Wabamun, Alberta facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Wabamun
Hamlet
Hamlet of Wabamun
Dragonfly sculpture in Wabamun
Wabamun Location in Alberta
Country	Canada
Province	Alberta
Region	Edmonton Metropolitan Region
Census division	11
Municipal district	Parkland County
Incorporated
• Village	July 18, 1912
• Dissolution	January 1, 1946
• Village	January 1, 1980
• Dissolution	January 1, 2021
Founded by	Grand Trunk Pacific Railway
Named for	Wabamun Lake
Area  (2016)
• Land	3.58 km2 (1.38 sq mi)
Elevation	740 m (2,430 ft)
Population  (2016)
• Total	682
• Density	190.5/km2 (493/sq mi)
Time zone	UTC−7 (MST)
• Summer (DST)	UTC−6 (MDT)
Area code(s)	+1-780
Highways	Highway 16
Waterway	Wabamun Lake

Wabamun is a hamlet in central Alberta, Canada within Parkland County. It is approximately 67 kilometres (42 mi) west of Edmonton on Highway 16. It held village status prior to 2021.

Demographics

In the 2016 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Wabamun recorded a population of 682 living in 270 of its 290 total private dwellings, a 3.2% change from its 2011 population of 661. With a land area of 3.58 km² (1.38 sq mi), it had a population density of 190.5/km² (493/sq mi) in 2016.

In the 2011 Census, Wabamun had a population of 661 living in 265 of its 295 total dwellings, a 10% change from its 2006 population of 601. With a land area of 3.24 km² (1.25 sq mi), it had a population density of 204.0/km² (528/sq mi) in 2011.

The population of Wabamun according to its 2009 municipal census is 662.

Oil spill

On August 3, 2005, 45 cars of a CN Rail train derailed on the shores of Wabamun Lake, West of the village, spilling their contents of more than 700,000 litres of a variety of fuel oils and pole treating oils into the lake.

Economy

The main source of income within Wabamun are power plants located in the area operated by TransAlta Utilities. The power plant within Wabamun was closed because of increased pressure from environmental agencies and aging. The Wabamun power plant was the subject of heated debate among the residents and cottagers of Wabamun Lake. Due to the lack of a cool–off pond, the water used to cool the internal systems was deposited back into the lake, which enhanced the weed population dramatically.

As of March 31, 2010, the Wabamun Generating Station was decommissioned, with the smoke stacks being demolished on March 18, 2017.

Tourism

A large cabin-going community exists in Wabamun during the summer, while the community is populated year round. Local sites include Wabamun Lake, Waterfront Park, the Wabamun Marina, the 380' pier and world's largest dragonfly. Businesses include 4 restaurants, hardware store, bowling lanes, post office, pharmacy, senior center, realtor, liquor store, market, car wash, laundromat, motel, hotel, Inn, tavern, bottle depot, convenience store, 2 banks, mechanic and a grocery store.

There are currently plans for development to promote the community as a major visitor destination in central Alberta. These plans include further expansion of Waterfront Park, the largest boat launch on the lake, as well as Discovery Wharf, a project being undertaken that will see the development of app. 100 acres of lakefront property.

The lake itself has a large population of northern pike along with whitefish and Perch.

The main sailing club of the lake is Wabamun Sailing Club, approximately 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) west of the community at the end of Range Road 43. A smaller club is located on the opposite shore of the lake.

It is home to "Canada's largest dragonfly", a metal statue similar to other attractions to be found across the region.

Infrastructure

Wabamun and District Museum

Wabamun Public Library

Wabamun School - Parkland School Division (K-9)

Waterfront Park - lakeshore access, parking and full-sized boat launch, picnic area with shelter, washrooms and change rooms, playground and water spray park water spray park.