Redcliff, Alberta

Infobox Settlement
official_name = Town of Redcliff
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settlement_type = Town
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dot_mapsize = 200px
dot_map_caption = Location of Redcliff in Alberta
dot_x =135 |dot_y =232
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subdivision_type = Country
subdivision_name = CAN
subdivision_type1 = Province
subdivision_name1 = AB
subdivision_type2 = Region
subdivision_name2 = Southern Alberta
subdivision_type3 = Census division
subdivision_name3 = 1
subdivision_type4 = County
subdivision_name4 = Cypress
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government_type =
leader_title = Mayor
leader_name = Rob Hazelaar
leader_title1 = Governing body
leader_name1 = Redcliff Town Council
leader_title2 = MP
leader_name2 = Monte Solberg (Cons-Medicine Hat)
leader_title3 = MLA
leader_name3 = Leonard Mitzel (PC-Cypress-Medicine Hat)
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established_title = Incorporated
established_date = 1906
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area_total_km2 = 10.51
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population_as_of = 2006
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population_total = 5,096
population_density_km2 = 485.1
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timezone = MST
utc_offset = -7
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latd=50 |latm=04 |lats=45 |latNS=N
longd=110 |longm=46 |longs=42 |longEW=W
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elevation_m = 752
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postal_code_type = Postal code span
postal_code = T1C
area_code = +1-403
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website = [http://www.town.redcliff.ab.ca/ Town of Redcliff]
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Redcliff is a town enclaved within Cypress County, southern Alberta, Canada, immediately northwest of Medicine Hat (the largest city enclaved within the county). The town stands on the banks of the South Saskatchewan River and is bisected by Highway 1 (the Trans-Canada Highway). Relative to the surrounding landscape the Town is sited at a high elevation. Stunning views of the South Saskatchewan River valley, the City of Medicine Hat, and the Cypress Hills are available in many parts of the Town. The high cliffs that the Town is sited on resemble badland landforms with significant erosion.

Origins

Redcliff has a rich history which began in the 1880s with the discovery of abundant coal and natural gas reserves. Easy access to this inexpensive resource led to Redcliff being promoted as the "Smokeless Pittsburgh of the West". This drew industries that produced such diverse products as shoes, gloves, cigars, trucks, bricks, glass, flour and more. A cyclone that ravaged several of these businesses started the decline, and the war and a flu epidemic ended the prosperity. Following World War II, the community again experienced steady growth.

The name of the town originates in the elevated red shale banks of the South Saskatchewan River.

Demographics

The town had a population of 4,372 in 1,618 dwellings, a 6.5% increase from 1996. On a surface of km2 to mi2|10.48|spell=commonwealth|precision=0|wiki=yes it had a density of 417.2 inhabitants per square kilometre (1,080/sq mi). [http://www12.statcan.ca/english/Profil01/CP01/Details/Page.cfm?Lang=E&Geo1=CSD&Code1=4801018&Geo2=PR&Code2=48&Data=Count&SearchText=redcliff&SearchType=Begins&SearchPR=01&B1=All&Custom= Redcliff community profile] - Statistics Canada. 2002. 2001 Community Profiles. Released June 27, 2002. Last modified: 2005-11-30. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 93F0053XIE.]

In 2006, Redcliff had a population of 5,096 living in 1,968 dwellings, a 16.6% increase from 2001. The town has a land area of km2 to mi2|10.51|abbr=yes|wiki=yes and a population density of Pop density km2 to mi2|485.1| spell=UK | abbr=yes.Cite web| url= http://www12.statcan.ca/english/census06/data/profiles/community/Details/Page.cfm?Lang=E&Geo1=CSD&Code1=4801018&Geo2=PR&Code2=48&Data=Count&SearchText=Redcliff&SearchType=Begins&SearchPR=01&B1=All&GeoLevel=&GeoCode=4801018 | title= Redcliff - Community Profile | author= Statistics Canada| authorlink= Statistics Canada| year= Census 2006 | accessdate= 2007-06-12]

Economy

The primary industries that support the local economy relate to oil and gas, and the climate in Southern Alberta.

There are many businesses in and around Redcliff that provide services to the Oil and Natural Gas industries from well drilling to the laying of pipelines.

Due to the quantity of cheap and abundant natural gas reserves plus being known as one of the sunniest places in Canada, a flourishing greenhouse industry has grown-up in and around Redcliff. Greenhouse products include vegetables (sweet bell peppers, beefsteak tomatoes, tomatoes on the vine, and long English cucumbers) and plants, mostly flowers, but including trees.

In the past, Redcliff was known for the production of glass, brick and pottery products. Now these factories have moved to Medicine Hat or vanished. IXL (the brick plant) has moved all Redcliff operations to Medicine Hat.

Recreation

The Town features numerous recreation opportunities. The Aquatic Centre features a heated 25 metre (82 ft) outdoor pool of depths varying from 1–3.6 metres (3–12 ft). Also, the facility includes a heated children's pool with water play structure.

The Redcliff Rectangle is a multipurpose facility which accommodates ice hockey. A curling rink that features 3 sheets of ice is located on the corner of 1st St. SE and Broadway.

The Town has six parks including a convert|3|acre|m2|sing=on area (River Valley Park) adjacent to the South Saskatchewan River. The amenities in this park include a kitchen, washrooms, firepit and walking trails.

Riverview Golf Course is an 18 hole course which is adjacent to the Riverview residential subdivision and the cliffs of the South Saskatchewan River Valley.

The Redcliff campground has capacity for 48 units. Adjacent to the campground is the softball/baseball diamonds. There are 4 in total, each varying in size. A newly(2005) renovated BMX track is located beside the diamonds, and across from the Aquatic Centre.

Education

Redcliff is in the Prairie Rose School District. [ [http://prrd.net/ Prairie School District No. 8] ] There are three schools located within the town serving children from kindergarten to grade 9.

*Isabel F. Cox Elementary School (kindergarten - grade 3)
*Margaret Wooding Elementary School (grades 4-6)
*Parkside Junior High School (grades 7-9)

High school students (grades 10-12) are bused to Eagle Butte High School in Dunmore, or may enter the Medicine Hat School District.

Culture

*Redcliff Museum
*Redcliff Public Library
*Mitchell St. drag racing association
*Slush Crew evening walk group

Contemporary Issues

Broadway Avenue is undergoing a major infrastructure upgrade.

The Town set a new record for the value of permits issued. Over $30 million of permits were issued in 2006.

References

External links

* [http://www.town.redcliff.ab.ca/ Town of Redcliff] (Official webpage)

Geographic Location (8-way)
Centre = Redcliff
North =

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