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Tisdale, Sask., rethinks its 'Land of Rape and Honey' slogan

Tisdale, Sask., is taking another look at the slogan it has used for 60 years — "The Land of Rape and Honey."

Survey asks residents if they think it's time to rebrand the town of 3,200

CBC News ·
The 'Land of Rape and Honey' slogan has appeared on a variety of signs and promotional items over the years in Tisdale, Sask. (CBC)

The small Saskatchewan town of Tisdale is taking another look at the slogan it has used for 60 years — "Land of Rape and Honey."

The community of about 3,200 people is asking residents via a survey whether that brand still works in 2015.

"There's passionate people who believe it should be changed and passionate people who believe it shouldn't be changed," said Sean Wallace, the town's director of economic development. 

"It's been both famous and infamous."

People driving by Tisdale on Highway 3 see this sign. Town council is asking residents whether the slogan should be changed. (Ign.com)

Rape in the slogan refers to rapeseed, which has a number of varieties, including canola.

However, seeing the word on the Welcome to Tisdale sign has upset some people, who point out that, fair or not, it evokes sexual assault.

The Tisdale survey does not deal with that aspect of the controversy, but notes that today, organic rapeseed accounts for less than one per cent of the crops grown in the region. Canola is now king.

For that matter, honey production has decreased significantly, too.

So town council is asking residents for advice. It wants to know if business people feel comfortable with Land of Rape and Honey on their business cards.

The survey also suggests some alternative slogans:

  • Hub of the Northeast.
  • A Place to Grow.
  • A Place to Bee.
  • Land of Canola and Honey.

To encourage participation in the survey, there are prizes, with the top one being a barbecue.

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