Photos courtesy of Margaret Hiller, Sherry Christensen, Chuck Hutchinson and MD of Wainwright
206 km from Edmonton
Agriculture, oil & gas, and Canadian Forces Base
Approximately 6,270 residents
Kindergarten to grade 12, and nearby post-secondary
As the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway made its way across the prairies in 1907, it was met with the challenge of crossing the Battle River Valley. The train trestle bridge, just northwest of Wainwright, was first used in January 1909 and remains the second largest train trestle bridge in Canada, behind the Lethbridge Viaduct. There’s a rest area and lookout site overlooking the verdant valley surrounding the trestle where you can enjoy the view and, if you time it right, watch the trains cross the bridge. It’s a terrific spot for pictures and is frequented by local photographers for the beautiful landscape or as a made-in-Alberta backdrop for family photos and wedding portraits.
The Town of Wainwright is located southeast of Edmonton, and only 69 kilometres west of the Alberta-Saskatchewan border. Highway 41, once known as Buffalo Trail, runs north to south east of the community. Residents embrace the town’s relaxed, rural lifestyle. Surrounded by farmland, and with three lakeside campgrounds within a short drive, Wainwright provides an excellent quality of life in a friendly, unhurried environment.
You will find all the essential services and amenities for modern living here. The community has three active school divisions, as well as, French education and an outreach centre. Adult learners can take courses through the community’s continued education or at the nearby campuses for Lakeland College in Vermilion or Lloydminster. The area is also known for the local Wainwright Canadian Forces base and Canadian Manoeuvre Training Centre, with active chapters of the Sea and Army Cadets for youth.
There are plenty of recreational options at the local facilities. The Wainwright and District Communiplex houses a swimming pool, fitness centre, racquet ball courts, and dance studio, while the Peace Memorial Multiplex offers two NHL-sized rinks, an indoor walking and running track, as well as a children’s play area. The local golf club features 18 holes and in town there are plentiful parks and playgrounds, as well as spaces for sports like soccer, tennis, football, and baseball.
Many people take advantage of the proximity of nearby recreational areas like Arm Lake, Clear Lake, Fabyan Campsite and Riverdale Mini-Park for activities like picnics, camping, paddling, or fishing. For something different, take a SCUBA diving course and dive the underwater park at Clear Lake.
Wainwright is known for its rodeo – the third largest in Canada. In addition to the bucking broncos and chuckwagon races, there’s a midway, pop-up shops, and delicious treats to enjoy. Don’t miss the music festival, arts festival, scarecrow festival or Taste of Wainwright. There are two active theatre groups and options to participate in Scouts, Girl Guides, 4-H, gardening clubs, or church groups. Whether you and your family are interested in sports, dance, art, or drama, there’s something in Wainwright for you!
To learn more about the community of Wainwright, visit the town’s website or municipality’s website.
The Wainwright Health Centre provides a full range of healthcare services to the people of Wainwright and the surrounding area, including the nearby military base. Military exercises can bring in hundreds of extra troops periodically throughout the year and may require additional assistance from healthcare staff. The centre features 21 acute care beds, 58 long term care beds, and four beds in the maternity unit, as well as 24-hour emergency services.
The highly collaborative team incorporates professionals that encompass diagnostic imaging, laboratory services, obstetric care, a stroke centre, rehabilitation services, and pharmacy. The family atmosphere of the community and the small hospital allows colleagues to develop strong interpersonal relationships that enhance end-to-end patient care and make for a pleasant working environment.
Healthcare professionals can expect to work to a wide scope within their professional practice and will find it easy to coordinate care between different disciplines at the facility. There’s a broad patient mix, from maternity and obstetric patients, through pediatric, adults, and seniors.
The Spirit Committee plans events throughout the year, including an annual barbecue and Christmas party. Staff routinely gather at work for an informal coffee or birthday cake and meet outside work for potlucks, paint parties, or cupcake decorating. The public “Shout Out Board” is a great opportunity to share kudos and express appreciation for each other’s work.
AHS offers frequent opportunities for development and there is a variety of relevant courses available throughout the year. Recent courses covered topics such as back safety during patient moves and handling dangerous materials or situations safely. Employees can access training year-round to support their personal and professional development either in-person, online, or a combination of the two.
