Just over 30 kilometres north of Edmonton lies the town of Morinville, Alberta. The 11 square kilometres that comprise the town are inhabited by almost 8600 residents. The 36 minute drive time to the city makes Morinville a desirable location due to this proximity, yet distance from larger centres. In the near vicinity are Namao, Bon Accord, Gibbons, and Legal.
Current Day Jean Baptiste Parish. Image Credit WinterforceMedia
By the late 1800’s French settlements had begun to arise in the area led by Father Morin, the town’s namesake. Following this influx, a large group of German pioneers arrived, contributing heavily to the town’s unique French and German heritage. Many family lineages still exist today with prominent names such as Riopel, Labonté, St. Laurent, Maisonneuve, Bokenfohr, Krauskopf, Rustemier, and Meyers. The settlement became official in 1894 upon the opening of its first post office, and shortly after in 1907 the St. Jean Baptiste parish was built.
Main Street Morinville in 1910. Image Credit: Morinville Museum
Always an economic frontrunner, Morinville opened one of the first Royal Bank locations (1910) and a credit union (1940) as well as the original location of Champion Pet Foods (now a world-wide exporter). Presently Morinville is home to many chain and locally run businesses, as well as 18 restaurants, salons and spas, veterinarian clinics, art and music supplies, auto shops, and every other amenity a resident could have need for.
Aerial View of a Morinville Street. Image Credit: Morinville News
The cultural diversity of Morinville’s residents creates interesting and exciting community events. With a highly bilingual population (French/English) even the Catholic church hosts an exclusively French mass on Sundays. There are festivals and events year round expressing a variety of cultural facets including a Jean Baptiste festival, the “In Our Community” Fair, Oktoberfest, and many more.
Here is a promo video for this years Saint Jean Baptiste Festival:
Due to the rural nature of Morinville, the area lends itself particularly well to recreational and outdoor activities. Along with extensive walking and running trails, the city has set up many clubs designed to specifically motivate and encourage recreation in a supportive and social environment. Additionally there is a trout pond, splash park, skateboard park, hockey arena, a curling rink, as well as new outdoor fitness areas.
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Tags: Alberta Bilingual Community festival French Historic Jean Baptiste Morinville Recreation Spray Park walking trails