Coronation, a town nestled in east-central Alberta, Canada, is a place rich in history. Surrounded by the County of Paintearth No. 18, it is strategically located at the intersection of Highway 12 and Highway 872, approximately 100 kilometres west of the Saskatchewan border.
Coronation's history dates back to December 16, 1911, when it was incorporated as a village. The town's name was chosen to commemorate the year George V ascended to the throne. On April 29, 1912, Coronation was officially declared a town. Initially, it was expected to be a hub town after moving south from Haneyville to align with rail lines. However, as larger towns like Calgary and Red Deer evolved into cities, Coronation's potential as a hub town was overlooked.
Despite this, Coronation thrived, relying on its farming population. The town was once home to three grain elevators, which stood as landmarks until their demolition in 2002. Other notable landmarks include the water tower, which was remodeled in the late 1990s, a regal red caboose, and a lighted crown at the town's entrance, built by a team of Hutterites in the early 2000s.
Coronation experiences a humid continental climate, classified as Dfb under the Köppen climate classification.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Coronation had a population of 868 living in 399 of its 485 total private dwellings. This represented a -7.7% change from its 2016 population of 940. With a land area of 3.57 km2, it had a population density of 243.1/km2 in 2021.
In the 2016 Census of Population, Coronation recorded a population of 940 living in 405 of its 442 total private dwellings. This was a -0.7% change from its 2011 population of 947. With a land area of 3.62 km2, it had a population density of 259.7/km2 in 2016.
Coronation is not just about history and demographics; it's also a vibrant cultural hub. Every June, the town hosts a rodeo featuring calf roping, barrel racing, bull riding, and chuckwagon events. The rodeo also includes a parade and a pancake breakfast, adding to the festive atmosphere.
In addition to the rodeo, Coronation hosts the Coronation Town and Country Fair. This event showcases a variety of exhibits, including academic displays, botanical achievements, and artistic entries, reflecting the diverse talents and interests of the community.
