Community Information: The Village of Champion, Alberta

Located on Highway #23, approximately 20.6 km (12.81 miles) south of the Town of Vulcan, or 80 km (49.7 miles) north of Lethbridge, or 144 km (89.5 miles) south of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Champion was once known as the “Million Bushel Town”.

A Brief History of Champion, Alberta

Originally known as Cleverville, and located about 2 KM (1.24 miles) east of it’s current location,

1905— Cleverville, AB was founded by Martin Clever, a local homesteader.

1910— The Canadian Pacific Railway laid their steel through the area, bypassing Cleverville. The town moved to a new location along the railway and named itself Champion. The Cleverville Cairn still stands just east of the village. Take Hwy 529 3km east of Hwy 23 and you’ll see it on the south side of the road.

1911—The first grain elevator was built by the Alberta Grain Co.

1913—Champion Board of Trade sent out brochures on the Gigantic Coal Fields to lure settlers to the area.

1918 or 1919— Flu Epidemic struck Champion. 25 people dead.

1918 or 1919—The Champion Chronicle, a weekly newspaper was started. The Champion Library has many of the publications.

1927—Street lights installed in the village.

1939—Farmers receive $.41 per bushel of wheat.

1940—10 men answer the call to the colors and join Canada’s Active Service Forces. By 1942 there were 53 enlisted from Champion and Carmangay.


Movie in the Making:
In April of 1991, Champion and District residents had a “Silver Screen” opportunity to watch and participate in the making of the movie “Leaving Normal”. The film starred Meg Tilly and Christine Lahti. Champion’s main street became “Normal”, a fictitious small town in Wyoming. Most of the buildings on the Main Street were given a new look or false fronts. The old general store was made into the “Last Call” saloon. Several folks became extras in the shooting and many of the old cars and trucks were used. The movie making was a great experience and gave the whole community an insight into the many tricks of the trade.

Things to do in and around the Village of Champion

Historic Walking Tour of Champion
Little Bow Provincial Park
Twin Valley Dam & Big Sky Astronomical Society Observatory

CAMPGROUNDS IN AND AROUND CHAMPION ALBERTA:

Champion CommunityPark, 403-897-3833

Handicap accessible showers, washrooms, fire pits for each site, horseshoe pits, playground, dumping station, hook ups, enclosed—great for group camping or re-unions. Across the street from an outdoor pool.

Little Bow Provincial Park, 403-897-3933

Sani-dump, showers and washrooms, beach with swimming area, paddle boat rentals, sheltered picnic areas, fire pits, dock and boat launch. Concession open daily. Max 16 day stay. Reservations allowed.

Travers Dam, 403-897-3933

HOTEL ACCOMMODATION AND DINING IN CHAMPION, ALBERTA:
Champion Inn & Restaurant, 403-897-3055

To find out more about moving to or doing business in Vulcan County and its communities, contact the Vulcan Business Development Society Back to Vulcan County Information

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