Year-round fun at The Fort

“May The Fort be with you,” or “The Fort is strong in this one.” You can crack all the Star Wars quips about Fort Saskatchewan, but this lively, fun-loving prairie town just northeast of Edmonton is a world of its own, and one of the best places to call home in whatever galaxy.

Founded on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River from where this growing city derives its name, The Fort – as it is lovingly called today – is home to more than 28,000 people. It is a vibrant economic and cultural hub located in Treaty 6 Territory and Métis Nation of Alberta Region 4, just 15 minutes northeast of Edmonton.

If you can imagine growing up in a riverside town, with all the endless recreational activities it offers, then you have a good idea what life in Fort Saskatchewan is like.

Like many of the communities ringing Edmonton, Fort Saskatchewan is attracting many new homebuyers because of the relative affordability of homes here. Its small-town nature, and growing list of big city amenities are also a big part of why many are choosing to call this growing city home.

According to provincial statistics, Fort Saskatchewan had a population of 28,045 in 2022, the 17th highest in the province. It adds that the population of Fort Saskatchewan increased 1.43 percent year-over-year and increased 8.39 percent in the last five years.

Despite the growth, there is a quaint, relaxed lifestyle that can be found here, but there is also an electric liveliness that residents also get to enjoy. The historic Shell Theatre in the downtown provides the setting for exciting live performances, the thriving Chamber of Commerce Farmers’ Market in the summer months attracts visitors from far and wide, and the Fort Heritage Precinct celebrates the pioneer city’s distinct culture and history.

Progress is evident everywhere in the city, most especially in the new communities that are being developed providing a wide array of housing options. Qualico Communities Edmonton are developing Forest Ridge and Sienna, while Landrex offer Windsor Pointe and WestPark.

A big part of that growth can be seen in the dynamic community of SouthPointe by MLC Group. Located on the southeast part of the city, Southpointe has been in development for the past 20 years and continues to grow with two brand new phases released this year.

SouthPointe, in fact, offers some of the most diverse new home opportunities in the city including townhomes, and front and rear drive single family homes. It has been very busy though, and one of the builders here, Akash Homes, says they are all but sold out in that community.

“We just have one unit left which we’re hoping to turn over here in the coming weeks,” Akash Homes Sales Manager, Jacq Lakusta tells Edmonton New Home + Condo Guide.

“With spring on the horizon, there’s urgency in the current market and these outlier areas of the Edmonton are going to look more attractive to buyers as pricing tends to be a bit lower outside the big city,” she adds.
“That said, we are now selling duplexes over in Forest Ridge of Westpark, so we’ll be heavily focusing efforts there to round out that part of the Fort!”

But why will people want to live in Fort Saskatchewan? Well, for one thing, there is no shortage of amenities, including boutique shops, delicious diners and various points of interests that make it a great place to live.
It is indeed a four-season outdoor fun city and in the deepest of winter offers some of the most active lifestyle opportunities around. Fort Saskatchewan’s river valley trail system spans 19 kilometres and includes hard trails perfect for cycling, walking, or jogging.

Fort Saskatchewan has a further 14 kilometres of cross-country ski trails groomed and track-set along the River Valley. It is operated by the non-profit Fort Saskatchewan Nordic Ski Club and includes classic tracks and skating lanes, groomed and track-set on City property by club volunteers using club equipment.

The FSNSC says it is more than just a ski club and offers a range of activities throughout the year, including skiing, biking, hiking, adult fitness, potlucks, and more.

In the warmer months, those who call The Fort home go exploring the North Saskatchewan River Valley that runs through the west side of town. The river valley is a major source of pride in the community, and the City website says that a 2017 survey of more than 2,300 residents reveals that the river valley trails ranked second as what part of Fort Saskatchewan respondents were most proud of. A close-knit, friendly community was first!

Fort Saskatchewan has also gained renown for the flock of sheep they use to keep the grass trim for more than 30 years. From June to September, the sheep are busy mowing the grass around the Fort Heritage Precinct.

At the heart of Fort Saskatchewan’s recreation and culture is the Dow Centennial Centre (DCC), a multi-use facility that includes an ice arena, gymnasium, fieldhouse, indoor track, and fitness centre. The facility, which opened in September 2004, also features a 550-seat performing arts theatre, a permanent art gallery with monthly shows, a banquet hall, and the local Pottery Guild.

The city also has two other indoor ice arenas the Jubilee Recreation Centre and the Sportsplex that are used during the winter months by hockey, ringette, and figure skating associations. In the summer months, the lacrosse association uses them. Fort Saskatchewan also has the Harbour Pool, which is an indoor swimming pool that includes a hot tub, sauna and slide.

Over 30 kilometres of paved trails meander through the city’s dozen parks, including Legacy Park, which is the city’s main gathering place and hosts festivals in the summer.