Grimshaw, Alberta facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Grimshaw
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Town
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| Town of Grimshaw | ||
Boundary sign
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Location in the MD of Peace No. 136
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 Grimshaw
Location in Alberta
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| Country | Canada | |
| Province | Alberta | |
| Region | Northern Alberta | |
| Planning region | Upper Peace | |
| Municipal district | Municipal District of Peace No. 135 | |
| Incorporated | ||
| • Village | February 18, 1930 | |
| • Town | February 2, 1953 | |
| Area
(2021)
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| • Land | 7.08 km2 (2.73 sq mi) | |
| Elevation | 603 m (1,978 ft) | |
| Population
(2021)
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| • Total | 2,601 | |
| • Density | 367.2/km2 (951/sq mi) | |
| Time zone | UTC−7 (MST) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−6 (MDT) | |
| Highways | Highway 2 Highway 35 |
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| Waterway | Lac Cardinal | |
Grimshaw is a town in northern Alberta, Canada. It is approximately 25 km (16 mi) west of the Town of Peace River at the junction of Highway 2 and Highway 2A and along 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. 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
| Federal census population history |
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| Year | Pop. | ±% |
| 1931 | 137 | — |
| 1936 | 129 | −5.8% |
| 1941 | 169 | +31.0% |
| 1946 | 287 | +69.8% |
| 1951 | 564 | +96.5% |
| 1956 | 904 | +60.3% |
| 1961 | 1,095 | +21.1% |
| 1966 | 1,376 | +25.7% |
| 1971 | 1,714 | +24.6% |
| 1976 | 1,665 | −2.9% |
| 1981 | 2,316 | +39.1% |
| 1986 | 2,579 | +11.4% |
| 1991 | 2,812 | +9.0% |
| 1996 | 2,661 | −5.4% |
| 2001 | 2,435 | −8.5% |
| 2006 | 2,537 | +4.2% |
| 2011 | 2,515 | −0.9% |
| 2016 | 2,718 | +8.1% |
| Source: Statistics Canada |
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In the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, the Town of Grimshaw recorded a population of 2,601 living in 1,080 of its 1,232 total private dwellings, a change of -4.3% from its 2016 population of 2,718. With a land area of 7.08 km2 (2.73 sq mi), it had a population density of 367.4/km2 (952/sq mi) in 2021.
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 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 (993/sq mi) in 2016.
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. 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.
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.
Education
Public schools in Grimshaw include the Grimshaw Public School (Grades K to 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.
Infrastructure
