Town of Broadview - History of Broadview

History of Broadview

The most widely accepted reason for the choice of the name Broadview was the fact that Broadview was situated on a wide expanse of unexplored territory. The Native Indians had to traverse many miles to get wood for fuel. The name was bestowed upon it during the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1882 when this was the west end of rail and the only "view" was a vast expanse of prairie.

In 1905 the region known as the North West Territories become the Province of Saskatchewan and

entered into the Confederation of Canada at that time.

Broadview always has been and still is a divisional point for the Canadian Pacific Railway.

The site where the Town of Broadview exists was established in 1882 as the railway moved across

Canada. The first known settlement and buildings began in 1883 with a general store, church, railroad buildings, log shanties and a few other residences and buildings.

Broadview has a strong native background that is evident even in today's society. Earlier settlers worked closely with the resident native population to learn survival skills. Plenty of fresh water, fertile soil, ample wildlife, and many kinds of berries were amongst some of Broadview's attributes passed on to the new settlers from the natives.

In 1898 Broadview became a recognized village and history was born. The Royal Canadian Mounted

Police set up a division in Broadview in 1885 and has grown to today's 16 member force in a newly

constructed facility. When speaking of Broadview's history it always begins with the CP Railway, native population, and the RCMP.

Broadview became the perfect location for many industries. In 1906 a brick plant was established to take advantage of the clay-like sub soil. 185,000 bricks were used in the provincial Legislature building.