Beautiful Fields

The town of Bashaw has a history dating back to the early 20th century, during Alberta’s settlement boom. The town was incorporated as a village in August 1911. Originally named Forster, it was renamed Bashaw after a man who significantly contributed to its development. The land where Bashaw stands today was homesteaded by Joe Louis, a Metis. In an interesting turn of events, Louis lost his land in a poker game to Andy Allan, who later sold the quarter section to Mr. Bashaw for five hundred dollars. Mr. Bashaw started a homestead at the narrows and a lumber business in Alix. When the railroad started to develop in the area in 1909, Mr. Bashaw seized the opportunity to sell lots of the town section. His efforts were instrumental in the growth of the town.

Bashaw today is a thriving community with a population of 848. The town offers many outdoor activities for enthusiasts, including beautiful nature trails, tennis courts, ball diamonds, a fitness park, and numerous parks and playgrounds. Summers in Bashaw are filled with Junior Cattle shows, ball tournaments, an annual bunnock tournament, street dances, show and shine car shows, and community barbeques.

Bashaw also pays homage to its history. The town jail, where Robert Raymond Cook, the last man hanged in Alberta, was held in 1957, now serves as a museum. In 2011, a full-scale dramatic production, “The End of the Rope,” focusing on Cook’s story, was performed to sold-out audiences.