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Grimshaw, Alberta

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For other uses, see Grimshaw (disambiguation).
Grimshaw
Town
Town of Grimshaw
Official seal of Grimshaw
Seal
Country Canada
Province Alberta
RegionNorthern Alberta
Census division19
Municipal districtM.D. of Peace No. 135
Founded1921
Incorporated1930(Village)
 1953(Town)
Government
[1]
 • MayorBob Regal
 • Governing bodyGrimshaw Town Council
Area
 (2011)[2]
 • Total
7.21 km2 (2.78 sq mi)
Elevation
[3]
603 m (1,978 ft)
Population
 (2011)[2]
 • Total
2,515
 • Density349.0/km2 (904/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC-7 (MST)
HighwaysHighway 2
Highway 35
WaterwayLac Cardinal
WebsiteOfficial website

Grimshaw is a town in northern Alberta located west of the Town of Peace River at the junction of Highway 35, Highway 2, and bypass Highway 2A, and the Mackenzie Northern Railway. By virtue of being the original starting point of Highway 35, which leads to the Northwest Territories, Grimshaw is referred to as Mile Zero of the Mackenzie Highway.

History

The name of the town, Grimshaw was derived from Dr. M.E. Grimshaw, a pioneer doctor in the then village of Peace River Crossing in 1914 originally from Kingston, Ontario.[4] He practiced in the area for many years and also served at different capacities in the municipal governments until 1922.

Timeline
  • 1917: Grimshaw's location was chosen by the Central Canada Railway.
  • 1921: Originally surveyed by Alfred Driscoll.
  • 1930: The hamlet was incorporated as the "Village of Grimshaw".
  • 1953: Grimshaw was incorporated as a town.

Demographics

In the 2011 Census, the Town of Grimshaw had a population of 2,515 living in 984 of its 1,093 total dwellings, a -0.9% change from its 2006 population of 2,537. With a land area of 7.21 km2 (2.78 sq mi), it had a population density of 348.8/km2 (903.4/sq mi) in 2011.[2]

According to the 2006 census:

  • population of 2,537 living in 1,047 dwellings, a 4.2% increase from 2001.
  • land area of 7.21 km2 (2.78 sq mi)
  • a population density of 352.1/km2 (912/sq mi).[5]

Economy

Having developed first as a community centre for a rich mixed farming district,[6] Grimshaw's economy has transformed to become a distribution centre for northern Alberta.

Arts and culture

Some annual festivals and events in the Grimshaw area include the following:

  • Family Day Celebration in February at Lac Cardinal
  • Alberta Pond Hockey tournament in February at Lac Cardinal
  • Senior Citizens Week Celebration in June
  • Annual Country Fair in June
  • Pioneer Days at Lac Cardinal Pioneer Village Museum in August
  • North Peace Stampede in August at Lac Cardinal Recreation Area
  • Annual Terry Fox Run in September
  • Old Fashioned Family Christmas Event at Lac Cardinal Pioneer Museum in December

Attractions

The Town of Grimshaw has numerous indoor and outdoor recreational facilities within its borders including an outdoor swimming pool, an arena, a curling rink, a family fitness centre, 6 Ball Diamonds, SK8 "N" Bike Park, an R.V. Park and a Seniors Drop In Centre.

The Historic Mile 0 Mackenzie Park and the Tom Baldwin Memorial Arboretum located at the corner of Highway 2 and Highway 2A are fully landscaped passive recreational interpretive park reflecting local and regional history. The history of the communities along the Mackenzie Highway is reflected by interpretive signs situated along the walking path. The Tom Baldwin Memorial Arboretum provides an educational component to visitors and the local schools to learn about the different species of trees in the area forests. [7] Queen Elizabeth Provincial Park and Lac Cardinal Recreation Area on the shores of Lac Cardinal are less than 10 kilometres to the northwest of Grimshaw. Wilderness Park is less than 5 kilometres to the northeast of Grimshaw.

Museums include the Lac Cardinal Pioneer Village Museum and the Mile 0 Antique Truck Museum. Located within Lac Cardinal Recreation Area, the Lac Cardinal Pioneer Village Museum features buildings from a pioneer townsite. The Mile 0 Antique Truck Museum displays trucks used in northern cartage in the 1930s through 1950s. The museum specializes in International Trucks, and has many that are fully restored to show room condition. The museum has been nominated for numerous awards.[8]

Infrastructure

Health care

The Grimshaw Berwyn & District Community Health Centre provides the health needs of residents for Grimshaw, Berwyn and nearby communities. Other hospitals in the area include the Peace River Community Health Centre in Peace River, and the Manning Community Health Centre in Manning.

The medical clinic is located in the town's downtown core. Dental services are also available in Grimshaw.

Education

Public schools in Grimshaw include Kennedy Elementary School [K-6] and Grimshaw Junior/Senior High School [Grades 7-12]. Separate schools include Holy Family Elementary School (Grades K to 9) with senior high school students being bussed to Glenmary School [Grades 7-12] in Peace River.

Post-secondary education is available at Northern Lakes College in the Peace River Campus.

Media

Grimshaw is served weekly by the Mile Zero News[9] and bi-weekly by alternative newspaper The Vault Magazine.[10]

Government

Grimshaw is currently in the Peace River federal electoral district, served by Chris Warkentin. In the next federal election, Grimshaw will become part of the newly formed riding of Peace River—Westlock.

See also

References

  1. ^ "Municipal Officials Search". Alberta Municipal Affairs. May 9, 2019. Retrieved October 1, 2021.
  2. ^ a b c "Population and dwelling counts, for Canada, provinces and territories, and census subdivisions (municipalities), 2011 and 2006 censuses (Alberta)". Statistics Canada. 2012-02-08. Retrieved 2012-02-08.
  3. ^ "Alberta Private Sewage Systems 2009 Standard of Practice Handbook: Appendix A.3 Alberta Design Data (A.3.A. Alberta Climate Design Data by Town)" (PDF) (PDF). Safety Codes Council. January 2012. pp. 212–215 (PDF pages 226–229). Retrieved October 8, 2013.
  4. ^ http://www.grimshaworigin.org/WebPages/GrimAlbert.htm
  5. ^ Statistics Canada (Census 2006). "Grimshaw - Community Profile". Retrieved 2007-06-11. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |year= (help)CS1 maint: year (link)
  6. ^ http://www.grimshaw.ca/visiting/
  7. ^ http://mightypeace.com/places-to-visit-2/communitiesmunicipalities/grimshaw
  8. ^ http://gopeaceregion.com/museums.asp
  9. ^ http://www.mackreport.ab.ca/
  10. ^ http://www.thevaultmag.com/
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