Attractions
The R.M. of Mervin boasts many attractions for camping and nature enthusiasts. The Bright Sand Regional Park located at the North end of Bright Sand Lake offers “lake front” camping including both electrified and non-electrified sites as well as several rental cabins. Various sporting activities, a scenic 9 hole golf course and various hiking trails are just some of the activities which visitors can partake in at the Regional Park which achieved recognition as the 2003 Park of the Year,
awarded by the Saskatchewan Regional Parks Association. Turtle River Campground and All Season Resorts located along the West side of Turtle Lake and Stoney Creek Campground just south of Turtle Lake offer both daily and seasonal camp sites to meet your specific needs. Turtle River Campground also offers rental cabins for those in need of temporary accommodation.
For those who enjoy golfing, there are a total of four golf courses located within the R.M. of Mervin including the mini golf course at the Regional Park. Mervin and District golf course, located South of the Village of Mervin, offers a beautifully landscaped grass greens course with irrigated fairways and greens. Blueberry golf course is located just West of Turtle Lake and offers 18 holes of grass greens within a breathtaking surrounding of spruce trees and rolling hillsides, while Evergreen Acres, located at the South end of Turtle Lake, offers a 9 hole par 3 with sand greens for those individuals looking for a relaxing environment while enjoying the view of the adjacent lake.
For those enjoying winter activities, the Elmhurst Ski Club is a great place to be with its various groomed trails through a scenic forested valley including a rustic club house. Located on the SE of 32-54-19-W3, there are both classic and skating trails, limited ski rentals as well as instruction available upon request.
The Towns of Turtleford and St. Walburg provide most necessities for your shopping needs including other services such as schools, medical clinics, Integrated Health Facilities, R.C.M.P. and Fire detachments and much more.
Economic Information
The permanent population of the R.M. of Mervin is 1,256 residents obtained from the 2016 Canada Census. A large percentage of these residents are actively engaged in farming with the remainder being labourers or entrepreneurs as well as an ever increasing amount of residents retiring to one of the 16 lake resorts located within the R.M. at Bright Sand Lake and Turtle Lake. Seasonal population has been estimated at between 4 to 5 thousand people during peek summer months and is an economic driver for local businesses and tourist attractions.
The oil and gas sector is one of the major industries and employs local residents in the area. It is also responsible for sustaining several businesses which are directly tied to the success of the oil industry. Several other businesses related to agriculture, logging, outfitting and commercial guiding also operate within the Municipality.
Geography
The office of the Rural Municipality (R.M.) of Mervin No. 499 is located in the Town of Turtleford, approximately 90 km. Northwest of North Battleford or 86 km. Northeast of Lloydminster. The 18.5 township R.M. encompasses the Town of Turtleford, the Village of Mervin, the Resort Village of Kivimaa-Moonlight Bay and the Thunderchild First Nation Reserve.
The topography of the Municipality is generally rolly and enjoys mixed farming operations of both cattle and grain with cattle being the most predominant. This is combined with a strong presence from resort communities and tourists who enjoy the scenic surroundings of Bright Sand Lake and Turtle Lake which are located within the Municipality. Also included is the significant oil and gas activity which is predominately located in the Southwestern part of the R.M. along with the Provincial Forest which borders along the Northern fringe.
History
The R.M. of Mervin is an amalgamated Municipality which joined the former R.M. of Greenfield No. 529 (incorporated 1915) and the former R.M. of Mervin No. 499 (incorporated 1913) into one Municipality in 1990, now called the R.M. of Mervin No. 499. Over the past few years it has also seen the former Resort Village of Sunset View Beach as well as the Village of Spruce Lake amalgamated and dissolved into the R.M. as Organized Hamlets. The combination of these Municipalities offers an area of approximately 36 miles in length by 18 miles wide or approximately 18.5 townships in total.