Crossfield, Alberta

A Small Town Experiencing Big Growth

Loved by its residents, this town is focused on what the future will look like

Established in 1907, Crossfield is a growing town of about 4,200 in the Calgary region, tucked a few kilometres off the bustling QEII travel corridor between Calgary and Edmonton. Located only a short distance from the cities of Calgary and Airdrie, this picturesque community offers a welcoming atmosphere, with proximity to all of the opportunities of a larger metropolitan area. “Crossfield is the heart of the region,” expresses Mayor Kim Harris. “It just gives that warm feeling. Everyone here loves it, they feel that Crossfield is home.”

In recent years, the community has experienced significant growth, attracting new residents from across Canada. “Crossfield is lucky. We have that small town lifestyle, but on the edge of accessing urban amenities in Calgary and Airdrie, including the Calgary International Airport, which is just a short half-hour drive from our community,” reports Economic Development Officer, Norma Lang. One of the key attractions of Crossfield is its focus on balanced growth. With a 70/30 split between residential and industrial/commercial areas, the town has managed to attract significant businesses while maintaining a strong residential base.

A Recreational Haven

With a plethora of options for outdoor enthusiasts, Mayor Harris notes that Crossfield is ideal for walking and biking and has one of the best pathway systems in the region. She proudly highlights Crossfield’s recreation amenities, which include soccer fields, baseball diamonds, outdoor rinks, an indoor arena, and a well-utilized community hall.

Lang relays that Crossfield is also home to Collicutt Siding Golf Club, a highly regarded 18-hole course that not only showcases mountain views but also hosts the largest junior golf program in Canada. “We’ve produced two pro golfers recently and their names are proudly displayed at the front of the golf course -Patrick Murphy and Riley Fleming,” she depicts.

A Thriving Downtown

Crossfield’s downtown area has recently undergone significant revitalization, transforming it into a vibrant hub. The overhaul included new water and sewer systems, pavement, and a fresh design. “It showcases Crossfield in a nice homey way. It’s very comfortable and people are just loving it,” Mayor Harris depicts. “We have new streetlights displaying banners designed by a local artist, we have new parking. It’s very walkable. And it’s a big attraction to our businesses.”  This rejuvenation has not only boosted daily activity but has also made downtown a popular venue for community events and even a backdrop for productions like “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” and “My Life with the Walter Boys.”

Lang emphasizes, “The goal of the revitalization project was to green up and charm up our downtown core while maintaining the heritage feel. They say, ‘if you build it, they will come’, and that has proven to be the case in Crossfield because most of the available spaces in our downtown have been filled.” With a demand for more commercial space, the town is looking to develop some available land on its main street, known as Railway Street. “The time is ripe right now, for that to happen because we have people looking for spots, and nowhere to land because the infrastructure hasn’t been built yet to support it,” she adds.

Crossfield Donut Man James Blackwell has mastered pastry baking much to the delight of the community and visitors from around the region

Economic and Industrial Growth

Crossfield’s industrial landscape is also flourishing, and a key player in the community is MODUS Structures, a modular construction company that has experienced substantial growth since its establishment in 2004. Operating in a 159,000-square-foot facility with 120 team members, MODUS has recently doubled its staffing levels to meet rising demands across commercial, industrial, government, and residential sectors.

Local businesses such as Plasti-Fab, Arkton Steel, and Dick’s Lumber are all valuable suppliers for the company, providing many of the materials required for production. “We’re very fortunate to have access to some strong vendors in the area that support MODUS,” says President and CEO Allan Willms. “They’re in business for themselves, but the fact that we have access to such a diverse industrial base in the area, it’s a true gift.”

In addition, MODUS is deeply invested in the community. “We have an annual scholarship at the W.G. Murdoch school. We donate and sponsor our annual rodeo. And what we’re also very proud of is our apprenticeship program for all in-house trades,” Willms describes. He explains that the company partners with local post-secondary institutions such as Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, Olds College, and Red Deer Polytechnic, to offer apprenticeship programs in carpentry, electrical, HVAC, and plumbing.

“Having the ability to have all of those journeyman and trades persons in the house is a terrific opportunity for the next generation to learn within our construction environment,” he asserts. This initiative not only supports local youth but also helps to address skilled trades shortages in the region.

Critical Infrastructure and Development

As Crossfield continues to grow, CAO Kinza Barney says that maintaining and improving core infrastructure is a priority. She mentions significant advancements in wastewater treatment, such as the implementation of a fine bubble aeration system, which enables treated effluent to be used for irrigation and agricultural purposes, including irrigation of the local golf course. This initiative supports provincial water conservation efforts by reducing the use of potable water. Additionally, some treated effluent is sold for fracking purposes, further optimizing water usage.

However, Barney admits that growth will increase demand for wastewater capacity, and the town is finalizing a wastewater feasibility study to explore upgrading facilities or alternative solutions. “In the interim, we’ll continue to utilize the options we have to manage capacity. But undoubtedly, a significant investment will be required in this area to support future growth, recognizing that such developments will also require external financial support,” she conveys.

Lang also points out the need for a new school in the growing community, sharing that the current two schools are operating at over 90% capacity—significantly above the province’s 85% threshold.

“We’re going to be watching our numbers go over 100% utilization in the next couple of years,” she admits. Mayor Harris echoes the importance of this initiative, stating the need to ensure Crossfield’s educational infrastructure keeps pace with its rapid growth. “We are really at a crossroads,” she remarks. “This council and our administration, with the school division and elected officials, are going to need to continue to help advocate for a new school in Crossfield.”

Crossfield’s farmer’s market runs every Thursday June – September each year. The Ag Society also hosts regional markets for Fall, Christmas, Spring and Pete Knight Days Rodeo weekend each year.

Development Opportunities

Residential expansion is ongoing in Crossfield, including the Vista Crossing development in the northwest and the Iron Landing project in the northeast, which feature a mix of single detached homes and townhouses.

“Of course, the key to building out those residential areas will be ensuring that we have the appropriate water and wastewater infrastructure to be able to service that,” Barney comments. “We have another big project that we’ll be looking to move forward on in the not-too-distant future on the west boundary of our community that will support the provision of this infrastructure to those residential areas.”

Furthermore, Mayor Harris points out the growing attention towards Crossfield’s industrial sector, noting available lands and interest from commercial and industrial enterprises.

A Welcoming Community for Residents and Visitors

Crossfield is more than just a place to live and work- it’s a community rich in events and attractions. The town’s vibrant farmers market, volunteer-run Golden Key Club for seniors, and major events like the Pete Knight Days Rodeo and Elks Demolition Derby are beloved by residents and draw people from across the region. Crossfield has also become a minor tourist destination, thanks to its starring role in recent films. “Ghostbusters fans like to come and tour places that were featured in the film,” describes Lang. “We have become part of the summer circuit of Ghostbusters fans.”

Crossfield’s well-stocked fish ponds are a regional attraction, along with the Donut Man, a popular bakery known for its fresh and delicious treats. “We have an influx of visitors from all over the region that drive to town for the best donuts,” boasts Lang. “They have elevated the status of Crossfield in terms of bringing people into our community for that type of cultural eating experience.”

Another draw is the annual Rural Women in Business Conference held every May. This event attracts attendees from around the region, offering workshops and inspiring success. “Mostly it’s about supporting women entrepreneurs,” Lang affirms.

Future Plans

In conclusion, Mayor Harris shares that town leadership is unified in prioritizing the creation of a strong foundation for Crossfield’s future. This includes a focus on sustainable infrastructure +management, and on attracting more commercial enterprises. “We know that Crossfield is going to be growing more, we’re 10th already on the list of fastest growing communities out of 370 communities in Alberta,” she states. “For a small town that’s pretty exceptional. We have to prepare ourselves for that growth.”

AT A GLANCE

Crossfield, Alberta

What: The 10th fastest growing community in Alberta

Where: Calgary Metropolitan Region

Website: www.crossfieldalberta.com