Council Meeting on The Third Wednesday of Every Month at 6:30 pm
Our Roots: The History of the Village of Kisbey
A History of the Village of Kisbey
Welcome to Kisbey, a close-knit prairie community with a proud history and a bright future. Nestled just south of Moose Mountain Provincial Park, our village of 158 residents offers small-town warmth, open skies, and a spirit of connection that makes everyone feel at home.
The Early Years
The Village of Kisbey derived its name from a pioneer Richard Claude Kisbey.
Mr. Kisbey and his brother emigrated from Ireland to Canada in 1881. Upon arriving at Brandon they purchased a yoke of oxen to make their trip west to Cannington Manor, where they filed for homesteads.
One old timer says he was a land agent or surveyor, while another states that Mr. Kisbey was the pioneer mail carrier, who came by sleigh or buggy from Alameda to Percy Post Office, and the village was named to honor him, It was the coming of the railroad that established Kisbey as a hamlet.
Growth and Resilience
In 1900, the Canadian Pacific Railway came as far west as Arcola, but it was later, in 1904, before the steel was laid through Kisbey. It also came through Stoughton in 1904, and they worked from both east and west, with the joining of the Steel near the farm where Bill Ireland's family lived on Sec. 16-8-5W2.
A platform with a little boxcar served to receive freight. express and the mail. Wm. Webber was the first Station agent, followed by J.Jaques.
It was during Mr. Jaques's term that the station and water tower were built. The steam locomotives on the freight and passenger trains always stopped at Kisbey for water. Water continues to be an asset to our town.
The Village of Kisbey was incorporated on May 1, 1907, and the first recorded council meeting was on May 22, 1907. The overseer's salary for the year 1907 was $50.00.
In February 1908, a tender of $19.75 was accepted from J. L. Larmer to supply the village with three street lamps. In 1928, the Montreal Engineering company contracted to supply the village with electric light and twelve lights were put in.
Post-War Progress and Expansion
The drought and depression years of the "30s" were difficult for the council, as they were for the citizens. Many people were unable to pay taxes, so they worked them off or traded wood for them.
Those in need could receive relief food and fuel. In the spring of 1920, 1000 trees were planted. In January 1968, the installation of the sewer began. In 1968, Natural Gas was installed. In 198,6 all the elevators were removed.
Kisbey Today: A Community Rooted in History
Today, the Village of Kisbey remains a proud agricultural community, where generations of families continue to work the land while embracing new opportunities.
The historic Kisbey Museum displays artifacts from the pioneer era.
Though small, Kisbey remains a strong, connected community, where traditions endure, progress continues, and the prairie sky still welcomes new beginnings.