The town was named in 1881 by the Marquis of Lorne, Governor General of Canada from 1878 to 1883, during a visit to western Canada. It commemorated Sidney Austin, a correspondent for the London Graphic, who accompanied the group.
The Post office opened on November 1, 1883. The first postmaster was Erskine Broadfoot, who held the position from 1883 until 1889.

1902

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