Strathmore, Alberta

Summary

Strathmore is a town located in southern Alberta, Canada that is surrounded by Wheatland County. It is along the Trans-Canada Highway approximately 50 kilometres (30 mi) east of Calgary.

Strathmore
Town
Town of Strathmore
Grain elevators, 1974
Grain elevators, 1974
Flag of Strathmore
Motto: 
Where Quality of Life is a Way of Life
Strathmore is located in Alberta
Strathmore
Strathmore
Coordinates: 51°02′16″N 113°24′01″W / 51.03778°N 113.40028°W / 51.03778; -113.40028
CountryCanada
ProvinceAlberta
RegionCalgary Region
Census division5
Municipal districtWheatland County
Founded1883
Incorporated[1] 
 • VillageMarch 20, 1908
 • TownJuly 6, 1911
Named forClaude Bowes-Lyon, 13th Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne
Government
 • MayorPat Fule
 • Governing body
Strathmore Town Council
  • Melissa Langmaid
  • Debbie Mitzner
  • Jason Montgomery
  • Denise Peterson
  • Richard Wegener
  • Brent Wiley
 • CAOKevin Scoble
 • MPMartin Shields
(Bow River)
 • MLAChantelle de Jonge
(Chestermere-Strathmore)
Area
 (2021)[3]
 • Land26.98 km2 (10.42 sq mi)
Elevation973 m (3,192 ft)
Population
 (2021)[3][7][8]
 • Total14,339
 • Density531.5/km2 (1,377/sq mi)
 • Municipal census (2015)
13,327[5]
 • Estimate (2020)
14,645[6]
Time zoneUTC-7 (MST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC-6 (MDT)
Postal code range
Area code(s)403, 587, 825, 368
Highways Hwy 1 / Hwy 817
WaterwaysEagle Lake
Websitewww.strathmore.ca

History edit

The town began as a hamlet for the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) lines that were built in the area in 1883. The CPR named the town after one of its benefactors: Claude Bowes-Lyon, the Earl of Strathmore. The Earl's granddaughter, Queen Elizabeth – as consort to King George VI – later passed through the community on the "Royal Train" in late May 1939.[9]

A track-laying record was made between Strathmore and Cheadle when the railway was built. In one hour one mile (1.6 km) of steel was laid and – at the end of the ten-hour working day – the rails were laid to Cheadle, 9 miles (14 km) for a record. The passing of the Canadian government's Dominion Lands Act in 1872, encouraging settlement, led to increases in Strathmore's population and its importance as a rail supply stop.

Strathmore's first school opened in 1908.[10] The CPR railway tracks are now gone, the land having been subdivided.

In 2011, the Town of Strathmore celebrated its centennial – and released the book 100 Years of Memories: Celebrating Strathmore’s Centennial through Polished Publishing Group in early 2012.[11]

Demographics edit

Federal census
population history
YearPop.±%
1911531—    
1916551+3.8%
1921584+6.0%
1926540−7.5%
1931523−3.1%
1936531+1.5%
1941560+5.5%
1946603+7.7%
1951704+16.7%
1956727+3.3%
1961924+27.1%
1966994+7.6%
19711,148+15.5%
19761,561+36.0%
19812,986+91.3%
19863,544+18.7%
19914,185+18.1%
19965,282+26.2%
20017,621+44.3%
200610,225+34.2%
201112,305+20.3%
201613,756+11.8%
202114,339+4.2%
Source: Statistics Canada
[12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22]
[23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33]

In the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, the Town of Strathmore had a population of 14,339 living in 5,517 of its 5,754 total private dwellings, a change of 4.2% from its 2016 population of 13,756. With a land area of 26.98 km2 (10.42 sq mi), it had a population density of 531.5/km2 (1,376.5/sq mi) in 2021.[3]

In the 2016 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, the Town of Strathmore recorded a population of 13,756 living in 5,148 of its 5,358 total private dwellings, a change of 11.8% from its 2011 population of 12,305. With a land area of 27.4 km2 (10.6 sq mi), it had a population density of 502.0/km2 (1,300.3/sq mi) in 2016.[33]

The Town of Strathmore's 2015 municipal census counted a population of 13,327,[5] a change of 7.9% from its 2012 municipal census population of 12,352.[34] At its current population, Strathmore is one of the largest towns in the province and is eligible for city status. According to Alberta's Municipal Government Act, a town is eligible for city status when it reaches 10,000 residents.[35]

Economy edit

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 Golden Hills School Division No. 75.

Many residents commute daily from Strathmore to Calgary. In the 21st century, the town has seen a major growth in commercial development, with many franchise restaurants and a few big-box chain stores opening in the community.

Transportation edit

Strathmore has no public transit system, but people without their own vehicles can opt to use a local taxi or a Strathmore Handi-Bus for residents with mobility issues to travel on-demand.[36] Initially administered by the Town of Strathmore, the Handi-Bus program was transferred to the non-profit charity Strathmore Handibus Association.[37]

Sports edit

Strathmore was the home of the Strathmore Rockies, a team in the WWHL. It is currently home to the Strathmore Wheatland Kings of the Heritage Junior "B" league; as well as the former home of the UFA Bisons of the AMHL, who have helped produce NHL players Peyton Krebs, Zach Boychuk, and Mason Raymond among others.

The Strathmore Spartans football team has alumni players throughout the CJFL, Canadian University system and the CFL.

The Strathmore Venom Junior "B" lacrosse team won the provincial title in 2010 for the first time since the team was founded in 2004.

Strathmore was one of the hosts for the 2013 Tour of Alberta Pro Cycling Festival.

Every year Strathmore holds its Heritage Days celebrations, which include the Strathmore Stampede, Canada's third largest rodeo.

Education edit

Strathmore is part of the Golden Hills School Division.

Strathmore has three elementary schools (Wheatland, Westmount and Brentwood), two Kindergarten to grade 9 schools (George Freeman School and Trinity Christian Academy), one junior high school (Crowther Memorial Junior High School), two high schools (Strathmore High School and Strathmore Storefront School) and a Catholic School providing Kindergarten through grade 6 (Sacred Heart Academy) as well as a grade 7 to 12 Catholic school (Holy Cross Collegiate).[38]

Strathmore was the 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 took a course in religious studies. It was closed in 2007 due to dropping student enrollment and other fiscal problems. The former CBC campus was sold for $5.5 million to another Christian organization, EnCharis.[39]

In September 2008, Trinity Christian Academy opened at the former Covenant Bible College property. Trinity Christian is a Christian school providing Kindergarten through grade 9 and is publicly funded.

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ "Location and History Profile: Town of Strathmore" (PDF). Alberta Municipal Affairs. June 17, 2016. p. 611. Retrieved June 19, 2016.
  2. ^ "Municipal Officials Search". Alberta Municipal Affairs. May 9, 2019. Retrieved October 1, 2021.
  3. ^ a b c "Population and dwelling counts: Canada, provinces and territories, and census subdivisions (municipalities)". Statistics Canada. February 9, 2022. Retrieved February 9, 2022.
  4. ^ "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 9, 2013.
  5. ^ a b 2015 Municipal Affairs Population List (PDF). Alberta Municipal Affairs. ISBN 978-1-4601-2630-1. Retrieved July 17, 2016.
  6. ^ "Census Subdivision (Municipal) Population Estimates, July 1, 2016 to 2020, Alberta". Alberta Municipal Affairs. March 23, 2021. Retrieved October 8, 2021.
  7. ^ "Population and dwelling counts: Canada and population centres". Statistics Canada. February 9, 2022. Retrieved February 13, 2022.
  8. ^ "Population and dwelling counts: Canada, provinces and territories, census metropolitan areas and census agglomerations". Statistics Canada. February 9, 2022. Retrieved February 13, 2022.
  9. ^ Sanders, Harry M. (2003). The Story Behind Alberta Names : How Cities, Towns, Villages and Hamlets Got Their Names. Calgary, Alberta: Red Deer Press. p. 283. ISBN 0-88995-256-6.
  10. ^ Dougan, Harvey (1979). The English Colony Nightingale and District. Nightingale, Alberta: Nightingale Women's Institute. p. 55. Archived from the original on 2015-09-24. Retrieved 2013-08-01.
  11. ^ "100 Years of Memories: Celebrating Strathmore's Centennial". Polished Publishing Group (PPG). PPG Publisher's Blog. Archived from the original on 2012-02-20. Retrieved 2011-11-15.
  12. ^ "Table I: Area and Population of Canada by Provinces, Districts and Subdistricts in 1911 and Population in 1901". Census of Canada, 1911. Vol. I. Ottawa: Government of Canada. 1912. pp. 2–39.
  13. ^ "Table I: Population of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta by Districts, Townships, Cities, Towns, and Incorporated Villages in 1916, 1911, 1906, and 1901". Census of Prairie Provinces, 1916. Vol. Population and Agriculture. Ottawa: Government of Canada. 1918. pp. 77–140.
  14. ^ "Table 8: Population by districts and sub-districts according to the Redistribution Act of 1914 and the amending act of 1915, compared for the census years 1921, 1911 and 1901". Census of Canada, 1921. Ottawa: Government of Canada. 1922. pp. 169–215.
  15. ^ "Table 7: Population of cities, towns and villages for the province of Alberta in census years 1901-26, as classed in 1926". Census of Prairie Provinces, 1926. Vol. Census of Alberta, 1926. Ottawa: Government of Canada. 1927. pp. 565–567.
  16. ^ "Table 12: Population of Canada by provinces, counties or census divisions and subdivisions, 1871-1931". Census of Canada, 1931. Ottawa: Government of Canada. 1932. pp. 98–102.
  17. ^ "Table 4: Population in incorporated cities, towns and villages, 1901-1936". Census of the Prairie Provinces, 1936. Vol. I: Population and Agriculture. Ottawa: Dominion Bureau of Statistics. 1938. pp. 833–836.
  18. ^ "Table 10: Population by census subdivisions, 1871–1941". Eighth Census of Canada, 1941. Vol. II: Population by Local Subdivisions. Ottawa: Dominion Bureau of Statistics. 1944. pp. 134–141.
  19. ^ "Table 6: Population by census subdivisions, 1926-1946". Census of the Prairie Provinces, 1946. Vol. I: Population. Ottawa: Dominion Bureau of Statistics. 1949. pp. 401–414.
  20. ^ "Table 6: Population by census subdivisions, 1871–1951". Ninth Census of Canada, 1951. Vol. I: Population, General Characteristics. Ottawa: Dominion Bureau of Statistics. 1953. p. 6.73–6.83.
  21. ^ "Table 6: Population by sex, for census subdivisions, 1956 and 1951". Census of Canada, 1956. Vol. Population, Counties and Subdivisions. Ottawa: Dominion Bureau of Statistics. 1957. p. 6.50–6.53.
  22. ^ "Table 6: Population by census subdivisions, 1901–1961". 1961 Census of Canada. Series 1.1: Historical, 1901–1961. Vol. I: Population. Ottawa: Dominion Bureau of Statistics. 1963. p. 6.77-6.83.
  23. ^ "Population by specified age groups and sex, for census subdivisions, 1966". Census of Canada, 1966. Vol. Population, Specified Age Groups and Sex for Counties and Census Subdivisions, 1966. Ottawa: Dominion Bureau of Statistics. 1968. p. 6.50–6.53.
  24. ^ "Table 2: Population of Census Subdivisions, 1921–1971". 1971 Census of Canada. Vol. I: Population, Census Subdivisions (Historical). Ottawa: Statistics Canada. 1973. p. 2.102-2.111.
  25. ^ "Table 3: Population for census divisions and subdivisions, 1971 and 1976". 1976 Census of Canada. Census Divisions and Subdivisions, Western Provinces and the Territories. Vol. I: Population, Geographic Distributions. Ottawa: Statistics Canada. 1977. p. 3.40–3.43.
  26. ^ "Table 4: Population and Total Occupied Dwellings, for Census Divisions and Subdivisions, 1976 and 1981". 1981 Census of Canada. Vol. II: Provincial series, Population, Geographic distributions (Alberta). Ottawa: Statistics Canada. 1982. p. 4.1–4.10. ISBN 0-660-51095-2.
  27. ^ "Table 2: Census Divisions and Subdivisions – Population and Occupied Private Dwellings, 1981 and 1986". Census Canada 1986. Vol. Population and Dwelling Counts – Provinces and Territories (Alberta). Ottawa: Statistics Canada. 1987. p. 2.1–2.10. ISBN 0-660-53463-0.
  28. ^ "Table 2: Population and Dwelling Counts, for Census Divisions and Census Subdivisions, 1986 and 1991 – 100% Data". 91 Census. Vol. Population and Dwelling Counts – Census Divisions and Census Subdivisions. Ottawa: Statistics Canada. 1992. pp. 100–108. ISBN 0-660-57115-3.
  29. ^ "Table 10: Population and Dwelling Counts, for Census Divisions, Census Subdivisions (Municipalities) and Designated Places, 1991 and 1996 Censuses – 100% Data". 96 Census. Vol. A National Overview – Population and Dwelling Counts. Ottawa: Statistics Canada. 1997. pp. 136–146. ISBN 0-660-59283-5.
  30. ^ "Population and Dwelling Counts, for Canada, Provinces and Territories, and Census Divisions, 2001 and 1996 Censuses - 100% Data (Alberta)". Statistics Canada. Retrieved 2012-04-02.
  31. ^ "Population and dwelling counts, for Canada, provinces and territories, and census subdivisions (municipalities), 2006 and 2001 censuses - 100% data (Alberta)". Statistics Canada. 2010-01-06. Retrieved 2012-04-02.
  32. ^ "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.
  33. ^ a b "Population and dwelling counts, for Canada, provinces and territories, and census subdivisions (municipalities), 2016 and 2011 censuses – 100% data (Alberta)". Statistics Canada. February 8, 2017. Retrieved February 8, 2017.
  34. ^ 2014 Municipal Affairs Population List (PDF). Alberta Municipal Affairs. ISBN 978-1-4601-2067-5. Retrieved July 17, 2016.
  35. ^ "Municipal Government Act". Alberta Queen's Printer. Retrieved 2012-09-05.
  36. ^ "Transportation – Strathmore Living". 27 May 2019.
  37. ^ "New Administration of Handi Bus".
  38. ^ "Our Schools". Golden Hills School Division No. 75.
  39. ^ "Building sold for $5.5 million". Strathmore Standard. 2007-08-15. Retrieved 2008-06-30.[permanent dead link]

External links edit

  • Official website