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Fort Macleod

During the summer of 1978, Alberta Culture - Historic Sites Service conducted an inventory of Fort Macleod's pre-1925 buildings. Four hundred structures were recorded. In particular, the department regarded the downtown core as having a good stock of brick and sandstone structures with a high percentage of original fabric intact in several commercial buildings.

During the winter of 1980-81 Gateway Consultants of Calgary conducted a study of the old commercial core. They produced a working concept document which addressed the issue of designating that portion of the downtown as a Provincial Historic Area under the Alberta Historical Resources Act. A committee was formed comprised of representatives of the Municipal and Provincial Governments, the town business community, the regional planning commission and the Alberta Historical Resources Foundation. Their mandate was to examine ways and means of revising and implementing the Historic Area concept plan.

A series of public meetings was conducted during the autumn and winter of 1981-82 and ultimately in March '82, the town council moved that the plan be adopted and submitted to the Alberta Legislature as an Order-in-Council. The plan was ratified, a Historic Area created, design guidelines implemented for buildings within the area, and a revolving fund set up to provide seed money for building revitalization. The Heritage Canada Main Street Program then provided their experience from other Canadian communities in working with small town revitalization.

Fort Macleod is a vibrant community of 3,000, located within breathtaking sight of the Canadian Rockies. This town is a magnet for those who are seeking a relaxed rural life style, proximity to the Rocky Mountains, a strong sense of community, access to high speed internet and a short drive to Western Canada's corporate capital, Calgary. And of course, it's only an hour drive to the scenic wonders of the Rocky Mountains!

The town boasts the best weather of the Prairie Provinces, including the highest number of sunlight hours in Canada. The Chinook conditions provide mild winters and cooling breezes in the summer. Whether you are coming for a visit, reading about our history, contacting a town official, reviewing a town by-law, considering the advantages of locating your business in this family-friendly community or just surfing on in, you are welcome.

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