Wainwright, Alberta

History

Originally named Denwood by settler James Dawson in 1905, the town was relocated by the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway 5 km west-northwest and renamed Wainwright after General William Wainwright, the second vice-president of railway. The original townsite opened with post office in 1907 along with Denwood Hotel and store. The post office and hotel (becoming Wainwright Hotel) relocated to Wainwright in 1908 with the old townsite later becoming CFB Wainwright.

Demographics

In the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, the Town of Wainwright had a population of 6,606 living in 2,664 of its 2,914 total private dwellings, a change of from its 2016 population of 6,285. With a land area of 12.17 km2, it had a population density of in 2021.

In the 2016 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, the Town of Wainwright recorded a population of 6,270 living in 2,524 of its 2,770 total private dwellings, a change from its 2011 population of 5,925. With a land area of 9.1 km2, it had a population density of in 2016.

The Town of Wainwright's 2013 municipal census counted a population of 6,289, an 8.9% increase over its 2008 municipal census population of 5,775.

Arts and culture

Wainwright has the third-largest stampede in Canada. It occurs at the end of June, and includes a rodeo, chuckwagon races, parade, midway, an agricultural fair, and a town wide horse race for anyone over 18.

A Canadian First

On 7 October 2025, Mayor Pugh and the Town Council passed a proclamation condemning Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu bigotry, making this the first township in Canada to pass such a resolution. Wainwright has a small but thriving Hindu community.

Education

Buffalo Trail Public Schools Regional Division No. 28

• Wainwright Elementary School
• Wainwright High School East Central Alberta Catholic Separate Schools Regional Division No. 16
• Blessed Sacrament School
• Blessed Sacrament Outreach School Greater North Central Francophone Education Region No. 2
• École Saint-Christophe

Transportation

The town is a divisional point on the Canadian National Railway main line. Wainwright railway station is served by Via Rail's The Canadian.

Media

;Radio

• CKKY-FM/K-Rock 101.9 – provides old and new rock music
• CKWY-FM/Wayne-FM – provides a mix of classic hits and top 40 music

;Newspapers The Edge and The Star (formerly the Star Chronicle) merged to be the Star/Edge in 2013. It is published weekly on Fridays.

Notable people

• Glen Sather, former NHL player, coach, and general manager, and member of the Hockey Hall of Fame
• Lynn Seymour, ballerina
• Frank C. Turner, film and television actor, iconographer
• Bobby McMann, NHL player for the Toronto Maple Leafs
• Jacob Middleton, NHL player for the Minnesota Wild
• Keaton Middleton, NHL player for the Colorado Avalanche
• Mason Shaw, AHL player for the Manitoba Moose
• Kim Dorland, contemporary Canadian painter

References

References

1. {{AMOS
2. (October 7, 2016). "Location and History Profile: Town of Wainwright". [[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. (6 September 2017). "Wainwright Hotel".
6. "History of Wainwright - Town of Wainwright".
7. (February 9, 2022). "Population and dwelling counts: Canada, provinces and territories, and census subdivisions (municipalities)". [[Statistics Canada]].
8. (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]].
9. "Population: Town of Wainwright Population Growth". Town of Wainwright.
10. (October 5, 2010). "2011 Municipal Affairs Population List". Alberta Municipal Affairs.
11. "Welcome...". Blessed Sacrament Outreach School.
12. [http://www.krock1019.com/ www.krock1019.com]
13. [http://www.waynefm.ca WayneFM.ca]
14. (3 March 2017). "About 900 attend annual Wainwright Arts Festival | STAR EDGE NEWS".