Dawson Creek, a city nestled in northeastern British Columbia, Canada, is a place of rich history and vibrant culture. With a population of 12,978 in 2016, this municipality spans 24.37 square kilometers. The city's name originates from the creek that runs through it, named after George Mercer Dawson by a member of his land survey team in August 1879.
Dawson Creek's history is deeply rooted in its geographical location and the people who have called it home. Initially a small farming community, Dawson Creek transformed into a regional center after the Northern Alberta Railways extended its terminus there in 1932. The city experienced rapid growth in 1942 when the US Army used the rail terminus as a transshipment point during the construction of the Alaska Highway.
In the 1950s, the city was connected to the interior of British Columbia via a highway and a railway through the Rocky Mountains. Although growth has slowed since the 1960s, the area's population has continued to increase.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Dawson Creek had a population of 12,323. The city's population has remained relatively stable since the 1960s, with a slight increase between 2005 and 2009. The 2016 Canadian census reported an average household size of 2.3 persons, similar to the provincial average of 2.4 persons.
As of the 2016 Canadian census, nearly 16% of Dawson Creek's population belonged to an Aboriginal group (Métis or First Nations), with an additional 10% belonging to a Visible minority group, primarily Filipino and South Asian.
Dawson Creek is located in the dry and windy prairie land of the Peace River Country. The city is known as the "Capital of the Peace" and the "Mile 0 City," referring to its location at the southern end of the Alaska Highway.
Dawson Creek has a subarctic climate, bordering on a warm-summer humid continental climate due to its short summers. Winters are very cold, some of the coldest in British Columbia with moderate snowfall.
Dawson Creek is a regional node for air and rail services. The city maintains 88 km of paved and 11 km of unpaved roads. The city draws its water supply from the Kiskatinaw River, 18 km west of town.
Dawson Creek's cultural identity rests on its designation as Mile "0" of the Alaska Highway. The city is home to a heritage interpretation village, an art gallery, and a museum. Annual events include a fall fair and rodeo. The city also boasts a range of recreational facilities, including two ice hockey arenas, a curling rink, an indoor swimming pool, an outdoor ice rink, and a speed skating oval.
Discover the charm and history of Dawson Creek, British Columbia, a city that offers a unique blend of past and present, culture and nature.
