Rocky Mountain House is a town in west-central Alberta, Canada, at the confluence of the Clearwater and North Saskatchewan Rivers.

History

The town has a long history dating to the 18th century with the presence of British and Canadian fur traders during the westward Canadian expansion. In 1799 the Hudson's Bay Company and the North West Company each established the Rocky Mountain House and Acton House fur trading posts. Trade with the local aboriginal peoples continued until 1821 when the companies merged, they continued to trade until 1875 (Parks Canada) and closed the Rocky Mountain House post. The name of the settlement however remained.

The Rocky Mountain House settlement also served as a launching point for many explorers such as David Thompson, in search for a passage west to the Pacific Ocean. Many travellers used this location as a stop on their way further west or northwest just as it does into the 21st century.

The next wave of adventurers entered the region at the beginning of the 20th century in search of opportunities presented by lush farmland and the abundance of natural resources. Rocky Mountain House became a firmly established town by 1912. Settlers of Scandinavian origin made up a significant part of early 20th century settlement in the region.

Demographics

In 2006, Rocky Mountain House had a population of 6,874 living in 2,719 dwellings, a 10.7% increase from 2001. The town has a land area of and a population density of .^[1]

Economy

Rocky Mountain House is a crossroads between a significant north-south artery, Highway 22 (Cowboy Trail) and east-west on Highway 11 (David Thompson Highway) between the City of Red Deer, Alberta and Jasper National Park and Banff National Park. Spectacular natural scenery nearby in the Rocky Mountains draws tourists and new residents alike. Currently a hub of petroleum transportation, local employment has spiked with the bulk of jobs involving oil and gas production. The town appears has been experiencing a significant economic expansion due to the high world price of oil. Family incomes have risen to well above the North American average. This economic boom has prompted several new larger department stores, such as Canadian Tire (2005), and Extra Foods (2006), as well as specialty shops opening in one of the highest growth-rates in recent memory.

It has also helped lead to the establishment of the new Confluence Campus (2005), including the former Will Sinclair High School (now West Central High School), grades nine through twelve of Saint Matthew's Catholic School(Which is now a Pre-K to 8 school) (now Saint Dominic's Catholic High School), and an off-campus section of Red Deer College.

Politics

Like much of rural Alberta, Rocky Mountain House is a Progressive Conservative stronghold. From 1935 to 1971, the Social Credit Party's Alf Hooke held this seat and support for that party is still strong- the party's leader Lavern Ahlstrom has polled well in the last two elections, far above his party's average.

Town council

The town council of Rocky Mountain House consists of Mayor Jim Bague, Councillor Joan McDonald, Councillor Fred Nash, Councillor Stewart Stephanson, Councillor Ernie Murias, Councillor Bill Symko, and Councillor Ron Wesner.

Recreation

The Recreation, Parks & Community Services Department hosts four annual tournaments. They include two slo-pitch, a sno-pitch and a volleyball tournament. Visit Rockytourneys.comhttp://www.rockytourneys.com for more information.

There is a swimming pool, ice surface, and tennis courts that can be used at your recreational leisure.

See also

• Towns of Alberta

References

External links

• Town of Rocky Mountain House

nl:Rocky Mountain House pt:Rocky Mountain House

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