‘Wonderful news’: Warman breaks into top 20 on most livable cities list

Warman, Saskatchewan is being called one of Canada's most liveable cities by the Globe and Mail, breaking the top 20 in a new ranking.

It’s a celebratory week at Warman City Hall after the Globe and Mail released its annual ranking of Canada’s most livable cities - and Warman made quite the leap.

The city jumped 115 spots to land at number 19 overall, one of the biggest climbs anywhere in the country.

“It’s wonderful news. To see us move up 115 spots was incredible. Getting that phone call and being asked, ‘What’s been happening here?’ We have a wonderful city. We knew that,” Warman Mayor Gary Philipchuk told CTV News.

North Vancouver topped this year’s list as Canada’s most livable city. Regina ranked seventh but dropped from last year, while Saskatoon came in at number 15. Warman, meanwhile, is climbing quickly into the national spotlight.

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The recognition doesn’t stop there. Warman was also named the safest city in Canada.

“That was a bit of a surprise,” Philipchuk said. “But I think it really is a community effort.”

Longtime resident Kenny Blanchard isn’t surprised by any of the accolades. He’s lived and worked in Warman for nearly three decades.

“I’ve lived here for 28 years and honestly, it’s been a great community to live in,” he said. “We brought our kids up here. We’ve been involved in all the community stuff, sports and I’ve worked here for 28 years.”

He says part of Warman’s appeal is avoiding some of the pressures facing larger cities.

“Saskatoon’s been getting busier the last few years, and that’s pushed people outside of the city to come into Warman,” Blanchard said.

While larger centres grapple with issues like homelessness, the mayor says Warman has not faced the same challenges though it’s something city leaders are monitoring closely.

The Globe and Mail rankings take into account factors such as the economy, housing, healthcare, transportation, and climate. Warman’s amenities, including its recreation complex, schools, parks and walking paths, continue to attract young families. The average age in the city is 35.

But there’s another growing trend.

“Now the grandparents are following,” according to the mayor.

“Since their kids are here, they follow them especially when they’ve sold farms or are moving toward a more urban place.”

To put Warman’s growth into perspective; in 2003, the city’s population was about 3,500. Today, it’s nearly 14,700 and climbing.

The complete rankings can be found here.