Vegreville /ˈvɛɡrəvɪl/ (Ukrainian: Веґревіль) is a town in central Alberta, Canada. It is on Highway 16A approximately 103 km (64 mi) east of Edmonton, Alberta's capital city. It was incorporated as a town in 1906,[6] and that year also saw the founding of the Vegreville Observer, a weekly newspaper for the region.[7]
Vegreville | |
|---|---|
Town | |
| Town of Vegreville | |
 | |
  Vegreville Location of Vegreville in Alberta  Vegreville Vegreville (Canada) | |
| Coordinates: 53°29′44″N 112°03′06″W / 53.49556°N 112.05167°W | |
| Country | Canada |
| Province | Alberta |
| Region | Central Alberta |
| Census division | 10 |
| Municipal district | County of Minburn No. 27 |
| Incorporated[1] | |
| • Village | April 4, 1906 |
| • Town | August 15, 1906 |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Tim MacPhee |
| • Governing body | Vegreville Town Council |
| • MP | Shannon Stubbs (Lakeland-Cons) |
| • MLA | Jackie Armstrong Homeniuk (Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville-UCP) |
| Area (2021)[3] | |
| • Land | 14.08 km2 (5.44 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 635 m (2,083 ft) |
| Population | |
• Total | 5,689 |
| • Density | 404/km2 (1,050/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC−07:00 (MST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−06:00 (MDT) |
| Forward sortation area | |
| Area code(s) | +1-780, +1-587 |
| Highways | Highway 16 Highway 857 |
| Waterways | Vermilion River |
| Website | Official website |
A large percentage of Vegreville's population is of Ukrainian Canadian descent, and it is home to the Vegreville egg, the world's second largest pysanka (Ukrainian Easter egg).[8][9][10]
Geography
editClimate
editVegreville experiences a humid continental climate (Köppen climate classification Dfb).
| Climate data for Vegreville | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high humidex | 9.1 | 6.7 | 19.1 | 26.2 | 31.4 | 36.8 | 38.7 | 40.1 | 32.9 | 25.3 | 17.6 | 11.0 | 40.1 |
| Record high °C (°F) | 10.3 (50.5) |
15.0 (59.0) |
19.1 (66.4) |
29.0 (84.2) |
33.5 (92.3) |
35.7 (96.3) |
35.4 (95.7) |
34.7 (94.5) |
35.5 (95.9) |
28.5 (83.3) |
19.0 (66.2) |
11.3 (52.3) |
35.7 (96.3) |
| Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | −7.9 (17.8) |
−5.1 (22.8) |
0.1 (32.2) |
10.7 (51.3) |
17.4 (63.3) |
21.2 (70.2) |
23.1 (73.6) |
22.8 (73.0) |
17.0 (62.6) |
9.7 (49.5) |
−1.3 (29.7) |
−6.4 (20.5) |
8.4 (47.1) |
| Daily mean °C (°F) | −13.3 (8.1) |
−10.8 (12.6) |
−5.1 (22.8) |
4.3 (39.7) |
10.3 (50.5) |
14.4 (57.9) |
16.6 (61.9) |
15.6 (60.1) |
10.1 (50.2) |
3.5 (38.3) |
−6.3 (20.7) |
−11.8 (10.8) |
2.3 (36.1) |
| Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | −18.6 (−1.5) |
−16.5 (2.3) |
−10.3 (13.5) |
−2.2 (28.0) |
3.2 (37.8) |
7.7 (45.9) |
10.1 (50.2) |
8.3 (46.9) |
3.2 (37.8) |
−2.8 (27.0) |
−11.1 (12.0) |
−17.1 (1.2) |
−3.8 (25.2) |
| Record low °C (°F) | −44.9 (−48.8) |
−46.5 (−51.7) |
−42 (−44) |
−32 (−26) |
−10.7 (12.7) |
−3 (27) |
2.0 (35.6) |
−3.5 (25.7) |
−10.8 (12.6) |
−23 (−9) |
−36 (−33) |
−42.5 (−44.5) |
−46.9 (−52.4) |
| Record low wind chill | −57 | −58 | −51 | −30 | −15 | −5 | 0 | −3 | −13 | −25 | −44 | −52 | −58 |
| Average precipitation mm (inches) | 15.1 (0.59) |
11.0 (0.43) |
15.9 (0.63) |
21.3 (0.84) |
37.1 (1.46) |
60.6 (2.39) |
76.3 (3.00) |
51.8 (2.04) |
40.5 (1.59) |
12.8 (0.50) |
12.9 (0.51) |
12.3 (0.48) |
367.5 (14.47) |
| Average rainfall mm (inches) | 0.6 (0.02) |
0.3 (0.01) |
0.9 (0.04) |
15.6 (0.61) |
34.4 (1.35) |
60.6 (2.39) |
76.3 (3.00) |
51.8 (2.04) |
40.4 (1.59) |
7.6 (0.30) |
1.4 (0.06) |
0.2 (0.01) |
289.9 (11.41) |
| Average snowfall cm (inches) | 14.8 (5.8) |
10.7 (4.2) |
14.6 (5.7) |
5.7 (2.2) |
2.7 (1.1) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.1 (0.0) |
5.2 (2.0) |
11.5 (4.5) |
12.2 (4.8) |
77.5 (30.5) |
| Average precipitation days (≥ 0.2 mm) | 6.8 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 6.5 | 8.8 | 12.4 | 14.2 | 10.4 | 9.9 | 6.7 | 6.4 | 5.7 | 98.0 |
| Average rainy days (≥ 0.2 mm) | 0.44 | 0.2 | 1.0 | 4.8 | 8.4 | 12.4 | 14.2 | 10.4 | 9.9 | 5.3 | 1.5 | 0.36 | 68.7 |
| Average snowy days (≥ 0.2 cm) | 6.4 | 4.9 | 4.9 | 2.2 | 0.62 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.04 | 0.04 | 1.8 | 5.2 | 5.4 | 31.5 |
| Source: Environment Canada[11] | |||||||||||||
Demographics
editIn the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, the Town of Vegreville had a population of 5,689 living in 2,463 of its 2,735 total private dwellings, a change of -0.3% from its 2016 population of 5,708. With a land area of 14.08 km2 (5.44 sq mi), it had a population density of 404.0/km2 (1,046.5/sq mi) in 2021.[3]
In the 2016 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, the Town of Vegreville recorded a population of 5,708 living in 2,429 of its 2,734 total private dwellings, a -0.2% change from its 2011 population of 5,717. With a land area of 14.08 km2 (5.44 sq mi), it had a population density of 405.4/km2 (1,050.0/sq mi) in 2016.[12]
The Town of Vegreville's 2012 municipal census counted a population of 5,758,[13] a 1.3% decrease over its 2010 municipal census population of 5,834.[14]
|
|
Economy
editVegreville functions as a key economic center for the northeastern and east-central regions of the province, with its diverse economic sectors encompassing agriculture, energy, and retail industries. As a significant agricultural hub, Vegreville boasts a thriving farming community that cultivates a variety of crops and supports livestock production. The local energy sector, primarily driven by oil and gas extraction, plays a crucial role in the area's economic growth, while the retail sector offers a range of goods and services, catering to both residents and visitors alike. This multifaceted economy enables Vegreville to maintain a robust and dynamic economic landscape, contributing to the overall prosperity of the region.
Arts and culture
edit.jpg)
Due to Vegreville's close relationship with the 41 Combat Engineer Regiment, a Canadian Forces Reserve unit based in Edmonton, the Regiment is the only Canadian Forces unit with Freedom of the Town and parades held on Remembrance Day in the town.
Pysanka Festival
editThe Pysanka Festival is an annual cultural event in Vegreville, Alberta, that celebrates the region's rich Ukrainian heritage. Held over a weekend in July, the festival features a wide range of activities and attractions, including folk art workshops, live musical performances, traditional Ukrainian dance performances, and a diverse selection of ethnic cuisine. Additionally, the event provides a platform for local artisans and vendors to showcase and sell their handcrafted products.
First established in 1973 as a small community gathering, the Pysanka Festival aimed to preserve and promote Ukrainian culture in Vegreville and its surrounding areas.[15] Over the years, it has evolved into a significant event, drawing thousands of visitors from across Canada and beyond. The festival has hosted various renowned performers and artists throughout its history and has embraced themed celebrations, such as the "Year of the Family" in 1994, which emphasized the importance of family within Ukrainian culture.[16] As a key contributor to Vegreville's cultural identity and tourism industry, the Pysanka Festival fosters community pride and unity.
The 51st edition of the Pysanka Festival is set to be held July 5, 6 and 7, 2024.
Vegreville Country Fair
editThe Vegreville Agricultural Society holds an annual five day "Country Fair" in August.
The Fair starts with a parade on Main Street, which includes participation from various associations, businesses, and individuals who display antique vehicles, farm equipment, horses, wagons, and a variety of parade floats. After the parade, the Fair continues with a wide range of activities such as a midway, grandstand shows, chuckwagon and chariot races, a marketplace, and many other events for attendees to partake in.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the fair was extended from previously being a three-day event, to five days. This welcomed 21,006 people who attended the 118th Annual Country Fair in 2021,[17] a significant increase from the previously seen 12,000 people who attended the fair in 2019. The 2022 119th Annual Country Fair welcomed Gord Bamford for a "Special Event Concert" with Dean Brody performing at the 2023 120th edition of the fair.
Attractions
edit
Vegreville's pysanka, the second largest Ukrainian Easter egg in the world,[8][18] was created to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in 1974 and to celebrate Vegreville's ethnic heritage. On July 6, 2009, the pysanka was one of four attractions featured on the first set of the Canadian Roadside Attractions Series of stamps issued by Canada Post.[19]
Media
editVegreville is serviced by the Vegreville News Advertiser weekly newspaper, an independently-owned newspaper established in 1950.[citation needed] Vegreville is also serviced by local radio station Country 106.5.
Infrastructure
editThe town is bisected by Canadian National Railway's Vegreville Subdivision, a rail line connecting Vegreville to Edmonton in the west and to Lloydminster in the east.
Notable people
edit- George Bures Miller, artist
- Kyle Brodziak, NHL player
- Dennis Kassian, NHL & WHA player
- Cam Cole, journalist
- Linda Craddock (b. 1952), visual artist
- Laurence Decore, Ukrainian Canadian lawyer, former mayor of Edmonton, Alberta, and former leader of the Alberta Liberal Party
- Roderick D. Fraser, 11th President of the University of Alberta (1995–2005)
- Herschel Hardin, writer, playwright, and politician
- Simma Holt, journalist, author, former Member of Parliament, and Member of the Order of Canada
- Daymond Langkow, former NHL forward
- Don Mazankowski, politician and federal Deputy Prime Minister under Brian Mulroney
- Virgil P. Moshansky, Ukrainian Canadian jurist and former mayor of Vegreville
- David Motiuk, Catholic bishop of Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Edmonton
- Lillian Sarafinchan, Canadian visual artist, teacher, and production designer
- Brent Severyn, former NHL defenseman
- Valerie Sweeting, curler[20]
In popular culture
editSeason 4, episode 14 of Fox Television's The X-Files series entitled "Memento Mori" references Vegreville. FBI Agent Fox Mulder realizes the town name is the password needed to hack into a computer after discovering a Vegreville pysanka souvenir snow globe on the desk next to the computer.[citation needed]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Location and History Profile: Town of Vegreville" (PDF). Alberta Municipal Affairs. October 7, 2016. p. 695. Retrieved October 11, 2016.
- ^ "Municipal Officials Search". Alberta Municipal Affairs. May 9, 2019. Retrieved October 1, 2021.
- ^ a b c "Population and dwelling counts: Canada, provinces and territories, and census subdivisions (municipalities)". Statistics Canada. February 9, 2022. Retrieved February 9, 2022.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "Population and dwelling counts: Canada and population centres". Statistics Canada. February 9, 2022. Retrieved February 13, 2022.
- ^ Vegreville Board of Trade. For you: a few facts about the Vegreville District in Central Alberta.
- ^ Choriawy, Cathy (1989). Commerce in the country : a land use and structural history of the Luzan grocery store. Edmonton: Alberta Culture, Historical Resources Division. p. 20.
- ^ a b Giant Pysanka
- ^ Pysanka Museum
- ^ Kolomyia Sights | Pysanka Museum | Easter Egg Museum
- ^ Environment Canada—Canadian Climate Normals 1981–2010, accessed December 12, 2015
- ^ "Population and dwelling counts, for Canada, provinces and territories, and census subdivisions (municipalities), 2016 and 2011 censuses – 100% data (Alberta)". Statistics Canada. February 8, 2017. Retrieved February 8, 2017.
- ^ "2012 Municipal Affairs Population List" (PDF). Alberta Municipal Affairs. 2012-11-22. Retrieved 2012-12-14.
- ^ "2010 Official Population List" (PDF). Alberta Municipal Affairs. 2010-09-15. Retrieved 2011-01-19.
- ^ "Vegreville Pysanka Festival". pysankafestival.com. April 5, 2023. Retrieved April 5, 2023.
- ^ "Bohdan Medwidsky Ukrainian Folklore Archives". Ukrainian Folklife Archive. April 5, 2023.
- ^ Fortier, Rosanne (August 11, 2021). "118th Annual Vegreville Country Fair was a Huge Success". Vegreville News Advertiser. Retrieved April 5, 2023.
- ^ Pysanka Easter Egg in Vegreville, Alta.
- ^ Canada Post Stamp Details, July to September 2009, Volume XVIII, No. 3, p. 10
- ^ Morris, Jim (December 3, 2013). "Sweeting, Martin among the unbeaten" (PDF). Morning Roar. No. 3. Retrieved December 18, 2015.
Further reading
edit- Hardin, Samuel H. (1969). History of Greater Vegreville. Vegreville. OCLC 206504. Retrieved April 13, 2021.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
External links
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