BEAVERLODGE

Located just 43 km west of Grande Prairie, Alberta, is the Town of Beaverlodge, with a population over 2,176 (2004 stats). It provides services to over 4,000. Known as the "Gateway to the Monkman Pass."

Highway 43 passes by the Beaverlodge Hotel and the main street, May 2005

Settlers arrived in the early 1900's down the Athabasca Trail and the Edson Trail and Hinton Trail. The "Bull Outfit", which came by teams of oxen, were made up of Sherks, Smith, Crabb, Lossing, Walton, Flint, Cranston, Miller, Traux and Gaudin. (Members of a religious group). The Pioneer Stopping Place was one of the first places where travellers could get a meal and a nights sleep.

Its Post Office opened in 1910 named "Redwillow" take from the nearby river. Later the name was changed to Beaverlodge, which came from the lodges all along the river built by the Beaver Indians.

The first store opened in 1909. Originally Beaverlodge was located on the hill overlooking the valley. When the railway came in 1925, the settlement moved from the hill nearly 2 km to be along the present location by the tracks.

In 1910 the first school was build at the old townsite with Mrs. C.A. Drake as the first teacher. Two more schools were also built shortly after.

The Canadian Forces Radar Station which started in 1954 was located on the top of Saskatoon Mountain just east of Beaverlodge. It provided a boost to the community til 1988 when the station was finally closed.

South Peace Centennial Museum which opened in 1967, located just west of Beaverlodge 2.5 km north on Highway 43. Has the only known operating 30 HP Waterloo Steam Traction Engine. Displays and artifacts of interest for the whole family.

The Annual South Peace Centennial Museum Day happens the 3rd Sunday of July, includes demonstrations and entertainment. Displays and artifacts. Steam driven sawmill, thresher and lumber planer. Antique tractor, car, truck collection plus many antique buildings. Free overnight camping, concession and playground. (780) 354-8869.
South Peace Centennial Museum Museum website.

The South Peace Centennial Museum is now home to a grain elevator built in 1929 that was located at Albrite, along Highway 43 near the town of Beaverlodge. It was originally owned by Federal Pacific Grain, then UGG who sold it to the Fosters in 1964. It was first hoped that an elevator located in Beaverlodge could be moved to the Museum, but it was discovered, that elevator couldn't be moved because of the poor condition it was in. In the spring of 1996 two old United Grain elevators in Beaverlodge were demolished. Those elevators were built in 1928 and over time became inefficient.

Beaverlodge has a diverse economy. The top industries include Retail, Oil, Agriculture, and Construction. Beaverlodge is home to the Northern Agricultural Research Station. The Federal experimental station originally started in 1916. Employs 23 full time staff and 17 part-time staff.

UFFDA Sawmill manufactures wood products from Aspen and Tamarack. (780) 354-3700.

Beaverlodge has its own Airstrip. It is paved but only accessible to small aircraft.

Events: Jones Jamboree held annually in early July. The Annual Agriculture Fair is held in mid August. Other activities include Pee Wee Hockey Hockey Tournaments, Skating Carnivals as well as the Beaverlodge Farmers' Market takes place at the Community Centre.

2008 EVENTS OF THE PEACE COUNTRY

Beaverlodge Ag Society. Agri-Plex is facility used for bingo, livestock sales, Agricultural Fair held in August each year. (780) 354-8785.

Beaverlodge Arena. Built in 1974. Artificial ice, seating for 500 spectators. Hockey and figure skating. 306-10A Street. (780) 354-2597. Also Beaverlodge has its own outdoor swimming pool and home of the Baracuda Swim Club. 1024-4 Avenue. (780) 354-2800.

Residential area of Beaverlodge, Alberta

In January 2002, a new Canada Post Office facility was built.

The Beaverlodge Fire Department has 25 volunteer firemen with 2 fire engines. Office (780) 354-8900.

Town of Beaverlodge. (780) 354-2201. Beaverlodge & District Chamber of Commerce (780) 354-8785.

Beaverlodge welcomes everyone to their community.

July 2004, the Beaver becomes the symbol of Beaverlodge which can be seen at the entrance to the town along Highway 43. (next to the Beaverlodge Cultural Centre)

Beaverlodge Community Centre. Many weddings and social functions are held here. Holds 200 to 225 people. Basement meeting room for Elks & Legion Clubs. 10114-4 Avenue. (780) 354-2471.

Beaverlodge Cultural Centre. 512-5 Avenue. (780) 354-3600. Features tea room, art gallery, gift shop, a large potters and weavers studio, Agriculture Hall of Fame and Archives, and more. Open 1-5pm Tue-Fri and 1-4pm Sat-Sun. (was originally the Beaverlodge Hospital)

Foster's Seed & Feed. Buyers and Processors of grasses and clovers, custom grain cleaning, champion feeds. Established originally in 1952. (780) 354-2107.

The Pacific Regeneration Technologies Tree Nursery is Beaverlodge's largest employer. The 7 acre tree nursery produces 11 million seedlings per year of mainly spruce and pine. Began operation in 1995.
Pacific Regeneration Tech

Beaverlodge schools include the Beaverlodge Elementary School, 1009-5 Avenue, (780) 354-2446.
www.pwsb33.ab.ca/belem
Beaverlodge Regional High School, 1034-2 Avenue. (780) 354-2189.
www.brhs.ab.ca/
St Mary's Catholic School, kindergarten to grade 9. (780) 354-2944.
www.gpcsd.ca/stmarybv

Elmworth School, (780) 354-8375.

Beaverlodge Curling Club. Rink consists of 3 sheets of artificial ice. Licensed lounge and viewing area. 1131-4 Avenue (780) 354-2514.

Beaverlodge Municipal Hospital. The only hospital within the County of Grande Prairie. 422-10A Street. (780) 354-2136.

For more information about Beaverlodge visit the
Town of Beaverlodge Website.