Wainwright
Town
Town of Wainwright
Welcome sign
Welcome sign
Nickname: 
Buffalo Capital of Canada
Wainwright, Alberta is located in Alberta
Wainwright, Alberta
Location of Wainwright in Alberta
Coordinates: 52°50′N 110°52′W / 52.833°N 110.867°W / 52.833; -110.867Coordinates: 52°50′N 110°52′W / 52.833°N 110.867°W / 52.833; -110.867
CountryCanada
ProvinceAlberta
RegionCentral Alberta
Census divisionNo. 7
Municipal districtMunicipal District of Wainwright No. 61
Incorporated[1] 
 • VillageMarch 25, 1909
 • TownJuly 14, 1910
Government
[2]
 • MayorBruce Pugh
 • Governing BodyWainwright Town Council
 • MPDamien Kurek
 • MLAGarth Rowswell
Area
 (2021)[3]
 • Land12.17 km2 (4.70 sq mi)
Elevation
[4]
675 m (2,215 ft)
Population
 (2021)[3][5]
 • Total6,606
 • Density543/km2 (1,410/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC−7 (MST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−6 (MDT)
Forward sortation area
T9W
Area code(s)+1-780, +1-587
HighwaysHighway 14
Highway 41
WaterwaysBattle River
WebsiteOfficial website

Wainwright is a town in east-central Alberta, Canada. It is approximately 206 kilometres (128 mi) southeast of Edmonton.

Located west of the Alberta–Saskatchewan border, Wainwright is 61 kilometres (38 mi) south of Vermilion in the Battle River valley. Highway 41, called the Buffalo Trail, and Highway 14 go through the town. CFB Wainwright is located in Denwood, southwest of Wainwright.

An entrance road to Wainwright
An entrance road to Wainwright

History

Originally named Denwood by settler James Dawson in 1905, the town was relocated by the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) west-northwest and renamed Wainwright after General William Wainwright, the second vice-president of railway. The original townsite opened with post office in 1907 along with Denwood Hotel and store. The post office and hotel (becoming Wainwright Hotel) relocated to Wainwright in 1908[6] with the old townsite later becoming CFB Wainwright.[7]

The town is a divisional point on the Canadian National Railway main line. Wainwright railway station is served by Via Rail's The Canadian.

A view of Second Ave. featuring the Wainwright Hotel pre-1912.
A view of Second Ave. featuring the Wainwright Hotel pre-1912.

Demographics

In the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, the Town of Wainwright had a population of 6,606 living in 2,664 of its 2,914 total private dwellings, a change of 5.1% from its 2016 population of 6,285. With a land area of 12.17 km2 (4.70 sq mi), it had a population density of 542.8/km2 (1,405.9/sq mi) in 2021.[3]

In the 2016 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, the Town of Wainwright recorded a population of 6,270 living in 2,524 of its 2,770 total private dwellings, a 5.8% change from its 2011 population of 5,925. With a land area of 9.1 km2 (3.5 sq mi), it had a population density of 689.0/km2 (1,784.5/sq mi) in 2016.[8]

The Town of Wainwright's 2013 municipal census counted a population of 6,289,[9] an 8.9% increase over its 2008 municipal census population of 5,775.[10]

Arts and culture

Wainwright has the third-largest stampede in Canada. It occurs at the end of June, and includes a rodeo, chuckwagon races, parade, midway, and an agricultural fair.

Education

Buffalo Trail Public Schools Regional Division No. 28

East Central Alberta Catholic Separate Schools Regional Division No. 16

Greater North Central Francophone Education Region No. 2

Media

Radio
Newspapers

The Edge and The Star (formerly the Star Chronicle) merged to be the Star/Edge in 2013. It is published weekly on Fridays.[14]

Notable people

See also

  • View of the Park Hotel pre-1920.
    View of the Park Hotel pre-1920.
  • Smoke billowing over Wainwright, the aftermath of a fire.
    Smoke billowing over Wainwright, the aftermath of a fire.
  • A view across the tracks of the Canadian National Station in Wainwright, between 1926 and 1940.
    A view across the tracks of the Canadian National Station in Wainwright, between 1926 and 1940.
  • Unpaved road in front of businesses with a water tower in the background in 1910.
    Unpaved road in front of businesses with a water tower in the background in 1910.
  • View of busy commercial street in town with stores and shops in 1930.
    View of busy commercial street in town with stores and shops in 1930.
  • A view looking north of Main Street showing automobiles and a clock tower as well as some businesses along the street. Taken some time in the 1930's.
    A view looking north of Main Street showing automobiles and a clock tower as well as some businesses along the street. Taken some time in the 1930's.

References

  1. ^ "Location and History Profile: Town of Wainwright" (PDF). Alberta Municipal Affairs. October 7, 2016. p. 723. Retrieved October 11, 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. ^ "Population and dwelling counts: Canada and population centres". Statistics Canada. February 9, 2022. Retrieved February 13, 2022.
  6. ^ "Wainwright Hotel". 6 September 2017.
  7. ^ "History of Wainwright - Town of Wainwright".
  8. ^ "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.
  9. ^ "Population: Town of Wainwright Population Growth". Town of Wainwright. Retrieved July 15, 2013.
  10. ^ "2011 Municipal Affairs Population List" (PDF). Alberta Municipal Affairs. October 5, 2010. Retrieved December 12, 2011.
  11. ^ "Welcome..." Blessed Sacrament Outreach School. Retrieved 2012-01-19.
  12. ^ www.krock1019.com
  13. ^ WayneFM.ca
  14. ^ "About 900 attend annual Wainwright Arts Festival | STAR EDGE NEWS".

External links

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