Strathmore

Strathmore is a town located along the Trans-Canada Highway within southern Alberta, Canada, 25 miles or 40 kilometres east of Calgary, in the boundaries of Wheatland County.

During 1883, the town was established as a hamlet for the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) lines that were being constructed. The name Strathmore comes from Claude Bowes-Lyon, the Earl of Strathmore, who was amongst the towns benefactors. A track laying record was made between Cheadle and the town of Strathmore when the railroad was built. In one hour, one mile (1.6 km) of steel was laid and the rails were laid to Cheadle, 9 miles (14 km) for a record. Efforts by the Canadian government to develop western Canada caused increases in Strathmore's population and its significance as a rail supply stop.

The town of Strathmore nowadays is an important agricultural community. Moreover, the area has a growing oil and gas exploration and is the head office of the Golden Hills School Division. Lots of individuals travel daily from the town of Strathmore to the city of Calgary. Over the last three years the town has seen a main growth in commercial development.

The Town of Strathmore has an approximate population of 12,139 residents, according to the latest 2010 municipal census. This represents an increase of 2.5% more than the 2009 municipal census population of 11,838. At its present population, the town of Strathmore is amongst the biggest towns within the province and is eligible for city status. Based on Alberta's Municipal Government Act, a town is eligible for city status when it reaches 10,000 inhabitants.

Since 1966, Strathmore has conducted an annual fair and "Heritage Days" Rodeo on the long weekend in the month of August. The year 1985 saw the Heritage Days Rodeo turn professional and become sanctioned by the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association. Together with hosting Pro Rodeo that weekend, 1988 saw the addition of the World Professional Chuckwagon Association Finals come to our grounds.

The 1990's focused on a change of image to provide a family weekend by incorporating local entertainment stage, children's entertainment, craft/bench show, livestock show, outdoor family entertainment show ring, machinery show, trade show, parade, midway and fireworks. The hosting of these events annually every long weekend of August created a main tourist attraction to the Town of Strathmore and surrounding regions as indicated by its increasing attendance.