Life in Wetaskiwin

Wetaskiwin is a vibrant and historic community of about 13,400 residents, located in the heart of Central Alberta. Known for its strong sense of community and accessible local services, the City offers everything from reliable utilities to well‑managed roads, snow removal, parks, and recreation amenities. Whether you’re new to the area or have called Wetaskiwin home for years, the city’s blend of small‑town warmth and modern conveniences makes it a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

The community’s roots run deep. Long before settlers arrived, the land was home to Plains Cree peoples. The name “Wetaskiwin” comes from the Cree phrase meaning “the hills where peace was made,” reflecting a long history of cooperation and connection. That spirit continued as Wetaskiwin began to grow around the Calgary & Edmonton Railway in the early 1890s. Originally known as Siding 16—the 16th stop north of Calgary—the community adopted the name Wetaskiwin at the suggestion of Father Lacombe.

Wetaskiwin is also one of Alberta’s oldest cities. Founded in 1892, it developed quickly, establishing its first school in 1894 and a newspaper in 1897. It became a town in 1902 and achieved city status in 1906. Many historic landmarks remain today, including one of Alberta’s earliest courthouses, built in 1907 and later restored to become City Hall. Even earlier history is preserved at the site of the Lucas family farm north of the city, where Fort Ethier was built in 1885 during the North West Rebellion. The original log block house still stands today.

From its early railway community to the modern city it is now, Wetaskiwin has maintained its strong connection to the past while continuing to grow and enhance local services. Residents benefit from a wide range of community supports, from municipal utilities to snow removal, road maintenance, curbside waste collection, and more that help make daily life secure, connected, and inclusive.