Lamont, a charming town nestled in central Alberta, Canada, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Situated 60 kilometres east of Edmonton, Lamont is conveniently located at the junction of Highway 15 and Highway 831.
The history of Lamont dates back to the 1880s when the first settlers arrived. The town's strategic location along the Victoria Trail, a popular route for travellers journeying between Edmonton and Winnipeg throughout the 1800s, played a significant role in its burgeoning prosperity. This trail, also known as the "plains trail," ran south of the river. A more renowned alternative route under the same name ran along the north bank and is now commemorated by the Victoria Trail in Edmonton.
Lamont was named in honour of the Canadian politician, John Henderson Lamont. The town was assigned a Royal Mail Canada post office in 1906 and was incorporated as a village in 1910. The Lamont Hospital, which opened its doors in 1912, served the entire region.
However, the town's history is not without tragedy. On November 29, 1960, a school bus carrying students from nearby Chipman to school in Lamont was struck by a train, resulting in the death of 17 students. The collision occurred on the east side of town at a crossing just north of Highway 15 before 9:00 am.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Lamont had a population of 1,744 living in 684 of its 743 total private dwellings. This represented a slight decrease of -1.7% from its 2016 population of 1,774. With a land area of 9.14 km2, the town had a population density of 190.8/km2 in 2021.
In the 2016 Census of Population, Lamont recorded a population of 1,774 living in 664 of its 695 total private dwellings. This was a 1.2% increase from its 2011 population of 1,753. With a land area of 9.2 km2, the town had a population density of 192.8/km2 in 2016.
Lamont, Alberta, with its rich history and welcoming community, is a must-visit destination for those seeking to explore the heart of Canada.
