In 1882 the construction plans for the Canadian Pacific Railway lead to the establishment of Moose Jaw. The City of Moose Jaw was incorporated on November 20, 1903.   Since that time Moose Jaw has become known for a variety of things from a transportation centre to a centre of international excellence.

One key part of Moose Jaw's history has been the importance of flight training dating back to 1928.  A civilian flying training facility was utilized as part of the Commonwealth Air Training Plan during World War II.  In 1953 the base reopened as the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Station Moose Jaw.  In the early 1990s, the Department of National Defence began to examine its future pilot training options for a viable, cost-effective means of providing pilot training.  While the uncertainty of the base and possibility of closure were significant concerns to the community, a public private partnership ultimately changed the presence of 15 Wing Moose Jaw and secured the future of the base for years to come.  The NATO Flying Training in Canada (NFTC) Program offers international flight training in a fully digital training environment at 15 Wing Moose Jaw. The base now hosts several major employers such as the Department of National Defence (including 431 Squadron – the Snowbirds), Bombardier, Aramark, ATCO Frontec, CAE, and SERCO.  Training is provided through a 20 year contract worth in excess of $2.85 billion.

In 1998, the Moose Jaw Economic Development Working Committee was established to identify projects to support under the Federal Government Base Transition Funding initiative.   A number of community projects were funded.  The committee met regular to discuss areas of common interest to the community.

Moose Jaw has been undergoing a transformation and a spirit of optimism has been generated in the early 2000's.  The Moose Jaw Economic Development Working Committee felt the discussion process has helped the community partners work together.  In 2001 the Working Committee held meetings to discuss direction to continue positive community momentum.  The consensus of the group was to develop broader vision and goals for the community over the next ten years.