Irvine, Alberta facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Irvine
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Hamlet
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 Irvine
Location in Cypress County
Irvine
Location in Alberta
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| Country | Canada |
| Province | Alberta |
| Census division | No. 1 |
| Municipal district | Cypress County |
| Government | |
| • Type | Unincorporated |
| Elevation | 763 m (2,503 ft) |
| Population
(2011)
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| • Total | 291 |
| Time zone | UTC−7 (MST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−6 (MDT) |
| Area code(s) | 403 |
Irvine is a small community called a hamlet in Alberta, Canada. It is part of Cypress County. You can find Irvine about 35 kilometers (22 miles) east of Medicine Hat along Highway 1. The hamlet sits at an elevation of 763 meters (2,503 feet) above sea level.
Contents
History of Irvine
Early Days and First Peoples
Long ago, the wide-open prairies around Irvine were home to the Cree and other Indigenous groups. They traveled through the area, especially near the Cypress Hills, following the paths of the bison. By 1870, most of the bison were gone.
In 1859, the Palliser Expedition explored this region. Later, in the mid-1860s, Métis people settled in the hills. A sad event known as the Cypress Hills Massacre happened here in 1873.
From Trading Post to Hamlet
A small settlement grew up around a trading post. People called it "20 Mile Post" because it was 20 miles from the next trading post in Medicine Hat. Later, the community was renamed Irvine. This was to honor Colonel A. Irvine. He was a leader in the North-West Mounted Police. He served with General F.D. Middleton during the North-West Rebellion of 1885.
In May 1883, workers were busy building the Canadian Pacific Railway line. They worked hard to connect Walsh to Medicine Hat. These railway workers, sometimes called "gandy dancers," built the tracks through 20 Mile Post. The railway reached Medicine Hat on May 31. Trains then brought many European settlers to the area. Today, long freight trains still pass through Irvine quickly.
Many German-Russian families came to the area to start new farms. Some of their descendants still live in and around Irvine today. The old St. George's Parish Cemetery shows this history. Before September 1, 1905, Irvine was part of the Assiniboia District of the Northwest Territories. After that date, it became part of the Province of Alberta.
Changes Over Time
Irvine was once a busy town with its own elected mayor and town council. It had several churches and many businesses. Tall grain elevators used to stand against the sky. Blacksmith shops were busy making and fixing tools for local ranchers and farmers. Farming is still very important to the area's economy.
Over the years, Irvine changed from a town back to a hamlet. This happened when the rules for how many people a town needed changed. Many businesses closed, and the school changed from kindergarten to grade 12 to only kindergarten to grade 9. The old grain elevators were taken down. Today, Irvine has one church, a restaurant in the old town office, a historic bar, a complex for hockey and curling, a museum, and a few small businesses.
Geography
The Badlands Guardian
Northeast of Irvine, an interesting natural shape was found using Google Earth images. This shape in the land looks like a North American Indian wearing a feathered warbonnet. It is known as the Badlands Guardian.
Community Life
Population of Irvine
In 2016, the Hamlet of Irvine had a population of 307 people. This was a small increase from its 2011 population of 291.
Arts and Culture Events
Every year during the September long weekend, Irvine hosts the "20 Mile Post Days." This special event includes a pancake breakfast put on by the Lions Club. There is also a parade, a craft show, and a rodeo. It's called 20 Mile Post Days because Irvine is about 20 miles (32 kilometers) from Medicine Hat.
Local Attractions
Irvine is home to the Prairie Memories Museum. Here, visitors can explore a "town square" setting. You can see a church from the early 1900s, a one-room school house, an old family home, a cabin, and a lumber store. The museum also has a small collection of railway items. The main museum building, which used to be an immigration hall, holds many historical objects.
What's in Irvine
Local Facilities
Irvine has several useful places for its residents. These include a library, a school for students from kindergarten to grade 9, and a church. There is also a small hotel with a bar, a hockey arena, and curling rinks.
Education
Irvine has a school that teaches children from kindergarten up to grade 9.
Images for kids
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Alberta Homestead Map — around 1918. This map shows townships 11 & 12 and ranges 1, 2 & 3, including Walsh, Lamour, Irvine, and Pashley.
