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About Us – Past

Founded in 1905, the Village of Borden was originally named Baltimore. The community was renamed following the arrival of the railway in 1906, in honour of Sir Frederick Borden, a Nova Scotia physician and Minister of Militia in the cabinet of Sir Wilfrid Laurier. Borden was incorporated as a village in 1907, establishing itself early as a service and gathering center for the surrounding agricultural region.

From its earliest days, Borden developed a strong reputation for cooperation, volunteerism, and local enterprise. Its first council, Thomas Graviston, William Tallis, and Norman Smith, helped guide the community through its formative years, with Mr. Smith serving an extraordinary 35 years in municipal leadership.

Borden’s built heritage tells the story of a resilient prairie community that adapted as needs changed. The original Pioneer Hotel, constructed in 1906, served railway workers, travelers, and residents alike and remains one of the community’s most recognizable landmarks. Today, it continues that legacy as the Borden Bridge Roadhouse, still welcoming locals and visitors along Highway 16.

The current Village Office is itself a living piece of Borden’s history. Originally constructed in the Rural Municipality and later relocated into the village, the building has served many roles over the past century. From approximately 1920 to 1963, it operated as Syd Sargent’s Pioneer Harness Shop and Shoe Repair, supporting the area’s farming economy until Mr. Sargent retired at age 80. The building later became the Borden Credit Union, managed by Alvin Buhler from 1966 to around 1980.  It has served as a taxidermist shop, a thrift shop and has housed the Village Office throughout the years, continuing its long tradition of public service.

Borden is also home to the Borden Museum, which features a replica of the childhood home of John G. Diefenbaker, Canada’s 13th Prime Minister and one of the community’s most notable figures. Other prominent hometown connections include early 1900s artist F. N. (Frederick Nicholas) Loveroff and political activist, speaker, and author David Orchard.

Community celebration has always been central to life in Borden. The village marked its centennial in 2005 with a large community reunion and the publication of the second edition of Our Treasured Heritage, a comprehensive local history book that preserves the stories of the families and businesses that shaped Borden. That same spirit continues today through long-running traditions such as Diefenbaker Daze, an annual, volunteer-driven celebration that brings residents and visitors together in recognition of Borden’s history, pride, and community spirit.

Did You Know?

  • Borden was the first community between Saskatoon and North Battleford to have electric lights, installed in 1910.

  • The historic Pioneer Hotel has operated continuously since 1906 and remains a social hub today.

  • The Village Office building has served at least five different community roles over the past century.

  • Borden once operated its own cottage hospital, providing care to residents across the region.