Carlton Trail—Eagle Creek: a Briefing

Carlton Trail—Eagle Creek (CTEC) is a federal electoral district in Saskatchewan, Canada. The riding is located in the central part of the province and consists of several towns and rural areas. It is situated in the western part of Saskatchewan and is home to some of the province's most varied and attractive landscapes. The district attracts outdoor enthusiasts and has a rich, vibrant cultural heritage.

Population centres

The district contains several population centres of note, including:

• Unity: A thriving town of around 2000 people that serves as the district's main commercial hub.
• Wilkie: A town of around 1000 people with a strong agricultural tradition.
• Macklin: A town of around 1100 people with a focus on healthcare services.
• Biggar: A town of around 2200 people with a vibrant arts and culture scene.

Issues and events

Between 2019 and 2022, several local issues and events impacted the district. These include:

• Flooding in the spring of 2020 caused significant damage to roads and bridges in the area, leading to disruptions to local businesses and agriculture.
• Controversy over the expansion of a landfill site near Unity caused tensions between residents and the local government.
• A number of high-profile cases of animal cruelty on local farms led to calls for greater regulation of the agriculture sector.

Economy

Agriculture is the dominant industry in CTEC, with several major employers in the sector, including:

• Richardson Pioneer: A large grain handling and storage company with several locations in the district.
• Vermilion Energy: A significant oil and gas exploration and production company with operations in the area.
• Northern Quinoa: A pioneering quinoa grower that is making waves in the agriculture industry.

The district has also experienced some significant economic events in recent years. One of the most notable was the opening of the Unity Credit Union Aquatic Centre in 2019. This state-of-the-art facility has become a major recreation destination in the area, attracting visitors from across Saskatchewan.

Important landmarks

CTEC is home to several important landmarks and natural attractions, including:

• North Saskatchewan River: This scenic river runs through the district and offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and hiking.
• Great Sandhills: This stunning natural feature is a vast expanse of shifting sand dunes, and it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the area.
• Unity Heritage Museum: This museum is dedicated to preserving the history of the town of Unity and the surrounding area.

Arts and culture

The arts and culture scene in CTEC is thriving, with several major cultural events and institutions in the area, including:

• Biggar and District Arts Council: This organization is dedicated to promoting the arts in the local community and hosts several events throughout the year, including an art exhibition.
• Luseland Drama Club: This community theatre group produces several plays each year and is a major cultural institution in the district.
• Unity Western Days: This annual event celebrates the district's heritage and culture with a rodeo, talent show, and parade.

Electoral issues

During the 2021 federal election, several economic and social issues dominated the political conversation in CTEC. One of the most important was the impact of climate change on the agriculture industry, with many farmers expressing concerns about drought conditions and extreme weather events. Another major issue was the lack of affordable housing in the area, which has made it difficult for local families and young people to find suitable homes.

Community organizations

CTEC is home to several important economic and social community organizations, including:

• Carlton Trail 4-H: This organization supports youth development in the agriculture sector, offering programs in livestock care, public speaking, and leadership.
• Unity and District Chamber of Commerce: This organization promotes economic development in the town of Unity and the surrounding area.
• Wilkie and District Healthcare Foundation: This organization raises funds to support healthcare services in the town of Wilkie and the surrounding area.

Multicultural groups

The majority of the population in CTEC is of European descent, with a significant number of residents having Ukrainian and German roots. There is also a small indigenous population in the area, consisting of members of the Mosquito, Cree, and Métis nations.

In conclusion, Carlton Trail—Eagle Creek is a diverse and vibrant district with a strong agricultural tradition and a thriving arts and culture scene. The district faces several challenges, including climate change, affordable housing, and economic development. However, it boasts a resilient and engaged community that is committed to finding solutions to these problems and building a brighter future for all residents.