Beyond YEG Borders: Beaumont
Within the realm of Leduc County lies the growing community of Beaumont. Just 6 Kilometres south of Edmonton with a population of over 13,000 living in an area of 10 square Kilometres, Beaumont is the 7th fastest growing community in Canada.
St. Vital Parish. Image Credit: Raymond A. Van Der Woning via Flickr
The settlement was originally a french farming community, named for the “beautiful hill” ( beau mont) in the centre of town. To this day, Beaumont retains it’s strong sense of history through re-imagined city centre architecture and original historic structures. The downtown core is meant to resemble a French Village, right down to the red brick walkways. The town was named in 1895, upon petitioning for a post office, and the iconic St. Vital Parish was erected in 1919 on the hill for which the town was named.
Place Chaleureuse. Image Credit: Town of Beaumont
Beaumont is ideally located, with close proximity to Edmonton for access to large city amenities, yet just a stones throw from the Edmonton International Airport, the city of Leduc, and the hamlet of Nisku. The growing town is currently eligible for city status, as it has reached over 10,000 citizens as of 2011 when it’s population amazingly saw an increase of 48% over 6 years.
Rural Beaumont. Image Credit: photographi-ca
Around half the population are commuters, employed by the city of Edmonton but with a desire to live in a smaller community. However there are ever-increasing economic opportunities directly in town. Many large chain stores have franchises in the town, as well a whole host of owner operated and small business have cropped up as the town has expanded.
Amenities include a youth Centre, a library, and a multidude of indoor and outdoor recreational areas. Additionally the town is home to a public health centre, 6 public schools with french immersion programs, and the Beaumont News.
Crowd at the 2014 Blues and Roots Festival. Image credit: bbrf.ca
Beaumont is also home to the Beaumont Blues and Roots Festival, unique for its ALL Canadian Blues lineup, few similar festivals exist in the country so fans of the genre flock to the town every summer to enjoy the festivities.
