Innisfail, Alberta facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Innisfail
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Town
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| Town of Innisfail | ||
Mainstreet Innisfail
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 Innisfail
Location in Alberta
Innisfail
Location in Canada
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| Country | Canada | |
| Province | Alberta | |
| Region | Central Alberta | |
| Census division | 8 | |
| Municipal district | Red Deer County | |
| Incorporated | ||
| • Village | December 15, 1899 | |
| • Town | November 20, 1903 | |
| Area
(2021)
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| • Land | 19.39 km2 (7.49 sq mi) | |
| Elevation | 945 m (3,100 ft) | |
| Population
(2022)
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| • Total | 7,672 | |
| • Density | 395.7/km2 (1,025/sq mi) | |
| Time zone | UTC−7 (MST) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−6 (MDT) | |
| Forward sortation area |
T4G
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| Highways | Highway 2 Highway 54 |
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| Waterways | Gleniffer Lake Red Deer River |
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Innisfail is a town in central Alberta, Canada. It is located in the Calgary-Edmonton Corridor, which is a busy area between two major cities. Innisfail is south of Red Deer and sits where Highway 2 and Highway 54 meet.
Contents
Exploring Innisfail's Past
The town's name, Innisfail, comes from an Irish word, Inis Fáil, which means "Isle of Destiny." Before it was called Innisfail, people often referred to the area as "Poplar Grove."
Early Settlers and Growth
The first people to settle in this area were Sandy Fraser, Napoleon Remillard, Arthur Content, and Bill Kemp. They arrived between 1884 and 1887. Dr. Henry George, an important doctor, also settled here and built a house called "Lindum Lodge." Later, Bill and Kate Jane Kemp ran this house as a boarding house.
The building of the railroad helped Innisfail grow, bringing more settlers and businesses. G. W. West was one of the first business owners. He opened a general store, a meat market, and a grocery store in 1891. By the 1900s, Innisfail had become a village. Some early businesses included banks, hotels, cafes, and the Opera House.
People and Population
Innisfail is home to thousands of people. The number of people living in the town changes over time.
Recent Population Counts
- In 2021, the town had a population of 7,985 people.
- In 2016, there were 7,847 people living in Innisfail.
- In 2015, a local count showed 7,922 residents.
The town covers an area of about 19.39 square kilometers (about 7.5 square miles).
Age and Gender in Innisfail
In 2015, the town looked at the ages of its residents. The largest groups of people were those aged 75 and over, 50 to 54 years old, and 55 to 59 years old. These three groups made up about 21% of the town's total population.
Fun Things to Do in Innisfail
Innisfail has several interesting places to visit and activities to enjoy.
- Daines Pro Rodeo: A popular rodeo event.
- Anthony Henday Campground: A place for camping and outdoor fun.
- Dr. George / Kemp House Museum: Learn about the town's history in this old house.
- Historical Village Museum: Explore old buildings and artifacts from the past.
- Downtown Stores: Shop and explore the local businesses.
- Napoleon Trails Gravesite: A historical site nearby.
RCMP Dog Training Facility
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have a special facility just south of Innisfail. Here, they train police dogs to help with important police work.
Learning and Education
Innisfail has schools and learning opportunities for its residents.
Sports and Recreation
Innisfail is home to the Innisfail Eagles, a hockey team that plays in the Allan Cup Hockey West league. They play their games at the Innisfail Twin Arena.
Getting Around Innisfail
The town has roads like Highway 2 and Highway 54 for cars. It also has the Innisfail Aerodrome, which is a small airport located northwest of the town.
Famous People from Innisfail
Many talented people have come from Innisfail, including:
- Garry Bauman: A former professional hockey player.
- Ray Bennett: An NHL assistant coach who won the Stanley Cup.
- Sharon Christian: A well-known artist.
- Devin Dreeshen: A politician who served as the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry for Alberta.
- Shane Gaalaas: A drummer and musician who plays many instruments.
- Dallas Gaume: Another former professional hockey player.
- Rebecca Jenkins: An actress and singer.
- Hal Kvisle: The former CEO of TransCanada Corporation.
- Molly Lazechko: An American politician.
- Matthew Yeats: A former professional hockey player.
Images for kids
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The railway station in Innisfail during the 1890s.
