Vulcan, Alberta facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Vulcan
|
|
|---|---|
|
Town
|
|
| Town of Vulcan | |
 |
|
 Vulcan
Location in Alberta
Vulcan
Location in Canada
|
|
| Country | Canada |
| Province | Alberta |
| Region | Southern Alberta |
| Census division | 5 |
| Municipal district | Vulcan County |
| Incorporated | |
| • Village | December 23, 1912 |
| • Town | June 15, 1921 |
| Area
(2021)
|
|
| • Land | 6.28 km2 (2.42 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 1,049 m (3,442 ft) |
| Population
(2021)
|
|
| • Total | 1,769 |
| • Density | 281.8/km2 (730/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC−07:00 (MST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−06:00 (MDT) |
| Postal code span |
T0L 2B0
|
| Area codes | +1-403, +1-587 |
| Highways | Highway 23 Highway 534 |
| Railways | Canadian Pacific Kansas City |
Vulcan is a town in southern Alberta, Canada. It is surrounded by Vulcan County. The town is located on Highway 23. It sits between the cities of Calgary and Lethbridge. In 2021, about 1,769 people lived there.
Vulcan is famous as the "Official Star Trek Capital of Canada." It has a special tourism building that looks like a space station. You can also see a statue of the Enterprise spaceship. Many other Star Trek themed things are found around town.
Contents
History of Vulcan
A surveyor for the Canadian Pacific Railway named Vulcan. He named it after Vulcan, the Roman God of Fire. At first, all the streets in Vulcan were named after gods and goddesses. Some examples are Juno, Mars, and Jupiter.
Vulcan became a village on December 23, 1912. It then became a town on June 15, 1921. In July 1927, a large tornado hit the town. It destroyed many homes and the new curling rink. A famous photo of this tornado approaching Vulcan was used in the Encyclopædia Britannica.
The first newspaper in the area was The Vulcan Review. It started in 1912 and ran for one year. Then came the Vulcan Advocate in 1913. This newspaper is still published today. It is part of Postmedia Network.
Vulcan used to have nine grain elevators. This was more than any other place west of Winnipeg. It was a very important place for shipping grain. Over time, the original elevators were taken down. Today, only one of these tall wooden buildings remains. This last elevator was built in the 1980s.
During Second World War, an air force base was near Vulcan. It was called RCAF Station Vulcan. Many old hangars are still there. You can also still see the runways. Today, it is used as Vulcan/Kirkcaldy Aerodrome. There is also a second airport called Vulcan Airport.
In 2015, the town council created a Heritage Advisory Board Committee. This group helps manage historical sites in Vulcan County.
People of Vulcan
In 2021, the town of Vulcan had 1,769 people. This number was a bit lower than in 2016. The town covers an area of 6.28 square kilometers. This means about 281 people live in each square kilometer.
Economy and Tourism
Local Economy
The town's economy mostly relies on tourism and farming. Farmers in the Vulcan area grow crops like wheat, canola, and barley. The oil and gas industry also provides many jobs for people living in Vulcan.
Star Trek Tourism
Vulcan's name has made it a popular tourist spot. In the Star Trek TV shows and movies, Vulcan is the home planet of Mr. Spock. The town has used this connection to create a Star Trek-themed tourist center. It is called the Vulcan Tourism & Trek Station.
At the Trek Station, you can find tourist information. There is also a large collection of Star Trek items. You can take photos with famous Star Trek characters in their costumes. Outside, there is a replica of the starship Enterprise. It has writing from alien languages like Klingon.
In 2010, actor Leonard Nimoy visited Vulcan. He played Mr. Spock in Star Trek. The town honored him with a bust and his handprints. You can also see a Transporter and a Doctors Mural around town.
The Vulcan Tourism & Trek Station hosts an event called "VulCON." This is an annual Star Trek Convention held in July. Famous guests from Star Trek visit and meet fans. It's a unique event where fans and celebrities can get to know each other.
Other Events
Vulcan also hosts the annual Vulcan Tinman Triathlon. This event happens in early June. Nearly 1,000 people take part in this race. There are different groups for adults, teams, and children.
Another yearly event is "Spock Days." This is a fun weekend for families. It includes a parade, activities for kids, a ball tournament, and fireworks.
Town Services
Healthcare Services
The Vulcan Community Healthcare Centre offers medical care. This includes emergency services and long-term care. In 2013/2014, the hospital had over 5,000 emergency visits. It has eight beds for medical patients. It also has 15 beds for long-term care. A medical clinic is also located there.
Climate
Vulcan has a dry continental climate. This means it has long, cold winters. The summers are short and warm.
Images for kids
-
The Vulcan Tourism & Trek Station, designed to look like a landed spaceship.
-
Vulcan's Starship FX6-1995-A, a replica of the Starship Enterprise.
