Fort Saskatchewan

Forest Ridge

Year-round fun at the fort

by PePPer rodriguez

“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.

Lovingly called “The Fort,” Fort Saskatchewan is home to an evergrowing population attracted to its small-town lifestyle with big city amenities.

According to the Alberta provincial website, fort Saskatchewan’s population in 2020 stands at 27,772, the 17th highest in the province. It has grown steadily at a 1.93 per cent clip year-over-year and increased 16. 4 percent in the last five years, making it the 14th fastest-growing municipality in the province.

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.

Forest Ridge in WestPark offers natural green spaces, playgrounds, lush parks and scenic walking paths. While Sienna residents enjoy a peaceful setting complete with parks, trails, a playground and a beautiful pond.

Qualico

In the southwest corner of Fort Saskatchewan lies Windsor Pointe, a unique community where “home” includes the great outdoors. WestPark is Fort Saskatchewan’s most popular family neighbourhood. This master-planned community features premium lifestyle amenities and community appointments that enhance home values and owner satisfaction.

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 has approximately 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!

The river valley’s extensive trail system spans 19 kilometres and includes hard trails perfect for cycling, walking, jogging, or crosscountry skiing.

For shopping, there is the Cornerstone Fort Saskatchewan mall, a 32-acre shopping centre comprising over 380,000 square feet of retail space. Anchor tenants are Wal-Mart, Canadian Tire, Safeway and Staples. Other tenants include Boston Pizza, Mark’s, The Brick, Payless Shoes, Warehouse One, M&M Meats, The Source, Bank of Montreal and many others.

There is much anticipation for Fort Station mall that is expected to revitalize downtown. Located along the main strip in downtown Fort Saskatchewan (99th Avenue) at the intersection of 108th Street, it will have a combination of residential, senior, retail, medical and commercial uses.

In its website, Fort Station Mall says it is “well positioned to support the growing population of Northern Alberta’s primary upgrader community which has among the highest growth rates and highest incomes in the province.”

The Fort also has a long list of diners and restaurants serving all manner of dishes. Popular is the Bear’s Den, the biggest sports bar in the Fort and able to seat 340 people. Their signature The Grizzly burger is made of 9 oz. house made patty and topped with double mozza cheese, onion ring, mushrooms, smoked bacon and peameal bacon with chipotle mayo.

The Fort does offer a lifestyle worth exploring, go to fortsask.ca to find out more.

Fort Saskatchewan Nordic Ski Club Bear’s Den