Imagine a time when Saskatchewan was parched. The land was arid, and farmers fretted over their crops. A group of visionaries had a monumental idea. They conceived the notion of constructing a colossal lake in the heart of the province. This is the awe-inspiring saga of Lake Diefenbaker, a testament to human ingenuity and determination.
Why was Lake Diefenbaker built?
Long ago, Saskatchewan farmers faced a problem. They looked up at the sky, hoping for rain, but it didn’t always come. Their crops were thirsty. The government wanted to help.
They thought, “What if we could bring water to the farmers whenever needed?”
But that wasn’t all. The province also dreamed of making sustainable electricity while reducing flooding that caused trouble. It was like trying to solve three puzzles at once!
Then came a hero, Hon. John Diefenbaker. He was Prime Minister of Canada between 1957 and 1963. He championed a solution for his home province of Saskatchewan. He said, “Let’s build a lake!”
And so, the grand plan began.
How old is Lake Diefenbaker?
If Lake Diefenbaker were a person, it would be old enough to be your parent or maybe even your grandparent! The story began in 1959.
Lakes don’t appear overnight. It took years of hard work. Finally, Lake Diefenbaker was ready on a fantastic autumn day, October 21, 1967. People cheered and celebrated.
The lake was born!
Today, Lake Diefenbaker is 57 years old. It’s younger than many grandparents but older than most kids’ parents. It’s a place full of stories and memories from everyone who visits.
How long did it take to fill Lake Diefenbaker?
Filling Lake Diefenbaker was like filling an enormous pool. But instead of using a hose or faucet, nature did the work. Rivers and streams slowly poured water into the giant basin.
The lake is considered a reservoir created by the construction of Gardiner Dam and Qu’Apelle River Dam. Gardiner Dam is home to hydroelectricity generation providing power for much of central Saskatchewan.
People watched in amazement for three whole years, from 1964 to 1967. Slowly, day by day, the water rose. Places where cows once grazed became home to fish. It was like watching a magical transformation.
Imagine if it took three years to fill your pool! That’s how big Lake Diefenbaker is.
What is Lake Diefenbaker used for?
Now, Lake Diefenbaker is like a superhero with many powers. It helps people in lots of different ways:
- Water for Farms: Remember those thirsty crops? Farmers can give them water even when the sky doesn’t rain. It’s like having a giant watering can for all the farms.
- Drinking Water: When you turn on your tap, the water might come from Lake Diefenbaker. It’s a huge water bottle for many towns and cities.
- Making Electricity: The lake works like a giant battery. Water rushes through big turbines in the dams, creating electricity. It’s clean energy, made without pollution.
- Fun and Games: Lake Diefenbaker is also a giant playground! People come from all over to swim, fish, and ride boats. It’s like a water park and a fishing pond all in one.
- Flood Fighter: When rivers get too full, Lake Diefenbaker steps in. It catches extra water like a big catcher’s mitt, keeping nearby areas safe and dry.
- Animal Home: The lake isn’t just for people. It’s become a neighbourhood for all sorts of animals. Birds, fish, and furry creatures call it home.
So, there you have it – the story of Lake Diefenbaker. It’s more than just water in the middle of Saskatchewan. It’s a tale of big dreams, hard work, and a lake that became a hero for an entire province. From its birth in the 1960s to today, Lake Diefenbaker continues to be a source of life, energy, and fun for all who visit its shores.
