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Coordinates: 51°47′34″N 114°06′24″W / 51.79278°N 114.10667°W / 51.79278; -114.10667
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{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2020}}
{{Canadian Town|
{{Use Canadian English|date=April 2014}}
Reference Name=Olds, Alberta|
{{Infobox settlement
Header Format=None|
|name = Olds
Motto= |
|official_name = Town of Olds
Census_Number=[[Division No. 6, Alberta|No. 6]]|
|other_name =
Region_type=County|
|native_name = <!-- for cities whose native name is not in English -->
Region_name=[[Mountain View County, Alberta|Mountain View]]|
|nickname =
Latitude Longitude=51° 47' 45" N<br>114° 05' 56" W|
|settlement_type = Town<!--For Town or Village (Leave blank for the default City)-->
Elevation=&nbsp;|
|motto =
Highway=[[Alberta Highway 2A|Highway 2A]]<br>[[Alberta Highway 27|Highway 27]]|
|image_skyline = Alberta mainstreet Olds 033.jpg
Waterway=&nbsp;|
|imagesize =
Founded=&nbsp;|
|image_caption = Main Street Olds
Incorporated=&nbsp;|
|image_flag =
Time zone=MST|
|flag_size =
Postal Code=&nbsp;|
|image_seal =
Population description=Town Population|
|seal_size =
Population=6,703 (2005)|
|image_shield =
Population Density=&nbsp;|
|shield_size =
Area=&nbsp;|
|city_logo =
Town Mayor=Judy Dahl|
|citylogo_size =
Governing Body=[[Olds Town Council]]|
|image_map =
website= [http://www.town.olds.ab.ca Town of Olds website]|
|mapsize =
Census Year=2001|
|map_caption =
Extra references= [http://www.town.olds.ab.ca Town of Olds website]|

|coordinates = {{coord|51|47|34|N|114|06|24|W|region:CA-AB|display=inline,title}}

|pushpin_map = Canada Alberta#Canada
|pushpin_label_position =<!-- the position of the pushpin label: left, right, top, bottom, none -->
|pushpin_map_caption =Location of Olds
|pushpin_mapsize =
|subdivision_type = Country
|subdivision_name = Canada
|subdivision_type1 = [[Provinces and territories of Canada|Province]]
|subdivision_name1 = [[Alberta]]
|subdivision_type2 = [[List of regions of Canada#Alberta|Region]]
|subdivision_name2 = [[Central Alberta]]
|subdivision_type3 = [[List of census divisions of Alberta|Census division]]
|subdivision_name3 = [[Division No. 6, Alberta|6]]
|subdivision_type4 = [[List of municipal districts in Alberta|Municipal district]]
|subdivision_name4 = [[Mountain View County]]
|government_footnotes =
|government_type =
|leader_title = Mayor
|leader_name = Judy Dahl
|leader_title1 = Governing&nbsp;body
|leader_name1 = Olds Town Council
|leader_title2 = [[List of House members of the 42nd Parliament of Canada|MP]]
|leader_name2 = [[Earl Dreeshen]] ([[Red Deer—Mountain View]]-[[Conservative Party of Canada|Cons]])
|leader_title3 = [[Legislative Assembly of Alberta|MLA]]
|leader_name3 = [[Nathan Cooper (Canadian politician)|Nathan Cooper]] ([[Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills]]-[[United Conservative Party|UCP]])
|leader_title4 =
|leader_name4 =
|established_title = Founded
|established_date =
|established_title1 = Incorporated<ref name=AMATownProfiles>{{cite web|url=http://www.municipalaffairs.alberta.ca/cfml/MunicipalProfiles/basicReport/TOWN.PDF|publisher=[[Alberta Municipal Affairs]]|title=Location and History Profile: Town of Olds|page=442|date=17 June 2016|access-date=19 June 2016}}</ref>
|established_date1 = &nbsp;
|established_title2 = &nbsp;•&nbsp;[[List of villages in Alberta|Village]]
|established_date2 = 26 May 1896
|established_title3 = &nbsp;•&nbsp;[[List of towns in Alberta|Town]]
|established_date3 = 1 July 1905
| area_footnotes = &nbsp;(2021)<ref name=2021census/>
| area_land_km2 = 14.92
| area_urban_km2 =
| population_as_of = 2021
| population_footnotes = <ref name=2021census/><ref name=2021censusPC>{{cite web | url=https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/tv.action?pid=9810001101 | title=Population and dwelling counts: Canada and population centres | publisher=[[Statistics Canada]] | date=February 9, 2022 | accessdate=February 13, 2022}}</ref>
| population_note =
| population_total = 9209 <!-- 2021 StatCan census population only per [[WP:CANPOP]]; do not replace with latest municipal census population count; this municipal census population count can go in the population_blank1_title and population_blank1 parameters further below and can be noted in the article body (so long as it doesn't replace the 2021 StatCan census population in the body). -->
| population_density_km2 = 617.3
| population_urban =
| population_density_urban_km2 =
|population_blank1_title =
|population_blank1 =
|population_density_blank1_km2 =
|population_density_blank1_sq_mi =
|timezone = [[Mountain Time Zone|MST]]
|utc_offset = −07:00
|timezone_DST = MDT
|utc_offset_DST = −06:00
|elevation_footnotes = <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.safetycodes.ab.ca/Public/Documents/PSSSOP_Handbook_Version_12_Online_Feb_21_2012b.pdf|title=Alberta Private Sewage Systems 2009 Standard of Practice Handbook: Appendix A.3 Alberta Design Data (A.3.A. Alberta Climate Design Data by Town)|publisher=Safety Codes Council|type=PDF|pages=212–215 (PDF pages 226–229)|date=January 2012|access-date=9 October 2013}}</ref>
|elevation_m = 1041
|elevation_ft =
|postal_code_type = [[Canadian postal code#Forward sortation areas|Forward sortation area]]
|postal_code = [[List of T postal codes of Canada|T4H]]
|area_code = [[Area code 403|-1+403]], [[Area code 587|-1+587]]
|blank_name = Highways
|blank_info = [[Alberta Highway 2A|Highway 2A]]<br />[[Alberta Highway 27|Highway 27]]
|blank1_name =
|blank1_info =
|website = {{official website|www.olds.ca}}
|footnotes =
}} <!-- Infobox ends -->

'''Olds''' ({{IPAc-en|oʊ|l|d|z}} {{respell|OHLDZ}}) is a town in [[central Alberta]], Canada within [[Mountain View County]] and the [[Calgary–Edmonton Corridor]]. It is approximately {{convert|61|km|abbr=on}} south of [[Red Deer, Alberta|Red Deer]] and {{convert|90|km|abbr=on}} north of [[Calgary]]. The nearest towns are [[Didsbury, Alberta|Didsbury]] to the south, [[Bowden, Alberta|Bowden]] to the north, [[Sundre]] to the west and [[Three Hills]] to the east. Olds is located at the intersection of [[Alberta Highway 27|Highway 27]] and [[Alberta Highway 2A|Highway 2A]], {{convert|5|km|abbr=on}} west of the [[Alberta Highway 2|Queen Elizabeth II Highway]]. The [[Canadian Pacific Kansas City]]'s main Edmonton-Calgary line runs through the town.

== Geography ==
Olds lies within the Grasslands Natural Region of Alberta. Downtown Olds is about {{Convert|1041|m|abbr=on}} [[Metres above sea level|above sea level]]. In 2011, the town covered a land area of {{Convert|14.87|km2|abbr=on}}.

===Climate===
Olds has a [[humid continental climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification]] ''Dfb'') and falls into the [[Natural Resources Canada]] (NRC) [[Hardiness zone|Plant Hardiness Zone]] 3b. The average temperature is around {{convert|11.5|C}} in late July to {{convert|-10.1|C}} in mid-January.

Winters are cold with temperatures often dropping to or below {{convert|−30|C}}. These are broken up from the dry [[Chinook wind]]s from the mountains.

Summers can be hot with temperatures reaching up to {{convert|30|C}}.

{{Weather box|width=auto
|metric first= yes
|single line= yes
|location = Olds
|Jan record high C = 17.2
|Feb record high C = 18.3
|Mar record high C = 22.8
|Apr record high C = 29.4
|May record high C = 35.6
|Jun record high C = 36.1
|Jul record high C = 37.2
|Aug record high C = 33.9
|Sep record high C = 33.9
|Oct record high C = 30.6
|Nov record high C = 23.3
|Dec record high C = 19.0
|year record high C = 37.2
|Jan high C = -3.0
|Feb high C = -1.2
|Mar high C = 2.3
|Apr high C = 10.2
|May high C = 15.9
|Jun high C = 19.3
|Jul high C = 21.8
|Aug high C = 21.9
|Sep high C = 16.8
|Oct high C = 10.8
|Nov high C = 1.6
|Dec high C = -1.9
|year high C = 9.6
|Jan mean C = -8.7
|Feb mean C = -6.9
|Mar mean C = -3.1
|Apr mean C = 3.9
|May mean C = 9.4
|Jun mean C = 13.3
|Jul mean C = 15.6
|Aug mean C = 15.2
|Sep mean C = 10.1
|Oct mean C = 4.5
|Nov mean C = -3.7
|Dec mean C = -7.4
|year mean C = 3.5
|Jan low C = -14.3
|Feb low C = -12.6
|Mar low C = -8.6
|Apr low C = -2.4
|May low C = 2.9
|Jun low C = 7.3
|Jul low C = 9.4
|Aug low C = 8.4
|Sep low C = 3.5
|Oct low C = -2.0
|Nov low C = -8.9
|Dec low C = -12.8
|year low C = -2.5
|Jan record low C = -43.3
|Feb record low C = -43.9
|Mar record low C = -37.2
|Apr record low C = -29.4
|May record low C = -15.6
|Jun record low C = -2.8
|Jul record low C = -2.2
|Aug record low C = -4.0
|Sep record low C = -15.0
|Oct record low C = -26.0
|Nov record low C = -34.0
|Dec record low C = -43.3
|year record low C = -43.9

|precipitation colour = green
|Jan precipitation mm = 17.7
|Feb precipitation mm = 14.4
|Mar precipitation mm = 23.0
|Apr precipitation mm = 23.7
|May precipitation mm = 56.6
|Jun precipitation mm = 89.8
|Jul precipitation mm = 66.0
|Aug precipitation mm = 64.6
|Sep precipitation mm = 58.3
|Oct precipitation mm = 18.6
|Nov precipitation mm = 16.6
|Dec precipitation mm = 13.3
|year precipitation mm = 492.4

|rain colour = green

| Jan rain mm = 0.1
| Feb rain mm = 0.1
| Mar rain mm = 1.9
| Apr rain mm = 12.5
| May rain mm = 47.6
| Jun rain mm = 94.2
| Jul rain mm = 89.8
| Aug rain mm = 65.8
| Sep rain mm = 54.0
| Oct rain mm = 9.7
| Nov rain mm = 0.9
| Dec rain mm = 0.2
| year rain mm = 376.7

|snow colour = green

| Jan snow cm = 17.6
| Feb snow cm = 14.3
| Mar snow cm = 21.1
| Apr snow cm = 11.3
| May snow cm = 9.1
| Jun snow cm = 0.0
| Jul snow cm = 0.0
| Aug snow cm = 0.3
| Sep snow cm = 4.4
| Oct snow cm = 8.9
| Nov snow cm = 15.7
| Dec snow cm = 13.1
| year snow cm = 115.7| unit precipitation days = 0.2 mm
| precip days colour = green
| Jan precipitation days =0.08
| Feb precipitation days =0.12
| Mar precipitation days =0.42
| Apr precipitation days =4.2
| May precipitation days =11.2
| Jun precipitation days =15.2
| Jul precipitation days =14.2
| Aug precipitation days =12.4
| Sep precipitation days =9.7
| Oct precipitation days =4.2
| Nov precipitation days =0.35
| Dec precipitation days =0.19
| year precipitation days =72.1
| unit rain days = 0.2 mm
| Jan rain days =7.6
| Feb rain days =6.1
| Mar rain days =7.2
| Apr rain days =3.6
| May rain days =1.4
| Jun rain days =0.0
| Jul rain days =0.0
| Aug rain days =0.12
| Sep rain days =0.78
| Oct rain days =3.0
| Nov rain days =6.0
| Dec rain days =5.6
| year rain days =41.4
| unit snow days = 0.2&nbsp;cm
| Jan snow days =7.7
| Feb snow days =6.2
| Mar snow days =7.6
| Apr snow days =7.4
| May snow days =12.1
| Jun snow days =15.2
| Jul snow days =14.2
| Aug snow days =12.4
| Sep snow days =10.1
| Oct snow days =6.9
| Nov snow days =6.4
| Dec snow days =5.8
| year snow days =111.9

| Jan sun = 87.4
| Feb sun = 107.2
| Mar sun = 147.1
| Apr sun = 187.5
| May sun = 215.8
| Jun sun = 237.1
| Jul sun = 271.7
| Aug sun = 249.7
| Sep sun = 180.8
| Oct sun = 145.3
| Nov sun = 88.9
| Dec sun = 80.0
| year sun = 1998.4

| Jan percentsun = 33.7
| Feb percentsun = 38.3
| Mar percentsun = 40.1
| Apr percentsun = 45.1
| May percentsun = 44.5
| Jun percentsun = 47.6
| Jul percentsun = 54.2
| Aug percentsun = 55.1
| Sep percentsun = 47.5
| Oct percentsun = 43.8
| Nov percentsun = 33.3
| Dec percentsun = 32.7
| year percentsun = 43.0
|source 1 = [[Environment Canada]]<ref name= "climate">[[Environment Canada]]—[http://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_normals/results_1981_2010_e.html?searchType=stnName&txtStationName=Olds&searchMethod=contains&txtCentralLatMin=0&txtCentralLatSec=0&txtCentralLongMin=0&txtCentralLongSec=0&stnID=2120&dispBack=0 1981 to 2010 Canadian Climate Normals station data], accessed 7 March 2019</ref>
|date=November 2014
}}
}}


=== Flora and fauna ===
'''Olds''' ({{coor dm|51|48|N|114|06|W|}}) is a small town in central [[Alberta]], [[Canada]], located south of '''[[Red Deer, Alberta|Red Deer]]''', the nearest large community.
Olds has various species living in and around it including [[Populus|poplar trees]] and various wild grasses. Olds is an agriculture based town, so a large portion of the flora grown are crops of [[canola]] (''Brassica juncea'' subsp. ''juncea)'' and [[barley]] (''Hordeum vulgare).''


The majority of fauna consists of livestock like cattle, and poultry. Many surrounding farms keep horses and/or donkeys.
Population: 6703 (2005)


=== Residential areas and neighbourhoods ===
Olds is 90 km from [[Calgary]]. [[Olds College]] is noted for its Agricultural Programs, as well as its Fashion Production Studies.
The town of Olds is surrounded by residential neighbourhoods with various styles of housing. There are several mobile home parks throughout the town.


== Economy ==
{| border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse" bordercolor="#111111" width="100%"
Olds has its own [[fibre optic]] [[Internet Service Provider]] called O-Net that provides gigabit speeds to its residents and businesses. The service cost the town about $21,000,000 to install.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://calgaryherald.com/life/swerve/would-you-move-to-the-town-of-olds-for-its-gigabit-age-internet-speed| title = Internet speed in Olds drawing a crowd {{!}} Calgary Herald}}</ref> Olds has a [[Big-box store|big-box]] retail centre which opened in 2008. It features a [[Walmart Canada|Walmart]], [[Canadian Tire]], [[Home Hardware]] and other major retailers.
|-
| width="33%" | <p align="center">&nbsp;
| width="33%" | <p align="center">&uarr;<br> North<br> [[Bowden, Alberta|Bowden]]
| width="33%" | <p align="center">&nbsp;
|-
| width="33%" | <p align="center">&larr; West<br> [[Sundre, Alberta |Sundre]]<br>


== Demographics ==
| width="33%" | <p align="center">Olds
{{stack|{{Historical population
| width="33%" | <p align="center">East &rarr;<br> [[Three Hills, Alberta |Three Hills]]
|width = 10em
|-
|shading = off
| width="33%" | <p align="center">&nbsp;
|percentages = on
| width="33%" | <p align="center">[[Didsbury, Alberta |Didsbury]]<br> South<br> &darr;
|1936 |1,196
| width="33%" | <p align="center">&nbsp;
|1941 |1,316
|}
|1946 |1,521
|1951 |1,617
|1971 |3,459
|1976 |3,805
|1986 |5,005
|1991 |5,542
|1996 |5,815
|2001 |6,607
|2006 |7,248
|2011 |8,235
|2016 |9,184
|footnote=Sources: [https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2006/dp-pd/prof/92-591/details/page.cfm?Lang=E&Geo1=CSD&Code1=4806034&Geo2=PR&Code2=48&Data=Count&SearchText=olds&SearchType=Begins&SearchPR=01&B1=All&Custom=] [http://www.municipalaffairs.alberta.ca/documents/ms/1997population.pdf] [http://www.municipalaffairs.alberta.ca/documents/ms/1992population.pdf] [http://www.municipalaffairs.gov.ab.ca/documents/ms/1987population.pdf] [http://www.municipalaffairs.alberta.ca/documents/ms/1977population.pdf] [http://www.municipalaffairs.alberta.ca/documents/ms/1972population.pdf] [https://open.alberta.ca/dataset/daab9fce-c2f6-49d1-a433-375b2b7aee24/resource/b98fe7c0-8524-47d5-a717-70489b9613c6/download/population1952.pdf] [https://open.alberta.ca/dataset/daab9fce-c2f6-49d1-a433-375b2b7aee24/resource/6855a743-c07c-4f9b-8478-e62f027fdf27/download/population1947.pdf] [https://open.alberta.ca/dataset/daab9fce-c2f6-49d1-a433-375b2b7aee24/resource/058c7f8a-2944-4246-9d8a-87843e550be4/download/population1942.pdf] [https://open.alberta.ca/dataset/daab9fce-c2f6-49d1-a433-375b2b7aee24/resource/6bdfb080-accd-49ef-958c-2130a433863b/download/population1936.pdf]
}}}}


In the [[2021 Canadian census|2021 Census of Population]] conducted by [[Statistics Canada]], the Town of Olds had a population of 9,209 living in 3,810 of its 4,096 total private dwellings, a change of {{percentage|{{#expr:9209-9184}}|9184|1}} from its 2016 population of 9,184. With a land area of {{cvt|14.92|km2}}, it had a population density of {{Pop density|9209|14.92|km2|sqmi|prec=1}} in 2021.<ref name=2021census>{{cite web | url=https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/tv.action?pid=9810000202&geocode=A000248 | title=Population and dwelling counts: Canada, provinces and territories, and census subdivisions (municipalities) | publisher=[[Statistics Canada]] | date=February 9, 2022 | accessdate=February 9, 2022}}</ref>
[[Image:Alberta mainstreet Olds 033.jpg |thumb|mainstreet Olds]]
== External Links ==


In the [[Canada 2016 Census|2016 Census of Population]] conducted by Statistics Canada, the Town of Olds recorded a population of 9,184 living in 3,698 of its 3,942 total private dwellings, a change of {{percentage|{{#expr:9184-8235}}|8235|1}} from its 2011 population of 8,235. With a land area of {{convert|14.93|km2|abbr=on}}, it had a population density of {{Pop density|9184|14.93|km2|sqmi|prec=1}} in 2016.<ref name=2016censusABmunis>{{cite web | url=http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2016/dp-pd/hlt-fst/pd-pl/Table.cfm?Lang=Eng&T=302&SR=1&S=86&O=A&RPP=9999&PR=48 | title=Population and dwelling counts, for Canada, provinces and territories, and census subdivisions (municipalities), 2016 and 2011 censuses – 100% data (Alberta) | publisher=[[Statistics Canada]] | date=8 February 2017 | access-date=8 February 2017}}</ref>
[http://www.town.olds.ab.ca/ Town of Olds Website]<br>
[http://www.oldscollege.ab.ca/ Olds College]


The population of the Town of Olds according to its [[2014 Alberta municipal censuses|2014 municipal census]] is 8,617, a change of {{percentage|{{#expr:8617-8511}}|8511|1}} from its [[2013 Alberta municipal censuses|2013 municipal census]] population of 8,511.<ref name=2014census>{{cite news | url=http://www.oldsalbertan.ca/article/20140805/OLD0801/308059968/0/old | title=Slight growth in Olds according to town census numbers | author=Joseph Ho | newspaper=Olds Albertan | publisher=Great West Newspapers LP | date=5 August 2014 | access-date=16 August 2014}}</ref>
{{Alberta}}

== Education ==
Olds has four schools: École Olds Elementary School, École Deer Meadow School, Olds High School, and Holy Trinity Catholic School. Three schools in the area are part of the [[Chinook's Edge School Division No. 73]]

École Olds Elementary Schoolis an elementary school containing kindergarten to grade 4. The school contains a small gymnasium with a rock climbing wall. The gym previously doubled as the gymnastics centre for the gymnastics club, which is now located along 25th Ave.

École Deer Meadow School is a junior high school containing grades 5–8. There is a slightly larger gym as well as a music room for the students beginning in the band programs.

Olds High School is a junior/senior high school containing grades 9–12. The school has a gymnasium and fitness centre and a fine arts theatre and is part of the Olds College Campus. The school has a variety of educational programs such as sports, band, shop, drama and stained glass program.

Olds is also home to [[Olds College|Olds College of Agriculture & Technology]], noted for its agriculture technology programs.<ref>[http://www.oldscollege.ab.ca/ Olds College]</ref>

==Sport and recreation==
Olds is home to many sports teams such as the [[Olds Grizzlys]] [[Alberta Junior Hockey League]] (AJHL), located at the Olds Sports Complex. [[Olds College Broncos]] part of the [[Alberta Colleges Athletics Conference]], Olds Rapids Swim Club Located at the Olds Aquatic Centre. And many sporting events such as the Hay City Slam Skate Comp held every summer at the Olds Skate Park.

Home to two golf courses: Olds Central Highlands 23 hole course, {{convert|3|mi|abbr=on}} east of Olds, off Highway 27 as well as the brand new 9 Hole Trail Creek Golf course located {{convert|7|km|abbr=on}} west of Olds, off Highway 27 that opened in July 2015

The Olds Gymnastics Club has recently migrated from their previous home in the Elementary School to a new building located along 25th Avenue. The building was formerly a [[Sears Canada]] building.

Olds houses the 185 Olds [[Royal Canadian Air Cadets]] Squadron. The building was formerly the Olds recreation centre and is now rendered to the squadron. The building is also rented out by many local dance and church programs.

== Notable people ==
*[[Danielle Lappage]], Olympic wrestler, competed in Rio 2016
*[[Blake Richards]], Canadian politician Member of Parliament for Banff-Airdrie (2008- current)
*[[Jay Rosehill]], professional ice hockey player

== See also ==
*[[List of communities in Alberta]]
*[[List of towns in Alberta]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Wikivoyage|Olds and Didsbury}}
*{{official website}}

{{Geographic location
| Centre = Olds
| North = [[Bowden, Alberta|Bowden]]
| Northeast = [[Elnora, Alberta|Elnora]]
| East = [[Three Hills, Alberta|Three Hills]]
| Southeast = [[Linden, Alberta|Linden]]
| South = [[Didsbury, Alberta|Didsbury]]
| Southwest = [[Cremona, Alberta|Cremona]]
| West = [[Sundre, Alberta|Sundre]]
| Northwest = [[Caroline, Alberta|Caroline]]
}}
{{Subdivisions of Alberta|towns=yes}}


[[Category:1896 establishments in Alberta]]
[[Category:Mountain View County]]
[[Category:Towns in Alberta]]
[[Category:Towns in Alberta]]
{{Alberta-geo-stub}}

Latest revision as of 23:20, 29 January 2024

Olds
Town
Town of Olds
Main Street Olds
Main Street Olds
Olds is located in Alberta
Olds
Olds
Location of Olds
Olds is located in Canada
Olds
Olds
Olds (Canada)
Coordinates: 51°47′34″N 114°06′24″W / 51.79278°N 114.10667°W / 51.79278; -114.10667
CountryCanada
ProvinceAlberta
RegionCentral Alberta
Census division6
Municipal districtMountain View County
Incorporated[1] 
 • Village26 May 1896
 • Town1 July 1905
Government
 • MayorJudy Dahl
 • Governing bodyOlds Town Council
 • MPEarl Dreeshen (Red Deer—Mountain View-Cons)
 • MLANathan Cooper (Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills-UCP)
Area
 (2021)[2]
 • Land14.92 km2 (5.76 sq mi)
Elevation1,041 m (3,415 ft)
Population
 (2021)[2][4]
 • Total
9,209
 • Density617.3/km2 (1,599/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC−07:00 (MST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−06:00 (MDT)
Forward sortation area
Area code(s)-1+403, -1+587
HighwaysHighway 2A
Highway 27
WebsiteOfficial website

Olds (/ldz/ OHLDZ) is a town in central Alberta, Canada within Mountain View County and the Calgary–Edmonton Corridor. It is approximately 61 km (38 mi) south of Red Deer and 90 km (56 mi) north of Calgary. The nearest towns are Didsbury to the south, Bowden to the north, Sundre to the west and Three Hills to the east. Olds is located at the intersection of Highway 27 and Highway 2A, 5 km (3.1 mi) west of the Queen Elizabeth II Highway. The Canadian Pacific Kansas City's main Edmonton-Calgary line runs through the town.

Geography

[edit]

Olds lies within the Grasslands Natural Region of Alberta. Downtown Olds is about 1,041 m (3,415 ft) above sea level. In 2011, the town covered a land area of 14.87 km2 (5.74 sq mi).

Climate

[edit]

Olds has a humid continental climate (Köppen climate classification Dfb) and falls into the Natural Resources Canada (NRC) Plant Hardiness Zone 3b. The average temperature is around 11.5 °C (52.7 °F) in late July to −10.1 °C (13.8 °F) in mid-January.

Winters are cold with temperatures often dropping to or below −30 °C (−22 °F). These are broken up from the dry Chinook winds from the mountains.

Summers can be hot with temperatures reaching up to 30 °C (86 °F).

Climate data for Olds
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 17.2
(63.0)
18.3
(64.9)
22.8
(73.0)
29.4
(84.9)
35.6
(96.1)
36.1
(97.0)
37.2
(99.0)
33.9
(93.0)
33.9
(93.0)
30.6
(87.1)
23.3
(73.9)
19.0
(66.2)
37.2
(99.0)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) −3.0
(26.6)
−1.2
(29.8)
2.3
(36.1)
10.2
(50.4)
15.9
(60.6)
19.3
(66.7)
21.8
(71.2)
21.9
(71.4)
16.8
(62.2)
10.8
(51.4)
1.6
(34.9)
−1.9
(28.6)
9.6
(49.3)
Daily mean °C (°F) −8.7
(16.3)
−6.9
(19.6)
−3.1
(26.4)
3.9
(39.0)
9.4
(48.9)
13.3
(55.9)
15.6
(60.1)
15.2
(59.4)
10.1
(50.2)
4.5
(40.1)
−3.7
(25.3)
−7.4
(18.7)
3.5
(38.3)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) −14.3
(6.3)
−12.6
(9.3)
−8.6
(16.5)
−2.4
(27.7)
2.9
(37.2)
7.3
(45.1)
9.4
(48.9)
8.4
(47.1)
3.5
(38.3)
−2.0
(28.4)
−8.9
(16.0)
−12.8
(9.0)
−2.5
(27.5)
Record low °C (°F) −43.3
(−45.9)
−43.9
(−47.0)
−37.2
(−35.0)
−29.4
(−20.9)
−15.6
(3.9)
−2.8
(27.0)
−2.2
(28.0)
−4.0
(24.8)
−15.0
(5.0)
−26.0
(−14.8)
−34.0
(−29.2)
−43.3
(−45.9)
−43.9
(−47.0)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 17.7
(0.70)
14.4
(0.57)
23.0
(0.91)
23.7
(0.93)
56.6
(2.23)
89.8
(3.54)
66.0
(2.60)
64.6
(2.54)
58.3
(2.30)
18.6
(0.73)
16.6
(0.65)
13.3
(0.52)
492.4
(19.39)
Average rainfall mm (inches) 0.1
(0.00)
0.1
(0.00)
1.9
(0.07)
12.5
(0.49)
47.6
(1.87)
94.2
(3.71)
89.8
(3.54)
65.8
(2.59)
54.0
(2.13)
9.7
(0.38)
0.9
(0.04)
0.2
(0.01)
376.7
(14.83)
Average snowfall cm (inches) 17.6
(6.9)
14.3
(5.6)
21.1
(8.3)
11.3
(4.4)
9.1
(3.6)
0.0
(0.0)
0.0
(0.0)
0.3
(0.1)
4.4
(1.7)
8.9
(3.5)
15.7
(6.2)
13.1
(5.2)
115.7
(45.6)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.2 mm) 0.08 0.12 0.42 4.2 11.2 15.2 14.2 12.4 9.7 4.2 0.35 0.19 72.1
Average rainy days (≥ 0.2 mm) 7.6 6.1 7.2 3.6 1.4 0.0 0.0 0.12 0.78 3.0 6.0 5.6 41.4
Average snowy days (≥ 0.2 cm) 7.7 6.2 7.6 7.4 12.1 15.2 14.2 12.4 10.1 6.9 6.4 5.8 111.9
Mean monthly sunshine hours 87.4 107.2 147.1 187.5 215.8 237.1 271.7 249.7 180.8 145.3 88.9 80.0 1,998.4
Percent possible sunshine 33.7 38.3 40.1 45.1 44.5 47.6 54.2 55.1 47.5 43.8 33.3 32.7 43.0
Source: Environment Canada[5]

Flora and fauna

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Olds has various species living in and around it including poplar trees and various wild grasses. Olds is an agriculture based town, so a large portion of the flora grown are crops of canola (Brassica juncea subsp. juncea) and barley (Hordeum vulgare).

The majority of fauna consists of livestock like cattle, and poultry. Many surrounding farms keep horses and/or donkeys.

Residential areas and neighbourhoods

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The town of Olds is surrounded by residential neighbourhoods with various styles of housing. There are several mobile home parks throughout the town.

Economy

[edit]

Olds has its own fibre optic Internet Service Provider called O-Net that provides gigabit speeds to its residents and businesses. The service cost the town about $21,000,000 to install.[6] Olds has a big-box retail centre which opened in 2008. It features a Walmart, Canadian Tire, Home Hardware and other major retailers.

Demographics

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Historical population
YearPop.±%
1936 1,196—    
1941 1,316+10.0%
1946 1,521+15.6%
1951 1,617+6.3%
1971 3,459+113.9%
1976 3,805+10.0%
1986 5,005+31.5%
1991 5,542+10.7%
1996 5,815+4.9%
2001 6,607+13.6%
2006 7,248+9.7%
2011 8,235+13.6%
2016 9,184+11.5%
Sources: [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10]

In the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, the Town of Olds had a population of 9,209 living in 3,810 of its 4,096 total private dwellings, a change of 0.3% from its 2016 population of 9,184. With a land area of 14.92 km2 (5.76 sq mi), it had a population density of 617.2/km2 (1,598.6/sq mi) in 2021.[2]

In the 2016 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, the Town of Olds recorded a population of 9,184 living in 3,698 of its 3,942 total private dwellings, a change of 11.5% from its 2011 population of 8,235. With a land area of 14.93 km2 (5.76 sq mi), it had a population density of 615.1/km2 (1,593.2/sq mi) in 2016.[7]

The population of the Town of Olds according to its 2014 municipal census is 8,617, a change of 1.2% from its 2013 municipal census population of 8,511.[8]

Education

[edit]

Olds has four schools: École Olds Elementary School, École Deer Meadow School, Olds High School, and Holy Trinity Catholic School. Three schools in the area are part of the Chinook's Edge School Division No. 73

École Olds Elementary Schoolis an elementary school containing kindergarten to grade 4. The school contains a small gymnasium with a rock climbing wall. The gym previously doubled as the gymnastics centre for the gymnastics club, which is now located along 25th Ave.

École Deer Meadow School is a junior high school containing grades 5–8. There is a slightly larger gym as well as a music room for the students beginning in the band programs.

Olds High School is a junior/senior high school containing grades 9–12. The school has a gymnasium and fitness centre and a fine arts theatre and is part of the Olds College Campus. The school has a variety of educational programs such as sports, band, shop, drama and stained glass program.

Olds is also home to Olds College of Agriculture & Technology, noted for its agriculture technology programs.[9]

Sport and recreation

[edit]

Olds is home to many sports teams such as the Olds Grizzlys Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL), located at the Olds Sports Complex. Olds College Broncos part of the Alberta Colleges Athletics Conference, Olds Rapids Swim Club Located at the Olds Aquatic Centre. And many sporting events such as the Hay City Slam Skate Comp held every summer at the Olds Skate Park.

Home to two golf courses: Olds Central Highlands 23 hole course, 3 mi (4.8 km) east of Olds, off Highway 27 as well as the brand new 9 Hole Trail Creek Golf course located 7 km (4.3 mi) west of Olds, off Highway 27 that opened in July 2015

The Olds Gymnastics Club has recently migrated from their previous home in the Elementary School to a new building located along 25th Avenue. The building was formerly a Sears Canada building.

Olds houses the 185 Olds Royal Canadian Air Cadets Squadron. The building was formerly the Olds recreation centre and is now rendered to the squadron. The building is also rented out by many local dance and church programs.

Notable people

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Location and History Profile: Town of Olds" (PDF). Alberta Municipal Affairs. 17 June 2016. p. 442. Retrieved 19 June 2016.
  2. ^ a b c "Population and dwelling counts: Canada, provinces and territories, and census subdivisions (municipalities)". Statistics Canada. 9 February 2022. Retrieved 9 February 2022.
  3. ^ "Alberta Private Sewage Systems 2009 Standard of Practice Handbook: Appendix A.3 Alberta Design Data (A.3.A. Alberta Climate Design Data by Town)" (PDF) (PDF). Safety Codes Council. January 2012. pp. 212–215 (PDF pages 226–229). Retrieved 9 October 2013.
  4. ^ "Population and dwelling counts: Canada and population centres". Statistics Canada. 9 February 2022. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
  5. ^ Environment Canada1981 to 2010 Canadian Climate Normals station data, accessed 7 March 2019
  6. ^ "Internet speed in Olds drawing a crowd | Calgary Herald".
  7. ^ "Population and dwelling counts, for Canada, provinces and territories, and census subdivisions (municipalities), 2016 and 2011 censuses – 100% data (Alberta)". Statistics Canada. 8 February 2017. Retrieved 8 February 2017.
  8. ^ Joseph Ho (5 August 2014). "Slight growth in Olds according to town census numbers". Olds Albertan. Great West Newspapers LP. Retrieved 16 August 2014.
  9. ^ Olds College
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