QUALITY OF LIFE

The Town of Vermilion is situated on the edge of the picturesque Vermilion River Valley at the crossroads of the twinned Yellowhead Highway (#16) and Highway #41.
 

Edmonton, Alberta’s Capital City, is a leisurely two-hour drive to the west. Vermilion has been referred to as the gateway to the Lakeland Tourist Region located north along Highway #41. Vermilion has a safe, quiet country town atmosphere but is proud that it offers services and facilities usually found only in larger
centres.

RECREATION: FOUR SEASONS OF FUN

Nestled in gently rolling agricultural country, Vermilion’s recreational facilities cater to a wide range of lifestyles with a remarkable selection of opportunities for residents and visitors.

The Vermilion Provincial Park, located within Town boundaries at the West End of the community, is among the largest provincial parks in Alberta. Stretching more than nine kilometers (750h hectares) along the south shore of the Vermilion River Valley, the park combines tranquillity with activity. Approximately 23 kilometers of hiking trails through the natural wilderness allow for easy exploration and watching more than 100 different
species of birds. The man-made lake is ideal for the nature lover and canoeist and is a popular fishing spot for the young and old alike, all within town limits and walking distance. In the winter the lake and trails are transformed into one of the best cross-country skiing locations in our region. Because the trails are located along the southern slope of the valley, they are protected from the destructive rays of the sun, allowing a longer
season for some of our more internationally competitive athletes. The distinctive CN Station, a centrepiece at the park, is used as a ski chalet as well as for community gatherings. The park also provides the setting for six soccer fields, two shale ball diamonds, a 5.4 acre trout pond and a children’s wading pool.

The Vermilion Provincial Park is one of the most popular tourist overnight stopping places in Alberta and caters to over 80,000 visitors each year. There are 98 camping spots, including wheelchair accessible as well as group use areas, electrical hook-ups, a sewage dumping station and picnic shelter.

The Town operates a Parks Recreation and Culture Department that facilitates a large range of recreation and leisure programs. Athletic programs include hockey, ball, soccer, basketball, volleyball, figure skating and cross country skiing. Racquetball, squash, tennis, gym and weight lifting are available to the community through Lakeland College. A Cultural Centre accommodates contemporary and ethnic dancing, painting,
pottery, and karate lessons. The Senior Citizen’s Drop-In Centre, provides leisure, entertainment and recreation for our senior citizens.

The Vermilion Regional Centre was officially opened in February 2008. This 25,000 ft2 facility houses a grand ballroom that can handle 600 people seated for dinner, several breakout meeting rooms, a dance studio and the ever popular toy lending library and indoor playground. With a grant of $2.45 million from the Alberta Centennial Program, and a $1.5 million commitment from the Town of Vermilion this facility is well used by the region and community organizations.

The Town offers a 5 – lane wheelchair accessible indoor swimming pool with sauna and whirlpool, jointly operated with Lakeland College. The pool is home to the Vermilion Vipers Swim Club for swimmers with a competitive edge. The pool also offers a wide range of public, adult and family times as well as a full range of swimming lessons. In the summer months, each facility is utilized for indoor lacrosse and inline hockey.

The Vermilion Stadium, with a 2500 seating capacity, provides a modern heated hockey arena and five-sheet curling rink. Lounge and concession facilities compliment the complex. A second arena adjacent to the stadium, complete with artificial ice, was finished in 1987.
In addition to the two ball diamonds offered at the Provincial Park the Town of Vermilion has developed a four diamond ball park which is in full use by minor ball, ladies and men’s ball and slow pitch programs.

The Vermilion Golf and Country Club, a beautifully contoured nine-hole, 2,670 m (2,920 yard), par 35 course welcomes players one mile south of town. The course also offers grass greens, a driving range, practice putting greens and a Pro-shop offering complete equipment rental service.

CULTURE, HISTORY AND COMMUNITY EVENTS

The Vermilion Allied Arts Council is an active organization, co-ordinating a wide range of artistic endeavors.
In particular, a popular annual Performing Arts Series is conducted at the 450 seat Lakeland College Alumni Hall Theatre. A full compliment of dance, theatre, and music programs are also provided as well as a yearly Art Club Show and Sale.
History is important in Vermilion. A devastating fire swept through the downtown core in 1918, which gave rise to proliferation of fine brick buildings immediately following the devastation. The brick historic buildings are being restored to their former glory through a 5-year Alberta Main Street Programme.

The Vermilion Heritage Museum, located in a beautifully restored school which has been designated as a Provincial Historic Site by the Alberta Historical Resources Foundation, contains attractively prepared thematic displays which tell the history of Vermilion.
Community volunteers are very busy year round hosting a variety of athletic and cultural events.

The Vermilion Rodeo, a Lakeland Rodeo Association sanctioned event, takes place in late May. The crowning achievement of the agricultural society is the annual Agricultural Fair, complete with an exciting midway and parade, which attracts over 20,000 people in late July. Other yearly community events include Farm Curl (farmer curling tournament), Freddy Fox loppet (cross-country ski race), Lakeland College Rodeo, Vermilion Music Festival,
Golf Tournaments, Canada Day Festivities, Candy Cane Countdown and Christmas Parade.