Redcliff, Alberta, is a charming town nestled in southern Alberta, Canada. It is conveniently located adjacent to the City of Medicine Hat to the east and Cypress County to the west and north. The town is bisected by Highway 1 (Trans-Canada Highway) and is situated on the north bank of the South Saskatchewan River. Thanks to its high elevation, Redcliff offers breathtaking views of the South Saskatchewan River valley, the City of Medicine Hat, and Cypress Hills. The cliffs that overlook the river valley resemble badland formations, adding to the town's unique landscape.
Redcliff's history dates back to the 1880s when abundant coal and natural gas reserves were discovered. This inexpensive resource led to Redcliff being promoted as the "Smokeless manufacturing centre of the West". This attracted industries that manufactured a diverse range of products such as shoes, gloves, cigars, trucks, bricks, glass, and flour among others. However, on June 25, 1915, a violent F4 tornado (then referred to as a cyclone) ravaged several of these businesses, marking the beginning of a decline in Redcliff's economy. The economic prosperity was further hampered by World War I and a flu epidemic. The community experienced a resurgence in growth following World War II.
The name of the town, Redcliff, originated from the elevated red shale banks of the South Saskatchewan River. Currently, Redcliff is spelled as one word without an 'E', however historically it has been spelled Redcliffe, Red Cliff, and Red-Cliff. Interestingly, the town was initially slated to be named Stonerville, after the town's doctor.
In the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Redcliff had a population of 5,581 living in 2,186 of its 2,276 total private dwellings, a slight decrease of -0.3% from its 2016 population of 5,600. With a land area of 16.15 km2 (6.24 sq mi), it had a population density of 345.6/km2 (895.0/sq mi) in 2021. In the 2016 Census of Population, Redcliff recorded a population of 5,600 living in 2,159 of its 2,232 total private dwellings, a 0.2% change from its 2011 population of 5,588. With a land area of 16.25 km2 (6.27 sq mi), it had a population density of 344.6/km2 (892.5/sq mi) in 2016.
Redcliff is home to the Redcliff Museum and the Redcliff Public Library, both of which contribute to the town's rich cultural scene.
Redcliff boasts a variety of attractions for residents and visitors alike. These include an aquatic centre featuring a heated 25 m (82 ft) outdoor pool with varying depths and a heated children's pool with a water play structure; the Redcliff Rectangle, a multi-purpose ice hockey facility; a curling rink featuring three sheets of ice; and six parks including the 3-acre (1.2 ha) River Valley Park adjacent to the South Saskatchewan River that features a kitchen, washrooms, firepit, and walking trails.
Golf enthusiasts can enjoy the 18-hole Riverview Golf Course adjacent to the Riverview residential subdivision and the cliffs of the South Saskatchewan River valley. The Redcliff Campground has capacity for 48 units, making it a perfect spot for camping enthusiasts. The town also has four softball/baseball diamonds of various sizes, a BMX track, and a skate park.
