Town of Bruderheim

Address:: Box 280
Bruderheim, AB T0B 0S0
Fax Number:: (780) 796-3037
Phone Number:: (780) 796-3731
Website:: http://www.bruderheim.ca

If you are searching for a progressive community with small town values, a variety of services and a reasonable cost of living, you have found your place.

Bruderheim is located 30 minutes northeast of Edmonton in close proximity to Alberta's Industrial Heartland. Situated in a scenic setting, nestled between the North Saskatchewan River and Highway 15, Bruderheim offers the peace and quiet of country living. Yet its location and major transportation links, including rail and bus services, provide convenient connections to key sectors and amenities.

Bruderheim is actively planning for future growth and development. Sustainable infrastructure, quality recreation services and town beautification efforts exemplify the strong vision Bruderheim has for its future. Bruderheim has a number of businesses in the town to serve your needs. Take advantage of the trail system linked throughout the Town of Bruderheim. This new trail links all the neighborhoods together and provides a great space for those wanting to walk, run and bike on a paved trailway. While strolling the trails be sure to experience the Bruderheim wetland area. This area is alongside the trail so you can take in all the natural beauty of Bruderheim. The children can enjoy the new playgrounds which can be found throughout the walking trails, offering a safe and fun environment for kids of all ages. A unique summer camp program with different themes each week is available during the summer months.

Bruderheim lies in close proximity to the major attractions in the area, including the Bruderheim Natural Area located 6.4 km north of town. Discover the trails and walk along the banks of Beaverhill Creek to see an amazing collection of wildflowers. Enjoy the many activities: mushroom and berry picking, hiking, birdwatching and wildlife viewing, horseback riding and cross-country skiing.

Tranquility with the right connections…why not make Bruderheim your destination.

The Town of Bruderheim - 100 Years Young

Originally known as Bruederheim, or 'Home of the Brethren,' the district was heavily settled in 1894 by Moravian German immigrants from the Ukrainian province of Volhynia, then part of Tsarist Russia. The earliest religious services in the community were held in the log cabin of the colony's founder, Reverend Andreas Lilge, who was responsible for convincing both his poor countrymen to come to Canada and for securing critical financial support for their fledgling settlement. A restless and determined leader, Rev. Lilge and some of his followers soon after joined the Lutheran Church, while others remained loyal to the Moravian Church. Consequently, both Moravian and Lutheran sanctuaries were erected to provide for the spiritual needs of the German-speaking settlers from Russian Ukraine.

The hamlet of Bruderheim traces its beginnings to a pioneering Scotsman and rancher named William Leslie. In 1892 he took out a homestead at the present town site, also operating a store from his cabin on the Victoria Trail. To better serve the needs of the burgeoning population of the district, in 1904 he built a two storey structure that housed a general store on the main floor and his residence above. Tragically, this store was destroyed by a fire that also killed Mr. Leslie in January 1905. Nevertheless, the completion of the Canadian Northern Railway line through the Leslie homestead later that same year prompted other businesses and services to locate themselves nearby, including a post office, bank and a growing number of commercial enterprises. In 1907 Walker School was founded in the rapidly developing trade centre, and helped to educate four generations of area residents before being converted in 1980 for use as a meeting place and a tourist information bureau.

n May 29, 1908 the Lieutenant-Governor of Alberta issued a proclamation granting Breuderheim village status, inaugurating its municipal existence. Interestingly, even though documents indicate that the first 'e' began to be dropped from the way Bruderheim was written as early as 1911 and became a common practice by the late 1920s, it was only in 1952 that the village legally changed the spelling of its name.

The discovery of oil in the countryside surrounding Bruderheim in the 1950s greatly boosted the local economy and the size of the village. A volunteer fire department was formed, a curling rink built, and new homes sprang up on the town-site. As time went by more services were added to meet the growing demand.

Rail traffic increased and regular bus service was initiated, better connecting Bruderheim with the wider world. One hundred years later, some of the proud descendants of the village founders still live among the hard-working residents of the modern-day town and on the farms in outlying districts.

Bruderheim now boasts nearly fifty businesses, several of which are home-based operations.
Much pride taken in keeping the downtown vibrant and inviting, businesses are decorated in style, and numerous flower planters keep Main Street looking fresh through the summer. Queen's Park provides a soothing place to sit and relax, while west of the downtown core is the Victoria Trail Recreation Park, suitable for hosting a variety of sporting events. Adjacent to it there is an R.V. Park and campground. Running directly through town is historic Beaverhill Creek, beautifully adorned with shrubs and wild flowers.

Bruderheim is served by Hwy's 45 & 15, giving easy access to Edmonton (30 minutes away) and to neighbouring towns. Of course, it is ideally situated for anyone working in the Industrial Heartland, and offers well planned subdivisions with attractive homes suitable to any family. The town is committed to promoting planned growth into the future, and to creating a desirable place to live for everyone from young families to retirees.

This is an approximate location. Please contact the owner for exact directions.