1. Home
  2. Community Info
  3. Fort Saskatchewan
Welcome to Fort Saskatchewan | RJ Homes Team

Community Guide · RJ Homes Team

Welcome to
Fort Saskatchewan

Alberta, Canada  ·  25 km Northeast of Edmonton

📄 Download Community Guide PDF ↓ Explore Fort Saskatchewan
28,624
Population
25 km
From Edmonton
110 km
Trail Network
1875
Year Founded
56.5 km²
City Area
Overview Schools Parks & Rec Utilities Transit Safety Lifestyle Housing

Community Overview

Your New Home in Alberta's Heartland

Fort Saskatchewan is a vibrant, growing city nestled along the banks of the North Saskatchewan River — just 25 kilometres northeast of Edmonton. With a rich heritage dating to 1875 and a population approaching 30,000, Fort Saskatchewan offers the perfect balance of small-city warmth and modern conveniences.

Originally established as a North-West Mounted Police garrison, the city grew steadily from village (1899) to town (1904) to city (1967). Today it is a key part of the Edmonton Metropolitan Region, offering residents exceptional quality of life with easy access to the provincial capital.

Fort Saskatchewan is well-known for its proximity to major employers including Dow Chemical, Shell Canada, Nutrien, Sherritt International, and Linde — delivering economic stability and career opportunities unmatched in the region.

Quick Facts

MayorLisa Makin
ProvinceAlberta, Canada
RegionEdmonton Metro Area
Elevation610 m (2,000 ft)
HighwaysHwy 15 & Hwy 21
RiverNorth Saskatchewan River
City Phone780-992-6200
City Websitefortsask.ca
Treaty LandTreaty 6 Territory

Education

Schools & Education

Fort Saskatchewan is served by two excellent school divisions offering complete K–12 programming, with convenient access to post-secondary institutions in Edmonton.

🎓

Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS)

Comprehensive public education from Kindergarten through Grade 12, with French Immersion and alternative programs.

  • Rudolph Henning School (K–6)
  • James Mowat School (K–6)
  • John Paul II School (K–6)
  • Fort Saskatchewan Middle School (7–9)
  • Fort Saskatchewan High School (10–12)
  • French Immersion & Outreach options
✝️

Elk Island Catholic Schools (EICS)

Faith-based education in a supportive, values-centred environment for families seeking Catholic schooling.

  • St. André Bessette School (K–9)
  • St. Peter the Apostle High School (10–12)
  • Faith-integrated programming
  • Strong arts & athletics programs
🏛️

Post-Secondary Access

Exceptional access to post-secondary education via Edmonton's world-class institutions, just 25 minutes away.

  • University of Alberta
  • NAIT – Northern Alberta Institute
  • MacEwan University
  • NorQuest College
  • EIPS Adult & Continuing Education

Outdoor Living

Parks, Trails & Recreation

Fort Saskatchewan boasts an outstanding 110 km trail network, beautiful river valley, and world-class recreation facilities — something for every age and every season.

🏊

Recreation Facilities

  • Dow Centennial Centre (fitness & arts)
  • Harbour Pool — aquatics & lessons
  • Indoor arenas & outdoor rinks
  • Sports fields & baseball diamonds
  • Drop-in programs for all ages
  • Summer camps
🌿

Parks & Green Spaces

  • 110 km of scenic trails
  • Fort Heritage Precinct & riverside park
  • 20+ neighbourhood playgrounds
  • Cross-country skiing (winter)
  • Community gardens program
  • Dog-friendly off-leash areas
🏕️

Notable Destinations

  • Fort Heritage Precinct — historic fort replica
  • Dow Centennial Trail — riverside paved path
  • Lions Campground — river valley camping
  • North Saskatchewan River Valley
  • Free activity kit & disc golf rentals
  • Naturalized wildlife habitat areas

City Services

Utilities & Waste Collection

The City of Fort Saskatchewan provides reliable, comprehensive utility services including waste collection, water, and key city services for all residents.

♻️ Garbage & Recycling

  • Weekly garbage pickup — blue cart, curbside
  • Bi-weekly recycling collection — green/blue bin
  • Organics/compost cart — bi-weekly seasonal pickup
  • Bulk & large item pickup — book via Fort Report
  • Hazardous waste drop-off at Strathcona Eco Centre
  • Schedule varies by neighbourhood — check fortsask.ca
  • Missed collections reported via Fort Report app

💧 Water & Other Utilities

  • Water from North Saskatchewan River — fully treated
  • Meets all provincial & federal drinking water standards
  • Monthly utility billing — pay online or in person
  • EPCOR — electricity distribution
  • ATCO Gas — natural gas service
  • Shaw / Telus / Rogers — internet & cable
  • Fort Report app — report any city service issue 24/7

Getting Around

Transportation & Transit

Local TransitFort Sask Transit — local bus routes across the city
Edmonton Access~25–30 minutes via Highway 15 or Yellowhead Trail (Hwy 16)
Major HighwaysHighway 15 (south to Edmonton), Highway 21 (north/south)
Cycling110 km trail network including paved commuter paths along the river
AirportEdmonton International Airport — approximately 45 minutes by car
Ride ShareUber & Lyft available; local taxi services operate in the city
Transit Infofortsask.ca/residents/transit — routes, fares & accessibility info

Community Safety

Safe, Secure & Well-Served

Fort Saskatchewan consistently ranks among the safer communities in the Edmonton region, supported by a strong RCMP presence, dedicated fire services, and proactive community programs.

  • › RCMP Fort Saskatchewan Detachment — 24/7 police service
  • › Fort Saskatchewan Fire Department — 2 stations
  • › AHS Emergency Medical Services — local ambulance station
  • › Fort Saskatchewan Community Hospital — full emergency dept.
  • › Fort Sask Alerts — sign up for emergency notifications
911
Emergency
780-998-2271
Non-Emergency Police
2
Fire Stations
Below
Provincial Crime Avg.

Community Life

Lifestyle & Amenities

Fort Saskatchewan offers genuine small-city character with big-city conveniences — vibrant local culture, diverse shopping, and a welcoming community spirit.

🛒

Shopping & Services

  • Westpark Centre — major retail hub
  • Walmart, Canadian Tire, Home Depot
  • Sobeys & multiple grocery options
  • Diverse local restaurants & cafés
  • Banks, medical clinics, dental offices
  • Farmers Market (seasonal)
🎭

Arts, Culture & Events

  • Fort Heritage Precinct & Museum
  • Fort Saskatchewan Theatre Group
  • Dow Centennial Centre arts programs
  • Annual Canada Day celebrations
  • Summer Heritage Days festival
  • Art galleries & visual experience walks
🤝

Community Support

  • Family & Community Support Services
  • Seniors programs & day activities
  • Multicultural & DEI initiatives
  • Community grants program
  • Volunteer opportunities year-round
  • Newcomer settlement resources

Real Estate

Housing & Real Estate

Fort Saskatchewan offers exceptional value compared to Edmonton — diverse housing options with room to grow at prices that make sense for your family.

Housing TypesSingle-family homes, townhomes, condos, acreage lots, new builds
Value vs. EdmontonTypically 10–20% below comparable Edmonton properties
New ConstructionActive development in Westpark, Sienna, Sherridon, Villages at Westpark
Lot SizesGenerally larger lots than inner-Edmonton at comparable price points
Property TaxCompetitive mill rate — details at fortsask.ca/residents/taxes
Condo FeesNo city-wide HOA — condo fees vary by complex (ask your REALTOR®)
Market TrendSteady appreciation driven by Edmonton proximity & employment base
Employment AnchorsDow Chemical, Shell, Nutrien, Sherritt International, Linde/Praxair

Complete Community Guide

Everything You Need to Know

Download our comprehensive Fort Saskatchewan Community Information Package — schools, parks, garbage collection schedules, transit routes, safety resources, and more in one beautifully formatted PDF.

📄 Download Full Community Guide PDF

Ready to Call Fort Saskatchewan Home?

Contact the RJ Homes Team — your Fort Saskatchewan real estate experts.

📞 780-222-8222
🌐 rjhomes.ca
📍 Edmonton, AB
Contact Us Today