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High River is a town within the Calgary Metropolitan Region of Alberta, Canada. It is approximately 68 kilometres (42 mi) south of Calgary, at the junction of Alberta Highways 2 and 23. High River had a population of 14,324 in 2021.

Key Information

History

[edit]
Hangars at the High River Air Station in 1922

The community takes its name from the Highwood River, which flows through the town.[9] The area was originally inhabited largely by the Blackfoot First Nation, who called the site Ispitzee (or the "place of high trees along running water"). By 1870, after the arrival of the North-West Mounted Police and after Treaty Number 7 had been signed in 1877, settlers began arriving into the region.[10][11] High River's development centred on a convenient location for people, horses and cattle to cross the Highwood River - a location known as "The Crossing".[12]

Development of the town was supported by the completion of the Calgary and Edmonton Railway in 1892.[10][12] High River incorporated as a village on December 5, 1901, and was incorporated as a town on February 12, 1906.[1] Future Senator and area rancher Daniel Edward Riley would serve as the Town of High River's first mayor.[13]

Although growth slowed during the First World War, it continued after the war with the building of brick structures and a number of industries. One of Canada's first air force stations was constructed to the east of the town in 1921[14][15] The establishment of a British Commonwealth Air Training Plan elementary flying training school at the same air station helped boost High River's economy during the Second World War.[10][11]

High River continued to grow throughout the 1950s and 1960s. In the 1970s the downtown saw some major redevelopment, and redevelopment is continuing.

Floods

[edit]
Main article: 2013 Alberta floods

The Highwood River is subject to frequent flooding. Flood events of exceptional magnitude occurred in 1894, 1899, 1902, 1908, 1912, 1923, 1929, 1932, 1942, 1995, 2005 and 2013.[16] Most recently during the 2013 Alberta floods, thousands of people in Alberta were ordered to evacuate their homes after the rise of the Highwood River, Bow River, Elbow River, Sheep River, and numerous others.[17][18] In 2013, three people died as a result of the flooding of the Highwood River.[19]

Geography

[edit]

Climate

[edit]

High River experiences a humid continental climate (Köppen climate classification Dfb). Summer days are mild to warm with cool nights, while winters are cold and snowy with annual snowfall averaging 69 inches (175 cm).[20]

Climate data for High River
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 20.6
(69.1) 		23.0
(73.4) 		22.2
(72.0) 		30.0
(86.0) 		33.3
(91.9) 		35.0
(95.0) 		37.2
(99.0) 		35.6
(96.1) 		33.9
(93.0) 		31.7
(89.1) 		24.4
(75.9) 		20.0
(68.0) 		37.2
(99.0)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) −0.1
(31.8) 		1.6
(34.9) 		4.8
(40.6) 		10.9
(51.6) 		15.8
(60.4) 		19.3
(66.7) 		23.0
(73.4) 		23.1
(73.6) 		17.7
(63.9) 		11.9
(53.4) 		4.4
(39.9) 		-0
(32) 		11.0
(51.8)
Daily mean °C (°F) −6.5
(20.3) 		−4.9
(23.2) 		−1.7
(28.9) 		4.1
(39.4) 		8.8
(47.8) 		12.5
(54.5) 		15.3
(59.5) 		15.0
(59.0) 		10.2
(50.4) 		5.1
(41.2) 		−1.6
(29.1) 		−6.2
(20.8) 		4.2
(39.6)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) −12.9
(8.8) 		−11.3
(11.7) 		−8.1
(17.4) 		−2.8
(27.0) 		1.7
(35.1) 		5.7
(42.3) 		7.6
(45.7) 		7.0
(44.6) 		2.7
(36.9) 		−1.7
(28.9) 		−7.6
(18.3) 		−12.3
(9.9) 		−2.7
(27.1)
Record low °C (°F) −45
(−49) 		−43.3
(−45.9) 		−40.6
(−41.1) 		−30
(−22) 		−19.4
(−2.9) 		−4.4
(24.1) 		−3.9
(25.0) 		−16.7
(1.9) 		−16.1
(3.0) 		−29.4
(−20.9) 		−37
(−35) 		−45
(−49) 		−45
(−49)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 20.4
(0.80) 		19.2
(0.76) 		33.0
(1.30) 		38.7
(1.52) 		72.8
(2.87) 		111.0
(4.37) 		60.2
(2.37) 		59.6
(2.35) 		55.0
(2.17) 		24.8
(0.98) 		26.5
(1.04) 		27.1
(1.07) 		538.6
(21.20)
Average rainfall mm (inches) 0.2
(0.01) 		0.0
(0.0) 		2.1
(0.08) 		12.1
(0.48) 		58.1
(2.29) 		110.9
(4.37) 		60.2
(2.37) 		59.6
(2.35) 		49.7
(1.96) 		9.5
(0.37) 		1.2
(0.05) 		0.1
(0.00) 		363.7
(14.32)
Average snowfall cm (inches) 20.0
(7.9) 		19.0
(7.5) 		31.0
(12.2) 		27.0
(10.6) 		15.0
(5.9) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		5.0
(2.0) 		15.0
(5.9) 		25.0
(9.8) 		17.0
(6.7) 		175.0
(68.9)
Source: Environment Canada[21]

Demographics

[edit]
Federal census
population history
YearPop.±%
1901153—    
19061,018+565.4%
19111,182+16.1%
19161,182+0.0%
19211,198+1.4%
19261,377+14.9%
19311,459+6.0%
19361,359−6.9%
19411,430+5.2%
19461,674+17.1%
19511,888+12.8%
19562,102+11.3%
19612,276+8.3%
19662,239−1.6%
19712,676+19.5%
19763,598+34.5%
19814,792+33.2%
19865,096+6.3%
19916,269+23.0%
19967,359+17.4%
20019,345+27.0%
200610,716+14.7%
201112,920+20.6%
201613,584+5.1%
202114,324+5.4%
Source: Statistics Canada
[22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32]
[33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44]

In the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, the Town of High River had a population of 14,324 living in 5,787 of its 5,950 total private dwellings, a change of 5.4% from its 2016 population of 13,594. With a land area of 22.19 km2 (8.57 sq mi), it had a population density of 645.5/km2 (1,671.9/sq mi) in 2021.[4]

The population of the Town of High River according to its 2019 municipal census is 14,052,[45] a 19.3% change from its 2010 municipal census population of 11,783.[46]

In the 2016 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, the Town of High River recorded a population of 13,584 living in 5,367 of its 5,655 total private dwellings, a 5.1% change from its 2011 population of 12,930. With a land area of 21.39 km2 (8.26 sq mi), it had a population density of 635.1/km2 (1,644.8/sq mi) in 2016.[44]

In the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, the Town of High River recorded a population of 14,324 living in 5,790 of its 5,790 total private dwellings, a 5.4% change from its 2016 population of 14,324. With a land area of 22.19 km2 (8.57 sq mi), it had a population density of 645.5/km2 (1,671.9/sq mi) in 2021.[47]

Panethnic groups in the Town of High River (2001−2021)
Panethnic group 2021[48] 2016[49] 2011[50] 2006[51] 2001[52]
Pop. % Pop. % Pop. % Pop. % Pop. %
European[a] 11,165 79.13% 11,205 84.09% 11,315 88.95% 9,695 91.25% 8,640 94.02%
Southeast Asian[b] 1,580 11.2% 945 7.09% 410 3.22% 105 0.99% 85 0.92%
Indigenous 470 3.33% 505 3.79% 540 4.25% 295 2.78% 200 2.18%
Latin American 280 1.98% 155 1.16% 160 1.26% 85 0.8% 25 0.27%
African 225 1.59% 140 1.05% 55 0.43% 80 0.75% 20 0.22%
South Asian 170 1.2% 140 1.05% 120 0.94% 45 0.42% 20 0.22%
Middle Eastern[c] 115 0.82% 105 0.79% 0 0% 180 1.69% 95 1.03%
East Asian[d] 60 0.43% 75 0.56% 50 0.39% 120 1.13% 100 1.09%
Other/multiracial[e] 65 0.46% 65 0.49% 65 0.51% 50 0.47% 0 0%
Total responses 14,110 98.51% 13,325 98.02% 12,720 98.38% 10,625 99.15% 9,190 97.94%
Total population 14,324 100% 13,594 100% 12,930 100% 10,716 100% 9,383 100%
Note: Totals greater than 100% due to multiple origin responses

Arts and culture

[edit]

As part of High River's tourism and heritage endeavours, a number of murals illustrating High River's history were painted around town.[53] The first of which were painted in the 1990s, and the most recent one being completed in 2016.[54]

Attractions

[edit]

The Museum of the Highwood (c. 1911–12), which sustained smoke, water and fire damage following a fire in the building's attic in July 2010, is on the Canadian Register of Historic Places.[55]

Education

[edit]

High River is part of the Foothills School Division No. 38, as well as the Christ The Redeemer Catholic Schools Division.

Foothills School Division:

  • École Joe Clark School – Grades K-5
  • Spitzee Elementary School – Grades K-5
  • École Senator Riley Middle School – Grades 6–8
  • École Secondaire Highwood High School – Grades 9–12

Christ The Redeemer Catholic Schools:

  • Holy Spirit Academy – Grades K-6
  • Notre Dame Collegiate – Grades 7–12

Media

[edit]
  • CHRB AM 1140, community radio
  • CFXO-FM 99.7, country music
  • CKUV-FM 100.9, classic hits
  • High River Times

Notable people

[edit]

Film and television

[edit]

High River has been used as a filming location for the following films and television series:

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

High River

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
High River is a town in southern Alberta, Canada, located approximately 65 kilometres south of Calgary in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains along the Highwood River. Incorporated in 1906, it serves as a hub for ranching and agriculture in the Calgary Metropolitan Region, with a population of 14,324 as recorded in the 2021 Canadian census. The community occupies land historically used by the Blackfoot and Stoney Indigenous peoples and has developed into a family-friendly destination noted for its outdoor recreation, cultural events, and role as a filming location for productions such as the long-running CBC television series Heartland. The town's economy traditionally revolves around cattle ranching and serves as a shipping point for , bolstered by its strategic position astride Highway 2 and proximity to . Tourism has grown significantly, driven by attractions like the Heartland series, which has drawn thousands of visitors annually to explore filming sites and themed experiences, contributing to local businesses and events. High River is also associated with equestrian heritage, as the birthplace and longtime residence of Guy Weadick, co-founder of the , who owned property there and is buried in the local cemetery. A defining event in the town's modern history occurred in June 2013, when severe flooding from the Highwood River inundated much of High River, damaging or destroying over 60 percent of homes, displacing nearly all residents, and causing extensive harm. The prompted a comprehensive recovery involving government aid exceeding $50 million initially, large-scale property buyouts in flood-prone areas, and investments in river mitigation measures to enhance resilience against future events. This response has positioned High River as a in community adaptation and support following natural disasters.

Geography

Location and physical features

High River is situated in , , within the , approximately 68 kilometres south of along Alberta Highway 2. The town's geographic coordinates are approximately 50°35′N 113°52′W, placing it at the confluence of the and the Highwood River, which form key natural features defining its boundaries and hydrology. The municipal land area spans 22.19 square kilometres, encompassing flat terrain interspersed with river valleys and gentle undulations characteristic of the Natural Region. This topography transitions from open grasslands to the rolling hills of the eastern Rocky Mountain , with elevations around 1,042 metres above influencing local drainage and landforms. The rivers' valleys provide incision into the surrounding plains, creating escarpments and supporting riparian zones amid predominantly agricultural and undeveloped expanses. Proximity to the , about 50 kilometres west, contributes to varied physical contexts including wind corridors and sediment deposition from fluvial processes, while the area's zoning prioritizes residential clusters near the rivers and agricultural uses on peripheral flatlands.

Climate

High River has a (Köppen Dfb), featuring cold, snowy winters and mild to warm summers with moderate throughout the year. Long-term data from indicate average daily minimum temperatures of -17.2°C in and maximums of 24.5°C in , based on 1981–2010 normals recorded at the High River station. Annual averages 436.2 mm, predominantly as rain during the warmer months—peaking at 67.7 mm in —while winter snowfall totals 132.8 cm, contributing to rapid spring runoff from combined with convective thunderstorms.
MonthMean Daily Max (°C)Mean Daily Min (°C)Precipitation (mm)
January-3.7-17.211.5
July24.59.767.7
Annual11.8-1.0436.2
Observational records for the Canadian Prairies, including southern Alberta, show increases in low-intensity precipitation events and summer rainfall over the past 50 years, alongside rising frequencies of extreme heat days at many stations, though localized data for High River reflect ongoing variability rather than uniform intensification of all extremes.

History

Indigenous and pre-settlement era

The region surrounding High River, in 's foothills, constituted part of the traditional territory of the , comprising the Siksika, Kainai, and Piikani nations, who exerted primary control over the northern prior to European contact around 1740. These groups maintained a nomadic lifestyle centered on communal bison hunting, with economies reliant on the vast herds that migrated across the open prairies and river valleys, supported by archaeological evidence of kill sites and processing camps throughout dating back millennia. Trade routes linked these territories, facilitating exchange of goods like and hides among Plains nations, as corroborated by oral traditions and scattered artifacts such as stone tools recovered from regional sites. The Stoney Nakoda, an offshoot of the , also utilized the High River area for seasonal hunting and temporary campsites, particularly in the pre-horse era before 1754, when mobility was limited to foot travel and dogs for transport. This usage reflected broader ecological adaptations to the bow-and-riverine environment, where groups followed migrations without establishing fixed villages, as permanent settlements were impractical amid unpredictable herd patterns and seasonal resource shifts. Archaeological records from proximate sites, including stratified bison bone deposits and lithic scatters, underscore a pre-1800 economy dominated by hunting rather than agriculture, with no evidence of sedentary communities in the immediate High River vicinity, aligning with the nomadic imperatives of Plains Indigenous lifeways. Such patterns persisted until disruptions from European-introduced horses and fur trade dynamics altered mobility and inter-nation dynamics in the late 18th century.

European settlement and early growth (1880s–1906)

European settlers began arriving in the High River area in the early 1880s, drawn by the fertile grasslands suitable for cattle ranching following the signing of in 1877, which opened the region to non-Indigenous land use along established trails like the Macleod Trail. The community initially formed at Spitzee Crossing—known locally as "the Crossing"—a strategic ford on the Highwood River midway between and , serving as a rest stop for travelers and early ranchers. By 1882, the Northwest Cattle Company established the along the Highwood River, marking the onset of large-scale open-range cattle operations that defined the local economy, with herds grazing freely on public domain lands leased for grazing. Ranching thrived under British-influenced practices imported by elite cattlemen, focusing on breeding hardy for export markets, supported by the influx of American and Canadian ranchers experienced in frontier herding. The area's high bluffs and river crossings facilitated cattle drives, while the absence of allowed expansive operations; by the mid-1880s, small herds numbered in the hundreds, contributing to economic migration as settlers established homesteads and trading posts. In November 1885, Presbyterian settlers founded the first church at the Crossing, reflecting community stabilization amid ranching activities. The completion of the and Railway in 1892 connected High River to broader markets, enabling efficient shipping and accelerating from scattered ranches to a nascent village. This shift transitioned the from trail-based to rail-dependent , with the town serving as a key loading point for bound for eastern processors. High River incorporated as a village on December 5, 1901, and advanced to town status on February 12, 1906, formalizing municipal governance to manage expanding ranch-related services like stockyards and for disputes.

20th-century development and ranching economy

The Canadian Pacific Railway's established line through High River, with its station operational since the late , expanded post-World War I to enhance shipping of and , cementing these as core economic pillars amid growing demand for prairie exports. Local ranchers leveraged foothill grasslands for grazing, with operations like those near the Highwood River sustaining large herds through the , though open-range practices gave way to fenced pastures by the . Unlike southern 's extensive irrigation networks, High River's development relied more on natural watercourses and dryland techniques, fostering resilient production tied to rail efficiency rather than large-scale diversion. Population increased from 1,500 residents in 1927 to approximately 3,900 by 1961, driven by provincial highway upgrades including paving segments of Highway 2 in the and 1940s, which improved connectivity to and reduced transport costs for agricultural goods. These infrastructure gains supported modest urbanization, with new services and mechanized farms attracting workers, though growth remained tied to ranching stability rather than industrial booms. Post-World War II tractor adoption and equipment advancements further mechanized operations, enabling larger-scale beef production and without proportional labor increases. The 1930s droughts severely impacted the region, causing and wheat yield drops of up to 80 percent in affected areas, prompting practical adaptations like summerfallowing fields to restore moisture and shifting emphasis to drought-tolerant cattle ranching. Farmers implemented strip cropping and reduced tillage independently, minimizing reliance on emerging government relief programs, which preserved local self-sufficiency amid broader economic strain. By the late , these adaptations, combined with market-oriented herd management, maintained ranching's dominance, with exports underpinning steady recovery through the 1970s and 1980s.

Major events and challenges post-2000

High River experienced significant and residential growth in the and early 2010s, driven by its position as a commuter suburb to amid Alberta's , which fueled regional economic expansion through high energy prices and job creation in upstream sectors. The town's rose from approximately 7,492 in the 2001 census to 12,920 by 2011, prompting new housing subdivisions and strain as inbound workers sought affordable alternatives to urban . This period saw peaking developments in the mid-2010s, with municipal plans projecting a 14% housing demand increase beyond trends due to smaller household sizes and commuter influx. A notable positive development was the filming of the television series Heartland, which began production in High River in 2007 and continued through subsequent seasons, injecting economic activity via local vendor contracts and tourism. Season 9 alone engaged over 120 High River-based vendors, contributing to diversified spending in services and retail beyond traditional ranching. Proximity to Foothills oil fields supported minor energy-related ties, though the town's remained anchored in with limited direct diversification into hydrocarbons. The posed a acute challenge in April 2020, when an outbreak at the meat- plant—the town's largest employer—resulted in nearly 1,600 cases among workers, two fatalities, and a two-week shutdown that halted almost half of Canada's processing capacity. The incident, linked to dense indoor work conditions and affecting primarily newcomer employees, amplified local transmission before containment measures like enhanced testing and facility modifications enabled resumption. Recovery was relatively swift, with minimal enduring economic disruption attributed to the community's rural self-sufficiency and federal-provincial supports, though subsequent smaller outbreaks occurred in and 2022. Alberta's broader oil price volatility post-2014 indirectly pressured commuter incomes but did not precipitate major local downturns.

Demographics

The population of High River experienced rapid expansion in the early , driven by Alberta's economic boom, before stabilizing at more moderate rates. The 2011 Census recorded 12,945 residents, up significantly from 7,492 in 2006, reflecting an average annual growth of approximately 11.6% during that period. By the 2016 Census, the figure reached 13,594, a 5.0% increase over five years or about 1.0% annually, followed by a further rise to 14,324 in the 2021 Census, equating to a 1.05% average annual growth rate from 2016 to 2021. These trends indicate a slowdown from pre-2013 levels of 2–3% annual growth but consistent overall expansion, with temporary disruptions from the 2013 floods offset by post-recovery rebound. Net has been a key driver since 2015, with positive inflows primarily from nearby urban areas like , including commuters and retirees attracted to lower housing costs relative to metropolitan centers. data highlights sustained intermunicipal migration gains, contributing to the town's resilience and growth amid broader trends. Recent estimates place the 2024 at 15,445, a 1.18% year-over-year increase and 9.96% rise over the prior five years from the 2021 baseline.
Census YearPopulationFive-Year Growth (%)Average Annual Growth (%)
201112,945--
201613,5945.01.0
202114,3245.41.05
Projections based on current trajectories estimate the exceeding 15,500 by 2025, assuming continued modest migration and natural increase patterns observed in Alberta's regional data.

Ethnic and cultural composition

According to the Census of Population conducted by , the Town of High River had a total of 14,324, with approximately 83% not identifying as a , reflecting a predominant European ethnic and cultural background among residents. accounted for about 17% of the , or roughly 2,415 individuals, with comprising the largest subgroup at 1,485 (approximately 10.4%), followed by (280, or 2.0%), (225, or 1.6%), (110, or 0.8%), and South Asians (165, or 1.2%). This composition indicates limited ethnic diversity relative to nearby urban centers like , with immigration patterns favoring economic migrants from and over broader global sources. The Indigenous population in High River represents a small but notable segment, estimated at around 4% based on provincial patterns for similar rural municipalities, primarily given Alberta's demographic trends, though exact town-level figures underscore historical ties to the region's pre-settlement heritage without significant recent growth. English dominates linguistic composition, serving as the mother tongue for 11,735 residents (about 82%) and the primary for the vast majority, with other languages including 1,885 speakers of non-official tongues (likely reflecting Filipino and Spanish influences from visible minority communities) and minimal French (140 mother tongue speakers, or 1%). Religiously, the community aligns with broader trends of a Christian comprising roughly 60% of the population, including Protestant and Catholic denominations tied to European settler roots, alongside increasing and small non-Christian minorities linked to recent immigrants (e.g., from the ). No disproportionate adherence to other faiths is evident, with cultural practices remaining oriented toward Western traditions.

Economy

Agriculture, ranching, and primary sectors

Ranching, particularly production, forms the cornerstone of High River's primary economic sectors, leveraging the fertile grasslands of the surrounding region for and feed production. Alberta's industry, in which High River plays a pivotal role through its major processing infrastructure, accounts for approximately 43% of Canada's national inventory, with the province maintaining the largest herds as of January 2023. The processing facility in High River processes up to 4,700 head of per day, integrating local ranch outputs into national and export supply chains. Foothills County, which includes High River and surrounding ranchlands, reported 1,071 farms in the 2021 , the majority oriented toward operations including rearing. These operations benefit from Alberta's extensive pasturelands, totaling over 49 million acres provincially, supporting year-round and winter feeding practices that enhance herd efficiency. Complementing ranching, dryland and irrigated crop production focuses on , , and forage species such as , which provide essential feedstocks and cash crops. Cropland in spans 364,969 acres, with comprising a significant portion alongside suited to the region's and loamy soils. districts in bolster output resilience, enabling consistent yields despite precipitation variability, as reflected in the province's annual production exceeding 20 million metric tons in recent years. crops, including annuals like oats and perennials for hay, underpin livestock sustainability by reducing external feed dependencies. This primary sector integrates with Alberta's broader framework, where farm operating revenues reached $22.2 billion in 2020, driven by export-oriented markets rather than heavy subsidization, promoting adaptive practices amid global demand fluctuations. Local operations emphasize efficiency, with minimal reliance on direct payments compared to more protected agricultural systems elsewhere.

Diversification, services, and recent developments

High River's service sector has expanded to include retail trade, healthcare, and , contributing to diversification beyond traditional primary industries. Local data indicate comprises approximately 7.4% of jobs, with and service occupations forming a significant portion of the , supported by the town's proximity to larger urban centers like . The High River General Hospital, operated by , delivers comprehensive healthcare to the community and surrounding areas, bolstering local service-based . In recent years, the town has pursued targeted economic initiatives, including membership in the Invest Greater Initiative pilot program launched in July 2025, aimed at attracting investment and fostering business growth through regional collaboration. The municipal 2025 budget, approved in December 2024, incorporates a 3.4% increase—equating to about $81.60 annually for an average $476,000 home—reflecting measured fiscal management amid recovery and development priorities. Emerging energy projects include the High River Solar Project, approved by the Utilities Commission on January 24, 2025, featuring an 18.5-megawatt facility with roughly 40,000 panels across 135 acres near Highway 2A, slated for construction in 2025 and grid connection in 2026 to supplement electricity supply. Direct involvement in oil and gas remains minimal, though residents gain indirect benefits as commuters to provincial operations, aligning with broader fiscal conservatism in its 2025-26 budget, which employs prudent revenue assumptions and contingencies to manage resource volatility. Post-2013 flood recovery spurred investments in business resilience, notably through temporary high-performance structures erected by Sprung Structures that housed 21 retail operations, enabling continuity and adaptation for affected enterprises during rebuilding efforts. The town's long-term planning, as outlined in its municipal development plan, emphasizes balanced growth by leveraging existing strengths while promoting diversification to mitigate sector-specific risks.

Government and politics

Municipal structure and administration

High River employs a mayor-council system of , as governed by Alberta's Municipal Government Act, with a serving as the chief elected official and six councillors forming the legislative body responsible for policy-making, budgeting, and oversight of municipal operations. The holds regular public meetings to deliberate on bylaws, decisions, and service delivery, ensuring accountability through open agendas and resident input mechanisms such as public hearings. Municipal elections occur every four years on the third Monday of , with all positions—mayor and councillors—elected by eligible voters in a first-past-the-post system; the most recent on , 2025, saw incumbent Craig Snodgrass re-elected alongside councillors including Barton, Jenny Jones, and Michael Nychyk. Council terms last four years, and officials receive compensation tied to under provincial guidelines, emphasizing fiscal restraint in administrative costs. The 2025 municipal , approved by on December 16, 2024, totals expenditures aligned with core services like roads, water utilities, and emergency response, incorporating a 3.4% levy increase equivalent to approximately $81.60 annually for an average $476,000 assessed home. This prioritizes strategic goals such as infrastructure renewal and operational efficiency over discretionary expansions, reflecting 's mandate to balance growth with taxpayer-funded essentials. For land use and development, the town collaborates with adjacent via bodies like the Joint Planning Area 4 Context Study, which evaluates , servicing, and environmental constraints to guide controlled expansion and prevent uncoordinated sprawl. These inter-municipal frameworks enforce statutory plans, including area structure plans, to align decisions with long-term and resident needs.

Political representation and affiliations

High River is situated within the federal electoral district of , represented by Conservative John Barlow since his in a 2014 by-election and subsequent general elections. In the 2021 federal , the Conservative candidate secured 69.2% of the vote in the riding, reflecting strong support for conservative policies emphasizing resource development and rural interests. Voter turnout in has consistently exceeded provincial averages, with over 75% participation reported in recent contests, underscoring engaged rural electorates prioritizing economic . Provincially, High River lies in the Highwood electoral district, currently held by (UCP) (MLA) Grant Hunter, elected in 2023. The riding has demonstrated conservative dominance, with UCP predecessors winning majorities exceeding 60% in the 2019 and 2023 elections, driven by voter preferences for policies supporting , energy extraction, and intervention. Local debates often center on provincial resource management, including UCP initiatives to streamline oil and gas regulations benefiting ranching and energy sectors, contrasted with NDP critiques of environmental oversight, though conservative platforms prevail amid rural economic reliance on these industries. Municipal elections in High River are non-partisan, as per 's Local Authorities Election Act, with council members elected based on individual platforms rather than party labels. The 2025 town council saw incumbents like Jenny Jones and Michael Nychyk re-elected alongside newcomers, reflecting voter emphasis on fiscal restraint, property rights, and priorities over expansive social programs. Historical patterns indicate alignment with broader rural conservatism, favoring low-tax environments and to support agricultural and small-business operations, with minimal support for progressive urban-influenced policies.

2013 Floods and emergency response

Event overview and immediate impacts

The 2013 floods in High River, , formed part of a larger catastrophic event across from June 19 to 21, driven by an extreme rainfall episode delivering 75–150 mm in the foothills, compounded by above-normal spring snowmelt from the Canadian Rockies and antecedent soil moisture saturation. This meteorological setup caused rapid runoff into the Highwood River, which peaked at a record flow rate of 1,820 cubic meters per second on June 20, far exceeding historical norms and overwhelming the river's shallow banks adjacent to the town. The event displaced over 100,000 people province-wide, with High River experiencing near-total inundation as waters rose swiftly, submerging low-lying areas and rendering the community uninhabitable. Immediate physical damages encompassed the flooding of approximately 5,400 homes and 6,300 structures overall in High River, alongside extensive erosion along the Highwood River corridor and breaches in local such as roads and bridges. The deluge also resulted in losses and disruptions to agricultural operations in the surrounding ranching areas, with three fatalities occurring near the town due to the Highwood River's overflow. On June 20, authorities mandated the evacuation of all 13,000 residents, the entire town population, as floodwaters engulfed central districts, leading to overflows and widespread contamination. Economic repercussions for High River were severe, with local damages and subsequent reconstruction costs exceeding $400 million, amid a provincial total of $5–6 billion in insured and uninsured losses—the costliest in Canadian history at the time. Short-term disruptions included the collapse of utility services and transportation links, isolating the area and halting economic activity for weeks, while hydrological data indicated peak water levels that surpassed prior records by significant margins, underscoring the event's unprecedented scale.

Government and local response measures

The Town of High River declared a local on June 20, 2013, at 7:00 a.m., followed by a mandatory evacuation order at 4:00 p.m. that affected approximately 13,400 residents and 6,300 structures as floodwaters from the Highwood River inundated 70% of the town. The government declared its first-ever Provincial specifically for High River on June 27, which expired on July 11 before reverting to local control until September 27; this enabled coordinated resource deployment across agencies. Provincially, $1 billion in initial funding was approved on June 24 under the Disaster Recovery Program (DRP) to support immediate recovery efforts across southern Alberta, including a direct $50 million advance to High River for restoring essential services like utilities and temporary infrastructure. Recovery phases emphasized staged re-entry starting June 29, with dewatering efforts removing over 1.79 billion gallons of water and cleanup crews handling 40,000 tonnes of debris; Rapid Assessment Structural Safety Teams (RASST) began inspections province-wide on June 24 to evaluate habitability, contributing to the processing of over 10,500 DRP claims by late 2014. These measures achieved low casualties, with only two fatalities in High River despite the , attributable to prioritized rescues and early evacuations that redirected resources to human safety over property. After-action evaluations praised the "whole-of-government" coordination and rapid activation on for transitioning from response to recovery, including temporary accommodations and volunteer mobilization of 8,000 in the first 16 days. However, delays in re-entry—extending weeks due to safety assessments and —strained local resources, exacerbated by limited municipal staff and initial gaps in provincial communication and frameworks, leading to overwhelmed DRP processing for individual claims. Overall, official reports deemed the response effective given the unprecedented event but highlighted needs for clearer role definitions and enhanced pre-planning to mitigate operational bottlenecks.

Controversies, including RCMP actions

During the 2013 High River flood evacuation, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) conducted warrantless entries into approximately 3,000 residences as part of welfare checks to ensure no residents remained inside, invoking emergency powers under Alberta's Emergency Management Act. Officers seized over 600 firearms during these operations, citing risks of , accidental discharge, or in the absence of owners, with 452 returned by October 2013, 107 voluntarily surrendered for destruction, and the remainder held pending verification. The Civilian Review and Complaints Commission for the RCMP (CRCC) interim , released on February 12, 2015, determined that initial entries for human welfare were legally authorized without warrants due to the disaster's exigency, but criticized subsequent actions including searches for secured not in plain view, which exceeded the scope of welfare checks and violated RCMP policy on searches and seizures. The highlighted a lack of transparency, noting that RCMP communications deliberately omitted details of the firearm seizures to avoid backlash, and found inconsistencies such as some RCMP members residing in the evacuation zone failing to evacuate their own homes while enforcing orders on others. Critics, including affected residents and firearms advocacy groups, argued the actions constituted an unconstitutional overreach, infringing on property and Fourth Amendment-like protections against unreasonable searches, with claims of forced entries damaging homes and breaching gun safes. Resident lawsuits ensued, leading to a $2.3 million compensation settlement from the federal government in 2016 for the searches and seizures, amid broader accusations of eroding trust in and prioritizing state control over individual rights. Political involvement intensified scrutiny, as Conservative Party officials reportedly pressured RCMP to publicly justify the seizures, prompting internal concerns about politicization of policing. Proponents of the RCMP's conduct maintained that the measures were proportionate responses to the crisis, preventing potential hazards in flooded, unsecured properties, and aligned with protocols prioritizing public safety over strict warrant requirements. The RCMP Commissioner responded to the CRCC findings by affirming the necessity of the actions while acknowledging procedural lapses, committing to reviews, though the incident fueled ongoing debates about powers' limits and in Canadian policing. In 2019, Alberta's information and privacy commissioner initiated further into the forced entries, reflecting persistent resident demands for a .

Infrastructure

Transportation and connectivity

High River is bisected by , the province's principal north-south corridor south of , which connects the town directly to approximately 67 kilometres to the north via a 51-minute drive under normal conditions. This enables efficient personal and travel, serving as a vital economic link for freight, commuting, and access to broader markets. Rail connectivity is provided by the Canadian Pacific Railway mainline traversing the area, supplemented by spurs that handle agricultural freight such as grain and livestock, aligning with the town's ranching economy. The Foothills Regional Airport, situated 3.2 kilometres south of the town centre within Foothills County, supports general aviation for small aircraft through its runway, hangar storage, maintenance capabilities, and tie-downs, but lacks scheduled commercial service. Public transit options are minimal, with no intermunicipal bus routes directly serving the town; residents rely predominantly on automobiles, augmented by the local Handi-Bus service for seniors and individuals with mobility needs. In the aftermath of the June 2013 floods, which scoured bridge foundations and disrupted rail lines, Transportation executed repairs on affected structures, including culvert clearing and bridge reinforcements, thereby restoring connectivity and improving hydraulic resilience to prevent future washouts.

Utilities, flood mitigation, and urban planning

High River's municipal utilities include and distribution sourced primarily from the Highwood River, with treatment processes ensuring compliance with provincial standards for potable to residents and businesses. Wastewater management is handled through a dedicated sewer system, emphasizing efficient collection, treatment, and responsible disposal to prevent environmental contamination. Electricity and services are provided through Alberta's interconnected grid, where accounts for the majority of generation capacity, supporting both residential heating and industrial needs in the region. Post-2013 flood recovery efforts included substantial investments exceeding $200 million in structural flood defenses, such as berms, dikes, and flood gates engineered to protect against river flows equivalent to the 2013 event plus one additional meter of freeboard for enhanced resilience. Key projects, including the Southwest High River Dike completed in phases from 2015 onward, align along critical corridors like 12th Avenue to redirect Highwood River overflow and minimize inundation risks in low-lying urban zones. These measures prioritize hydraulic modeling based on historical peak discharges, reducing vulnerability without relying on temporary barriers like sandbags used during prior events. Urban planning in High River integrates flood risk assessments into zoning decisions, with ongoing collaboration between the town and via the to coordinate growth in shared boundary areas. The 2025 Joint Planning Area 4 Context Study evaluates suitability, favoring elevated, low-hazard terrains for residential and commercial expansion to mitigate causal exposure from proximity. Public consultations in July 2025 focused on northeast quadrant development, incorporating to enforce -proof building codes and like permeable surfaces for management. diversification aligns with these plans, as a nearby 18.5-megawatt solar photovoltaic facility, featuring approximately 40,000 panels on 135 acres, received Utilities Commission approval in early 2025 to feed renewable power into the provincial grid, supplementing dominance.

Education

Primary and secondary schools

Primary and secondary in High River is primarily provided by the School Division No. 38, which operates public schools serving the local area as part of its network of over 8,700 students across . The division includes Spitzee Elementary School for younger grades and École Secondaire Highwood High School for grades 9-12, offering English and French immersion programs. Highwood High School enrolled 489 students in the 2022-2023 school year. Catholic schools fall under the Christ the Redeemer Catholic Separate Regional Division No. 3, with Holy Spirit Academy serving kindergarten to grade 6 and Notre Dame Collegiate providing secondary education. Holy Spirit Academy accommodated approximately 400 students prior to its post-flood reopening in 2015. Schools incorporate Alberta's Career and Technology Studies (CTS) curriculum, enabling students to develop practical skills applicable to local employment, including those in rural and agricultural contexts. Academic performance at Highwood High School earned a rating of 6.3 out of 10 in the Fraser Institute's 2025 on Alberta's High Schools, based on provincial results and improvement metrics, placing it tied for 124th among high schools; Notre Dame Collegiate scored similarly, tied for 164th. Following the 2013 floods, which damaged multiple facilities including Holy Spirit Academy and required temporary portables for up to 700 students, schools underwent repairs and flood mitigation upgrades funded by the government for eight affected sites in . Rebuilt structures incorporated resilient features, such as elevated components and new modular classrooms, with full operations resuming by 2015.

Post-secondary and lifelong learning

High River lacks dedicated post-secondary institutions within town limits, with residents relying on commuting to Calgary-area universities such as the and , approximately 60 kilometers north, or regional colleges for advanced studies. Vocational programs emphasize practical fields like trades and agriculture, reflecting the town's rural economy centered on ranching, farming, and energy sectors; for instance, the (SAIT) in offers apprenticeships in agricultural equipment technician roles, including repair of tractors and harvesting machinery. Olds College, located about 100 kilometers north, specializes in agriculture-related diplomas and trades training, such as management and operation, drawing students from communities like High River due to its focus on hands-on skills for local industries. provides accessible options, including certificates in and sciences, through outreach in nearby , supporting career advancement without full relocation. Enrollment data from Alberta's regional dashboards indicate modest participation from High River in publicly funded post-secondary programs, with emphasis on applied credentials over theoretical degrees. Lifelong learning initiatives address foundational skill gaps in this rural setting, where formal higher education access is limited by distance and transportation. The Literacy For Life Foundation, operating in , delivers free or low-cost adult and programs tailored to practical needs, such as reading for and family support, serving High River residents since its establishment in the region. The High River Library facilitates informal through weekly discussion groups and workshops on topics like , open to all without registration. Foothills School Division offers high school upgrading for aged 18 and older, charging $125 per credit for courses that prepare learners for post-secondary entry, with full five-credit classes costing $625 as of 2023; this program enables rural to complete prerequisites amid economic pressures favoring vocational over academic pursuits. Alberta's Learning Program supports similar foundational offerings province-wide, prioritizing employability skills like basic computing and ESL, which align with High River's workforce demands rather than expansive liberal arts curricula.

Culture and attractions

Arts, heritage, and museums

The Museum of the Highwood, established in 1971 within the restored 1912 station in High River, preserves artifacts and documents chronicling the ranching and pioneer eras of the Highwood . Its collection exceeds 45,000 items, including photographs, archives, and objects depicting self-reliant frontier settlement and cattle operations central to . Exhibits emphasize the practical ingenuity of early ranchers, with displays on daily , transportation, and economic self-sufficiency in southern Alberta's ranchlands. Heritage efforts extend to cultural events like the Trail's End Cowboy Poetry and Music Gathering, hosted annually by the Alberta Cowboy Poetry Association in High River since at least 2018. These gatherings feature recitations and performances rooted in authentic traditions, drawing on oral histories of ranching hardships and triumphs to maintain rural identity without heavy institutional intervention. The events, held at venues such as High River Gospel Church, underscore community-driven preservation of western over state-sponsored narratives. The Call of the West Museum, located at the High River Ag Society Rodeo Grounds, complements these efforts with static displays of , including vintage farm tractors that reflect the mechanical adaptations in ranching productivity. Operated through local agricultural society initiatives, it highlights the evolution of farming tools essential to sustaining independent homesteads in the early . Such institutions collectively prioritize empirical records of ranching resilience, relying on private and volunteer support rather than extensive public funding.

Tourism sites and recreational facilities

High River's recreational landscape emphasizes outdoor pursuits along the Highwood River and surrounding , with facilities enhanced post-2013 floods to incorporate flood-resistant designs such as elevated pathways and naturalized buffers. The Happy Trails system spans over 19 kilometers of paved multi-use paths connecting parks, residential areas, and , facilitating walking, , and access to spots along the riverbanks. George Lane Memorial Park provides riverside trails for hiking and fishing, equipped with picnic shelters, playground equipment, and a campground accommodating tents and RVs for overnight stays. Golf courses like Highwood Golf and Country Club and offer 18-hole layouts amid prairie terrain, appealing to visitors seeking structured recreation. The Canada 150 Legacy Trail adds interpretive signage along linear paths, highlighting local history and ecology for educational hikes. Annual events anchor seasonal tourism, including the Guy Weadick Pro on August 8–10, 2025, at High River Agricultural Society grounds, featuring Canadian Pro Rodeo Association competitions in events like and . The Battle of the Foothills Chuckwagon Races, held July 24–27, 2025, showcase high-speed team races and related festivities, drawing crowds to the outdoor arena. These gatherings, while economically beneficial through attendance and vendor sales, remain weather-dependent; for instance, the 2025 Guy Weadick event was postponed from late June due to heavy rainfall.

Media and film

Local media outlets

The High River Times is the primary local print newspaper, published twice weekly on Tuesdays and Fridays by , delivering coverage of municipal politics, community events, sports, and obituaries to residents of High River and surrounding areas. It maintains a focus on hyper-local , such as reporting on decisions and public safety issues, though like many regional papers, it has faced circulation pressures amid broader shifts toward digital formats. Digital media has supplemented traditional outlets, with HighRiverOnline.com providing real-time local news, weather updates, reports, and event calendars, often integrating content from affiliated broadcasters. This platform emphasizes community-driven stories, including flood recovery updates and election coverage, accessible via app and web for broader reach beyond print subscribers. Local , operated by Golden West Broadcasting, includes CFXO-FM (Sun Country 99.7 FM), a station that incorporates news bulletins on topics like rural infrastructure and emergency alerts, serving High River and nearby . An AM 1140 signal, streamed through HighRiverOnline, extends talk and information programming to foster public discourse on issues such as water management and . These outlets collectively prioritize verifiable local facts over national sensationalism, aiding resident oversight of governance, though digital expansion reflects industry-wide print declines documented in Canadian media analyses.

Film and television productions

High River has served as a key filming location for numerous television productions, leveraging its rural landscapes, ranches, and small-town architecture to depict fictional settings. The CBC series Heartland, which premiered in 2007 and entered its 19th season in 2025, has been primarily filmed in and around the town, substituting High River for the fictional Hudson, . Filming occurs on local ranches and adapted downtown sites, such as the exterior of Maggie's Diner at 89 3 Avenue SW, contributing to ongoing infrastructure modifications like permanent set facades that blend with the town's heritage buildings. Other notable series include FX's Fargo (various seasons), HBO's (season 1), The CW's , and Spectrum's Joe Pickett (season 2), which utilized High River's prairies and urban core for exterior shots and scenes requiring isolated rural authenticity. These productions have generated economic activity through local hiring of over 100 vendors per major shoot for services like accommodations, , and equipment, alongside opportunities for background extras from the community. However, filming periodically causes temporary disruptions, including street closures and traffic rerouting, as seen during Heartland's 2025 shoots on 3 Avenue SW. The influx of crews and associated spending has boosted visibility for High River, attracting thousands of Heartland fans annually to tour sites, which indirectly supports tourism revenue despite the short-term inconveniences to residents. Town officials promote these activities via a dedicated film office, facilitating permits and highlighting economic multipliers from provincial vendor engagement across multiple seasons.

Notable residents

Business and political figures

Charles Joseph "Joe" Clark, born in High River on June 5, 1939, served as Canada's 16th from June 1979 to March 1980, leading the Progressive Conservative Party and advocating for fiscal restraint and resource development policies amid economic challenges including high and energy sector dependencies. His early involvement in the family-owned High River Times newspaper, founded by his father Charles Clark in the 1930s, provided foundational experience in local commerce before transitioning to national politics and later international business roles, including directorships in corporations focused on energy and trade. Clark's tenure emphasized in key industries, reflecting a commitment to market-driven growth in Alberta's ranching and oil economies. Scott Tannas, born and raised in High River, founded Western Financial Group in 1996 as a small agency headquartered in the town, expanding it into a major provider through over 100 acquisitions and organic growth to serve more than 600,000 clients across by emphasizing transparent, client-focused operations. Under Tannas's leadership as CEO until 2013, the company achieved sustained revenue increases via competitive market strategies, avoiding heavy reliance on government subsidies and prioritizing entrepreneurial scaling in rural . Appointed to the in 2013, Tannas has critiqued regulatory burdens on small businesses, drawing from his experience building a firm from local roots to regional dominance amid Alberta's volatile commodity cycles. Danielle Smith, Alberta's premier since October 11, 2022, resides in High River with her husband David Moretta, co-owner of the Whistle Stop Café, a local railcar diner that exemplifies small-business resilience post-2013 floods through private reinvestment rather than extended public aid. Smith's policies as United Conservative Party leader have prioritized resource extraction deregulation, including the 2023 Sovereignty Act to counter federal overreach on energy projects, boosting provincial oil and gas exports to record highs of 3.7 million barrels per day in 2023 despite environmental litigation. Her advocacy for market-oriented reforms, such as reducing corporate taxes to 8% for small businesses in 2024, aligns with High River's ranching heritage, where local producers have exported over $1.2 billion in beef annually, underscoring empirical gains from lowered barriers over regulatory expansion.

Cultural and sports personalities

, the Canadian author renowned for novels such as Who Has Seen the Wind (1947), resided in High River during significant periods of his career and drew inspiration from the town's rural landscape and community for his depictions of life. His works often reflected authentic Western Canadian experiences, including ranching and small-town dynamics, without romanticization or ideological overlay. Mitchell and his wife Merna, noted for her independent spirit, are interred in the Highwood Cemetery, underscoring the town's role in his personal and creative history. In sports, John McKenzie, born December 12, 1937, in High River, emerged as a professional ice hockey player who competed in the National Hockey League (NHL) and (WHA). McKenzie played for teams including the , contributing to their 1970 victory with his aggressive forechecking style, and later with the and . His career spanned over a decade, amassing 179 goals and 185 assists in 498 NHL games, highlighting the region's tradition of producing resilient athletes suited to contact sports. High River's proximity to ranching heartlands has fostered participation in events like the annual Guy Weadick Pro , though specific resident champions at national levels remain limited in documented records. Local competitors have contended in Canadian Finals categories such as and tie-down roping, reflecting the area's emphasis on practical equestrian skills over professional circuits.

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