Drake, Saskatchewan
History
Drake incorporated as a village on September 19, 1910.
Demographics
In the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Drake had a population of 197 living in 91 of its 103 total private dwellings, a change of 0% from its 2016 population of 197. With a land area of 0.64 km (0.25 sq mi), it had a population density of 307.8/km (797.2/sq mi) in 2021.
In the 2016 Census of Population, the Village of Drake recorded a population of 197 living in 94 of its 102 total private dwellings, a -2.5% change from its 2011 population of 202. With a land area of 0.72 km (0.28 sq mi), it had a population density of 273.6/km (708.6/sq mi) in 2016.
Economy
Drake is mostly a farming community, supported by the crops and livestock of the surrounding farms. However, two successful large-scale businesses, Drake Meat Processors and Bergen Industries, were founded in and operate from the village, keeping it from becoming a loose connection of farms.
Education
The local school, Drake Elementary School, is used by elementary-aged students from Drake (as well as surrounding areas without their own school, such as Lockwood). After Grade 8, students go to the nearby Lanigan Central High School to complete their secondary education. Despite decreasing enrollment, DES finds strong support in the community; however, recent changes to the school division structuring across Saskatchewan have left its long-term future in doubt.
Sports
Drake is home to the 2023 Senior Hockey Saskatchewan Provincial A champions, the Drake Canucks.
A separate Canucks senior men's team was a founding member in 1965 of the Highway Hockey League in central Saskatchewan.
Notable people
Home of former National Hockey League player Robin Bartel.