FAIRVIEW

Located 124 km north of Grande Prairie, Alberta, on Highway 2 is the Town of Fairview, with a population of 3150 people. (2004 stats) Bluesky is 9 km east, Rycroft is 57 km south.

Main street Fairview. In August 2004, main street was extended to the highway for a new entrance to the town. Fairview was incorporated as a town on April 25, 1949. Fairview serves a trading area of about 9,500.

The 1st settlers settled in the area located 6 km south in a hamlet called "Waterhole". In 1928, the railway bypassed Waterhole to the north resulting in the inhabitants moving to the new site, naming it Fairview after an early homestead.

Pictures posted of the hamlet of Waterhole are the only evidence that this area existed and are displayed at the original location of Waterhole along the highway. Today, the Waterhole Cemetery is all that remains with the name "Waterhole". Waterhole Post Office - Photo Waterhole Hall - Photo

After Dunvegan was established as a fur trading post in 1805, a trail was developed between the new post and the forks of the Peace and Smoky River. From Dunvegan, travellers passed close to this area before swinging west on their way to the Peace River Crossing. Water and hay from the area made it a popular stopping place, which came to be know as Waterhole. In the early 1920's approximately 200 people lived in Waterhole. Waterhole was then bypassed by the railway and businesses and residences decided to move 6 km north to the present location of Fairview. The Fairview post office was first started in 1928 with H. Sigler, the first postmaster.

The top industry of Fairview is Agriculture and related services at about 25%, Retail trade is the 2nd top industry with close to 10%, followed by Educational Services, Construction, and Health & Social Services with each having less than 10%

Most of the population is under 14. The 45-64 make up the second highest population sector, followed by 15-24 and 35-44. The lowest population sector is 65 and over.

Events of Fairview:
The Annual Waterhole Pro Rodeo and Parade. Mardi Gras, Trade & Leisure Show, Agriculture Society Fair, RCMP Regimental Ball, The Peace Classic Wheels Car Show, Corn Huskers Jamboree, and Malanka Ukrainian New Years Eve.

NOW POSTED 2012 Events of the Peace Country

Fairview has many schools including the St. Thomas More Catholic School. Kindergarten to Grade 12. (780) 835-2245, EE Oliver Elementary School, to Grade six, with approximately 370 students. (780) 835-2225, Fairview High School, Grades 7-12 with approximately 350 students. (780) 835-5421. The Learning Store.

GPRC Fairview College Campus (formerly NAIT Fairview Campus) offers trades, agriculture and business programs. It began as the Fairview School of Agriculture and Home Economics in 1951. Recreation complex includes a 300 seat theatre, racquetball, aquatic centre, squash courts, sauna, weight room. In July 2004, NAIT assumed leadership of the Fairview College and in July 2009 became part of Grande Prairie Regional College (GPRC) . (780) 835-6600. GPRC Fairview College Campus

DUNVEGAN BRIDGE 50th ANNIVERSARY August 2010- Many people gathered Saturday (August 28, 2010) at Dunvegan for the 50th Anniversary of the Bridge Opening. It was a fun filled day which included many speeches from dignitaries and guests including Cannon RSH Greene who also spoke at the bridge opening in 1960. History of the Bridge. Play VIDEO> 18:30min.

The new Fairview Medical Clinic opened June 9th, 2003. All four of Fairview's doctors will operate out of the new clinic. Serves Fairview, Hines Creek and surrounding areas. Fairview Health Complex. 10628-110 Street. (780) 835-6100. Alberta Health Services.