Village of Beiseker

HISTORY

VILLAGE OF BEISEKER: CROSSROADS TO THE FUTURE

A PROUD HERITAGE

Lying in a belt of rich black soil, Beiseker was developed as an agricultural service centre. It was founded in the early 1900's by the Calgary Colonization Company, whose purpose was to promote settlement by demonstrating the grain growing potential of the area. The Village name comes from Thomas Beiseker, one of the partners of the Company. Initial colonization took place in 1908, when the company recruited a number of German settlers from the Great Plains of the Dakotas to develop the region as an agricultural service centre.

When a branch line of the Canadian Pacific Railway was completed in 1910, the Village began to grow. In 1912, The Canadian National Railway line was constructed to the east of the central business district and telephone service was also made available that same year. With the construction and intersection of Highways 9, 72 and 806 at the northeast edge of the Village, Beiseker came to have a very favourable location in terms of road and rail access. Since it is located almost equidistant from Calgary and Drumheller, Beiseker began to emerge as a local service and trade centre for the surrounding rural agricultural area. Village status was achieved in 1921, with a population of 183.

Electricity came to Beiseker in 1928, while water and sewer services became available in 1953 and natural gas in 1959.

Encompassing an area of 640 acres, the Village of Beiseker has maintained solid and steady growth. Beiseker's current population of 830, indicates that this growth will continue well into the future.

With increasing urbanization, Beiseker's role in the region has been changing from that of an agricultural service centre to a balanced urban economy. Present commercial and industrial establishments within Beiseker provide a variety of essential services, and many secondary businesses are being established. The community is endeavoring to increase its portion of professional and social services, and to balance further residential growth with industrial and commercial development. The community welcomes the addition of new retail business and any other commercial and industrial ventures.

The Village of Beiseker exemplifies the progressive nature of small-town Alberta. Its strong community spirit is reflected in the policies the Council formulated to guide growth and development within the Village. These policies are directed towards a balance of residential growth and commercial and industrial development.

There are a variety of annual community events in Beiseker such as the Beiseker Country Fair. The Country Fair is organized by the local Lion's Club and includes a parade, children's games and a 4-H show. Beiseker also offers a Christmas Farmer's Market in November/December. This market provides an opportunity for people to see what goods local farmers, crafters and other businesses have to offer. It also serves as a meeting place for those who just want to have a coffee and a visit with their neighbors.