and the not-so-young make the Village of Dysart a great place to raise a family or retire.