Country Canada Census division 19 Highways Highway 2
Highway 35 Population 2,718 (2016) Province Alberta | Region Northern Alberta Time zone MST (UTC-7) Elevation 615 m Local time Friday 7:51 AM | |
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Municipal district Municipal District of Peace No. 135 Weather -21°C, Wind NE at 21 km/h, 59% Humidity | ||
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.
Contents
- Map of Grimshaw AB Canada
- History
- Demographics
- Economy
- Arts and culture
- Attractions
- Health care
- Education
- Media
- Government
- References
Map of Grimshaw, AB, Canada
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. He practiced in the area for many years and also served at different capacities in the municipal governments until 1922.
Demographics
In the 2016 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, the Town of Grimshaw recorded a population of 2,718 living in 1,061 of its 1,194 total private dwellings, a change of 7000810000000000000♠8.1% from its 2011 population of 2,515. With a land area of 7.09 km2 (2.74 sq mi), it had a population density of 383.4/km2 (992.9/sq mi) in 2016.
In the 2011 Census, the Town of Grimshaw had a population of 2,515 living in 984 of its 1,093 total dwellings, a change of -0.9% 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.
Economy
Having developed first as a community centre for a rich mixed farming district, 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:
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. 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.
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 and bi-weekly by alternative newspaper The Vault Magazine.
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.