McLennan, a charming town in northern Alberta, Canada, is a haven for history buffs and nature enthusiasts alike. Located approximately 50 km north of High Prairie on Highway 2, McLennan is a community steeped in history and natural beauty.
The town of McLennan was named after John K. McLennan, the vice president of the Edmonton, Dunvegan and British Columbia Railway. The town was formerly known as Round Lake and is situated on the southern shore of Kimiwan Lake, which translates to 'rain' in the Cree language. McLennan is also located northwest of Winagami Lake.
McLennan's informal nickname as the 'Bird Capital of Canada' is attributed to the large concentration of shorebirds and waterfowl in the area. The nearby lakes create a significant attraction for migratory birds, making McLennan a bird watcher's paradise.
Just 29 km southeast of McLennan is the Winagami Lake Provincial Park, a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts. The park's proximity to the town makes it an ideal day trip for residents and visitors alike.
Built in 1947, the Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste is a significant landmark in McLennan. Dedicated to John the Baptist, the cathedral is the archiepiscopal see of the Metropolitan Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Grouard–McLennan.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, McLennan had a population of 695 living in 255 of its 322 total private dwellings. This represented a slight decrease of -0.9% from its 2016 population of 701. The town spans a land area of 3.58 km2, resulting in a population density of 194.1/km2 in 2021.
In the 2016 Census of Population, McLennan recorded a population of 701 living in 256 of its 296 total private dwellings. This was a -13.3% change from its 2011 population of 809. The town had a population density of 188.9/km2 in 2016.
The Town of McLennan's 2017 municipal census reported a population of 791.
