Redcliff, Alberta

Redcliff is a town in southern Alberta, Canada within Cypress County. Bordering the City of Medicine Hat to the south and east, the town is bisected by Highway 1 (Trans-Canada Highway) and is located on the north bank of the South Saskatchewan River.

Redcliff
Town
Town of Redcliff
Seal
Motto(s): 
Greenhouse Capital of the Prairies
Redcliff
Location of Redcliff in Alberta
Coordinates: 50°04′45″N 110°46′42″W
Country Canada
Province Alberta
RegionSouthern Alberta
Census division1
Municipal districtCypress County
Incorporated[1] 
 • VillageOctober 29, 1910
 • TownAugust 5, 1912
Government
 • MayorDwight Kilpatrick
 • Governing bodyRedcliff Town Council
 • MPGlen Motz (CPC-Medicine Hat—Cardston—Warner)
 • MLADrew Barnes (UCP-
Cypress-Medicine Hat)
Area
 (2016)[3]
 • Land16.25 km2 (6.27 sq mi)
Elevation745 m (2,444 ft)
Population
 (2016)[3]
 • Total5,600
 • Density344.6/km2 (893/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC-7 (MST)
Postal code span
T0J
Area code(s)+1-403
WebsiteOfficial website

Situated at a high elevation relative to the surrounding landscape, the Town of Redcliff offers views of the South Saskatchewan River valley, the City of Medicine Hat, and Cypress Hills. The cliffs that overlook the river valley resemble badland formations.

History

Redcliff's history began in the 1880s with the discovery of abundant coal and natural gas reserves. Access to this inexpensive resource led to Redcliff being promoted as the "Smokeless manufacturing centre of the West". This drew industries that manufactured diverse products such as shoes, gloves, cigars, trucks, bricks, glass, and flour among others. In June 1915, a tornado (at the time called a cyclone) ravaged several of these businesses, thus starting a decline in Redcliff's economy. World War I and a flu epidemic ended the economic prosperity. The community experienced a resurgence in growth following World War II.

Name

The name of the town originated from the elevated red shale banks of the South Saskatchewan River. Currently, Redcliff is spelled as one word without an 'E', however historically it has been spelled Redcliffe, Red Cliff, and Red-Cliff.

Originally, the town was slated to be named Stonerville, after the town's doctor.[5]

Demographics

In the 2016 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, the Town of Redcliff recorded a population of 5,600 living in 2,159 of its 2,232 total private dwellings, a 0.2% change from its 2011 population of 5,588. With a land area of 16.25 km2 (6.27 sq mi), it had a population density of 344.6/km2 (892.5/sq mi) in 2016.[3]

In the 2011 Census, the Town of Redcliff had a population of 5,588 living in 2,083 of its 2,195 total dwellings, a 9.2% change from its 2006 adjusted population of 5,116. With a land area of 16.2 km2 (6.3 sq mi), it had a population density of 344.9/km2 (893.4/sq mi) in 2011.[6]

The town had a population of 4,372 in 1,618 dwellings, a 6.5% increase from 1996. On a surface of 10.48 square kilometres (4.05 sq mi) it had a density of 417.2 inhabitants per square kilometre (1,080/sq mi).[7]

Historical population
YearPop.±%
1936 990—    
1941 1,103+11.4%
1946 1,289+16.9%
1951 1,538+19.3%
1956 2,001+30.1%
1961 2,178+8.8%
1966 2,247+3.2%
1971 2,242−0.2%
1976 2,991+33.4%
1981 3,641+21.7%
1986 3,834+5.3%
1991 3,768−1.7%
1996 4,104+8.9%
2001 4,372+6.5%
2006 5,096+16.6%
2011 5,588+9.7%
2016 5,600+0.2%
Sources:

Economy
A brick manufacturing plant

The primary industries that support the local economy relate to oil and gas and the climate of southern Alberta. Numerous businesses in Redcliff and area provide drilling and pipeline services to support the oil and gas industry. The area's sunny climate and abundance of affordable natural gas reserves has contributed to the establishment of a sizable greenhouse industry. Greenhouse products include vegetables (sweet bell peppers, beefsteak tomatoes, tomatoes on the vine, and long English cucumbers), a variety of flowering plants, and some trees.

In the past, Redcliff was known for the production of glass, brick and pottery products. Some of these factories have since moved to Medicine Hat, such as the IXL brick plant, while others are no longer in existence.

Redcliff is a member of the Economic Development Alliance of Southeast Alberta.[8]

Culture
  • Redcliff Museum
  • Redcliff Public Library

Attractions
One of the baseball fields in Redcliff

Redcliff has the following attractions:

  • an aquatic centre featuring a heated 25 m (82 ft) outdoor pool with varying depths and a heated children's pool with a water play structure;[9]
  • the Redcliff Rectangle, a multi-purpose ice hockey facility;
  • a curling rink featuring three sheets of ice;
  • six parks including the 3-acre (1.2 ha) River Valley Park adjacent to the South Saskatchewan River that features a kitchen, washrooms, firepit, and walking trails;
  • the 18-hole Riverview Golf Course adjacent to the Riverview residential subdivision and the cliffs of the South Saskatchewan River valley;
  • the Redcliff Campground that has capacity for 48 units;
  • four softball/baseball diamonds of various sizes; and
  • a BMX track.

Education

The Prairie Rose School Division No. 8 operates the following four schools in Redcliff that provide programming for children from kindergarten through grade 12.[10]

  • Isabel F. Cox Elementary School (K–3)
  • Margaret Wooding Elementary School (4–6)
  • Parkside Junior High School (7–9)
  • Redcliff Mennonite Alternative Program Outreach School (K-12)

High school students attend Eagle Butte High School in Dunmore,[11] or enter the Medicine Hat School District No. 76 or Medicine Hat Catholic Separate Regional Division No. 20 for grades 10 through 12.

See also

References
  1. "Location and History Profile: Town of Redcliff" (PDF). Alberta Municipal Affairs. October 7, 2016. p. 520. Retrieved October 11, 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 9, 2013.
  5. https://www.gluseum.com/CA/Redcliff/209102239185210/Redcliff-Museum-and-Historical-Society Redcliff Museum and Historical Society, retrieved December 8, 2019.
  6. "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.
  7. Redcliff community profile - Statistics Canada. 2002. 2001 Community Profiles. Released June 27, 2002. Last modified: 2005-11-30. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 93F0053XIE.
  8. "Economic Development Alliance of Southeast Alberta". Economic Development Alliance of Southeast Alberta. Retrieved 2011-10-26.
  9. "Attractions". Town of Redcliff. Archived from the original on 2012-02-20. Retrieved 2012-07-19.
  10. "Public Schools". Prairie Rose School Division No. 8. Archived from the original on 2011-08-25. Retrieved 2011-10-26.
  11. "Eagle Butte High School". Prairie Rose School Division No. 8. Archived from the original on 2012-02-25. Retrieved 2012-07-09.
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