Introduction to the Town of Millet, Alberta, Canada
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…the prettiest little town in Canada INTRODUCTION TO THE TOWN OF MILLET, ALBERTA, CANADA The Town of Millet is nestled on Highway 2A, 45kms south of Edmonton and 20kms south of the Edmonton International Airport, right alongside the original Pacific Railway built in 1891. Traveling south from Edmonton on Calgary Trail or from the Airport on the QE2 Hwy, take the Wetaskiwin exit onto the 2A from the Leduc Overpass and join us for a visit. Millet began with a single store owned by Ben Slaughter. The Town was named for August Millet, Ben Slaughter’s fur supplier and canoe man for Father Lacombe, and reached Village status on July 17, 1903. Many disasters including major fires in 1902, 1927, 1996, and 1997, although devastating, only strengthened the community’s sense of comradeship, dedication, and pride in rebuilding. On September 1, 1983 Millet was declared a Town. A general election was held with the change to Town status; 6 Councilors and a Mayor were elected. Housing and acreage developments have since been on a steady increase. A picturesque community, Millet centers on a 65-acre park system with a combination of natural and manicured area. Parks in this community are second to none in Alberta and the downtown is a matter of pride for the community. This pride is evident throughout the community, private homes, businesses, streets, churches, schools, library, and public facilities all contribute to providing a clean & safe environment. Millet continues to be active in educational and recreational programs throughout the year that are supported by numerous groups and organizations. Leisure, sport, and cultural activities are available for all age groups, from preschool to seniors. Millet is a proud participant in the National Communities in Bloom Program since 1996 receiving recognition across Canada for its beauty, charm, and friendly rural atmosphere. Through the dedication of volunteerism and community endeavors, Millet blooms, even in the winter as participants in the Winter Lights Program from 2004 - 2007. Town of Millet 5120-50 St. P.O. Box 270 Millet, AB T0C1Z0 Phone: (780)387-4554 Fax: (780)387-4459 Website: www.millet.ca E-mail: [email protected] Open: Monday to Friday: 8:30 am to noon 1:00pm to 4:30 pm Closed: Weekends and Holidays …the prettiest little town in Canada HISTORY OF MILLET Written by Jean Scott Millet officially became a village on June 17, 1903 under the authority of Section 3 of the Village Ordinance of the North West Territories. W.F. Blades was appointed as Returning Officer to elect an overseer. An election was held on June 29, 1903 and James Blades became Millet’s first overseer. Millet received its name when Sir William Van Horne, president of the Canadian Pacific Railway, asked his good friend, Father Lacombe, a Catholic missionary, to name all the stations from Lacombe north on the new railway line which had come through the area in 1891. Father Lacombe gave what was to become Millet its name. He called it Millet after his long time traveling companion and canoe man, August Millet. August Millet was also a fur buyer and trader who did business with Millet’s first resident, Ben Slaughter, a fur buyer as well. In 1896 a post office was opened in Ben Slaughter’s store at Millet and it has operated continuously since then at several other locations in Millet. In the 50 or so years to follow, Millet’s population grew to approximately 400 people and for many years was able to provide an adequate business centre for its residents and for those of the surrounding area. However with the increase in the number of automobiles and upgraded highways, residents gradually traveled to larger centers to shop and Millet remained at a standstill for a number of years. In the 1970s the face of Millet changed with the advent of the development of the Moonen Heights residential subdivision across from the Agriplex, the ball diamonds, and the soccer fields. Several acreage subdivisions just east of Millet came into being at the time as well. Millet obtained Town status in 1983 and doubled in size to 2000 people by 1993. Today Millet’s population has risen to approximately 2,092 people. Plans for further development of a new subdivision are currently underway to accommodate the projected increase in the growth of the “Prettiest Little Town in Canada”, a title received in 2001 from Communities in Bloom judges. Millet residents enjoy the benefits of the lifestyle found in a small country town. As well they are able to access within 20-40 minutes any necessary services found only in a large city. Town of Millet 5120-50 St. P.O. Box 270 Millet, AB T0C1Z0 Phone: (780)387-4554 Fax: (780)387-4459 Website: www.millet.ca E-mail: [email protected] Open: Monday to Friday: 8:30 am to noon 1:00pm to 4:30 pm Closed: Weekends and Holidays Communities in Bloom Participants since 1996 Communities in Bloom is a Canadian Winter Lights Celebrations is a non-profit organization committed to Canadian non-profit organization fostering civic pride, environmental committed to fostering civic pride. responsibility and beautification through Neighbourhood and heritage awareness community participation and the and beautification through community challenge of a friendly national participation and the challenge of a competition friendly competition Goals and Objectives The goal of the prog ram is to promote involvement and action by citizen s of all The goal of the program is to encourage municipalit ies, large and smal l, ages, the municipal government, local organizations and businesses to: 1. throughout Canada to celebrate light with decorativ e, cultural and Strive to improve the tidiness, appearance and visual appeal of Canada’s spiritual programs, with the objective of creating attractions for tourism neighbourhoods, parks, open spaces, and streets through the imaginative use from within Canada and from abroad. of flowers, plants, trees, and 2. Focus on environm ental awareness and The Winter Lights program was launched in 2001 to provide a winter preservation of heritage and culture are an integra l part of its success resulting focus for the established Communities in Bloom program. The program in an improved quality of life. is based on promoting community action and involvem ent in expressing The program provides information and education and awards Bloom Ratings the community spirit of Canada’s neighbourhoods, public spaces & for achievement in floral displays, landscapes, tur f, urban forestry, community streets through light shows, cultural events & spir itual linkages with involvement, heritage conservation, environmental awareness and tidiness light . • Increase in civic pride and community involvement • Participation from all ages and all walks of life • Citizens, groups, organizations, business and munic ipal government all mobilized, and pulling together • Process of continuous improvement for the whole community year after year • Year round project, not just one event • Tangible and appealing results • Increased recognition of volunteers’ initiatives and the various programs citizens are involved in the area of arts and cultural programs • Information and cultural exchanges of ideas and initiatives within the community and with neighbouring national and international communities • Valuable information, tips and feedback from judges and other professionals • Economic Development • Increased property values • Marketing and promotional potential • Increased impact on retail business and the hospitality industry • Decreased vandalism • Increased tourism To become a volunteer contact Carol Sadoroszney at 780-387-5766 or email [email protected] Town of Millet 5120-50 St. P.O. Box 270 Millet, AB T0C1Z0 Phone: (780)387-4554 Fax: (780)387-4459 Website: www.millet.ca E-mail: [email protected] Open: Monday to Friday: 8:30 am to noon 1:00pm to 4:30 pm Closed: Weekends and Holidays Participation Recognition Town of Millet 1996 Provincial ––– Maintenance of Turf Areas 1997 PROVINCIAL WINNER ***4 Blooms 1998 National --- Floral Displays ***3 Blooms 1999 National --- Landscaped Areas ***4 Blooms 2000 International --- Integration of Historical Artifacts & Landscaping ***4 Blooms 2001 NATIONAL WINNER --- Museum Project ***5 Blooms 2002 International --- Hwy 2A Park ***4 Blooms 2003 International --- Pipestone Creek Park ***4 Blooms 2004 National --- Dedication to One’s Community ***4 Blooms 2005 Provincial --- Community Involvement ***4 Blooms 2006 PROVINCIAL WINNER --- Natural and Cultural Heritage Conservation ***5 Blooms 2007 NATIONAL WINNER --- Heritage Conservation throughout Millet ***5 Blooms 2008 National ––– Heritage Murals ***5 Blooms Heritage Conservation Criteria Award 2009 NatNatNationalNat ional ––– Museum Archives ***5 Blooms 2010 National ––– Floral Displays on Main Street ***5 Blooms 2011 National ––– Hail Storm Cleanup ***5 Blooms Joint Winner Community Display 2012 National ***5 Blooms Volunteer Recognition by Town and Businesses 2013 National ***5 Blooms Special Mention for “Salute to the Troops” 2014 National ***5 Blooms Special Mention for “Outstanding Achievement in Heritage Conservation” Special Recognition in the Class of Champions Small Category for the Pipestone Park Enhancement Project 2012012015201 555 National ***5 Blooms Bronze Special Mention for ““MilletMillet in Bloom 20th AnniversaryAnniversary ProjectProject”””” Town of Millet 5120-50 St. P.O. Box 270 Millet, AB T0C1Z0 Phone: (780)387-4554 Fax: (780)387-4459 Website: www.millet.ca E-mail: [email protected] Open: Monday to Friday: 8:30 am to noon 1:00pm