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Camrose, Alberta, incorporated as a city in 1955, population 18,742 (2016 census), 17,286 (2011 census). The city of Camrose, located 97 km southeast of Edmonton, is a distributing, medical, government and manufacturing centre for a rich, mixed-farming area.
Indigenous Peoples and Treaties
Camrose is located on the traditional territory of the Siksikaitsitapi (Blackfoot Confederacy), Tsuut’ina, Stoney Nakoda, Cree, Saulteaux (see Anishinaabe) and Métis peoples. The area is covered by Treaty 6, signed in 1876.
Founding
In 1886, a Belgian named François Adam came to Duhamel, a hamlet southwest of Camrose. In 1905, Adam founded Camrose. Initially called Sparling, Camrose is named for a town in Wales. However, the name may also refer to the wild roses that grow along Stoney Creek, which flows through the town.
Settlement and Cultural Life
The area was settled in the early 1900s, mostly by Scandinavians. Several institutions reflected their influence, including Augustana University College and Gardner Bible College. Augustana is now a campus of the University of Alberta and Gardner Bible College is closed. Camrose is also home to the Canadian Lutheran Bible Institute.
One of Canada’s first ski clubs was formed in Camrose in 1911. The city is served by both the Canadian National and Canadian Pacific railways. Camrose has one weekly publication, The Camrose Booster, and a country and western radio station.
