SASKATOON — The town of Duck Lake is looking for corporate partners to rename its community, in hopes of turning its economy around after decades of stagnant growth and reinventing itself as an investment opportunity and innovation hub.
The proposed sponsorship would see the community renamed in partnership with a brand as “BrandName, Saskatchewan,” making it the first town in Canada to offer full municipal naming rights.
Mayor Jason Anderson said in a news release that renaming their town, which has been a significant part of Western Canada’s history, does not come cheap, as it involves not just a rink or a stadium but a living, breathing community with deep roots in the country’s story.
“Brands will need to put their best foot forward if they want to be part of that legacy. Five million won’t cut it. But 10 million? That’s worth asking the community about,” said Anderson, who wanted to make the town not only historically, but also where the future is being built.
The news release calls the move bold and unprecedented, after the Town Council, during a meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 22, at the Belle-A-Drome, voted in favour of pursuing the initiative, which aims to raise transformative funding to kickstart revitalization efforts. This initiative to seek corporate partners, which will see their brand etched into the Canadian map, is aimed at rewriting Duck Lake’s future while also honouring its storied past.
The town, about an hour's drive north of Saskatoon, is part of the Rural Municipality of Duck Lake No. 463, within Census Division No. 15 and the Saskatchewan. It is home to one of the pivotal moments in Métis history — the 1885 Battle of Duck Lake. The news releases described Duck Lake as a small prairie town that has long stood as a crossroads of cultures, commerce, and identity.
“Duck Lake has always been more than a dot on the map — it’s been a symbol of resilience, identity, and possibility. Now we’re inviting forward-thinking companies to write the next chapter with us,” added Anderson.
Last month, Duck Lake announced a new $5,000 cash incentive for new homeowners starting in 2026, with the buyer of any newly constructed single-family home in the town receiving the money upfront. The initiative hopes to spark economic growth.
The town describes it as an innovative approach, offering immediate financial support to new residents, unlike traditional property tax exemptions, which take years to materialize; new families moving to Duck Lake will get help right away, and the town saves money over time.
Anderson said Duck Lake, which is nestled where the Boreal Forest meets the Parkland, has just completed its first-ever Strategic Plan that includes business incentives, community infrastructure, cultural investment, and economic development.
“We understand that younger families often struggle to save for a down payment or construction costs. Compared to Prince Albert, a lot in Duck Lake is 50 per cent larger and $50,000 cheaper. Add our $5,000 incentive, and Duck Lake becomes incredibly affordable," said Anderson.
Duck Lake is also at the heart of Canada's Old Northwest, where building a future rooted in pride and possibility. The town is 30 minutes from Prince Albert and the City of Warman via Highway 11, and about 80 kilometres away from Saskatoon.
The town offers licensed child care, a thriving business community, a K-12 school, a public library, a medical clinic, an arena, a community hall, a rich history, and friendly neighbours ready to welcome new families, states the release.
