Leduc

Leduc was established in 1891, when Robert Telford, a settler, established a home stead in 1889, near a lake which would later bear his name. It was on that piece of land where the new settlement would take root. Telford had served as an officer for the North-West Mounted Police, and later became Leduc's first postmaster, first general merchantman, and first justice of the peace.

The establishment of the Calgary and Edmonton Railway, later acquired by the Canadian Pacific Railway, opened the region to settlement. The first train stopped at Leduc in July 1891.

Leduc got its name when a settler (McKinlay) setting up a telegraph office 1886 and needed a name for the new office and decided that it would be named after the first person who came through the door of the telegraph office. That person was Father Hippolyte Leduc, a priest who had served the area since 1867, he wanted to inform his bishop he was on his way to Ottawa. Five years later the Minister of the Interior , who had been Lieutenant-Governor of the North-West Territories, Edgar Dewdney (1835–1916), decided in 1891 the new railroad terminal should be named Leduc, since the telegraph office was already carried his nam. At the time the railway had provided the Minister a list the railroad had acquired from Father Lacombe which included Leduc's name.

The town continued to grow quietly over the decades and Alberta's historical oil strike on February 13, 1947, occurred near the town at the Leduc No. 1 oil well.

Leduc is a small city and has a limited public transit system - Leduc Transit. It operates only during peak rush hours on weekdays. It includes feeder routes in Leduc ($2 one-way), and commuter service to Nisku and Edmonton ($5 one-way). A separate system of special buses reserved for the elderly and those with mobility issues also operates.

Major roadways in Leduc include: Blackgold Drive which runs from Leduc Estates in the west to the Black Gold Recreational Centre in the east, 50th Street which runs south and north, and 50th Ave which runs east and west.

When the weather is nice in spring, summer, and fall, it is common for residents to walk, bike or roller blade around town. There are many kilometres of bike paths in Leduc, making it an ideal way to see the city.

There are several taxi companies in Leduc.

• The 🌍 City Hall.  building, on 50th Street, is very lovely.
  • There is a manmade lake with water fountains in the summer. During the winter (when the ice is thick and frozen, always check ice conditions) people like to skate on the lake. There are lights on the pine tree on the island in the lake to start the holiday season.
  • Inside the city hall building is the atrium, with its beautiful greenery even in the cold winters. Don't be surprised to see a photoshoot for a wedding there, especially on the weekend.
• Leduc has several kilometers of Multiways for biking, rollerblading and walking.
• Leduc has a growing Downtown with a unique mix of restaurants, shops, and services. Community events are held within the Main Street Shopping District throughout the year.
• Common interest areas include by Fred John's Park, an artificial lake which also has a park and Telford Lake.
• There are several walking piers by Telford Lake and it is common for bird enthusiasts to spend time here. Leduc's lakes are not for swimming in.
• There are several historic buildings along Main Street. Best to just take a walk on a warm sunny day and see what wonders awaits you.
• Also check out the big plane statue next to the Royal Canadian Legion Hall on 50th Street.
• The most famous Leduc landmark is the Leduc No. 1 Oilwell which is located in Leduc County. No trip to Leduc is complete without seeing this famous site, which started the Alberta oilboom. It is about a 15-minute drive from the city, right close to the town of Devon. It has an interpretive centre, the Canadian Petroleum Discovery Centre, where you can about the discovery that made Leduc famous.
• Dr. Wood's Museum, 4801-49th Ave. Tu-F 11AM-5PM. This museum was the home of one of the first doctors in the area, Dr. Robert Woods, and his family. Dr. Woods practiced medicine out of his home in the attached medical wing. Built in 1927 for Dr. Woods, the house is a fine example of Craftsman style architecture, decorated in the Art Deco period. It illustrates an upper-middle class lifestyle from the late 1920s to the early 1940s. by donation. (updated Feb 2017)
• For performing arts, most shows take place at the Maclab Centre for the Performing Arts. The billboard outside advertises for upcoming plays, performances and concerts. Tickets can often be bought at the box office or the Library.

Leduc has activities for people of all ages.

• The Leduc Recreation Centre (also known as Black Gold Centre) has a pool, skating rink, curling rink and is being expanded to include a soccer field and more. L.A. Crude have two rugby pitches just behind where matches can be viewed throughout the summer. During the summer, the spray park is opened outside (admission only for those who buy tickets for the swimming pool).
• The Black Gold Arena is home to the Leduc Riggers Hockey Team.
• The Alexendar Arena is another skating complex located on 50th Street. Beside it is the outdoor pool which is open from the thirdvweekend in May to the first weekend in September.
• Across the street from the Alexander Arena is Leduc Cinemas. This is Leduc's only cinema showing 4 or 5 movies a week on four different screens. Tickets are much lower than what you would pay for a show in Edmonton. They always try to have at least one family movie, so kids can have a good time, and several of the upcoming blockbusters.
• The Leduc Public Library is in the City Hall building. There are also computers with Internet access. There are often events, lectures and activities that take place. Ask a librarian what's happening when you're around.
• The first weekend in May is Rodeo Weekend. During this time there are several events that take place including; a parade, pancake breakfast, fair, and rodeo events. These are held at the Black Gold Center - now known as the LRC (Leduc Rec Centre). The fair is located on the outside grounds. Best night to go to the fair is on Friday, known as 'Buddy Night' because you and a friend only pay half price to ride the rides.
• More Leduc Events
• Leduc Representative newspaper has more event listings and activities in the community.

Because of its close proximity to Edmonton, Leduc doesn't have as much shopping as a city further away like Camrose might. People from Leduc will often drive into Edmonton to go to stores that are not in town. Nonetheless there are still several shopping options in Leduc. All of the stores are located pretty much along 50 Street or 50 Avenue.

• Along 50 Street there a few shopping centres. On the north end is Safeway, Safeway Liquor Store, Shoppers Drug Mart, Money Mart and the Canadian Tire Gas Bar. The Canadian Tire store was moved to Leduc Common on 50th Street. Further down south there is Sobeys supermarket, Blockbuster and Western Cellar. And on the far south end of 50th Street is No Frills supermarket and a 7-Eleven Gas Bar.
• 50th Avenue between 47th and 50th Streets, is commonly referred to as Main Street. There are several independent business along this route. This includes: Legs 'N Things Boutique, A Chip Off The Old Crock (furniture store and also Ice Creamery in the summer time), Black Gold Frames and Gift Solutions.

• 🌍 Leduc Common (Discovery Way; near Hwy 2 & 50 Ave (Hwy 39), take exit 517). Suburban big-box retailers including Wal-Mart supercentre, Canadian Tire, Rona, Peavy Mart, Staples, EB Games, Fabutan, The Dollar Store, Dollarrama, Reitman's, Pennington's, Mark's Work Warehouse, and The Source. (updated Mar 2019)

• 🌍 Premium Outlet Collection Edmonton International Airport, 1 Outlet Collection Way, Edmonton International Airport (Hwy 2 & Airport Rd, take exit 522), ☏ +1 780-670-9888. M-Sa 10AM-9PM; Su 11AM-6PM. Opened in May 2018, it's the only fully enclosed outlet shopping centre in the Edmonton Metropolitan area. Features up to 100 fashion brands and outlet stores. (updated Mar 2019)

There are several independently run and family-owned dining establishments.

• Zambelli's, 6210 50 St, ☏ +1 780-980-9669. M-Sa 11AM-10PM. Steak, prime rib, French cuisine, pasta, sandwiches, & pizza. (updated Apr 2018)
• Kosmo's, 5011 50 Ave, ☏ +1 780-986-3122. Extensive menu including steak, pasta, pizza. Mains $14-22, steaks $21-31, burgers and sandwiches $13-16. (updated Apr 2018)
• Habaneros Mexican Grill, 5015 48a St, ☏ +1 780-986-1377. M-Th 11AM-9PM, F Sa 11AM-10PM, Su 4PM-9PM. Mexican, Southwestern, vegetarian friendly. Mains $16-20. (updated Apr 2018)

In Alberta liquor must be sold in private liquor stores. Therefore you cannot expect to step into a 7-Eleven and buy yourself a six-pack. There are several liquor stores in Leduc along either 50 Street or 50 Ave. The drinking age in Alberta is 18, and you may be asked to provide valid photo ID when purchasing liquor.

If you are looking enjoy a drink at a bar there are several options. Many restaurants have lounges or bars in them including Kosmo's, Boston Pizza and Smitty's. And there are bars in hotels such as the Best Western, Days Inn (Slate with Tuesday and Thursday being Karaoke night), and the Waldorf, also known as the Dorf.

• Yote's (pronounced "yo-tees") is just next to the Boston Pizza.
• If you are a veteran you can head to the Legion Hall by the White Spot restaurant. It's the building with the big airplane in front of it, so you can't miss it.

Drinking and driving is against the law and you can be fined, sent to jail and even have your licence revoked. So be safe and have a Designated Driver or call a cab. Because Leduc isn't very big, cab fares tend to be pretty low, especially if it's split between a few people sharing a ride.

• 🌍 Leduc Community Hospital, 4210 48 Street, ☏ +1 780-986-7711. Provides a range of healthcare services including a 24/7 emergency department. (updated Mar 2019)

Edmonton is 15 minutes away and includes the world-famous West Edmonton Mall one of the largest shopping centres on earth. Or you can go south to Calgary or west to Jasper.