A small Saskatchewan village is looking to put Love on the map by becoming a unique wedding destination.

B次元官网网址淓verybody should be in Love at least once in their lives,B次元官网网址� Marvin Torwalt, who is known as the resident Love historian, says with a big smile.

The Village of Love is fully embracing its name with a new wedding chapel. It will give couples the chance to share their love in Love.

The village, northeast of Saskatoon with a population of 72, had for years received letters and requests of lively lovers looking to tie the knot. The ideas for Love spread and streets were renamed to things like LoverB次元官网网址檚 Lane, Valentine Avenue and Hearts Delight Street.

People from all over travelled to the community after CupidB次元官网网址檚 strike but there was nowhere official to exchange their vows.

So, Mayor Shelley Vallier says a few years ago they decided to take things a step further and fully promote the passion in their namesake.

B次元官网网址淚 want to turn the village into one that looks like a village of love,B次元官网网址� Vallier says.

Through a lot of hard work, donations, fundraising and the generosity of current and former residents, that vision is becoming a reality.

While Love is looking to the future, it is intrinsically connected to the areaB次元官网网址檚 rich past.

The chapel building was an old Canadian Pacific Railway bunkhouse from nearby Choiceland that was donated. It was gutted and refinished. In the steeple is a donated Canadian National Railway bell.

The benches, which can seat 50 people, were purchased from a church in Prince Albert, west of the village.

Vallier says the project cost more than $65,000 but the promotion of love in Love is worth every penny. One wedding has already taken place and another is scheduled for May.

But Love wasnB次元官网网址檛 always focused on its name, says Torwalt.

The village had its genesis in the early 1930s as families searched for reprieve from the effects of the Great Depression farther south. Sawmills sprang up, bringing along homesteads and households eager for opportunity and affordable land.

The population would eventually peak at around 250 people, with two general stores, a hotel, pool bar, gas stations, insurance office and a couple of caf茅s.

The local lore has two origins of the villageB次元官网网址檚 name. A young woman was employed in the kitchen at a mill and fell head over heels for one of the workers. A railroad employee spotted the couple and called the community Love Siding.

B次元官网网址淭hey must have been the talk of the town that they were sweet on each other,B次元官网网址� Vallier says with a laugh.

The other story, more likely to be true, is that when the railroad station was established, the first train conductor to come through was Tom Love.

Documents show the community was called Love Siding in the 1930s but officially became Love when it was incorporated in 1945.

As the lumbering industry in the area started to decline, people moved elsewhere and businesses closed for many decades.

But the love for Love always remained.

People with family connections to the area still help the village, whether itB次元官网网址檚 to build the chapel or hold annual festivals in the campground.

The population has even started to increase in recent years and children once again run along the quiet streets.

B次元官网网址淭his is one of the only towns I know of thatB次元官网网址檚 maintaining or growing a little bit,B次元官网网址� Torwalt says.

B次元官网网址淭hat takes dedication.B次元官网网址�

Even with love as the core value, there are challenges in the way. The village recently learned it needs to replace the roof of its local hall at a cost of around $100,000. Plans for a honeymoon suite, stone walkway and other romantic spots are put on hold until they can arrange those funds.

While there are some hurdles, the village will still go above and beyond to celebrate love.

In the local post office, Connie Black excitedly pulls out letters sheB次元官网网址檚 received from people who want a special Love stamp on their wedding invites, Valentine cards or notes to that special someone. A map of the world hangs on the wall, with stickers marking places theyB次元官网网址檝e received letters from.

ItB次元官网网址檚 a huge honour, she says, to play a little part in so many love stories.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 so cool.B次元官网网址�

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