By: Grant McLaughlin, Moose Jaw, SK, 2016

Address: On Kiwanis Lodge, River Park

Description: The CPR Dam created Paxton Lake, and while primarily built to supply water to trains, this encouraged other development, both economic and recreational. Ice was cut from the river to supply ice houses, and line box cars carrying perishable goods. Market Gardens, Green Houses, piggeries, and Wellington Whites Brick Plant were all located in the Valley. Moose Jaw Aquatic Club trained people for swimming, rowing, canoeing, diving and water polo. River Park Campground is one of the oldest continuing operating campgrounds in North America. The Valley also had tea gardens, tennis courts, ball diamonds, boat and canoe rentals, cabin rentals, swimming beach, dance hall, concessions, picnic areas – the main recreation for many Moose Javians. In winter they had horse races on ice, skating parties, skiing, and sledding. Many of the original houses and businesses are gone now, but without the valley, AND ACCOMPANYING WATER, Moose Jaw would likely not exist.

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