Nanton, Alberta facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Nanton
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Town
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| Town of Nanton | |
Grain elevators
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| Motto(s):
Authentic Alberta
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 Nanton
Location in Alberta
Nanton
Location in Canada
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| Country | Canada |
| Province | Alberta |
| Region | Southern Alberta |
| Census division | 3 |
| Municipal district | Municipal District of Willow Creek No. 26 |
| Incorporated | |
| • Village | June 22, 1903 |
| • Town | August 9, 1907 |
| Area
(2021)
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| • Land | 5.11 km2 (1.97 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 1,024 m (3,360 ft) |
| Population
(2021)
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| • Total | 2,167 |
| • Density | 423.9/km2 (1,098/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC−7 (MST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−6 (MDT) |
| Highways | Highway 2 Highway 533 |
Nanton is a town located in southern Alberta, Canada. It was named after Sir Augustus Meredith Nanton (1860–1925). He was a businessman from Winnipeg who helped provide money for farms and ranches across western Canada. Nanton is found south of Calgary, where Highway 2 and Highway 533 meet.
Nanton used to be called "Tap Town." This was because it offered free water to people driving by. This water came from the foothills and was available from a tap on the highway. This special water was even bottled and sold, making it one of the first bottled waters in Canada. Today, Nanton Water & Soda Ltd. is still a successful business in the town.
While Nanton has always been a place for farming and ranching, it is now also a popular spot for tourists to visit.
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About Nanton's Population
In 2021, the town of Nanton had a population of 2,167 people. These residents lived in 953 homes. This number was a small change from its population of 2,181 in 2016. Nanton covers a land area of about 5.11 square kilometers (about 2 square miles). This means there are about 424 people living in each square kilometer.
Fun Things to See and Do in Nanton
Nanton is famous for three main things. First, it has an amazing aviation museum called the Bomber Command Museum of Canada. This museum is right in the middle of town, near Highway 2 and Highway 533. Second, Nanton has many antique shops. Third, you can see two fully restored grain elevators on Highway 2.
One of the coolest things at the aviation museum is a preserved Avro Lancaster bomber, called FM159. This huge plane still has its Rolls-Royce Merlin engines, and they are started up regularly for visitors to hear! The museum also has other important aircraft from the RAF Bomber Command era, like a Bristol Blenheim Mk IV.
Nanton's many antique shops and art galleries make it a great place for tourists. You can easily walk around downtown and explore them all.
The Canadian Grain Elevator Discovery Centre is a group of old grain elevators that have been fixed up. They are also in the center of Nanton. A group called "Save One" works to keep these old elevators safe. Their goal is to teach visitors about the town's, and Alberta's, history in farming.
The Coutts Centre for Western Canadian Heritage opened in 2011. It was a gift from Dr. Jim Coutts to the University of Lethbridge. This center is just east of Nanton. It includes the original farmhouse, beautiful gardens, and old farm buildings from Dr. Coutts's grandfather's property. It helps keep the history and spirit of the Canadian West alive.
Arts and Culture in Nanton
Nanton's Agriculture Park is home to the Nanton Ag Society. This park hosts many exciting events. These include high school rodeos, roping and barrel racing competitions, and the Medicine Tree Ranch Rodeo. There are also the Nanton FCA Rodeo and the Nanton Wrangler Youth Rodeo Series. The park is also where the long-running Nanton Nite Rodeo Series takes place. In 2013, Nanton even hosted the Canadian High School Rodeo Finals!
Nanton was chosen as one of 50 communities to host Alberta Culture Days in 2014. This event celebrated arts and culture from September 26 to 28.
Nanton Round Up Days is a fun community celebration. It usually happens on the first weekend of August in the downtown area. The celebrations end with a fantastic fireworks show.
Nanton Lights The Way and the Distinctly Nanton Market are special events held in late November. They mark the start of the Christmas season in town.
Parks and Recreation
Nanton has two parks, Centennial Park and Lions Park. Both are located along the southbound highway. Centennial Park has baseball fields, a skate park, and a playground for kids.
The Tom Hornecker Recreation Centre offers many ways to stay active. It has an outdoor heated swimming pool, an ice rink, curling sheets, a gym, and a racquetball court.
The Nanton Golf Club has an 18-hole course for golf lovers. Next to the golf course and the Agricultural Park, there is a campground. It has showers, washrooms, water taps, a camp kitchen, and shady spots for camping.
Sports in Nanton
The Nanton Palominos are a senior A hockey team. They have been playing since 1947! They are currently part of the Ranchland Hockey League. In 2013, the Palominos won the Ranchland Hockey League Championship. This win earned them a spot at the 2013 Investor's Group Hockey Alberta Senior Men's AA/A Provincial Championships. The team, led by captain Steve "Smac" McMasters, won the Senior A Championship that year.
Education in Nanton
The first school in Nanton opened in 1902. Today, there are two schools that provide education from kindergarten to grade 12. A.B. Daley School teaches students from kindergarten to grade 6. J.T. Foster School is for students in grades 7 to 12. Each school has about 200 students.
Famous People from Nanton
- Jim Coutts – A lawyer and businessman who advised two Canadian prime ministers.
- Orest Kindrachuk – An NHL player who played for the Philadelphia Flyers and Pittsburgh Penguins.
- John McKenzie – A professional hockey player and coach who used to live in Nanton.
Images for kids
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MacEwan Schoolhouse visitor information centre
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Shaw & Cooper Building
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Tree lined path at the Coutts Centre
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W.S. Keely Building
