Wawota is a community of 591 people, located along Highway 48 in southeastern Saskatchewan, Canada. Established in 1905, its name is from Dakota "wa ota", which means "lots of snow". Wa means 'snow', oda or ota means 'lots'. It is sometimes mistakenly said to mean 'deep snow'.
The town's motto, "Progress Through Perseverance", is fitting, as Wawota has made a concerted effort in the last few decades to remain a vibrant community for people of all ages, despite the ongoing challenges faced by nearly all rural towns in the province. The loss of the local railway, the so-called Peanut Line, in August, 1961 is often cited as a galvanizing moment for the community, and the dawn of the town's progressive spirit.
Regionally, Wawota is perhaps best known for its long history of successful sports teams, most notably in hockey and baseball, as well as its unusual collection of fire hydrants, painted to resemble various people and cartoon characters. Wawota is also noteworthy as the 'twin capital', due to the large number of twin births recorded in the community, particularly throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s.
