StettlerLocal.com August 11, 2022 @ 2:45pm
In April of 1907, the President of the Canadian Pacific Railroad, Sir Thomas Shaughnessy, publicly announced the construction plans for his company for the upcoming year. When he revealed that the CP had no plans to extend the Lacombe branch line that terminated at the townsite of Stettler, it was considered good news for the community. Stettler was forecasted to reach city status as a result.
The announcement did not come as much of a surprise at the time. Under Shaughnessy, Canadian Pacific was pushing to expand its network across the country, and this expansion was straining its resources and labour force. Coupled with problems with resources, CP was prioritizing destinations other than Stettler. The primary influence on their system of deciding important destinations for their various lines were the routes and plans of other railway companies. CP did have a charter for future construction East, which was due to expire within the year; although they did have the option to extend or renew the charter, it was unlikely they would do so unless compelled by competition.
It was believed, at the time, that this would keep Stettler as the terminus point on the line for two to three years. Stettler was the main trading center for one hundred miles East, sixty miles South, and twenty to thirty miles North.
The speed of Stettler’s growth was impressive. The town’s growth potential hit a significant setback in October of 1908 when a fire raged through the downtown core, destroying 20 businesses.
When CP announced construction plans in 1909, the eastbound line out of Stettler would be continued, with forty miles of new steel extended to the east. At the same time, another 40 miles would be carried West from Moose Jaw, with the lines eventually connecting. Canadian Pacific expected the east track to be completed in time to carry fall crops from the new points along the extension. This expansion would put an end to Stettler’s city aspirations. In July of 1909, a public auction was held in Stettler for lots in Castor, Halkirk, Botha and Gadsby.
Unfortunately, although it would continue to grow over time, Stettler would never reach the predicted city status.
Carson Ellis, Local Historian
Our Town Stettler