Wheatland County, Alberta facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Wheatland County
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Location within Alberta
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| Country | Canada |
| Province | Alberta |
| Region | Southern Alberta |
| Census division | 5 |
| Administrative office | 242006 Range Road 243 |
| Established | 1955 |
| Incorporated | 1961 (County) |
| Area
(2021)
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| • Land | 4,505.05 km2 (1,739.41 sq mi) |
| Population
(2021)
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| • Total | 8,738 |
| • Density | 1.9/km2 (5/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC-7 (MST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-6 (MST) |
Wheatland County is a special type of local government area called a municipal district in south-central Alberta, Canada. It is located east of the city of Calgary.
The main office for Wheatland County is found east of the Town of Strathmore on Highway 1. This area is part of Census Division No. 5.
Contents
History of Wheatland County
Wheatland County has an interesting history of how it became the municipal district it is today.
How Wheatland County Was Formed
On January 1, 1955, several smaller areas were combined to create the Municipal District of Wheatland No. 40. These areas included Improvement District No. 41, part of Improvement District No. 42, and parts of other municipal districts like Bow Valley No. 40.
Becoming a County
Later, on January 1, 1961, the Municipal District of Wheatland No. 40 joined with the Wheatland School Division No. 40. This new combined area was then called the County of Wheatland No. 16.
The Current Name
The name changed one more time on March 6, 1996. It became what we know it as today: Wheatland County.
Geography and Communities
Wheatland County is home to various towns, villages, and hamlets. These communities are spread across the county's landscape.
Urban Communities in Wheatland County
Some larger communities are surrounded by Wheatland County.
- Towns:
- Villages:
Hamlets in Wheatland County
Several smaller communities, known as hamlets, are located within Wheatland County.
- Ardenode
- Carseland
- Chancellor
- Cheadle
- Cluny
- Dalum
- Gleichen
- Lyalta
- Namaka
- Nightingale
- Redland
- Rosebud
Population of Wheatland County
According to the 2021 Census, Wheatland County had a population of 8,738 people. These residents lived in 2,842 homes out of a total of 3,108 available homes.
The land area of Wheatland County is about 4,505 square kilometers (1,739 square miles). This means there were about 1.9 people living in each square kilometer in 2021.
Fun Things to Do in Wheatland County
Wheatland County offers several attractions for both residents and visitors.
Strathmore Motor Products Sports Centre
The Strathmore Motor Products Sports Centre is a large recreational facility. It opened on February 23, 2019, after construction began in 2016. This center was built through a special partnership between the Golden Hills School Division #75, the Town of Strathmore, and Wheatland County.
It serves as a regional sports hub. Inside, you can play sports like soccer, lacrosse, basketball, volleyball, badminton, and pickleball. There is also an indoor track for walking or running.
Rosebud Theatre and Arts
The Hamlet of Rosebud is famous for its arts scene. It is home to the Rosebud Theatre and School of the Arts, which is Alberta's only professional rural theatre. They hold regular performances there.
Rosebud also hosts the annual Rosebud Chamber Music Festival. You can find several art galleries, unique shops, and a museum in this charming hamlet.
Golf Courses
If you enjoy golf, Wheatland County has three golf courses:
- The Oxbow Country Golf Course (9 holes)
- Speargrass Golf Course (18 holes)
- Muirfield Lakes Golf Club (18 holes)
Education in Wheatland County
Education in Wheatland County is mainly managed by the Golden Hills School Division.
Schools Within the County
There are two schools located directly within Wheatland County's boundaries:
- Carseland School: This is an elementary school. It was first built in 1930 and then rebuilt in 1993. It serves the hamlet of Carseland and the nearby rural areas.
- Wheatland Crossing School: This school serves students from Kindergarten to Grade 12. It is located in rural Wheatland County and welcomes students from communities like Rockyford, Rosebud, Standard, and Cluny. It officially opened on September 26, 2017.
Schools in Strathmore
The nearby Town of Strathmore also has several schools that are part of the Golden Hills School Division:
- Three elementary schools: Wheatland, Westmount, and Brentwood.
- One junior high school: Crowther Memorial Junior High School.
- One high school: Strathmore High School.
- George Freeman School: A new K-12 school that opened in 2018, serving students from Strathmore and rural Wheatland County.
Other School Divisions
The Christ the Redeemer Catholic School Division also provides education in the region. They have a K-6 school (Sacred Heart Academy) and a 7-12 school (Holy Cross Collegiate) in Strathmore.
Trinity Christian Academy is another option. It is a publicly funded Christian school that opened in September 2008 in Strathmore. It offers classes from Kindergarten through Grade 9.
Economy and Industry
The economy of Wheatland County is mostly based on two main industries: farming (agriculture) and the oil and gas industry.
Industrial Areas
The county has two special areas set aside for industries.
De Havilland Canada's New Facility
In August 2023, De Havilland Canada (DHC) announced plans to build a new manufacturing facility in Wheatland County. DHC is a company that makes airplanes, including the Dash 8 Q400. They plan to restart production of this aircraft in Wheatland County by 2033.
Economic Development
"The Infinite WC" is the name used for Wheatland County's economic development efforts. This brand helps promote business and growth in the area.
