The slogan of Big River is "Gateway to the North". Most of the northern half of Saskatchewan remains undeveloped by humans and so Big River is a portal to this vast area of wilderness. The flora and fauna of the region is rich and diverse and is a reflection of a largely undamaged eco-system. Economically speaking, Big River has always depended on its surrounding forests and lakes. It began as a "company town", being expressly created as a base for the lumber industry in turn-of-the-century Saskatchewan. Commercial fishing also played a major role, especially in the first half of the 20th Century. Population of the area is about 1600 people.