OUR COMMUNITY.
Everything your community has to offer, from local history, schools, campground, cemetery, and churches.
Town History
The name "Irricana" is a contraction of the words "irrigation canals" which are found around the area.
Local History
The name dates the town back to the irrigation projects in the area. By 1909, the town had a post office, hotel and store operated by the Irricana Trading Company. Originally incorporated as a village on June 9, 1911, Irricana changed its status to a town 94 years later on June 9, 2005. Irricana celebrated its centennial in 2011. Resources: What's in a Name? Irricana Memories Town Murals 2010 Irricana Centennial books can be found at the Library
Irricana Hotel
Once the hub of Irricana life and one of the only stopping houses between Calgary and Drumheller, the Irricana Hotel was built around 1910. The once three-story building was renovated after a major fire swept through Irricana’s business district around 1928. As prohibition was taking its toll on hotels in general, the top floor was dismantled and materials were recycled to assist in rebuilding the town after the big fire of 1929. Initially, the Irricana Hotel was home to rooms, a tavern, a restaurant and the first telephone exchange in Irricana. Today the hotel’s claim to fame is the wonderful old murals painted on the tavern walls around 1925 by Guy Welsh. The hotel is currently undergoing extensive restoration to bring new life into the hotel, preserving a great piece of history in Irricana.
Old Smokey
Irricana is home to the famous horse sculpture, Old Smokey, thanks to old-time cowboy and Irricana resident Mel Brown. For many years Mel was a calf roper in the Calgary Stampede. His love of the outdoors was apparent and in his declining years, made walking and picking up stray trash in Founders Park part of his daily routine. In earlier times, he was often seen riding his real hose horse, Old Smokey along the railroad tracks between Irricana and the area where Pioneer Acres Museum is now located. In 1991 Mel commissioned artist, Kevan Leycraft to create a replica of his horse which was then fabricated from steel and powder coated in copper coloured baked enamel paint. Mel donated the sculpture to the village where it presently resides in front of the old Hotel, a place Mel enjoyed having a cold drink, and visiting with friends. Old Smokey has become part of Irricana’s historic charm and has been depicted on the Mel Brown Trail signs and the 2011 Centennial logo.
Irricana Masonic Lodge
Irricana Masonic Lodge members met in the Oddfellows Hall in Irricana from 1924 until the building was destroyed by fire on March 17 1928. The Lodge then met in Keoma Hall until October 1928. During the summer of 1928 construction began on the hall in Irricana on lots set aside for the building by the town. The cornerstone of the new Irricana Mason Hall was laid by the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Alberta M.W. Brother Alex Mitchell on August 1st 1928. On October 16th 1928 the first regular meeting of the Mason’s was held in their new lodge when it was dedicated in ancient custom for Masonic purposes. The lodge has outwardly changed very little over the past 80 some years except for the addition of the white posts and ornamental iron gate at its entrance. (These were a gift from Percy Hallam, one of the founding members, in 1938)
Irricana Cemetary
The Irricana Cemetery existed before Irricana became a village in 1911. The “Carbon Trail” between Drumheller, where the coal fields were being established, and Calgary became busier and as folks travelled through, a place for burial became increasingly necessary, so a small patch of bare prairie became the final resting place for travelers and pioneers alike. In the early 1900’s an epidemic of diphtheria took the lives of many local children, some of whose markers can be seen today; however the exact locations of many burials are not known. Irricana incorporated the cemetery into its boundaries by purchasing the property in 1982. The Irricana KIK Seniors erected a monument documenting as many missing names as could be found. For more information on the restoration of the cemetery, and plot fees, visit the Cemetary section of this page.
Irricana Supplies Building
The Irricana Trading Company established on this site circa 1909, was one of the many companies whose premises were destroyed by fire in 1928. The proprietor, Hugh Miller rebuilt the Irricana Supplies Building in 1929 and for several decades was an active hub for the community. Over the years the building has been home to a dance hall, movie theatre, several grocery stores, municipal offices, and rental space. In the 1970’s, a garage style addition on the back of the building housed Irricana’s first fire truck and equipment. Presently this building owned by the Town, is known as the Irricana Centennial Centre, and is currently used as the Town Municipal Office
Dew Drop Inn
Approximately as old as Irricana itself, this sturdy old building has been home to the Royal Bank, cafes, bakeries, a doctor’s office and butcher shop. The original coffee shop named The Dew Drop Inn, was born out of family necessity by the Bill Dennis Sr. family after Bill was injured in an accident and unable to continue his mechanical career. Various members of the Dennis family ran the cafe until the 1970’s when it was sold to other proprietors and still operates as a take out restaurant known as Cafe Plus.
B/A Service Station
The original date of the building is unknown but the former B.A. Service Station owed by John and Matt Steel, has withstood the winds of time. From 1947 until the 1970’s the garage was owned by Eric Overmann who also did mechanical repairs and was a school bus contractor. In the 1990’s Gas Plus purchased the building, rebuilt it from the ground up where it continues to operate as a gas station along with convenience items and a deli under the name of Norm’s Stop and Go. It is known locally for its great variety of candy and generous ice cream cones.
Hay's Garage
“Hays Garage” was built by Bruce Hay in 1926. It housed the garage and the Irricana post office where Mr. Hay was Post Master. Eventually, the post office moved but the garage remained in the family under the care of Bruce’s son, Neil who took over the business around 1960 where the Hay family sold vehicles (General Motors Dealership, repaired vehicles and sold gas. The building has continued to serve the community with a variety of used and presently is home to an electrical contractor (Cal-Mac Electric).
Texaco Service Station
Originally a Texaco service station built around 1929 by Harold Honens, the property was purchased by Pat Patterson (Irricana’s mayor for over two decades) and Murray Murdoch who rebuilt it in 1942. It remained a filling station and Massey dealership until the early 1970’s. At that time the building and land was purchased by Gladys Taylor who, with her family, established the area’s first and only weekly newspaper that, although now under different management is still distributed weekly to households in Rocky View. The building housed a printing press for a quarter of a century and is the birthplace of Alberta Wheel and Deal, a prominent farm newspaper. In 2010 after the paper relocated to Airdrie, the building became home to Grasshopper Gallery, an artist co-op.
Pioneer Acres
Pioneer Acres Museum is one of the largest agricultural and industrial history museums in Alberta with a collection of thousands of artifacts. located just outside of Irricana, Pioneer Acres Museum shares Alberta stories from the beginning of settlement to the present day. They are committed to collecting a representation of the material evidence of Alberta's agricultural and industrial history, from the settlement period (circa 1870) to approximately 1980. The Museum's extensive collection of agricultural machinery and transportation equipment has become indelibly linked with Pioneer Acres national and international reputations. Pioneer Acres moved from Langdon to the present property north of Irricana in 1983. It now consists of over 20 buildings on 50 acres of land.
McCulloch House, 220 4th St.
If old walls could talk! This house, still standing and well preserved in its close to original state was built for an early Reeve of Irricana, George McCulloch around 1912 by carpenter Johnny Thomas who moved to the area from Vancouver. This carpenter’s handiwork was shared within the region as he was also responsible for building the historic “Long” house that is now part of the Pioneer Acres Plowmen’s and Threshermen’s Museum north of town as well as the original Wray family homestead home west of Irricana.
Community Facilities
Town of Irricana owned facilities for recreation and learning.
Irricana & Rural Municipal Library
Irricana Lions Community Hall
Address: 300 1 St, Irricana, AB T0M 1B0
Hall rentals are available for special events, weddings, and services, visit our Forms & Fees page to download the Hall Booking Request Form.
Parks & Recreation
Explore the parks, green spaces, and recreation that Irricana has to offer!
Playgrounds
Founder's Park
Located on 1st Ave
Over 100 volunteers rallied to build the impressive grain elevator play park to commemorate the original site of the many grain elevators once located on that site. This project was a partnership between Alberta Trail Net (the property owners) and the Irricana Lions Club (who accessed the funds required to build the park).
Outdoor Recreation
Campground & Ball Diamonds
Located at 300 1st Street
Pet-friendly RV Sites and Tent Sites are available in the Summer months. The Ball Diamonds are located on the east and west sides of Founders Park. Perfect for baseball tournaments especially with having a campground close by.
The Irricana Campground is operated by the Irricana and District Agricultural Society.
Book Online: www.campspot.com/book/irricanacampground
Phone: (403) 371-7376
Schools
Education from pre-school to high-school in the Irricana area.
Irricana Playschool Association
The Irricana Playschool Association offers a comfortable and constructive play-based learning environment for kids to grow and develop.
Contact
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Ages 3-4
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Phone: (403) 935-4727
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Email: irricanaplayschool@gmail.com
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Address: 300 - 1st St. Irricana
Irricana ESC Society
Kindergarten classes are held from September to May inclusive in the Kindergarten Room, (south entrance) of the Irricana Hall from Tuesday to Friday. Children are eligible to attend if they have reached their fifth birthday by December 31st of the current year. The Irricana Kindergarten Society is a privately run Kindergarten and its operation is governed by parents of enrolled children, therefore parental support is required. There is a registration fee.
Contact
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Phone: (403) 935-4727
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Email: irecs@persona.ca
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Location: 300 - 1st St. Irricana
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Website: www.aisca.ab.ca/members/irricana
Taiyo Early Childhood Education Centre
Taiyo Early Childhood Education Centre is a non-profit organization that will provide care for children in Acme and the surrounding area. It is a play-based program that focuses on early literacy, numeracy, inquiry-based learning and STEAM.
Contact
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Phone: (403) 333-2106
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Email: taiyoecec@gmail.com
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Location: 117 Main St, Acme, AB T0M 0A0
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Website: www.taiyoecec.com
Beiseker Community School
Public School
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Elementary: K-6, High School: 7-12
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Phone: (403) 947-3883
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Email: beiseker@rockyview.ab.ca
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Address: 415 – 2nd Ave, Beiseker
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Website: www.beiseker.rockyview.ab.ca
Bus Contact Information:
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Fenton Bus Lines: (403) 680-9394
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RVS Late Line: (403) 250-0016
Kathyrn School
Public School
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Grades: K-8
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Phone: (403) 935-4291
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Email: kathyrn@rockyview.ab.ca
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Address: 262066 Range Road 273
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Website: www.kathyrn.rockyview.ab.ca
Bus Contact Information:
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Fenton Bus Lines: (403) 680-9394
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RVS Late Line: (403) 250-0016
Airdrie Catholic Schools
Good Shepherd School
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Grades: K-7
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Phone: (403) 500-2117
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Address: 1319 Thorburn Drive SE, Airdrie
St. Martin de Porres High School
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Grades: 8-12
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Phone: (403) 500-2041
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410 Yankee Valley BLVD SW, Airdrie
Our Lady Queen of Peace School
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French Immersion
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Grades: K-7
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Phone: (403) 500-2064
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Address: 1820 – 1st Ave N, Airdrie
Churches
There are five churches in the Irricana area.
Irricana United Church
Worship Services are held every Sunday at 10:00 a.m. at the West Church (Hwy 567), All persons are welcome regardless of denomination. Irricana United Church hosts special Services at Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas, as well as an annual Harvest Supper in the Community. Ask about their wedding ceremonies!
Contact
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Phone: (403) 935-4644
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Email: irricanaunited@gmail.com
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Address: 274003 TWP RD 272, Rocky View County AB
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Website: www.irricanaunitedchurch.com
Calvary Chapel Irricana
Calvary Chapel Irricana meets at 10:30 a.m. on Sundays at the Irricana Community Hall for Worship, verse-by-verse study through the Bible and fellowship. During the same time, the children are also taught at a level in which they can understand, using fun and interactive teaching, crafts and activities.
Contact
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Phone: 403-935-0119
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Email: admin@ccirricana.ca
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Address: Irricana Lion’s Community Hall, 300 1st Street, Irricana
Tri-Community Baptist Church
Worship Services are held at 11:00 a.m. on Sundays; Sunday School at 10:00 a.m. Also has the Pioneer Clubs for children aged 4-12 on Wednesday nights 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and a Youth Group for youths aged 13-18. Joy Group every third Thursday; Bible Study and Prayer Meetings.
Contact
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Phone: (403) 947-3284
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Email: tcbchurch@outlook.com
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Address: 239-9th Street, Beiseker
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Website: www.tri-community.com
St. Mary’s Catholic Church
St. Mary’s Church is located on the corner of 4th Street and 2nd Avenue, (adjacent to Beiseker School). The rectory and the parish office are situated at the right side of the church. Our Parish includes Keoma, Irricana, Acme, Linden and Beiseker and has 77 families registered. Sacrament of Reconciliation on request.
Weekly Mass Times:
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Sunday 11:00 a.m.
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Wednesday 7:00 p.m.
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Thursday 9:00 a.m.
Contact
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Phone: (403) 947-3775
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Email: webmaster@stmarysbeiseker.ca
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Address: Corner of 4th St and 2nd Ave, Beiseker
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Website: www.stmarysbeiseker.ca
Acme United Church
No matter who you are, who you love or where you are in your story, everyone is welcome in Acme United Church. We want you to know we are happy you have chosen to join us for a time of rejoicing, reflection and rising. The vision and mission of Acme United Church continues, through the global pandemic, to bring hope, encouragement and purpose to our lives. If you have been encouraged by something in our service, you can make a difference by taking part in our offering by sending an e-transfer offering through your online banking to acmeunitedchurch@gmail.com. Everyone that supports the ministries in our church receives a tax receipt. If you are new to our community, please send us an email and we’ll include you on our mailing list.
Contact
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Phone: (403) 546-3922
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Email: acmeunitedchurch@gmail.com
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Address: 416 Bennett Ave, Acme
Cemetery
The Irricana Cemetery is located on Henricks Drive past the dog park
History
The Irricana Cemetery existed before Irricana became a village in 1911. The “Carbon Trail” between Drumheller, where the coal fields were being established, and Calgary became busier and as folks travelled through, a place for burial became increasingly necessary, so a small patch of bare prairie became the final resting place for travellers and pioneers alike.
In the early 1900’s an epidemic of diphtheria took the lives of many local children, some of whose markers can be seen today; however, the exact locations of many burials are not known. Irricana incorporated the cemetery into its boundaries by purchasing the property in 1982. The Irricana KIK Seniors erected a monument documenting as many missing names as could be found.
Restoration Project
The Irricana Cemetery has undergone many improvements over the years, from new trees, pathways, and clean-up of headstones. During Irricana's Centennial, a group effort was launched to locate and identify unknown graves. Work is ongoing to continue improvements by local members of the community.
Donations are greatly appreciated to continue restorations and can be made at the Town Office.
Inquire about a plot
Cemetery Fees
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$500.00 per plot purchase
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$200.00 opening and closing (casket)
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$150.00 opening and closing (urn)
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$100.00 extra for weekend or statutory holiday
Cemetery arrangements can be made through the Town Office.
Rural Crime Watch
Did you know there is a Rocky View County and area Rural Crime Watch?
The board of the RCW is looking for new volunteer members from Beiseker, the Village of Acme, Town of Irricana and area. Let's make our communities safer - volunteer today!
For more information, email reccoordinator@beiseker.com or bswanson@irricana.com