This town of 16,000 is the major population centre for southwest Saskatchewan, is nicknamed “speedy creek” (get it?), and lies midway on the main Trans-Canada route Hihgway #1 between Regina (220 km to the east) and Medicine Hat (240 km to the west, in Alberta). The area was once the site of a number of Indian and fur trader camps, but matured as a settlement when the Northwest Mounted Police (NWMP) camped beside Swift Current Creek in 1874 on their Long March West.
Soon after the CPR made the town a major railway depot, from which goods were hauled by wagon, as far away as North Battleford. Around the turn of the century more farmers and ranchers were attracted to the area, quickly growing the area’s economy. There is a Hutterite Colony just outside of town, demonstrating traditional agricultural techniques. In 1952, the discovery of oil in the area created a second economic boom.
The town has excellent recreational facilities, including a 50 metre indoor Olympic pool. The Swift Current Creek flows northward to join the South Saskatchewan River just as it becomes Lake Diefenbaker at Saskatchewan Landing Provincial Park. The town celebrates its heritage with the Frontier days Celebration in July, including one of the biggest rodeos in the province. Swift Current also hosts the Old Tyme Fiddlers Championship in late September.
