Slave Lake

History

The first European known to visit the area of the present-day Town of Slave Lake was the British explorer David Thompson, who arrived in 1799. Following his brief visit, other British agents established several fur trading posts around Slave Lake, including a Hudson's Bay Company post at the mouth of the lake.

A settlement developed around the post and became known as Sawridge. It was renamed as Slave Lake in 1923. After a flood in the 1930s destroyed much of the town, it was relocated and rebuilt at its current location on higher ground. It was incorporated as a town in 1965.{{cite web |access-date = 2011-05-16 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120324040603/http://www.slavelake.ca/siteengine/activepage.asp?PageID=61 |archive-date = March 24, 2012

The Town of Slave Lake was inundated by a flood of Sawridge Creek in July 1988.{{cite web |access-date = 2011-05-16}}

2011 wildfire

Main article: 2011 Slave Lake wildfire

On May 15, 2011, large parts of the town were affected by wildfires in the area. Winds pushed the flames into town, destroying many houses and businesses. Mandatory evacuation orders were issued, but highways had been closed and residents were urged to seek refuge at beaches, large parking lots, and open spaces.{{cite web |access-date = 2011-05-16}}{{cite web |access-date = 2011-05-16}} Highway 2 had been closed at the outset of the fire, but eventually re-opened for evacuation.{{cite web |access-date = 2011-05-17}} Full evacuation of all residents was ordered for Slave Lake.{{cite web |access-date = 2011-05-17}}

On May 16, 2011, provincial officials said that 40% of the town had been destroyed or damaged by the fires, including the town hall, the library, a radio station, a mall, and a significant number of homes and other buildings. No injuries or deaths were reported.{{cite web |access-date = 2011-05-16}}{{cite web |access-date = 2011-05-17}}{{cite web |access-date = 2011-05-17}}{{cite web |access-date = 2011-05-17}} On May 17, 2011, Mayor Karina Pillay-Kinnee indicated one-third of the town had been destroyed by the wildfire.{{cite web |access-date = 2011-05-17}} On May 20, 2011, a firefighting helicopter crashed into the Lesser Slave Lake near Canyon Creek; its pilot died at the scene. It crashed about 30 m off shore into water that was 1.5 m deep.{{cite web |access-date = 2011-05-22}}

On July 6, Prince William and Catherine, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, visited the town to offer encouragement to residents and support for rebuilding efforts.

Geography

Climate

Slave Lake experiences a subarctic climate (Köppen climate classification Dfc) that borders on a humid continental climate (Köppen Dfb). Summers tend to be mild with cool nights, while winters are long and severely cold.

|Jan record high C = 13.6 |Feb record high C = 14.8 |Mar record high C = 17 |Apr record high C = 28.6 |May record high C = 32.5 |Jun record high C = 33.3 |Jul record high C = 32.2 |Aug record high C = 32.3 |Sep record high C = 29.6 |Oct record high C = 28.1 |Nov record high C = 19.1 |Dec record high C = 12.4 |year record high C = 33.3

|Jan record low C = -42.8 |Feb record low C = -42.5 |Mar record low C = -38.3 |Apr record low C = -26.1 |May record low C = -7.2 |Jun record low C = -2.7 |Jul record low C = 2.9 |Aug record low C = -2.2 |Sep record low C = -7.8 |Oct record low C = -21.8 |Nov record low C = -36.1 |Dec record low C = -42.5 |year record low C = -42.8

Demographics

population history

|1961|468 |1966|1716 |1971|2052 |1976|3561 |1981|4506 |1986|5429 |1991|5607 |1996|6553 |2001|6600 |2006|6703 |2011|6782 |2016|6651 |2021|6836

In the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, the Town of Slave Lake had a population of 6,836 living in 2,405 of its 2,681 total private dwellings, a change of from its 2016 population of 6,651. With a land area of 14.31 km2, it had a population density of in 2021.

In the 2016 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, the Town of Slave Lake recorded a population of 6,651 living in 2,329 of its 2,762 total private dwellings, a change from its 2011 population of 6,782. With a land area of 14.44 km2, it had a population density of in 2016.

The population of the Town of Slave Lake according to its 2007 municipal census was 7,031.

Sports

In 1994, the town hosted the Arctic Winter Games. This is a celebration of circumpolar sports and culture.

Government

Residents of Slave Lake are in the electoral district of Peace River—Westlock for elections to the House of Commons of Canada, and Lesser Slave Lake for elections to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta.

Media

Media outlets serving Slave Lake and surrounding area include BOOM (FM) and the Lakeside Leader, a local community newspaper.

Gallery

File:Mainstreet Alberta Slave Lake 3985.jpg|Main Street in 2006 File:Albert Mainstreet Slave Lake3984.jpg|Main Street in 2006 File:View of Slave Lake Shoreline.png|Slave Lake shoreline

Notes

References

References

1. {{AMOS. iso
2. (October 7, 2016). "Location and History Profile: Town of Slave Lake". [[Alberta Municipal Affairs]].
3. (February 9, 2022). "Population and dwelling counts: Canada and population centres". [[Statistics Canada]].
4. (January 2012). "Alberta Private Sewage Systems 2009 Standard of Practice Handbook: Appendix A.3 Alberta Design Data (A.3.A. Alberta Climate Design Data by Town)". Safety Codes Council.
5. (2011-07-06). "William and Kate thrill Slave Lake residents". [[CBC News]].
6. [[Environment Canada]]—[http://climate.weatheroffice.gc.ca/climate_normals/results_e.html?stnID=2608&lang=e&dCode=0&province=ALTA&provBut=&month1=0&month2=12 Canadian Climate Normals 1971–2000]. Retrieved 6 July 2011.
7. (1967). "1966 Census of Canada". [[Statistics Canada.
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12. (January 6, 2010). "Population and dwelling counts, for Canada, provinces and territories, and census subdivisions (municipalities), 2006 and 2001 censuses – 100% data (Alberta)". [[Statistics Canada]].
13. (February 9, 2022). "Population and dwelling counts: Canada, provinces and territories, and census subdivisions (municipalities)". [[Statistics Canada]].
14. (February 8, 2017). "Population and dwelling counts, for Canada, provinces and territories, and census subdivisions (municipalities), 2016 and 2011 censuses – 100% data (Alberta)". [[Statistics Canada]].
15. Alberta Municipal Affairs. (2009-09-15). "Alberta 2009 Official Population List".
16. Government of Canada, Statistics Canada. (2022-10-26). "Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population".
17. Government of Canada, Statistics Canada. (2015-11-27). "NHS Profile".
18. Government of Canada, Statistics Canada. (2019-07-02). "2001 Community Profiles".
19. "Peace River–Westlock {{!}} Maps Corner {{!}} Elections Canada Online".
20. "Provincial Electoral Divisions of Alberta as Defined by the Electoral Divisions Act, 2010".