Conklin, Alberta facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Conklin
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 Conklin
Location in Alberta
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| Country | Canada |
| Province | Alberta |
| Census division | No. 16 |
| Specialized municipality | R.M. of Wood Buffalo |
| Government | |
| • Type | Unincorporated |
| Area
(2021)
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| • Land | 16.29 km2 (6.29 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 575 m (1,886 ft) |
| Population
(2021)
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| • Total | 154 |
| • Density | 9.5/km2 (25/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC−7 (MST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−6 (MDT) |
Conklin is a small community known as a hamlet in northern Alberta, Canada. It is part of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. You can find Conklin on Highway 881, located between Fort McMurray and Lac La Biche. The hamlet is near the west end of Christina Lake. It sits about 575 meters (1,886 feet) above sea level. The community was named after John Conklin, who worked for the railway.
Conklin is located in Census Division No. 16. It is also part of the federal voting area called Fort McMurray-Athabasca.
Contents
Conklin's Past: A Look at Its History
How Conklin Got Its Name
The hamlet of Conklin was named after John Conklin. He was a person who worked for the railway. The community was first located at the very northwest end of Christina Lake. This was right next to where the Jackfish River flows out of the lake.
The Railway Arrives
In 1921, the Alberta and Great Waterways Railway reached Conklin. This railway later became part of the Northern Alberta Railway. Because of the railway, the town moved to be closer to the tracks.
Fur Trading and Fishing
From 1940 to 1960, Conklin was an important place for the fur trade. Many mink furs from local mink farms were brought to Conklin. People used canoes and dog sleds to carry the furs to the railway. From there, the furs were shipped to markets.
During the same time (1940-1960), there was a lot of commercial fishing in Christina Lake. A special building for processing fish was located at the outlet of the Jackfish River.
Oil Sands Development
Conklin is located in the Athabasca Oil Sands region. This area is known for its large oil deposits. A company called Cenovus Energy has been working on its Christina Lake project nearby since 2000. This project uses a method called steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD). It helps to get bitumen (a thick, tar-like oil) from deep underground. The bitumen is found in the McMurray Formation, about 375 meters (1,230 feet) deep in that area.
Conklin's Population: How Many People Live Here?
Recent Population Counts
In 2021, Statistics Canada counted the population of Conklin. There were 154 people living in 57 homes. This was a decrease from 185 people in 2016. The land area of Conklin is about 16.29 square kilometers (6.29 square miles). This means there were about 9.5 people living in each square kilometer in 2021.
Past Population Changes
The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo also counts its population. In their 2018 count, Conklin had 229 people. This was a decrease from 318 people in 2012.
In the 2016 Canadian census, Conklin had 185 people. They lived in 71 homes. This was a small change from 211 people in 2011.
