Camrose, Alberta, a city nestled in the heart of Canada, is a place where history, culture, and natural beauty converge. Surrounded by Camrose County, this city is a hub of activity and a testament to the pioneering spirit of the past.
The area around Camrose was first settled by Europeans around 1900, with pioneers primarily from Scandinavian countries and the United States. Originally known as the hamlet of Stoney Creek, the settlement was about a day's journey from the major pioneer centre of Wetaskiwin along the railroad, making it a popular stopover point.
In 1905, the community was incorporated as the Village of Camrose, a name believed to be inspired by the Village of Camrose in Pembrokeshire, South Wales. By 1906, Camrose was incorporated as a town and had its first newspaper, The Camrose Mail.
From 1905 to 1914, Camrose became a significant railroad hub, connecting to Edmonton, Calgary, and smaller towns in central Alberta. The growth of Camrose was strongly linked with the railway, with twelve passenger trains passing through daily by 1914.
Camrose continued to grow and develop, becoming a city on January 1, 1955. Despite the waning significance of the railroads, Camrose expanded along Highway 13, becoming a major stop for travellers.
Camrose is situated about 90 km from Edmonton, the capital of Alberta, with Highway 13 running through its centre. The city is located in a transitory region of Alberta, between prairie and boreal forest, known as aspen parkland. It serves as a major economic centre for many small farming communities in the surrounding area.
Camrose experiences a humid continental climate and falls into the NRC Plant Hardiness Zone 3b. The city enjoys warm summers with moderate rainfall, while winters can be long and cold.
As of the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Camrose had a population of 18,772. The primary ancestries are Scandinavian, German, English, Scottish, Irish, and Aboriginal. English is the first language of 90% of the population.
Camrose boasts a variety of sports and recreational facilities, including the Camrose Recreation Centre, Camrose Community Centre, Camrose Skate Park, and Kinsmen Park. The city is also home to a large urban trail system, which winds through Stoney Creek Valley.
Known as the "Rose City", Camrose is home to a large number of wild roses. The city features several parks, including Jubilee Park and Mirror Lake Park, which is the focal point of the Camrose urban parks system.
Camrose is served by Camrose Airport and its water supply comes from nearby Driedmeat Lake.
Camrose has twinning agreements with several similar communities in Canada and around the world, including Kamifurano, Hokkaido, Japan; Warwick, Queensland, Australia; Saguenay, Quebec, Canada; and Kentville, Nova Scotia, Canada. These relationships promote goodwill, education, economic and tourist benefits.
Discover the charm and history of Camrose, Alberta, a city that beautifully blends the past and the present.
