Release Date: May 26, 2008
Media Contact: Erin Brown, External Relations
E-mail: Erin.Brown@uregina.ca
Phone: 306-585-5632
Mobile: 306-536-4312
Fax: 306-585-4997
Author David McLennan highlights 725 Saskatchewan communities in a new book

It took five years and 55,000 kilometres to gather all of the information needed to write Our Towns: Saskatchewan Communities from Abbey to Zenon Park, but author David McLennan's efforts have finally come to fruition. Featuring more than 1,000 previously unpublished photographs (both historical and contemporary), this latest book published by the Canadian Plains Research Center (CPRC) at the University of Regina is a comprehensive look at the people, history, landmarks and attractions that comprise all of our province's communities.

McLennan, who was a major contributor to the Encyclopedia of Saskatchewan, which was also published by the CPRC, traveled to each community to conduct research and to learn about the community first-hand from the townspeople.

"While my intention was to be an unbiased voice in Our Towns, I do hope that in some way my love and respect for all of these places, big and small, shines through. We live in a great province," says McLennan.

"David McLennan is an excellent historian and photographer and his handiwork is shown throughout this book," says Dr. Gordon L. Barnhart, Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan. "Since nearly everyone in this province now lives in or came from one of these towns, readers will find David's book a joy to read."

Our Towns: Saskatchewan Communities from Abbey to Zenon Park is available at bookstores or by contacting the CPRC. For more information, visit http://www.cprc.ca/.