What’s not to love about a city that uses sheep as lawnmowers?!?

The City of Fort Saskatchewan is located 25 km northeast of the City of Edmonton, part of the CMA (census metropolitan area) and the Edmonton Metropolitan Region Board. Fort Saskatchewan plays a critical role in Alberta’s Industrial Heartland and the economy of the province – it is a major hub for petrochemical production.

Fort Saskatchewan is its own municipality, with its own government – it is not part of Strathcona County but it is bordered by it on all sides, other than the river. Once you head west across the river, you’re into Sturgeon County , important regional partners in the Industrial Heartland.

The Fort is home to about 25,000 people, smaller than Sherwood Park’s 70-some thousand, but it is much older than Sherwood Park. The establishment of Fort Saskatchewan in 1875 by the North West Mounted Police, and the expansion of the railway enabled much of the eventual development of the region. It has a colourful past, history enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the city, its historic downtown and the Fort Heritage Precinct.

Fort Saskatchewan Water Tower

The Water Tower

One of Fort Saskatchewan’s most recognizable landmarks is the water tower that has stood on that spot for over 60 years. It was built in 1957, the murals were done in 1985, when Fort Saskatchewan was incorporated as a city.

It is a working water tower, containing 250,000 gallons of water that provides water pressure to the residents of Fort Saskatchewan. Tanks underneath the structure hold emergency stores of water for the city. There are rumors that the tower will be preserved as a historic site if it is ever retired.

A sheep named Auggie…

In 1992, the City of Fort Saskatchewan decided to hire sheep to mow their lawns. This brilliant idea has led to international acclaim for its success. The city’s sheep have become a great tourist draw and a beloved part of the community. Annually, there is a “Welcome Back Celebration”, “Sheep Week” and a “Sheep Leaving Parade”. The wooly lawnmowers welcome visitors in the summer on weekends (check the City’s website for details). Fort Saskatchewan’s mascot is a sheep named Auggie – he has his own account on X (formerly Twitter) – @AuggieFtSk – and attends many local events.

Fort Saskatchewan Train Station

History

From the Indigenous people who called this place “Birch Hills” to the fur traders that showed up in the late 1700’s…onto the North West Mounted Police that set up the fort here. Flash forward to the railway in 1905, the jail in 1912, nickel mines in the 1950’s and onward to natural gas and oil refineries. If you enjoy history, then you will enjoy exploring Fort Saskatchewan.

The River Valley

One of our favourite things about the Fort is the fantastic river valley. Much of the city immediately borders the river & some of the views are awesome. Fort Saskatchewan has done well, building over 73 km of trails, mostly paved, linking all parts of the city. The trails in the park system are well marked and easy to navigate. The trail system is awesome already, but as a member of the River Valley Alliance, the city is working with other regional municipalities to grow the connectivity through Edmonton. The Capital Region River Valley Park currently covers an impressive 18,000 acres and 88 km through the North Saskatchewan River Valley.

Fort Saskatchewan River Valley

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