658 - Pincher Creek Guide.small.pdfSafety & Emergencies The 911emergency system is in place in Pincher Creek to assist with police, medical or fire emergencies. The local RCMPdetachment

PINCHER CREEKThe Town of

The Service cenTre for your AdvenTure

www.pinchercreek.caA Vibrant Place to Live, Work and Grow Business

2 PINCHER CREEK: The Service Centre for your Adventure

A vibrant place to live, work & grow your business. 3

PRojECT Co-oRdINAToRMarie Everts,

Marketing, Events & Economic Development Officer

Town of Pincher Creek

WRITERSFarley Wuth

Cheryl HandfordToni LucasChris Davis

CoVER PHoToMill Canyon Photography

PuBlISHERTNC Publishing Group

REgIoNAl SAlES MANAgERWill Beddows

MARKETINg dIRECToRBrian Steel

ART dIRECToRAnne Allen

AdMINISTRATIoN & ACCouNTINgNancy Salatino

MARKETINgEva Stephansson

The Town of Pincher Creek962 St. John Avenue

Box 159, Pincher Creek, AB, T0K 1W0

Bus: 403-627-3156Fax: 403-627-4784

email: [email protected]

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Pincher Creek Town Council welcomes you to our thriving community and the many services,amenities and distinct quality life style choices we are proud to host. Our mission is to act in thebest interests of the community through thoughtful, transparent and responsive public service.

Pincher Creek is a stable, energetic, family orientated community proud to be SouthwesternAlberta’s Service Centre. Nestled in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, the town andsurrounding area features- beautiful pristine nature, a flourishing energy sector, robust retailand commercial business- all located in a recreational paradise. Wildlife roams freely amidst alandscape of abundant water, majestic mountains, gentle rolling hills and endless prairiehorizons. Opportunities to recreate, discover and explore await in the parks, vast open spacesand life-long adventures unique to Pincher Creek.

The Town of Pincher Creek incites you to visit, set down roots, fulfill your niche, invest in a futurefull of unending possibilitiesand prosperity. Come andenjoy the pleasures that arePincher Creek, and nurtureyourself in the myriad ofadvantages that Pincher Creekhas to offer.

Welcome, Mayor Don Anderberg and Town Council

Photo courtesy of Mountain Drift Photography


WELCOME!

4 The Heart of SouthwestAlberta

5 Community Wellbeing6 Recreation & Fun7 Faith8 The Center of

Adventure10 Annual Events12 Map14 Energizing For The

Future15 Pincher Creek Airport16 Kootenai Brown

Pioneer Village18 Historically Speaking20 In The Neighbourhood

CONTENTS


Situated at the edge of the Rocky Mountains and in the heart ofSouthern Alberta’s prime farming and ranching land, the PincherCreek area is a collection of vibrant, friendly communities- TheTown of Pincher Creek, Village of Cowley, Municipal districtof Pincher Creek #9, and Hamlets of lundbreck, Beaver Minesand Twin Butte. As the service centre of southwestern AlbertaPincher Creek is easily accessible from every direction by primaryhighways and by the local Pincher Creek Airport.

To the south along Hwy 6 lies Waterton lakes National Park –a UNESCO World Heritage Site, International Peace Park andBiosphere Reserve, as well as the Chief MountainAlberta/Montana border crossing. To the west along Hwy 507 isCastle Mountain Ski Resort – a multi season resort, renowned forits steep and deep skiing and snowboarding. Highway 3 westleads to Village of Cowley, the Hamlet ofLundbreck, the Crowsnest Pass and the BritishColumbia border. Ten minutes east alonghighway 3 lies Brocket and the Piikani FirstNations, then the Town of Fort Macleod and ontothe City of Lethbridge. Calgary lies just twohours north via the junction of highways 3 and 2west of Fort Macleod.

Highway 3 carries a steady stream of freight,tourists and travellers throughout the year, and ispart of the Prairies to Ports transportationnetwork.

Highway 22, immediately west of Lundbreckconnects the Pincher Creek area to Calgary andBanff, providing some of the most scenic views ofvast open spaces and foothills along the CowboyTrail.

A wide and varied range of accommodations abound in PincherCreek area - from resorts, hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts,guest ranches, RV parks, campgrounds and rugged camping.

Likewise, many recreational, sport and adventure opportunitiesabound within the area, with many amateur and professionallevels of engagement.

Pincher Creek's economy is strong and vibrant - grounded inagriculture, home to conventional oil and natural gas, born ofnatural tourism sites, destinations and experiences and is a leaderin renewable energy. As the service centre for SouthwesternAlberta, Pincher Creek’s commercial district, professional servicesand retail and speciality stores reach to British Columbia’s easternKootenays’ and into northern Montana and beyond.


Photo courtesy of Mill Canyon Photography

ALBERTASOUTHWEST

ofHeartThe

Safety & EmergenciesThe 911 emergency system is in place in Pincher Creek to assistwith police, medical or fire emergencies.

The local RCMP detachment is located a 1369 Hunter street andcan assist with non- emergencies. Complaint Line: 403-627-4424Admin: 403-627-4425

Pincher Creek Emergency Services an integrated fire, rescue,ambulance and medical first response organization has beenservicing and protecting the community for over 100 years. Theyoffer advanced fire and ambulance services for those in needfrom three locations in the area including Pincher Creek,Lundbreck and Beaver Mines.For non-Emergencies: [email protected] or www.pincherfire.com

Pincher Creek’s Bylaw officers can be reached via the Town Hallat 403 627 3156

The Pincher Creek Women’s Emergency Shelter Associationprovides emergency shelter to women. Crisis Phone 1-888-354-4868 Toll Free 1-888-354-4868 Business 403 627 2114 [email protected]

WellnessPincher Creek offers a full spectrum of health and wellnessservices, from a Primary Care Network of physicians, front linephysiotherapy, maternal, community, dental, optometric andmental health to a aligned wellness practitioners of chiropractic,massage, acupuncture and naturopath.

The Pincher Creek Health Centre is an acute care andcontinuing care facility offering 24-hour emergency services,intensive care, obstetrics, surgery and palliative care. 1222 Bev McLachlin Drive403 627 1234

The Associate Clinic in Pincher Creek is a family based, generalpractice clinic, with a staff of 10 physicians specializing in rural,culturally appropriate medical care. 1222 Bev McLachlin Drive403 627 3321 [email protected]

Seniors Facilities Pincher Creek offers a wide range of housing, active living andcare options for seniors, whether independent living, supportivehousing, designated assisted living, enhanced care or thespecialized care of a dementia cottage.


Canyon Manor480 Main St403 627 3833

Crestview lodge978 Hyde St. 403 627 3833

Huddlestun Seniors drop-InCenter867 Main St. 403 627 4519

Visa Village1240 Ken Thorton Blvd. 403 627 1900

Whispering Winds Village941 Elizabeth Street 1 888 484 5282 403 627 1997

Photo courtesy of Brenda Shenton

Community

WELLBEING


Parks & Recreation office: 403 627 4322

Multi-Purpose Facility is located on Main Street and includesthe MCC Skating Arena, an indoor swimming pool, gym, and theMunicipal Library. The Skateboard Park, Bike Park, Tennis Courts,and access to the walking trail system are all accessible via themulti-purpose facility.

Pincher Creek & district Municipal library offers, free wifi,public access computers, printing, photocopying, faxing,laminating and video conferencing. 403-627-3813www.pinchercreeklibrary.ca

Memorial Community Centre Arena is a hub of activity duringthe winter season with figure skating, public and family skatingand hockey being offered for all ages. During the off-season, thefacility is available to rent for functions.

Pincher Creek Swimming Pool includes a 6 lane – 25 metrepool, kiddies’ wading pool, 20 person hot tub, 1 meter divingboard, Tarzan rope, basketball hoops and a slide for children.Monthly features include themes and fun activities for youngswimmers. Pool Hotline 403 627 4062 www.pinchercreek.ca

Bike Park is located next to the banks of the creek adjacent tothe Skateboard Park and Tennis Courts. Designed forintermediate, beginner and advanced riders of all ages andabilities.

An extensive Walking Trail System meanders for approximatelyeight kilometres along the beautiful vistas and valleys of PincherCreek. Brochures are available for information on the trail systemwhich includes Juniper Glen Trail, Horseshoe Buffalo-Jump,Whispering Aspens and South Rim Canyon Trail.

Community Recreation Centre is located at 942 Hyde Street,and is the home of the Pincher Creek Golf Course, ChinookBowling Alley and Squash Courts, and Joe's Gym. The PincherCreek golf Course offers a superbly managed challenging 9 holecourse. Features a pro shop, licensed lounge and restaurant anddriving range. Tee bookings: 403-627-2126. Chinook BowlingAlley & Squash Courts offers a variety of 5-Pin league bowlingfor adults and children and two squash course for public use.

Fully licensed with snack menu - 403-627-3234. joe’s gym has arange of equipment for both novice and competitive athletes.Open 7 days per week, 5am-10pm.

juan Teran Park is located on Macleod Road and features 3baseball diamonds, beach volleyball area, playground,concessions and washrooms. Ideal for picnics, family gatheringsand social functions. Across the road is Sproule Field, a beautifulregulation baseball diamond and soccer/football field.

Henry “Hank” Planger outdoor Park and Fitness Area islocated at 864 Christie Avenue. It encompasses a variety ofplayground equipment, an outdoor fitness park, a special needschildren’s play area with rubber surfacing for wheelchairaccessibility and activity panels for children with sensory needs.

Communities In Bloom. Pincher Creek became involved in abeautification movement after the impact of the flood of 1995.2001 five blooms winner, 2009 National winner, 2010Community Involvement award, 2015 National Class ofChampions winner.

Veteran’s Memorial Campground offers 19 camping sites alongthe banks of the Pincher Creek at a quiet, treed location at 940Canon street. Open May long weekend to Thanksgiving day withcampground hosts, washrooms, hot showers and a sewagedumping station on site. Reservations: 403 -627-4322.

Photo courtesy of Yvan Lebel

Recreation& FUN!Photo courtesy of Mountain Drift Photography


St john Anglican Church:816 Main Street, Pincher Creek

Bahai: 403-627-2182 or 403-627-2291www.ca.bahai.org

Roman Catholic: 403-627-3071St. Michaels Parish, 958 Christie Avenue, Pincher [email protected]

Church of jesus Christ of latter day Saints: 403-627-38411240 Wentworth Avenue, Pincher Creekwww.ldg.org

First Baptist Church: 403-627-4518637 Charlotte Street, Pincher [email protected]; www.fbcpincher.com

Heartland Christian Community Church: 403-627-26861200 Ken Thornton Blvd, Pincher Creek www.mbconf.ca

Chinook Bible Chapel: 403-627-5111 1255 Bev McLachlin Drive, Pincher Creek

Rocky View Church of god in Christ: 403-627-24662 km east of Pincher Creek on Hwy 507

Foothills Community Church: 403-320-905620 km east of Pincher Creek on SR 708, then 1.8 km north onSpringridge [email protected];springridge.mennonitechurch.ab.ac

Abundant Springs Community Church: 403-627-3653988 Kettles Street, Pincher [email protected]; www.abundantspringspa.ca

Trinity lutheran Church: 403-627-4544893 East Avenue, Pincher Creekwww.lutheranchurch-canada.ca

Pincher Creek united Church of Canada: 403-627-3734972 Police Avenue, Pincher [email protected]; www.united-church.ca

FAITH


Pincher Creek is only a short drive away from many of Alberta’sfinest parks and protected areas. These valued landscapespreserve the environmental diversity of the province and inspirepeople to discover and enjoy the natural world. For informationon Alberta Parks near Pincher Creek, visit www.albertaparks.ca,email [email protected], or call 1-403-627-1165.

Beauvais lake – Awe inspiring scenery surrounds you atBeauvais Lake Provincial Park, a quiet lake set in the montaneforest. Enjoy over 30 kilometers of trails for hiking in the summer,snow shoeing and cross country skiing in the winter.Environmental education, bird watching, historic homesteadsand camping (from rustic to electric sites) complete the yearround experience. Remember to clean, drain and dry your boatto prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.

Beaver Mines lake – With Table Mountain as your backdrop,enjoy camping in the forest along Beaver Mines Lake; hear thecall of the loon, witness fish jumping and spectacular sunsets.This is a place to stop for a while and explore, fish, bird watch,photograph wildflowers all while having a fine family campingexperience! Remember to clean, drain and dry your boat toprevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.

Castle River Bridge and Castle Falls – Relax in the shade alongthe river. When the traveler arrives and relaxes on the roundedrocks of the shore, they must wonder how many people have satthere before them; and ponder on the timeframe. How manythousands of years have families enjoyed this unique location?How many feet have felt the smooth rock? Both Castle RiverBridge and Castle Falls are in the same general vicinity and aregreat places to camp.

Syncline – Syncline is a network of 15 kilometers of beginner tointermediate trails at the Syncline-Castle Cross-Country Ski Area,and SCaT is the group of hikers and X-country skiers whomaintain them. This dog friendly ski and cross country mountainbiking area is a wonderful place to enjoy the outdoors. You canalso access numerous equestrian trails from this location.

West Castle Wetlands – Though there are no camping or otherfacilities, this Ecological Reserve protects an incredible wetlandand is a wonderful place to, walk, bird watch and enjoy nature.The Castle Crown Wilderness Coalition is the Volunteer Stewardof this protected area.

lundbreck Falls – Discover the geology and geography ofLundbreck Falls Provincial Recreation Area. Get your close-upphotograph of the falls at a spectacular angle from the safety ofthe new viewing platforms. This is a superb place to stop for alunch or photo break then make your way to your dreamcampsite along the river.

oldman dam – Make waves on the reservoir at this ProvincialRecreation Area. Camp along the Oldman River in theCottonwood Campground which has both power and basic sitesand is next door to the Three Rivers Group Camp. For sewer hook


CenterThe

of

ADVENTURE


Photo courtesy of Mill Canyon Photography

ups too, choose Chinook Campground a few minutes west, onthe north side of the river. Windy Point is just down the road forgreat access to the reservoir. Enjoy windsurfing, boating andsailing – all while nestled against the Rocky Mountains and onlya few minutes from Pincher Creek. Remember to clean, drainand dry your boat to prevent the spread of aquatic invasivespecies.

Maycroft – this small Provincial Recreation Area campground islocated right next to highway 22, along the Oldman River; apleasant place to set up camp with great access to nearby hiking,hunting or angling opportunities.

Waterton Reservoir – This Provincial Recreation Area is open allyear. A small campground is right near the shore so you canenjoy ice fishing in the winter and waterskiing in the summer.Good fishing, in close proximity to Waterton Lakes National Parkwith easy access to the reservoir including a boat ramp and adock, make this a popular campsite. Remember to clean, drainand dry your boat to prevent the spread of aquatic invasivespecies.

Environmental Education and outdoor Recreation Programs– Join an Alberta Parks educator for Grade K – 12, Wetland,Forest, Grassland and Winter Ecology Field Studies based in andaround Beauvais Lake Provincial Park spring, summer, fall andwinter. Seasonal outdoor recreation programs are also available(snowshoeing, hiking, etc). Classrooms from all parts of the worldcan video conference with our education staff about TheNorthern Leopard Frog, Prairie Grasslands and even take aremote tour of Writing-on-Stone or Dinosaur Provincial Park!Call 1 403 627-1152 for more information and to book yourprogram!


Spring Festival at Castle Mountain Resort (Early April): Celebrate the arrival of spring with the last weekend of the skiseason. Live music, family events and the famous slush pit are afew of the outdoor fun activities at the annual Spring Festival. www.skicastle.ca

Waterton Wildflower Festival (Mid June): Step into a wildflower wonderland, a veritable bouquet ofwildflowers. A 9 day event with over 80 workshops. Over 1000plants species, 175 rare species, and 20 so rare they are onlyfound in Waterton Park. www.watertonwildflowers.com

Pioneer Farmers Market (Mid June to first Friday in October): Every Friday from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm you can purchase local

baked goods, fruit, arts and crafts, locally-grown vegetables andmuch more.

Heritage Acres Chuckwagon Cookout (Late June): Step back in time and enjoy a meal served off the back of aChuckwagon. Stay for coffee, listen to the music, have a dance ora sing-a-long or just sit back and enjoy talking of days gone by.www.heritageacres.org

Ranchers Rodeo (Late June): Local ranchers compete in a friendly competition of animalwelfare, every day on the range activities a few events just forlaughs. Wild cow milking is a must see! Real cowboys showingoff their hard earned skills. www.pinchercreekagsociety.ca

Canada day at Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village (July 1): This family oriented event features activities for kids, music, food,and free admission to the museum grounds.www.kootenaibrown.org

Twin Butte Soul Festival (First Weekend in July): A weekend of music, live bands and fun at the Twin Butte GeneralStore. Camping is availablewww.twinbuttestore.ca/soulfest

Heritage Acres Annual Show (Late July): A fun and eventful 3-day weekend featuring horses, vintagetractors and antique cars and trucks, a tractor pull, many openexhibits, field and sawmill demonstrations, children's games, live

Photo courtesy of Greg Cowan

Annual

EVENTS


entertainment, great food, vendors, craft demonstrations, a quiltshow, musical theatre, a barn dance, horse drawn wagon rides,Cowboy Church, camping on-site and much more.www.heritageacres.org

Piikani Pow Wow and Rodeo (Late July): A huge pow wow, rodeo events, and a merchant mall arefeatured at Brocket's annual Pow Wow and Rodeo.www.piikanination.com

drumming and dancing on the Plaza (Late July): Just one of several events held at Head Smashed In Buffalo Jumpevery year, this one features spectacular drumming, dancing, andsinging demonstrations with some of the best First Nationsdancers in western Canada.www.head-smashed-in.com

Pincher Creek Pro Rodeo andParade (Third Weekend inAugust): Starting with the annual PincherCreek Parade, this 3-day weekendfeatures many rodeo events,cabaret, Cowboys, RodeoPrincesses and Queens, livestock,food, fun, and a fair. www.pinchercreekagsociety.com

Huckleberry Festival (Late August): Castle Mountain Resort echoes with live entertainment, craftmerchants, vendors, and of course huckleberry picking duringthis classic summer event. Come for the berries, stay for the fun! www.skicastle.ca

lundbreck Corn Festival (Late August): Celebrate harvest with a local parade, pancake breakfast, kidsactivities & annual Pig Roast.

Moonshadow Run (Mid September): Join runners and walkers of all ages and abilities under the lightof the full moon. 2.5K, 5K & 10Kwww.moonshadowrun.ca

Harvest Festival (Late September): Celebrate the annual Harvest in our agriculture community.Many events throughout the community. www.pinchercreek.ca

Countdown to Christmas & Parade of lights (Mid November): An evening parade, carollers, late night shopping, andappearances by Santa Claus ushers in the Christmas season everyyear. Local markets, crafts and shopping. www.pincher-creek.com

Community Carol Festival (2nd Sunday December): An evening of holiday songs by local groups at the CommunityHall.


The Town of Pincher Creek is the Wind Capital of Canada andhome to the first windfarm in Canada in 1993. Nestled againstthe Rockies, Pincher Creek enjoys warm Chinook winds thatcompress and collect energy as they rush down the easternslopes. As the need for alternative energy resources intensifies,Pincher Creek has taken on a leading role in the rapidly growingwind power industry. The area offers the wind energy industrythe ideal geographical area for the development in alternative,renewable energy technology. The Lethbridge College only an hour from Pincher Creek is hometo the International Wind Academy and the only post-secondaryinstitution in Canada with a certified BZEE wind turbine program.

Pincher Creek’s roots in the energy sector began with oil and gasin 1957 when Shell Canada discovered rich sour natural gas westof Pincher Creek and constructed a plant to process it. Today, theShell Canada Waterton Gas Complex processes more than 5.5million cubic meters of raw gas each day.

The Pincher Creek community has a long history of farming andranching in the extremely fertile vast landscape that surroundsthe Town. Agriculture remains the heart of the economy andculture. The warm sunny climate and irrigation produce adiversified crop base, which in turn provides feed for livestockand raw materials for food processing industries and exportmarkets. With more than 2000 farms and ranches in the area,Pincher Creek farmers and ranchers make a tremendouscontribution to the overall Canadian agriculture industry.

From crops to cattle, Pincher Creek farmers and ranchers are adiverse group of rural entrepreneurs who have adopted a pro-active approach to the agri-business industry. This approachembraces the desire to build a sustainable future whilemaintaining the traditional values of rural lifestyle.

With the advent of renewable energy technologies, and theregions enviable location and geography Pincher Creek remainswell positioned for the future development.


Energizingforthe

FUTURE


Located in and operated by the MD of Pincher Creek the airportis located 3 km west of the Town of Pincher Creek. The PincherCreek airport boasts a refurbished terminal including a pilotslounge. Navgas & jet fuel can be purchased onsite and overnightindoor storage can be arranged. A 2011m or 6597 foot longunmanned asphalt airstrip in unique to a community this size.

Services are available from Pincher Creek Aviation Services Inc.403-627-4173

Cowley Airfield CYYM

Located 10 km north of the Village of Cowley this facility has along history of being the wave flying capital of Canada. TheAlberta Soaring Council operated the airfield and adjoiningcampground. www.soaring.ab.ca

Cowley Airfield. Photo courtesy of Mill Canyon Photography

PINCHER CREEK AIRPORTNotam File CZPC

Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village is aheritage site that also houses the VisitorInformation Center for the Pincher Creekarea. Located creek-side in downtownPincher Creek, 24 heritage buildings datingfrom 1878 to 1939 dot six acres of lovinglytended award-winning gardens. Thousandsof artifacts from the pioneer past fill thesebuildings in a uniquely accessible display.Self guided tours offer a close-up view andan authentic frontier experience. A Car

garage awaits vintage car buffs.Educational and group programs are alsoavailable. Curator and author Farley Wuthis the local historical expert, and is availablefor tour and consultation bookings.

Under the direction of the Pincher Creekand district Historical Society the villagehas evolved considerably over the last fewyears, with "new" historical buildings andexhibits, a community garden, general



VILLAGE

KootenaiBrownPIONEER


store and dramatically revamped displays, offering visitors agenuine experience.

Pioneer Place, a large community-built log building, is thegateway to this entrancing locale. Here you will find a gift shopwith a wide selection of Canadian made goods that range frommoccasins, candles, puzzles, postcards, and artworks. There is alarge selection of local history books and books by local authorsfor sale. Pioneer Place also contains the historical archives, acataloguing area, administration offices, and the VisitorInformation Centre. Maps, brochures and travel assistance arealways available.

403-627-3684www.kootenaibrown.org

Pincher Creek was named in 1874 by a patrol of the NorthwestMounted Police who were surprised to find a pair of pincers, acommon farrier’s tool, in the creek bottom. The rustingimplement had been lost on the rocky creek bank six years earlierby American prospectors who camped here while on the way tothe gold fields in British Columbia. Several of these individualsreturned to the Pincher Creek area as early pioneers. In 1878, theMounties established a breeding ranch at Pincher Creek to supplythe cavalry-inspired Force with sturdy remounts. Horse raisingand equestrian training has continued here ever since, with theprofessional rodeo drawing enthusiasts from cattle ranches,Hutterite colonies, and the neighbouring Piikani Reserve everyAugust.

Twin Butte was named in the early 1900s through the effortsof area pioneer Tillie Mitchell. Two small hills similar in size andshape overlook Yarrow Creek, serving as visible icons to hamletresidents and travellers coming through the area. More thanforty-three extended ranching families settled in the areabetween 1885 and the First World War. The Twin Butte SchoolNo. 988 operated for over half a century from 1904 to 1958.Located on a well used trail and subsequent highway betweenPincher Creek and Waterton Lakes, Twin Butte became, andcontinues to be, a stopping point for travellers. The Twin ButteCommunity Hall was constructed in 1936 and is still the site ofmany community events today.

Cowley has had a long ranching heritage which originatedlong before the establishment of the Village itself. The South ForkRanch was operated by Frederick W. Godsal from 1883 to 1917and covered close to 20,000 acres. In the 1880s and 1890s thisdistrict was home to many French ranchers and homesteaders,becoming informally known as French Flats. The CrowsnestBranch of the C.P.R. was constructed in 1897-98. Cowley becameits eighth siding and quickly flourished as a marketing centre forthe local livestock and farming industries. Two massive grainelevators dominated the skyline. Four livery stables, two hotels,and a general store came with the boom. The settlement wasincorporated as a Village in 1906 and a Cowley Board of Tradewas organized in the autumn of 1910.

Beaver Mines was home to ranchers and homesteaders as earlyas the 1890s. The area’s coal mining potential was recognized by

geologists back in the 1880s. Mining development started asearly as 1907. During the height of production prior to the FirstWorld War, 164 men were employed in the mines. A lack of accessto markets was corrected with the 1912 completion of theKootenay and Alberta Railway. It linked Beaver Mines with theC.P.R. one mile west of Pincher City and featured two woodenrailway trestles at Lang’s Coulee and Mountain Mill. Followingthe decline of the coal mining industry, the community returnedto its ranching and farming roots.

Highway 22 is known for its breathtaking scenery. It isstrategically nestled between the majestic Rocky Mountains andthe rustic Porcupine Hills to the east. The route south fromLongview to Lundbreck provides eye-catching vistas of the snowcovered mountains to the west. Northwest through theLivingstone Gap one can catch a glimpse of Tornado Mountain.The Porcupines are known for their back routes through theranching countryside. Early explorers used the area as a travelroute across this portion of the Canadian Prairies. Fur trader PeterFidler traveled as far south as the Livingstone Gap in 1792.Members of the Palliser Expedition came through the districtfrom 1857 to 1860 to assess its agricultural potential. Theynamed such geographic features as the Livingstone Range andCastle Mountain to the south. Cattle ranching has thrived as theprimary industry along Highway 22. The Waldron Ranche wasestablished in 1883 and has been a grazing co-op since 1962.

Lundbreck’s economic history has connections with both theranching and coal mining industries. The area’s first ranch, datingfrom 1879, was the 40,000 acre Garnett Bros. spread between theMiddle and South Forks of the Oldman River that extended as farwest as the Crowsnest Pass. Four years later, half of it waspurchased by F. W. Godsal. During the 1910s, the Doukhoborcommunity established a series of farms in the Lundbreck area.Two coal mines dated back to the 1880s, one being establishedjust north of the Middle Fork by local pioneer Mart Holloway. Thesecond, the Galbraithe Coal Mine, also operated during the 1880sand re-opened in 1904 following the establishment ofLundbreck’s C.P.R. siding. Yet the best remembered coal minewas one established in the early 1900s by Mess. Breckenridge andLund, credited with the naming of Lundbreck



Excerpted from the writings of Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village Curator Farley S. Wuth

HISTORICALLYSpeaking


Pincher Creek is the perfect service center for your adventure, with your base here thereare numerous places to explore in our fabulous neighborhood!

Castle Mountain Resort: in only 40 minutes from our Town Center you can be whiskingyour way up one of the chair lifts at our local Ski Resort. Surface lifts for beginners todie hard terrain for the advanced skier and rider there is something for everyone atCastle. Powder Stagecoach Cat Skiing offers a unique powder thrill for adventureseekers.

Frank Slide Interpretive Centre, commemorating Canada’s deadliest rockslide, is 25minutes away. The Interpretive Centre highlights the rich heritage of the CrowsnestPass amid the breathtaking beauty of the Canadian Rockies. The Centre is open all yearand visitors will be greeted by friendly, knowledgeable staff who will share thefascinating stories of the Frank Slide through dynamic interpretive programs andpresentations.

The great Canadian Barn dance will have you immersed in Southern Alberta’s Westernculture from the moment you arrive. In 35 minutes you can be enjoying a countrycooked dinner, live stage show and then kicking up your heels to the sounds of thehouse band.

Head Smashed In Buffalo jump: Discover one of the world's oldest, largest, and bestpreserved buffalo jumps. The Jump bears witness to a method of hunting practiced bynative people of the North American plains for nearly 6,000 years. The UNESCO heritagesite designation places it among other world heritage monuments such as the Egyptianpyramids, Stonehenge and the Galapagos Islands.

Heritage Acres is Alberta's largest independent Agricultural Museum and is home toan extensive collection of pioneer and farm related artifacts. Only 10 minutes fromPincher Creek, ensure you give yourself lots of time to enjoy all that the site has to offer,snacks, beverages and Ice cream are available in the gift shop or bring along your ownpicnic lunch, tables and park benches are located throughout the site so plan to makeit a full day outing.

Pincher Creek is the gateway and service center for Waterton National Park which isonly a gorgeously scenic 40 minutes away. Clear lakes, thundering waterfalls, rainbow-colored streams, colorful rocks and rocky mountain vistas await hikers and sightseers.An exceptional diversity of wildlife and wildflowers and a cozy little waterfront town,Waterton packs a big natural punch into a relatively small and accessible area.

Inthe

NEIGHBORHOODPhoto courtesy of Mill Canyon Photography

Documents

658 - Pincher Creek Guide.small.pdfSafety & Emergencies The 911emergency system is in place in Pincher Creek to assist with police, medical or fire emergencies. The local RCMPdetachment