Irricana, a charming town nestled in the Calgary Metropolitan Region of Alberta, Canada, offers a unique blend of history and modernity. Surrounded by the picturesque Rocky View County and conveniently located adjacent to Highway 9, Irricana is just 53 kilometres northeast of Calgary. The town's name, a contraction of "irrigation canals," pays homage to the area's rich agricultural history.
The history of Irricana, Alberta, is deeply intertwined with the irrigation projects that shaped the region. The town's name, dating back to these early agricultural endeavours, reflects this rich history. By 1909, Irricana had established a post office, hotel, and store, all operated by the Irricana Trading Company.
Originally incorporated as a village on June 9, 1911, Irricana underwent a significant transformation 94 years later. On June 9, 2005, it changed its status to a town. The community celebrated its centennial in 2011, marking a century of growth and development.
The 2021 Census of Population, conducted by Statistics Canada, revealed that Irricana, Alberta, had a population of 1,179. These residents were living in 467 of the town's 483 total private dwellings. This represented a slight decrease of 3% from its 2016 population of 1,216.
Despite this minor fluctuation, Irricana maintains a robust population density. With a land area of 3.23 km2, the town had a population density of 365.0/km2 in 2021.
In the 2016 Census of Population, also conducted by Statistics Canada, Irricana recorded a population of 1,216. These individuals were living in 473 of the town's 479 total private dwellings. This represented a 4.6% increase from its 2011 population of 1,162. With the same land area of 3.23 km2, the town had a slightly higher population density of 376.5/km2 in 2016.
Irricana, Alberta, with its rich history and vibrant community, continues to be a captivating destination for both residents and visitors alike.