SEXSMITH

Located just 24 km north of Grande Prairie, Alberta, along Highway 2, the Town of Sexsmith was established in 1916. The population is 2100 people (2006 stats) and continues to grow. Because Sexsmith is located so close to Grande Prairie, many residents travel to the city to work, but prefer the comfortable quiet town life to bring up their families.

A stroll down mainstreet takes you a step back in time and is a must to see. In 1985, Sexsmith merchants undertook a revitalization program to bring it back to the early 1900's. The Grand Opening of the 1920's street took place in October of 1992.

SEXSMITH MAIN STREET- And Around the Block Here is your opportunity to take a short trip down MAINSTREET Sexsmith and view the 1920' and 1930's theme by watching this short video. As we drive around the block and can see where the Museum is located as take a peek at some of the residential area of Sexsmith. Video taken in the fall of 2011. VIDEO> (2:35min)

An Ontario-born surveyor by the name of Walter McFarlane, who was contracted by the government in 1909, mapped out much of the Sexsmith area. At that time, the area was occupied by mostly Metis who traded their furs at the trading post at Lake Saskatoon, an area to the west. Sexsmith was named after David Sexsmith, one of the first trappers of the area. The railway finally came in 1916 which resulted in more settlers coming to the area. 200 people lived here in 1929 when it was incorporated as a village. In the 1930's, Sexsmith had 8 grain elevators and was known as "The grain capital of the British Empire". Sexsmith reached town status in 1979.

The Sexsmith Sentenial Newspaper, began operation in 1949 and stopped in 1955. Then it started up again as a monthly in 1982. Circulation of 2200, free paper. (780) 568-3695.

In 1955, gas, water and sewer services were introduced to the community. Sexsmith's population reached 1000 in the late 1970's and was incorporated as a town.

Sexsmith had no hospital but more than 3000 babies were delivered in the Sexsmith Maternity Home, known as "Aunt Jo's" (operator Johanna Haakstad, a self-trained mid-wife) 1921 to 1957.

The Sexsmith Agricultural Society was established in 1972.

Home to the Peace River Bible Institute. 9601-100 Street. (780) 568-3962. Began operation in 1933. It originally started in Berwyn, Alberta some 147 km to the north of Sexsmith. Then it moved to Grande Prairie and finally to its present location in Sexsmith. Current enrollment is approximately 262 students.

Attractions: Blacksmith Shop, 1920 Main Street-Restaurants, Hotel, 1928 Northern Alberta Railway Station.

In 1976 the Northern Alberta Rapeseed Plant opened employing 80 people. Eventually it had closed. In January 2002 a Resin plant was announced for Sexsmith. The old Canola Plant, which closed a few years ago, will open again employing 30 people, producing 340,000 metric tonnes of resin a year. The resin is used to cement wood products, paper and fibreglass, and will be made using local oil industry by-products. It will be sold to local forestry companies. In 2010 a new Viterra grain elevator was built on the outskirts of Sexsmith that employees about 28 people. The elevator is able to store 31,000 metric tonnes of grain and can load 108 railcars in six hours or a truck in a matter of seconds.

Sexsmith and District Seniors Association. (780) 568-4513. Town Office. (780) 568-3681.

Shannon Municipal Library. More than 18,000 items. 9917-99 Avenue. (780) 568-4333	Sexsmith Community Centre built in 2005. (780) 568-4334.	Sexsmith Arena, artificial ice. 9800-93 Street. (780) 568-3000.

SEXSMITH ALBERTA
(enlarge picture) Sexsmith Blacksmith Shop Museum. The Blacksmith Shop was built in 1916 and was operated by pioneer Nels Johnson until he was 84 years old. The province has designated it a Historical Site open to the public from May to September. Over 10,000 artifacts are displayed for public viewing. The Sexsmith and District Museum Society (780) 568-2357 (enlarge picture) The Paszkowski Family Farm Home. This home was moved to Sexsmith and restored and furnished to reflect the 1930's and 1940's. It was the home of Walter Paszkowski, M.L.A. Grande Prairie - Smoky 1989-2001 and also former mayor and town councillor of Sexsmith. (enlarge picture) The 1928 Northern Alberta Railway Station. The Railway Station was recently restored to that early 20's look.

SEXSMITH NEWS:
The Sexsmith Elementary School has changed its name (summer 2006) to Robert W. Zahara Public School in honour of retiring principal Bob Zahara. He also served 3 terms as Sexsmith's mayor and is well known in the community.

Grande Prairie water is now running from the taps in Sexsmith. Aquatera officially opened the new Grande Prairie to Sexsmith waterline on July 19, 2006.

May 2007- Sexsmiths newest subdivision called "Painted Sky" featuring 110 lots in phase 1 & 2 will have up to 600 lots when completed. Fall of 2007 construction of a twin highway reaches Sexsmith.

A new Catholic St. Marys School has been approved to be built in the new Painted Sky Subdivision. It will have about 250 students, kindergarten to grade 9. The old school of 55 years will eventually be demolished.