Beyond the Fictional Fame of Dog River

If you’ve ever tuned into CTV’s iconic comedy Corner Gas, you might think Rouleau, Saskatchewan, is a quiet, sleepy town with little more going on than a fictional gas station and café. The show’s theme song famously proclaims, “Not a lot going on,” but this couldn’t be further from the truth in the real Rouleau.

Despite the show's end over a decade ago, this small town has evolved into a vibrant community with much more happening than its fictional counterpart ever portrayed.

Rouleau, located just south of Moose Jaw and Regina at the intersection of Highway 714 and Railway Avenue, is a town rich in history and evolving with the times. While the actual filming locations for Corner Gas—including the beloved gas station and the Ruby Café—are no longer standing due to environmental issues, Rouleau remains a thriving, modern community with a lot to offer.

The town’s downtown core, once a backdrop for television antics, is now bustling with activity.

New houses are springing up, and the streets are alive with children playing and residents shopping. Far from being stuck in a nostalgic past, Rouleau is embracing its present with a sense of pride and progress.

In a way, Rouleau’s growth and transformation are a testament to the resilience and spirit of its residents. The original grain elevator, a symbol of the town's agricultural heritage, has been torn down due to a fire. The Foo-Mart, once the fictional centre of grocery shopping in the show - which was also burnt down days after the final scene was filmed for the Corner Gas Movie - has been replaced by a new medical facility, which, despite the changes, signifies a community that adapts and thrives.

The old structures may have faded, but they’ve made way for new beginnings and opportunities.

One might assume that a town so closely associated with a fictional television series could be overwhelmed - or even over the spotlight - by the tourist traffic or perhaps weary of outsiders. However, my visit to Rouleau revealed a different reality. The locals were genuinely welcoming and interested in sharing their experiences. When I spoke to residents, they were eager to discuss their hometown and its growth, even making light-hearted guesses that my visit were there was to see the “town made famous by Brent Butt.”

This openness reflects a broader trend in Rouleau’s development. The town is not merely riding the coattails of its television fame but is actively building a future beyond the small screen. The presence of Keith Aulie, a former NHL player and a local hero, further underscores this narrative. Aulie’s accomplishments are celebrated with pride, and his success is a point of local pride, indicating that Rouleau is more than just a backdrop for a comedy show. It’s a place that fosters talent and achievement.

Moreover, Rouleau’s evolution isn’t confined to physical changes. The community spirit, which was so well captured in Corner Gas, continues to thrive. The sense of camaraderie and mutual support is palpable. Whether it’s through local events, sports, or everyday interactions, the people of Rouleau exemplify the kind of community spirit that makes small-town life special.

The town’s ability to maintain its charm while adapting to new realities is a noteworthy achievement.

The transformation of Rouleau also highlights a broader trend seen in many small towns across Canada. As small town communities face the challenges of modernization and economic shifts, they must adapt to survive and thrive. Rouleau’s story is one of adaptation and resilience. It’s a community that has embraced change while preserving its unique identity, showing that even small towns can be vibrant and dynamic places.

Rouleau, Saskatchewan, is much more than the setting of Corner Gas. It’s a town that’s growing, evolving, and thriving.

The real Rouleau, with its bustling downtown, new developments, and strong community spirit, stands in stark contrast to the fictional portrayal of a sleepy, uneventful place. As the town continues to embrace its past while forging ahead into the future, it’s clear that there’s a lot going on in Rouleau—more than enough to fill any story, real or imagined.