Sceptre (2021 population: 78) is a special service area in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan within the Rural Municipality of Clinworth No. 230 and Census Division No. 8. It held village status between 1913 and 2022.

History

Sceptre incorporated as a village on April 30, 1913. It restructured on January 1, 2023, relinquishing its village status in favour of becoming a special service area under the jurisdiction of the Rural Municipality of Clinworth No. 230.

Demographics

In the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Sceptre had a population of 78 living in 40 of its 46 total private dwellings, a change of -17% from its 2016 population of 94. With a land area of 1.33 km (0.51 sq mi), it had a population density of 58.6/km (151.9/sq mi) in 2021.

In the 2016 Census of Population, Sceptre had a population of 94 living in 46 of its 54 total private dwellings, a -3.2% change from its 2011 population of 97. With a land area of 1.23 km (0.47 sq mi), it had a population density of 76.4/km (197.9/sq mi) in 2016.

Arts and culture

Sceptre is home to various works of public art, including cartoon-like fire hydrants, murals, and the world's largest metal wheat sculpture. The latter was created in 1990 and stands 33 feet (10 m) tall.

The former school was reopened in 1988 as the Great Sandhills Museum, with exhibits showcasing the area's natural and human history.

Attractions

Sceptre is north of the Great Sand Hills, a vast area of arid grassland and sand dunes. One of the more accessible parts of the dunes is approximately 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) south of the community. Though located on private land, the public is permitted to enter the area.

Notable people

• Bert Olmstead (1926–2015), ice hockey left winger and five-time Stanley Cup winner
• Jimmy Shields (1909–1996), curler and racehorse owner
• Harry Whiteside (1909–1984), former member of Parliament for Swift Current

See also

• List of communities in Saskatchewan