Yorkton, city in southeastern Saskatchewan, Canada, on Yorkton Creek. It is a commercial and distribution center for a rich agricultural area. Governmental functions and transportation are also important to the city's economy. Yorkton is the site of the Western Development Museum, with displays on the ethnic and cultural heritage of the region, and the Yorkton Art Centre, featuring the works of Canadian artists. Laid out around 1885, the community is named for York County, Ontario, the former home of many of the original settlers. Large numbers of European immigrants subsequently settled in the area, including Ukrainians and Doukhobors, who formed a large portion of the population. The city was moved 4 km (2.5 mi) southwest after the coming of the railway to the area in 1889. Yorkton was incorporated in 1928. Population 15,574 (1986); 15,154 (1996).
