Sexsmith is a charming town nestled in northern Alberta, conveniently situated on Highway 2, just 20 kilometres north of Grande Prairie. This town is part of the Peace River Country region of Alberta, renowned as one of the most fertile growing areas in the province. Sexsmith's rich soil and agricultural prowess once earned it the title of the "grain capital of the British Empire". From 1939 to 1949, Sexsmith shipped more grain than any other port in the empire, marking a significant period in its history.
The townsite of Sexsmith was established on the homestead of Benny Foster, a settler who arrived in 1911. Initially, the town was named "Bennville" or "Benville" in honour of its founder. However, upon discovering that the name was already in use by another town, it was renamed Sexsmith after a local trapper who came to the area in 1898.
The arrival of the railway in 1916 marked a significant turning point for Sexsmith. Grain companies began constructing grain elevators in 1917, capitalizing on the area's fertile soil. This region quickly became one of the largest grain-producing areas globally, and by 1949, Sexsmith was recognized as the Grain Capital of the British Empire, shipping more grain than any other region.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Sexsmith, Alberta, had a population of 2,427 living in 853 of its 929 total private dwellings. This represented a decrease of 7.4% from its 2016 population of 2,620. The town spans a land area of 13.01 km2 (5.02 sq mi), resulting in a population density of 186.5/km2 (483.2/sq mi) in 2021.
In the 2016 Census of Population, Sexsmith recorded a population of 2,620 living in 873 of its 937 total private dwellings. This was an increase of 8.4% from its 2011 population of 2,418. With a land area of 13.24 km2 (5.11 sq mi), the town had a population density of 197.9/km2 (512.5/sq mi) in 2016.
Sexsmith, Alberta, with its rich history and vibrant community, continues to be a significant part of the province's agricultural landscape.
