Posts from July 2014

The town of Gibbons lies about 30 minutes away from Edmonton to its North-East, situated on the Southern banks of the Sturgeon River. Just over 3000 people reside in the almost 7.5 square kilometres that make up the town. Though comparatively a very small community, it is by no means isolated, considering its proximity to Bon Accord, Namao, Fort Saskatchewan, Redwater, and Morinville. Not to mention the short drive to Edmonton, if the amenities of a larger city are necessary.

Restored Photo of the Gibbons Grain Elevator. Image Credit: Shaun Merrigan via Flikr

The small town is quite old by Alberta standards, and rich in history, as their official website will boast to you. In 1892 William Reynolds Gibbons, an adventurous pioneer, settled the area along with his wife and three kids. Apparently the group was headed for Edmonton but extenuating circumstances (induing the railroad being incomplete as of yet) fated them to start their own settlement, aptly taking the family name ‘Gibbons’.

Image Credit: City of Gibbons

The town, since its very roots, has been a family oriented community and carries on this tradition into present day. This means a focus on recreational and community activities, with a whole host of programs dedicated to children and youth. Not to be overshadowed, there is also a strong arts and cultural presence to delight children and adults alike.

According to the town’s extensive website:

Residents and visitors can fish for trout in the stocked fish pond, take a walk along the river valley, share a picnic in the park or just enjoy the unmatched scenery. Watch history come alive when you visit the Gibbons Museum or visit nearby Jurassic Forest and spend some time with the dinosaurs.

Among the plethora of recreational facilities and activities, one sport rises above. Hockey is an increasingly focal point for the community’s youth, with the CNN Spurs minor hockey program in effect. This caters to all levels from initiation to midget, and includes a female program as well. All housed in the Gibbons arena, which is also home to many other teams, as well as a mens league. Adjoining the arena is the Gibbons Curling Club.

Gibbons Broncos Hockey Team. Image Credit: The Morinville News

Gibbons is also home to a cultural centre, which puts on many events throughout the year and even houses the municipal library. There is a town museum open in the summertime which “Celebrat[es] the local Pioneer history of Gibbons and the surrounding Sturgeon river area”.

Gibbons Museum Grounds. Image Credit: Gibbons Museum

There are two elementary schools in town, a junior high, and a learning centre focused on the high school level as well as adult education. There are multiple doctor and dental offices, a pharmacy, and a medical centre.

CLICK HERE To view properties available in Gibbons.

Canadian homeowners have been pushing the housing market to new heights, proving that the interest in home ownership throughout western Canada tops the results from other regions. This is a welcome surge coming out of 2013, which had a much spottier regional and national outlook.

CLICK HERE to watch the accompanying video at our very own RE/MAX ON TV

Just over 30 kilometres north of Edmonton lies the town of Morinville, Alberta. The 11 square kilometres that comprise the town are inhabited by almost 8600 residents. The 36 minute drive time to the city makes Morinville a desirable location due to this proximity, yet distance from larger centres. In the near vicinity are Namao, Bon Accord, Gibbons, and Legal.

Current Day Jean Baptiste Parish. Image Credit WinterforceMedia

By the late 1800’s French settlements had begun to arise in the area led by Father Morin, the town’s namesake.  Following this influx, a large group of German pioneers arrived, contributing heavily to the town’s unique French and German heritage. Many family lineages still exist today with prominent names such as Riopel, Labonté, St. Laurent, Maisonneuve, Bokenfohr, Krauskopf, Rustemier, and Meyers.  The settlement became official in 1894 upon the opening of its first post office, and shortly after in 1907 the St. Jean Baptiste parish was built.

Main Street Morinville in 1910. Image Credit: Morinville Museum

Always an economic frontrunner, Morinville opened one of the first Royal Bank locations (1910) and a credit union (1940) as well as the original location of Champion Pet Foods (now a world-wide exporter). Presently Morinville is home to many chain and locally run businesses, as well as 18 restaurants, salons and spas, veterinarian clinics, art and music supplies, auto shops, and every other amenity a resident could have need for.

Aerial View of a Morinville Street. Image Credit: Morinville News

The cultural diversity of Morinville’s residents creates interesting and exciting community events. With a highly bilingual population (French/English) even the Catholic church hosts an exclusively French mass on Sundays. There are festivals and events year round expressing a variety of cultural facets including a Jean Baptiste festival, the “In Our Community” Fair, Oktoberfest, and many more.

Here is a promo video for this years Saint Jean Baptiste Festival:

Due to the rural nature of Morinville, the area lends itself particularly well to recreational and outdoor activities. Along with extensive walking and running trails, the city has set up many clubs designed to specifically motivate and encourage recreation in a supportive and social environment. Additionally there is a trout pond, splash park, skateboard park, hockey arena, a curling rink, as well as new outdoor fitness areas.

CLICK HERE to view properties for sale in Morinville.