Broadway in Blackfalds: A Snapshot of Pioneer Life on the Prairies

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Today, Blackfalds Alberta is one of the fastest growing communities in Canada and is in the middle of a population boom. The first time this happened was after the establishment of a railway line to the community in 1891, long before the town's incorporation in 1904. The arrival of the railway brought a swell of settlers, and the community rushed to fill their needs, leading to the rise of hotels, general stores, community centres, and other businesses. This tour, starting on Gregg Street before continuing south down Broadway, pauses at the sites of some of the earliest businesses and community centres that once made up the beating heart of Blackfalds downtown. While many of these businesses and buildings have now disappeared, these historic photos give us a glimpse into the earliest days of Blackfalds as a pioneer prairie community.

Links

• Website onthisspot.ca
• Download App apps.apple.com

Organizer

On This Spot

The On This Spot app takes people on guided walking tours through the history that surrounds them.

At each stop on their journey users will find themselves standing on the spot a historic photo was taken. They can view a then and now photo comparison, use the built in camera to create their own, and read about local history and how it ties into the broader human experience.

Based in Vancouver, On This Spot is working with heritage, tourism, and business organizations across Canada to expand the app's coverage.