Rimbey, Alberta is a charming town nestled in the heart of central Alberta, Canada. It is strategically located at the junction of Highways 20 and 53, in the picturesque Blindman River valley area. The town is approximately 62 kilometres northwest of Red Deer and 145 kilometres southwest of Edmonton, making it an accessible destination for both locals and tourists.
Rimbey's history dates back to 1902 when it was officially recognized as a community. Initially, the settlement was known as Kansas Ridge, a name inspired by the origins of many of its settlers who hailed from the American state of Kansas. Among these settlers were the three Rimbey brothers - Sam, Ben, and Jim. The town was officially named after these brothers in 1904. The Rimbey family had moved to Canada from Scott County, Illinois, having previously relocated to Illinois in the 1830s from Maryland. Their roots, however, trace back to Pennsylvania.
In 1919, Rimbey, Alberta experienced a significant milestone when the Lacombe and Blindman Valley Electric Railway, which later became part of the Canadian Pacific Railway, reached the town. This development sparked enthusiasm for the "new town" by the tracks, now known as Highway 20. The following year, two grain companies built elevators, and by 1921, Rimbey's population had swelled to 319.
The Second World War brought about significant changes to Rimbey as young men and their families left the village. Post-war, some returned while others did not. However, many new faces arrived in Rimbey, and by 1946, the population had surged to 634.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Rimbey, Alberta had a population of 2,470 living in 1,084 of its 1,180 total private dwellings. This represented a -3.8% change from its 2016 population of 2,567. The town, with a land area of 11.38 km2, had a population density of 217.0/km2 in 2021.
In the 2016 Census of Population, Rimbey recorded a population of 2,567 living in 1,077 of its 1,160 total private dwellings. This was a 7.9% change from its 2011 population of 2,378. With a land area of 11.4 km2, the town had a population density of 225.2/km2 in 2016.
Rimbey, Alberta is not just a town; it's a community with a rich history and a vibrant present. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a tourist seeking a new adventure, or someone considering a new place to call home, Rimbey offers a unique blend of past and present that is sure to captivate you.
