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First-time visitors are struck by the beauty of Fort Macleod, with
its rich collection of heritage buildings and its beautiful parks
and green spaces. Situated along the banks of the Oldman River,
the community of about 3,100 people provides an idyllic setting
for residents and visitors. For Shawn Patience and his wife Jean,
however, it was more than buildings and scenery that convinced
them to establish a business and raise their family in Fort
Macleod.
“At the end of the day, the reality really is it’s the people who
make the difference,” said Patience, who is mayor of Fort Macleod.
“One thing about a small town, especially this one, is if you ever
need help, the people will rally around you. If you ever needed
someone to celebrate with, they’re here too.”
The town’s roots date back to the arrival of the North West Mounted
Police in 1874. The community grew around that first fort and
became a commercial and social hub.
In 2009 the community has lots to offer its residents and visitors,
such as schools, hockey and curling rinks, an outdoor swimming
pool, skateboard park, bike park, movie theatre, seniors’ centre
and golf course.
“This community has character,” Patience explained. “It’s got deep
roots, it understands its roots, it thrives on them. When you tell
people you’re from Fort Macleod you can take a lot of pride in
that.”
Mike Bourassa, a Fort Macleod resident and businessman who with his
wife Angela has chosen to raise their two daughters here,
exemplifies the point made by the mayor.
“I’m proud of this community,” said Bourassa. “It’s where I’m
from.”
The Bourassas own a business and are heavily involved in the
community. Mike is on town council, serves as president of the
adult mixed volleyball league and is a member of a variety of
committees and boards, while Angela is active in her young
daughters’ activities.
“I’m a young guy, with a young family,” Bourassa said. “I hope
people follow my lead and make Fort Macleod their home.”
Incorporated as a town in 1882, Fort Macleod enjoyed prosperity and
growth. The preservation and restoration of the town’s historic
building has been undertaken since the early 1980s by the Main
Street Program. The commercial buildings, along with the many
heritage homes, provide an interesting vignette of a significant
part of Alberta’s history. Fort Macleod still has the integrity of
a small town lifestyle where neighbours know neighbours, where
people say “good morning” to you when you walk down the street.
That’s a refreshing change for people who move to Fort Macleod
from large urban centres.
Don’t be lulled by Fort Macleod’s commitment to preserving its past
into thinking it is some kind of sleepy backwater town. The
community is ambitious and progressive as it builds a bright
future.
Fort Macleod has a strong core of small businesses and light
industry, which is supported by the Town of Fort Macleod’s
economic development commission and the oldest Chamber of Commerce
in Alberta. Some of the businesses — such as The Macleod Gazette,
which is the oldest newspaper in the province — have roots dating
back to the 1800s.
The town is supported by the farming and ranching community in the
immediate area. Grains and oilseed farms, dairies and livestock
operations add to the fabric of the community.
There are many educational opportunities in Fort Macleod. The
community’s three schools, which are part of Livingstone Range
School Division, provide Kindergarten to Grade 12 education.
Lethbridge College operates a satellite campus in Fort Macleod,
and continuing education courses are also offered through the
Willow Creek Community Adult Learning Society.
The community’s cultural needs are well-served by the Allied Arts
Council, an art club, pottery club, quilting guild and the Empress
Theatre, which hosts concerts by renowned musicians, and shows
first-run movies every night.
The Town of Fort Macleod has several major projects in the works,
including paving and beautification of Main Street and
construction of a new sewage treatment plant.
The Fort Macleod Health Centre offers 24-hour emergency, lab and
x-ray service with observation and community care beds. The
building in the northeast corner of town also house the doctors’
clinic and the community health department.
The Fort Macleod RCMP Centennial Library, which just underwent a
major expansion, houses a wide selection of books, videos and
resource materials. Computers and Internet access are also
available at the library, which is part of the Chinook Arch
Regional Library System.
The Fort Macleod and District Community Hall and the Welcome Mat
seniors’ drop-in centre have also recently been upgraded.
“It’s an incredible place to raise your kids,” Mayor Shawn Patience
promised. |
