Bowden, Alberta

Bowden /ˈboʊdən/ is a town in central Alberta, Canada. It is located in Red Deer County on the Queen Elizabeth II Highway, approximately 45 km (28 mi) south of Red Deer.

Bowden
Town
Town of Bowden
20 Avenue, 2005
Flag
Bowden
Location of Bowden in Alberta
Coordinates: 51°55′50″N 114°01′32″W
CountryCanada
ProvinceAlberta
RegionCentral Alberta
Census division8
Municipal districtRed Deer County
Incorporated[1] 
 • VillageJune 17, 1904
 • TownSeptember 1, 1981
Government
 • MayorRobb Stuart
 • Governing bodyBowden Town Council
 • CAOGreg Skotheim
 • MPEarl Dreeshen
 • MLADevin Dreeshen
Area
 (2016)[3]
 • Land2.8 km2 (1.1 sq mi)
Elevation991 m (3,251 ft)
Population
 (2016)[3]
 • Total1,240
 • Density442.8/km2 (1,147/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC-7 (MST)
Postal code span
T4E
Area code(s)+1-403
WebsiteOfficial website

The community may take its name from Bowdon, Greater Manchester, in England. A provincial Alberta Land Surveyor reference relates this alternate name source, "The most widely accepted version says that a surveyor named Williamson suggested that this siding on the Edmonton-Calgary Trail take the maiden name of his wife." .[5][6]

History

During the World War II an area of land 4 kilometres north of the town was appropriated by the Royal Canadian Air Force for construction of an Air Training Base. RCAF Station Bowden was home to No. 32 Elementary Flying Train School (EFTS).[7][8]

After the war the site was converted to the Bowden Institution, originally as a provincial facility. In 1974 it was converted to a Corrections Canada medium security penitentiary.[9]

The town describes itself as a bedroom community,[10] meaning a large proportion of the working population commutes to other employment centres, including Red Deer and Calgary.

Geography

Nearby communities include Innisfail to the north, Caroline to the west, Huxley to the east and Olds to the south.

Climate

Demography

In the 2016 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, the Town of Bowden recorded a population of 1,240 living in 524 of its 581 total private dwellings, a -0.1% change from its 2011 population of 1,241. With a land area of 2.8 km2 (1.1 sq mi), it had a population density of 442.9/km2 (1,147.0/sq mi) in 2016.[3]

In the 2011 Census, the Town of Bowden had a population of 1,241 living in 518 of its 545 total dwellings, a 2.6% change from its 2006 adjusted population of 1,210. With a land area of 2.73 km2 (1.05 sq mi), it had a population density of 454.6/km2 (1,177.4/sq mi) in 2011.[12]

The population of the Town of Bowden according to its 2009 municipal census was 1,236.[13]

Attractions

Bowden has a nine-hole golf course with a licensed clubhouse.[14] The Paterson Community Centre and the long established Friendship Centre provide convenient venues for family and community functions. The Pioneer Museum offers an interesting insight into past community life and the past history of the Town.[15] The pioneer museum features photographs by the local photographer Bob Hoare, who documented local residents around the turn of the twentieth century.[16]

Notable people

See also

List of communities in Alberta
List of towns in Alberta

References
  1. "Location and History Profile: Town of Bowden" (PDF). Alberta Municipal Affairs. October 7, 2016. p. 92. Retrieved October 16, 2016.
  2. "Municipal Officials Search". Alberta Municipal Affairs. September 22, 2017. Retrieved September 25, 2017.
  3. "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.
  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 8, 2013.
  5. Place-names of Alberta. Ottawa: Geographic Board of Canada. 1928. p. 23.
  6. "Place Names Profile: Town of Bowden". Alberta Land Surveyors' Assoc. September 25, 2018. p. 5. Retrieved September 25, 2018.
  7. Staff writer (c. 1942). Pilots Handbook of Aerodromes and Seaplane Bases Vol. 2. Royal Canadian Air Force. p. 82.
  8. Hatch, F. J. (1983). The Aerodrome of Democracy: Canada and the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, 1939-1945 (PDF). Ottawa: Directorate of History, Department of National Defence. p. 207. ISBN 0-660-11443-7.
  9. Bowden Institution and Annex, Government of Canada. Accessed November 2, 2018.
  10. Bowden: Gateway to the Parkland, Town of Bowden. Accessed November 2, 2018
  11. "Canadian Climate Normals 1961-1990". Environment Canada. Retrieved January 23, 2012.
  12. "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.
  13. Alberta Municipal Affairs (2009-09-15). "Alberta 2009 Official Population List" (PDF). Retrieved 2010-09-14.
  14. Bowden Hi-Way Golf Course website. Accessed November 2, 2018.
  15. Visitor Information, Town of Bowden. Accessed November 2, 2018
  16. Michelle Bartleman (August 22, 2017). A piece of Bowden history on display, Olds Albertan. Accessed November 2, 2018.
  17. Heath McCoy (June 19, 2007). "Field of dreamers". Calgary Herald. Canada.com. Archived from the original on June 22, 2015. Retrieved March 28, 2015.
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