Grimshaw, Alberta facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Grimshaw
|
||
|---|---|---|
|
Town
|
||
| Town of Grimshaw | ||
Boundary sign
|
||
|
||
Location in the MD of Peace No. 136
|
||
 Grimshaw
Location in Alberta
|
||
| 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)
|
||
| • Land | 7.08 km2 (2.73 sq mi) | |
| Elevation | 603 m (1,978 ft) | |
| Population
(2021)
|
||
| • 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 |
|
| Waterway | Lac Cardinal | |
Grimshaw is a town in northern Alberta, Canada. It is about 25 kilometres (16 mi) west of the Town of Peace River. Grimshaw is located where Highway 2 and Highway 2A meet. It is also along the Mackenzie Northern Railway.
Grimshaw is known as "Mile Zero" of the Mackenzie Highway. This is because Highway 35, which goes all the way to the Northwest Territories, starts here.
Contents
Grimshaw's Story: A Look Back
The town of Grimshaw got its name from Dr. M.E. Grimshaw. He was a pioneer doctor from Kingston, Ontario. He moved to Peace River (then called Peace River Crossing) in 1914. Dr. Grimshaw worked in the area for many years. He also helped out in local government until 1922. He even served as the mayor of Peace River.
In 1929, Dr. Grimshaw moved his family to Fairview. He passed away there in November of that year.
Important Dates for Grimshaw
- 1917: The spot where Grimshaw is located today was chosen by the Central Canada Railway.
- 1921: The area was first surveyed by Alfred Driscoll.
- 1930: The small settlement was officially made a "Village of Grimshaw". This is called incorporation.
- 1953: Grimshaw officially became a town.
Who Lives in Grimshaw?
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
In 2021, Statistics Canada counted the population of Grimshaw. There were 2,601 people living in the town. This was a small decrease from 2,718 people in 2016.
Grimshaw covers a land area of about 7.08 square kilometres (2.73 sq mi). This means that in 2021, there were about 367 people living in each square kilometre.
How Grimshaw Works: Its Economy
Grimshaw first grew as a place for local farmers to gather. Now, its economy has changed. It is an important centre for distributing goods to other parts of northern Alberta.
Fun Times and Events in Grimshaw
Grimshaw hosts several fun festivals and events each year. Here are some of them:
- Family Day Celebration: Held in February at Lac Cardinal.
- Alberta Pond Hockey Tournament: Also in February at Lac Cardinal.
- Senior Citizens Week Celebration: Takes place in June.
- Annual Country Fair: Happens in June.
- Pioneer Days: Celebrated in August at the Lac Cardinal Pioneer Village Museum.
- North Peace Stampede: Held in August at the Lac Cardinal Recreation Area.
- Annual Terry Fox Run: A charity run in September.
- Old Fashioned Family Christmas Event: In December at the Lac Cardinal Pioneer Museum.
Cool Places to Visit in Grimshaw
Grimshaw has many places for recreation, both indoors and outdoors. These include an outdoor swimming pool, an arena, and a curling rink. There is also a family fitness centre, six ball diamonds, and a SK8 "N" Bike Park. You can also find an R.V. Park and a Seniors Drop In Centre.
Parks and Nature Spots
The Historic Mile 0 Mackenzie Park is a special place. It is located at the corner of Highway 2 and Highway 2A. This park tells the story of the area's history with signs along its walking path. The Tom Baldwin Memorial Arboretum is also here. It helps visitors and students learn about different trees in the local forests.
Nearby, you can find Queen Elizabeth Provincial Park and Lac Cardinal Recreation Area. These are less than 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) northwest of Grimshaw. Wilderness Park is also close, less than 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) northeast.
Museums in Grimshaw
The Lac Cardinal Pioneer Village Museum is a great place to visit. It is located within the Lac Cardinal Recreation Area. This museum shows what a pioneer town used to look like with its old buildings.
Learning in Grimshaw
Grimshaw has public schools like Grimshaw Public School, which teaches students from Kindergarten to Grade 12. There is also Holy Family Elementary School for Grades K to 9. Older students from Holy Family go to Glenmary School in Peace River for high school.
For education after high school, students can go to Northern Lakes College at its Peace River Campus.
Grimshaw News and Media
Grimshaw has its own local news. The Mile Zero News is published weekly. There is also an alternative newspaper called The Vault Magazine, which comes out every two weeks.
