Strathmore, Alberta

Strathmore is a town located along the Trans-Canada Highway in south-central Alberta, Canada, 40 km east of the city of Calgary, within the boundaries of Wheatland County.

Population: 10,336 (2006)

History

The town began as a hamlet for the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) lines that were built in the area in 1883. In 1905, the CPR moved the hamlet of Strathmore four miles north to its current location. A track laying record was made between Strathmore and Cheadle when the railroad was built. In one hour 1.6kms of steel was laid and, at the end of the ten-hour working day, the rails were laid to Cheadle, 15kms for a record. Efforts by the Canadian government to develop western Canada led to increases in Strathmore's population and its importance as a rail supply stop. The CPR railroad tracks are less visible nowadays.

Industry and Employment

Today, the town is an important agricultural community. Oil and gas exploration is also a growing interest in the area. It is the headquarters of the Golden Hills School Division. Many commute daily from Strathmore to Calgary. Over the past three years the town has seen a major growth in commercial development. The recent introduction of two McDonald's and a Walmart has forced a few smaller shops to close their doors because they have been unable to compete with these giants.

Education

Strathmore has three elementary schools (Wheatland, Westmount, and Brentwood), one junior high school (Crowther Memorial Junior High School), one high school (Strathmore High School) and a Catholic School that runs from K-6 (Sacred Heart Academy) as well as a 7-12 catholic school (Holy Cross Collegiate).

Strathmore is the current home of Covenant Bible College Canada. The CBC-C campus relocated in 1995 from its prior home in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. In Covenant Bible College, students take a course in religious studies.

External links

• Town of Strathmore
• Covenant Bible College official website