Are you planning a move to Canada but looking for a peaceful rural location away from the big cities? If so, you may be interested in living in Gravelbourg, Saskatchewan, just one of the many attractive small towns in Saskatchewan.
Gravelbourg is a very small but very attractive town in southern Saskatchewan and a great choice for anyone looking for a peaceful rural location. It is also one of the safest places to live in Canada, with exceptionally low crime rates.
The town was originally founded as an outpost for French Canada, and today, it retains a European feel, and the community is largely bi-lingual.
This article will give you all the key information you need, and we will provide you with an unbiased view of the pros and cons of living in Gravelbourg, Saskatchewan.
Living In Gravelbourg, Saskatchewan – The Facts
Here are a few key facts about this small town for anyone interested in living in Gravelbourg, Saskatchewan.
Where Is Gravelbourg?
Gravelbourg lies in a rural area in southern Saskatchewan, at the intersection of provincial highways 43 and 58.
The provincial capital of Regina is the closest major city, around 200km to the east; it will take around 2 hours to drive there from Gravelbourg. Regina has a population of around a quarter of a million people, and its international airport lies to the west of the city.
This small community is also relatively close to the US border. The closest border crossing is at West Poplar, around 100km to the south.
What Is The Population Of Gravelbourg in 2023?
The population of Gravelbourg in 2023 is around 975. The town has seen a decline in population in recent years, which contrasts with the growth trend observed in many other Canadian cities and towns.
The latest federal census data (released in 2022) showed a population of 986, representing a reduction in the population of Gravelbourg of 9.0% between 2016 and 2021.
The average age of the population is 46.5, nearly five years above the national average, and the population of Gravelbourg is predominantly non-visible minority and English-speaking.
According to the latest census data, visible minorities account for around 10.7% of the population. The largest minority group living in Gravelbourg is Chinese, making up around 3.5% of the total population, followed by Filipino at around 2.5%.
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What Is The Weather In Gravelbourg Like?
Most of Canada experiences cold, harsh winters with moderately hot summers, and Saskatchewan is no different. However, its location in central Canada, away from any major bodies of water, means that temperatures tend to be more extreme than in other parts of the country.
Saskatchewan has very harsh winters, where temperatures will likely remain below zero for several months. In the south of the province, summers are hot, and high humidity can make these months uncomfortable.
However, the good news is that Saskatchewan competes with Alberta for the title of the sunniest province in Canada.
Gravelbourg has an average July high of 26°C and an average January low of -17°C. The area is quite dry, with total annual precipitation of just 391mm and high sunshine hours, which are typical of the province.
What Is The Cost of Living Like In Gravelbourg?
Most immigrants find the cost of living high in Canada. However, Saskatchewan is one of the cheaper provinces. One of the main reasons for this is that the cost of housing is very low. The average price of a property in Saskatchewan is around 50% lower than the average for Canada.
Real estate in Gravelbourg is even lower than the average for Saskatchewan (more than 30% less), which helps to keep the cost of living low. Overall the town provides a high standard of living at a low cost, and this is a major benefit for people living in Gravelbourg, Saskatchewan.
What Is The Gravelbourg Economy Based On?
Gravelbourg is a regional service centre, home to a diverse business sector with over 100 businesses spanning the retail, manufacturing and service sectors.
The community has its own hospital and a remarkable number of educational institutions for its size (three schools and one college). Agriculture and agri-food are also important sectors in the surrounding areas.
Is Gravelbourg A Safe Place To Live?
Canada is one of the safest countries in the world to live in. Crime rates are low, and the country always features near the top of the annual Global Peace Index rankings.
Within Canada, Quebec, Ontario and the Maritime provinces have the lowest crime rates, while rates are highest in the territories. Crime rates in Saskatchewan are around twice the national average.
However, Gravelbourg is an exceptionally safe place to live. Crime rates (including violent crime rates) are extremely low even compared to national averages.
What Are The Schools In Gravelbourg Like?
Canada has a strong and publicly-funded education system, which consistently ranks as one of the best in the world. Education is administered at a provincial level, so there are differences between provinces, for example, in the curriculums.
Gravelbourg has three public schools.
- École Gravelbourg School offers French immersion and English programs for kindergarten to grade 12.
- École Beau-Soleil is a francophone school covering kindergarten to grade 7.
- École Mathieu de Gravelbourg is a francophone school covering grades 8 to 12.
In addition, the town has one post-secondary institution offering professional training in French.
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What Is The Healthcare In Gravelbourg Like?
Canada has an excellent publicly-funded healthcare system which covers “medically necessary” care. Generally, hospital and doctor visits are covered, while other types of care, such as dental, optical and prescriptions, are funded for certain groups of people.
In Canada, healthcare is administered at a provincial level, so anyone living in Gravelbourg, Saskatchewan, would be covered through the Saskatchewan Health Authority.
You should be aware that there is currently a shortage of family doctors in much of Canada, and it can be difficult to find clinics taking on new patients. This is especially true of the smaller towns and cities. However, you can use the government’s Saskatchewan Health Authority list to find doctors in the area that are taking on new patients.
Despite its small size Gravelbourg does have its own hospital. St Joseph’s Hospital offers emergency and diagnostic services and has acute care and long-term care beds for people living in Gravelbourg, Saskatchewan.
Pros And Cons Of Living In Gravelbourg Saskatchewan
The pros and cons of living in Gravelbourg, Saskatchewan, will vary from person to person, but whatever you are looking for, these are key factors for you to consider.
Pros Of Living In Gravelbourg Saskatchewan
- Low property prices
- A sunny, dry climate
- Close to the US border
- Beautiful architecture
- Extremely low crime
- Peaceful
Cons Of Living In Gravelbourg Saskatchewan
- Harsh winter temperatures
- Very flat prairie landscape
- Too small for some
- Isolated
English 
French 
Chinese 
Spanish