The Rural Municipality of Eldon No. 471 (2016 population: 750) is a rural municipality (RM) in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan within Census Division No. 17 and SARM Division No. 6.
The RM of Eldon No. 471 incorporated as a rural municipality on December 13, 1909.[2] It was originally formed as Local Improvement District 24-5-3 on April 26, 1907.[citation needed]
The following urban municipalities are surrounded by the RM.
Silver Lake Regional Park (53°13′42″N 109°16′04″W / 53.2284°N 109.2679°W / 53.2284; -109.2679)[5] is in the RM of Eldon on the eastern part of Silver Lake. At over 105 ha (260 acres), the park has a campground with 128 campsites, a 9-hole golf course, beach, ball diamonds, mini golf, laundry facilities, hiking trails, and a picnic area. Access is from Highway 21, about 12 kilometres (7.5 mi)} north of Maidstone.[6]
In 1961, a swimming area was established on Silver Lake. By 1963, there had a picnic area, playground, sports ground, and a concession. One year later, in 1964, it was established as a regional park. Since then, the park has expanded and added more amenities. At about 85 ha (210 acres),[7] Silver Lake is a small lake that has its outflow into the neighbouring Big Gully Creek. In 1971, a dyke was built at the lake's outflow to stabilise water levels and improve the beach.[8]
Silver Lake Golf Club is a 9-hole, par 36 course totalling 3,160 yards with grass greens. The clubhouse is licensed and serves food. There are also a pro shop and club and cart rentals.[9]
In the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, the RM of Eldon No. 471 had a population of 700 living in 277 of its 303 total private dwellings, a change of -6.7% from its 2016 population of 750. With a land area of 991.15 km2 (382.69 sq mi), it had a population density of 0.7/km2 (1.8/sq mi) in 2021.[12]
In the 2016 Census of Population, the RM of Eldon No. 471 recorded a population of 750 living in 275 of its 314 total private dwellings, a -0.1% change from its 2011 population of 751. With a land area of 1,007.59 km2 (389.03 sq mi), it had a population density of 0.7/km2 (1.9/sq mi) in 2016.[4]
The RM of Eldon No. 471 is governed by an elected municipal council and an appointed administrator that meets on the second Wednesday of every month.[3] The reeve of the RM is Larry Lundquist while its administrator is Lee Torrance.[3] The RM's office is located in Maidstone.[3]