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The community of Francis, originally known as Wascana Settlement in the North West Territories, predates the province of Saskatchewan. By 1904 the area was already well settled, and on October 24, 1904, the Commissioner of Public Works for the North West Territories officially declared it the Village of Francis at the request of local residents.
In 1905, Jarvis Westgate was unanimously elected overseer, succeeding Mr. Mitchell who had served for only two months. One of the village’s first actions was to improve local infrastructure. On March 15, 1905, the village received approval to borrow $1,000 for permanent improvements. That year the village spent $1,525.40 and collected $2,030.45 in revenue, leaving a balance of $505.05. Major expenses included $590.87 for water location tests and $441.63 for sidewalks.
Later in 1905, Joseph Dundas defeated Westgate in the overseer election. Early in 1906 the village requested a census. The reason soon became clear: the local water supply was inadequate, and the community hoped to secure funding for a new source. Only a town could arrange the necessary loan. The census, conducted by C. R. Gough, showed a population well below the 400 residents then required for town status. Despite this, Francis was granted town status on August 30, 1906, allowing it to borrow funds for a new water supply.
The new water source was a spring located about two miles east of the community. Earlier attempts to drill wells in town had reached depths of about 360 feet without finding water. Securing this spring likely ensured the survival of the community.
The first council meeting of the Town of Francis was held on October 26, 1906. Mayor D. Mitchell presided, with councillors A. R. McEwen, Corbett Thompson, Joe Dundas, W. G. Robinson, Wm. Anderson, and J. J. Dafoe present.
Francis has long had a small population, smaller than many villages, and remains one of the smallest towns in the province. Despite its size, the community has retained its town status and residents have taken pride in maintaining an active and energetic town.
In 1912 the town faced difficulty selling debentures to finance a skating and curling rink. Several public-spirited citizens personally signed a bank note to secure the required funds, allowing the rink to be built.
Financial difficulties did not persist for long. In 1918 the Deputy Minister wrote to the town clerk noting that although Francis had struggled in its early years, it was then in excellent condition with a substantial cash surplus in the bank.
By December 1927 the town was considering the introduction of electric power. Another notable initiative came during the 1930s, when Francis established its own local "medicare" program to help residents afford medical care during the difficult economic years.