Redcliff, Alberta

Redcliff
Town
Town of Redcliff

Seal
Motto: Greenhouse Capital of the Prairies
Redcliff

Location of Redcliff in Alberta

Coordinates: 50°04′45″N 110°46′42″W / 50.07917°N 110.77833°W / 50.07917; -110.77833Coordinates: 50°04′45″N 110°46′42″W / 50.07917°N 110.77833°W / 50.07917; -110.77833
Country  Canada
Province  Alberta
Region Southern Alberta
Census division 1
Municipal district Cypress County
Incorporated[1]  
 • Village October 29, 1910
 • Town August 5, 1912
Government[2]
 • Mayor Ernie Reimer
 • Governing body Redcliff Town Council
 • MP LaVar Payne (Cons-Medicine Hat)
 • MLA Drew Barnes (WRP-
Cypress-Medicine Hat)
Area (2011)[3]
 • Total 16.20 km2 (6.25 sq mi)
Elevation[4] 745 m (2,444 ft)
Population (2011)[3]
 • Total 5,588
 • Density 344.9/km2 (893/sq mi)
Time zone MST (UTC-7)
Postal code span T0J
Area code(s) +1-403
Website Official website

Redcliff is a town in southern Alberta, Canada within Cypress County. Bordering the City of Medicine Hat to the south and east, the town is bisected by Highway 1 (Trans-Canada Highway) and is located on the north bank of the South Saskatchewan River.

Situated at a high elevation relative to the surrounding landscape, the Town of Redcliff offers views of the South Saskatchewan River valley, the City of Medicine Hat, and Cypress Hills. The cliffs that overlook the river valley resemble badland formations.

History

Redcliff's history began in the 1880s with the discovery of abundant coal and natural gas reserves. Access to this inexpensive resource led to Redcliff being promoted as the "Smokeless manufacturing centre of the West". This drew industries that manufactured diverse products such as shoes, gloves, cigars, trucks, bricks, glass, and flour among others. In June 1915, a tornado (at the time called a cyclone) ravaged several of these businesses, thus starting a decline in Redcliff's economy. World War I and a flu epidemic ended the economic prosperity. The community experienced a resurgence in growth following World War II.

The name of the town originated from the elevated red shale banks of the South Saskatchewan River.

Demographics

In the 2011 Census, the Town of Redcliff had a population of 5,588 living in 2,083 of its 2,195 total dwellings, a 9.2% change from its 2006 adjusted population of 5,116. With a land area of 16.2 km2 (6.3 sq mi), it had a population density of 344.9/km2 (893.4/sq mi) in 2011.[3]

The town had a population of 4,372 in 1,618 dwellings, a 6.5% increase from 1996. On a surface of 10.48 square kilometres (4.05 sq mi) it had a density of 417.2 inhabitants per square kilometre (1,080/sq mi).[5]

In 2006, Redcliff had a population of 5,096 living in 1,968 dwellings, a 16.6% increase from 2001. The town has a land area of 10.51 km2 (4.06 sq mi) and a population density of 485.1/km2 (1,256/sq mi).[6]

Economy

The primary industries that support the local economy relate to oil and gas and the climate of southern Alberta. Numerous businesses in Redcliff and area provide drilling and pipeline services to support the oil and gas industry. The area's sunny climate and abundance of affordable natural gas reserves has contributed to the establishment of a sizable greenhouse industry. Greenhouse products include vegetables (sweet bell peppers, beefsteak tomatoes, tomatoes on the vine, and long English cucumbers), a variety of flowering plants, and some trees.

In the past, Redcliff was known for the production of glass, brick and pottery products. Some of these factories have since moved to Medicine Hat, such as the IXL brick plant, while others are no longer in existence.

Redcliff is a member of the Economic Development Alliance of Southeast Alberta.[7]

Culture

Attractions

Redcliff has the following attractions:

Education

The Prairie Rose School Division No. 8 operates the following three schools in Redcliff that provide programming for children from kindergarten through grade 9.[9]

High school students attend Eagle Butte High School in Dunmore,[10] or enter the Medicine Hat School District No. 76 or Medicine Hat Catholic Separate Regional Division No. 20 for grades 10 through 12.

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Location and History Profile: Town of Redcliff" (PDF). Alberta Municipal Affairs. October 7, 2016. p. 520. Retrieved October 11, 2016.
  2. ↑ "Municipal Officials Search". Alberta Municipal Affairs. December 16, 2016. Retrieved December 18, 2016.
  3. 1 2 3 "Population and dwelling counts, for Canada, provinces and territories, and census subdivisions (municipalities), 2011 and 2006 censuses (Alberta)". Statistics Canada. 2012-02-08. Retrieved 2012-02-08.
  4. ↑ "Alberta Private Sewage Systems 2009 Standard of Practice Handbook: Appendix A.3 Alberta Design Data (A.3.A. Alberta Climate Design Data by Town)" (PDF) (PDF). Safety Codes Council. January 2012. pp. 212–215 (PDF pages 226–229). Retrieved October 9, 2013.
  5. ↑ Redcliff community profile - Statistics Canada. 2002. 2001 Community Profiles. Released June 27, 2002. Last modified: 2005-11-30. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 93F0053XIE.
  6. ↑ Statistics Canada. "Canada 2006 Census: Redcliff - Community Profile". Retrieved 2007-06-12.
  7. ↑ "Economic Development Alliance of Southeast Alberta". Economic Development Alliance of Southeast Alberta. Retrieved 2011-10-26.
  8. ↑ "Attractions". Town of Redcliff. Retrieved 2012-07-19.
  9. ↑ "Public Schools". Prairie Rose School Division No. 8. Retrieved 2011-10-26.
  10. ↑ "Eagle Butte High School". Prairie Rose School Division No. 8. Retrieved 2012-07-09.
 Tilley Cereal Empress
Vauxhall Medicine Hat
   Redcliff  
Burdett Medicine Hat Medicine Hat
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