Wainwright, Alberta facts for kids
Wainwright is a town located in east-central Alberta, Canada. It is about 206 kilometers (128 miles) southeast of Edmonton.
This town is situated near the border between Alberta and Saskatchewan. It lies 61 kilometers (38 miles) south of Vermilion, within the beautiful Battle River valley. Two main roads, Highway 41 (also known as the Buffalo Trail) and Highway 14, pass through Wainwright.
Southwest of the town, you'll find CFB Wainwright, which is a Canadian Forces Base.
Quick facts for kids
Wainwright
|
|
|---|---|
|
Town
|
|
| Town of Wainwright | |
Welcome sign
|
|
| Nickname(s):
Buffalo Capital of Canada
|
|
 Wainwright
Location in Alberta
Wainwright
Location in Canada
|
|
| Country | Canada |
| Province | Alberta |
| Region | Central Alberta |
| Census division | No. 7 |
| Municipal district | Municipal District of Wainwright No. 61 |
| Incorporated | |
| • Village | March 25, 1909 |
| • Town | July 14, 1910 |
| Area
(2021)
|
|
| • Land | 12.17 km2 (4.70 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 675 m (2,215 ft) |
| Population
(2021)
|
|
| • Total | 6,606 |
| • Density | 543/km2 (1,410/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC−7 (MST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−6 (MDT) |
| Forward sortation area |
T9W
|
| Area code(s) | +1-780, +1-587 |
| Highways | Highway 14 Highway 41 |
| Waterways | Battle River |
Contents
History of Wainwright
Wainwright was first settled in 1905 by James Dawson, who called the area Denwood. However, the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway decided to move the townsite about 5 kilometers (3 miles) to the west-northwest. The new location was renamed Wainwright. It was named after General William Wainwright, who was a high-ranking official with the railway.
The original townsite had a post office and a hotel in 1907. In 1908, these businesses moved to the new Wainwright location. The old townsite later became part of CFB Wainwright, a military base.
Wainwright is an important stop on the Canadian National Railway main line. The Wainwright railway station is served by Via Rail's passenger train, The Canadian.
People Living in Wainwright
In 2021, the Town of Wainwright had a population of 6,606 people. This number was counted during the 2021 Census of Population. This means the population grew by about 5% since 2016. The town covers a land area of 12.17 square kilometers (4.70 square miles).
Fun Things to Do
Wainwright is home to the third-largest stampede in Canada! This exciting event happens at the end of June each year. It includes a rodeo, thrilling chuckwagon races, a parade, a fun midway, and an agricultural fair.
Schools in Wainwright
Wainwright has several schools for students of different ages.
Public Schools
These schools are part of the Buffalo Trail Public Schools Regional Division No. 28:
- Wainwright Elementary School
- Wainwright High School
Catholic Schools
These schools are part of the East Central Alberta Catholic Separate Schools Regional Division No. 16:
- Blessed Sacrament School
- Blessed Sacrament Outreach School
French School
This school is part of the Greater North Central Francophone Education Region No. 2:
- École Saint-Christophe
Local Media
Wainwright has its own radio stations and a newspaper.
Radio Stations
- CKKY-FM/K-Rock 101.9: This station plays a mix of old and new rock music.
- CKWY-FM/Wayne-FM: This station offers a blend of classic hits and popular top 40 music.
Newspaper
The local newspaper is called the Star/Edge. It was created in 2013 when two older newspapers, The Edge and The Star, joined together. The Star/Edge is published once a week, every Friday.
Famous People from Wainwright
Many talented people have come from Wainwright, including:
- Glen Sather: A former NHL player, coach, and general manager. He is also a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame.
- Lynn Seymour: A famous ballerina.
- Frank C. Turner: An actor known for his roles in film and television. He is also an iconographer.
- Bobby McMann: An NHL player who plays for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
- Jacob Middleton: An NHL player who plays for the Minnesota Wild.
- Mason Shaw: An AHL player who plays for the Manitoba Moose.
- Kim Dorland: A well-known contemporary Canadian painter.
