Overview > History > Native history > Location
The Village of Empress sits on an elevated flat plain between the Red Deer River and the South Saskatchewan River, approximately three miles from their junction.
The low altitude has produced a very warm climate and Empress very often matches or surpasses the " hot spot " of Canada.The semi-arid countryside lends itself to ranching and wheat farming and is home to deer, antelope, Canada goose, the pear cactus, ball cactus, and its delicious cactus berries.
Empress serves as a center to the surrounding farming and ranching community of 1,500 people. It has been a focal point for many activities in the area. It is also at the geographical center of many large cities in Western Canada: Edmonton, Calgary, Saskatoon and Regina.
Good asphalt highways provide easy accessibility. Highway 41 runs from Southern Alberta (Medicine Hat) to Northern Alberta (Edmonton). Highway 9 and 555 intersect with Highway 41 to provide access to the fore mentioned cities. Empress is also equidistant to Vancouver and Winnipeg.
A paved unlicensed landing strip equipped with lights and search beacon affords access by air. Locals use the airstrip and visitors alike as well as providing access to health care facilities.
A council of three, a Mayor, Deputy Mayor and a Councilor, who are elected to office every three years, run the Village. Council meetings are held the third Thursday of each month at 7:30pm in the Village of Empress Office.
The Village Office is open Tuesday - Friday 9:00 - 12:00 & 1:00 - 4:30. A Village Foreman maintains our Village to our excellent standards and a part time person is hired during the summer months to help with grass cutting and general maintenance.
Empress main streets and many side streets are paved. We have sidewalks and street lights on all blocks in the Village, which makes a stroll downtown, or anywhere easy and comfortable.
Empress has a unique history. Built as a railroad town, Empress was destined to be the Hub of the West. Situated on the forks of two large rivers, Empress is also central to major cities in the west.
Empress began in 1914. Canadian Pacific Railroad named Empress in honor of Queen Victoria, Empress to India.
The Village of Empress and surrounding area has an amazing Native Canadian history. TeePee rings Buffalo jumps an Effigy and a Medicine Wheel can be found nearby.
Before the explorers, and before the settlers came to Alberta, the Empress area was alive with Native culture and daily life.
Come and have a look.
Photos Courtesy of Aaron and Lori Steinley
Knarls and Knots
Location
Empress is on the Alberta side of the Saskatchewan Alberta border. Take Highway 41 north from Medicine Hat, approximately 130 km from the Trans Canada Highway # 1. Highway 41 is a very nice, well maintained route, with awesome scenery along the way to Empress.
Empress is also easily accessible from highway 9 at Oyen. If you are traveling from Saskatoon to Calgary, we are not far off. Make the trip down highway 41 to Empress it's well worth it.
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