The Dam the Drought Built: A History of the South Saskatchewan River Project

Richard G. Kuhn is an associate professor of geography at the University
of Guelph.

Canadians have often been called “hewers of wood and drawers of
water.” Indeed, some of the most dramatic and interesting episodes in
our history centre on resource-development projects, be they mining,
energy development, or water impoundment. In this history of the South
Saskatchewan river project, Max Macdonald has provided a rich and
engaging account of the players and issues surrounding the dam. Written
in a journalistic and informal style, the book chronicles the early
arguments for the dam, arguments resulting from the drought of the
1930s. The plot thickens as preliminary plans moved to the political
arena where posturing and ego became factors as significant as the needs
of Saskatchewan residents. The dam was eventually constructed in 1967.
Macdonald completes the narrative with a retrospective assessment of the
dam’s usefulness and impact with respect to the citizens and economy
of Saskatchewan.

Max Macdonald has provided a fine historical account of an important
project in the history of Saskatchewan. The research is well grounded in
policy documents, letters, and an assortment of archival and
contemporary photographs. The spirit of the times is captured through
the use of quotations from the political movers and shakers as well as
the common folk. This book is recommended particularly for those
interested in the history and development of Saskatchewan.