Rural Municipality of Big River #555.

The Local Improvement District (L.I.D.) # 974 has had an office in Big River since the 1930s. Under the Northern Areas Branch of the Department of Municipal Affairs, it was responsible for the administration of the local areas as well as relief payments, land mapping and district roads.

L.I.D. business was first conducted by travelling agents from Prince Albert and then Reverend Smith became the first resident Inspector and a local office was opened here.

The second Inspector in the district was John Swanson, a local farmer. The office was located on the corner where Reimer's Garage used to stand, across from the Anglican Church. It was a small white and green building heated with an airtight heater and was much in keeping with the hard times, so boasted very little equipment or furnishing.

Harry McInnis was the next Inspector, coming from Meadow Lake in 1942. The trip over took all day as there was no northern route and the existing highway was so muddy the car would get stuck every few miles.

The duties of the Relief Officer (as they were called) in those days were many and varied. They operated on a very limited budget and there was a lot of paperwork involved in the job. Most families were having a terrible struggle to survive through the lean years and because of this, feelings ran high on the best way to spend every cent. Everyone had their own opinion and all were right but funds just didn't spread far enough to accommodate everyone and it fell to the Inspector to decide where and how the dollars could be stretched to the best advantage. Supplies to service all the road camps were hauled by the Inspector in his car and should anyone take ill it was generally the duty of the Inspector to take them to the city for medical attention. Often in time of accident or tragedy, it was the duty of the Inspector to offer assistance as best he could.

As economics improved during the war years the L.I.D. provided a road-building program and a machine shop was set up at Ladder Lake in the old airbase hangar. Lyman Johnstone was in charge of this and many district roads were constructed at this time. The road to Green Lake was opened up, as were new roads into the homestead areas. It was a familiar sight in those days to see the yellow and black boxcar cabooses, which marked the road crew camps.

The Local Improvement District came to an end in 1977 when it was phased out and replaced with a Rural Municipality.

Today the Rural Municipality is divided into four districts, where there is a councillor for each district. It is the job of the councillor in his district to report to the reeve, any matters that are brought to their attention. Meetings are held once a month to discuss any issues that are brought forth, with special meetings called when needed. These councillors also have numerous other committees that they sit on in the community.

This honour roll is presented to the residents of the Rural Municipality of Big River No. 555 in celebration of the contributions its first settlers made to the community. These pioneers, through their determination, courage, and vision prepared the way for Saskatchewan's future.

The names honoured here have been gathered from the recollections of the people. It is acknowledged that some made their contributions are not included. Their tribute is no less valuable and is also commemorated in this honour roll. This honour roll was presented in celebration of Saskatchewan's 75th Anniversary Year 1980.