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Economy
Maple Creek enjoys a comparatively diverse economy. Local economy is driven by three primary industries - agriculture, gas exploration and production, and tourism. Small manufacturing and the retail trade also make significant contributions to the town's economic health. There is future potential for increased eco-tourism, alternative energy production and intensive livestock operations.
Long roots with the agriculture industry have established the town's reputation as being at the centre of ranching for the province of Saskatchewan. The Cowtown Livestock Exchange remains one of the most important auction rings in Canada. Generally speaking, the lands to the south of town are used for ranching and the lands to the north are used for farming.
Located at the bottom of the Cypress Hills, Maple Creek has become the gateway to Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, Fort Walsh National Historic Park and the Cypress Hills Massacre National Historic Site. Every year a 1/4 million people pass through town to access these flagship destinations. While visiting the more well known sites, many people take advantage of the collections held by the local museums, the Jasper Centre and the South West Oldtimers' Museum. The visitor service industry also benefits from the large number of events held annually in the town and surrounding area.
Small manufacturing has always had a home in Maple Creek. Today, the town produces food mills, automotive parts, cabinet doors, leather works, fur-on-hides and reproductions of period furniture. Centrally located in Western Canada and low costs make Maple Creek a great location for manufacturing.
Gas exploration and production is a new comer to the economic scene in town. Huge fields surrounding the town sustain direct and indirect employment. Several gas field service companies call Maple Creek home.
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