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 Yorkton, Saskatchewan, just one of the many attractive small towns in Saskatchewan.
Yorkton is a small city which serves a larger regional area, which means that it has excellent amenities for its size. This includes one of the best leisure facilities in the province. The community is based in the heart of agricultural prairie land and offers a good standard of living at a low cost.
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 Yorkton, Saskatchewan.
Living In Yorkton, Saskatchewan – The Facts
Here are a few key facts about this small town for anyone interested in living in Yorkton, Saskatchewan.
Where Is Yorkton?
Yorkton lies in southeast Saskatchewan, not far from the Manitoban border. The closest major city is the provincial capital, Regina, which is around a 2-hour drive southwest of the city. Regina has a population of around a quarter of a million people, and its international airport lies to the west of the city.
The Manitoban capital of Winnipeg is located around 500km to the east, and the closest US border crossing is Dunsieth, around 250km to the south of Yorkton.
What Is The Population Of Yorkton In 2023?
The population of Yorkton in 2023 is around 16,200. The city has seen a slight 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 16,280, representing a reduction in the population of Yorkton of 0.4% between 2016 and 2021.
The average age of the population is 42.1, just slightly above the national average, and the population of Yorkton is predominantly white and English-speaking.
According to the latest census data, visible minorities account for around 14.9% of the population. The largest minority group living in Yorkton is Filipino, making up around 6.8% of the total population. The next largest minority groups are South Asian and Black, contributing to the city’s multicultural diversity.
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What Is The Weather In Yorkton 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 addition, summers are hot in the province’s south, 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, with many places experiencing more than 2000 hours of sunshine annually.
Yorkton has an average July high of 24°C and an average January low of -22°C. The area is quite dry, with total annual precipitation of just 449mm and 2316 hours of sunshine each year.
What Is The Cost of Living Like In Yorkton?
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.
Housing prices in Yorkton are even lower than the average for Saskatchewan (around 30% less), which helps to keep the cost of living low. Overall the city provides a high standard of living at a low cost, and this is a major benefit for people living in Yorkton, Saskatchewan.
What Is The Yorkton Economy Based On?
Yorkton is surrounded by rich agricultural land, and the community was built on the back of agriculture and food production. These sectors are still the pillars of the economy, but the economy has now diversified into a range of manufacturing industries.
The city is also a regional economic centre for east-central Saskatchewan, serving more than 150,000 people in the region. For those living in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, this provides good job opportunities in education, healthcare and the service sectors.
Is Yorkton 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, and the rates for Yorkton are close to the provincial averages. However, this should be taken in the context of low overall crime rates in Canada.
What Are The Schools In Yorkton 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.
Yorkton has five public schools; four elementary schools covering Kindergarten to grade 8 and one high school covering grades 9 to 12. Yorkton Regional High School offers a wide range of options, including advanced placement programs which allow high school students to take college-level classes and exams.
In addition, the city has five Catholic schools, including four elementary schools and one high school. Within the Catholic system, there is the option to take dual-track French immersion programs.
Both high schools in Yorkton also have hockey academies, where athletes can develop their ice hockey skills alongside their academic education.
For those looking for post-secondary education, Parkland College offers a broad range of programs from accounting and welding to bachelor’s degrees and adult basic education.
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What Is The Healthcare In Yorkton 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 Yorkton, 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.
Yorkton Regional Hospital is based in the city and offers emergency care, diagnostic facilities and a range of inpatient and outpatient services for people living in Yorkton, Saskatchewan. This is a reasonable-sized facility, but for some more complex medical services, it may be necessary to travel to Regina.
Pros And Cons Of Living In Yorkton Saskatchewan
If you can brave the harsh winter weather, this small city provides great amenities and opportunities along with a low cost of living. The pros and cons of living in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, will vary from person to person, but we have listed below the key factors for you to consider.
Pros Of Living In Yorkton Saskatchewan
- Excellent amenities
- Low property prices
- A sunny, dry climate
- Located on Transcanada Highway
- Excellent educational options
- Regional hospital
Cons Of Living In Yorkton Saskatchewan
- Harsh winter temperatures
- The very flat surrounding countryside
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