Recreation
Community lifestyle is one of the most
important factors when considering a move.
Sports, recreation, community
involvement, cultural events, hospitality, and safety are just a
few of the many reasons why people choose south east Alberta as a
excellent place to live.
Peace of Mind
Bassano is part of the Wild Rose Region. Many residents and business owners choose to locate in the Region because of the safety and security of small town living. As indicated by the below table, crime statistics are substantially lower in the region than typical of a larger metropolitan center like the City of Calgary.
Bassano offers residents rural community values and an affordable country lifestyle close to the amenities within the region and the neighboring metropolitan centres. Despite faborable economic growth, it's sill very affordable to buy a home and live in the Wild Rose Region.
For more information on country living visit County
of Newell.
The region offers the most affordable local utilities, based on comparison with Calgary and area utilities. In the Wild Rose Region, local utilities (water, sewer and garbage) are approximately 26% lower than the average of communities in and around Calgary (Benchmarks Nichols Applied Management, 2000).
Recreation & Parks
The Town of Bassano, with a population of 1,320 supports a wide range of recreation facilities and parks. Several green areas throughout the Town provide opportunity for picnics, field activities or meditation. The town maintains the cemetery, the Homecoming Camp Ground, the soccer and baseball fields, as well as several vacant green areas around Town.
Bassano Dam
One of the largest dams in the world, Bassano's 24 spillway gravity dam provides some of southern Alberta's best recreational sites and activities. Fishing, boating, water skiing, swimming and camping at the "Little Dam" is one of the reservoirs fed from Bassano's dam-site. The water is crystal clear and the air is pollution free. More information can be viewed at Eastern
Irrigation District.
Crawling Valley Reservoir is a large newly created off stream storage reservoir for the Eastern Irrigation System. Camping, fishing, boating are popular activities. Facilities include: 100 campsites, phone, picnic tables, tap water, showers, sewage disposal & boat launch. There are no boating restrictions but General Federal Regulations are in effect. Excellent fishing for Northern Pike and Walleye (catch & release for walleye)
Swimming Pool
253 - 6 Avenue
Phone (403) 641-4025
The outdoor Swimming Pool has operated for approximately 40 years in its present basin. The Town owned/operated facility has provided many years and hours of enjoyment, instruction and recreational opportunities. The Pool is a happening place for young families and children and provides employment opportunities to locals with the required Red Cross Water Safety qualifications.
Baseball Diamonds
Bassano has two maintained ball diamonds with red shale infield and grass outfiels. The diamonds are maintained by community volunteers, the grass is mowed by Town Recreation/Tourism department. Fastball, softball and slow-pitch are games played over the years.
The Soccer Fields are maintained by Town Recreation/Tourism department and are popular spots during May and June. Bassano is a member of the Grasslands Soccer Association so competitors are Duchess, Brooks and Tilley.
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Artificial Ice Arena
The Bassano & District Centennial Arena was completed in 1968 and has been a beehive of activity ever since. In the summer the facility has been used for street hockey, 4H achievement, Homecoming activities and wrestling but the winter is the facilities busy time. Activities such as hockey, figure skating, ringette, and skateathons provide hours of winter activity and fun for area residents of all ages.
Additional recreational opportunities within the Town include:
- Recreation Complex
- Bowling Alley
- Curling Rink
- Bassano School Gymnasium
- Rodeo Grounds
- Gun Club Facility
- Tennis Courts
- Fishing and Hunting
Bassano
Sage & Thistle Golf Course
#1 - 7th Avenue
Open April 1st - September 30th.
The Bassano Sage & Thistle Golf Club is a quaint, well-maintained par 36 golf course which is designed to play as an 18 hole course. Flanked by numerous trees and ponds, its lush fairways lead to small but impressive grass greens.
The Sage & Thistle serves both walk-on golfers and private members. Green fees are inexpensive compared to other courses and golfers have a fleet of rentals carts at their disposal. The licensed clubroom consists of a kitchen, bar and seating area downstairs and a spacious lounge area upstairs especially suited for tournaments. Men's, ladies and junior leagues run during the week with numerous tournaments hosted on weekends.
Other Golf Courses Include:
- Brooks Golf Club - (403) 362-2998
- Duchess Golf Club - (403) 378-4710
- Meadows Par 3 Golf Course - (403) 362-6477
- Hidden Valley Resort - (403) 734-3965
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Kinsmen Park
This Town owned park was first built in the ‘60’s by volunteers of the Kinsmen Club of Bassano, ideally located on main street, has been a popular spot for many families and children.
In 2001 the Kinsmen Club of Bassano, with the help of many volunteers, grants and initiatives, have upgraded the playground equipment and surface material. The equipment has passed CSA safety inspections and continues to draw folks of all ages to the intriguing, physically challenging, and handicap accessible playground equipment complete with picnic area. The Park is located beside the Community Hall and across the street from the Homecoming Campground. We are very fortunate to have this wonderful facility in our community.
Community Hall
610 - 2nd Avenue
phone 641-3637
The Bassano Community Hall was paid for through generous donors within the community and area as well as grants from the Province.
The next time you are in the hall, take time to read the Wall of Fame. Construction was completed in 1996.
The hall has a meeting room, kitchen, bar, stage and lighting/sound room. This modern, spacious facility is a cornerstone of the community with seating for upwards of 300 people. Many folks travel to Town for cultural events, conferences, and fundraisers that are held in the Community Hall. With the Kinsmen Park located beside the Hall and the Homecoming Park across the street from the Hall; the facility is also popular for family reunions, weddings and many other social events.
Pioneer Damsiters Drop-In Centre
315 -2nd Avenue
phone 641-4072
The Pioneer Damsiters Drop-In Centre is a wonderful gathering place for seniors. The facility is a Town owned - volunteer operated facility. Activities that take place on a regular basis in the Drop-In Centre are bingos, luncheons, card parties and socials. Membership is very affordable and new members are welcome!
Attractions/Annual Events
Bassano is located 90 km southeast of the Royal Tyrell Museum in Drumheller and 70 km west of Dinosaur Provincial Park.
Royal Tyrrell Museum
Open Victoria Day Weekend to Labor Day Weekend 9am to 9pm daily. Open remainder of year 10am to 5pm Tuesday to Sunday. Call 1-888-440-4240 for further information, or visit the web site.
Annual events include:
- Bassano Amateur Rodeo-- Last Saturday of June annually
- The Crawling Valley Annual Fish Derby (May long weekend)
- Canada Day Celebrations - July 1st -9pm at the Rodeo Grounds.
- Sportsman Dinner - Third Thursday of October annually.
A complete list of past, present and upcoming Community Events along with their contacts can be viewed by clicking here.
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Community Organizations
Local recreation and community organizations include:
- Masonic Lodge
- Pioneer Damsiters
- Curling Club
- Royal Purple
- Gun Club
- Willing Wokers
- Hockey Club
- 4-H Clubs
- Ringette Club
- Agricultural Society
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- Figure Skating Club
- Tennis Club
- Gymnastics Club
- Elks Club
- Parent Council
- Eastern Star
- Chamber of Commerce
- Golf Club
- Bassano Barrel Racers
- Bassano Arts Council
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A complete list of Clubs and Organizations along with their contacts can be viewed by clicking here.
Religious Services
- Evangelical Free Church
- Knox Presbyterian Church
- St. Columba Roman Catholic Church
Campgrounds
The Homecoming Camp Ground located on main street is complete with power, washroom and shower facilities. Camping is enhanced by the large shade trees and the nearby Kinsmen Park. A great spot to stop in while visiting Bassano. Camping cost per night is $10 or $15 with power. The Campground operates on a first come first served basis.
- Midway Motel Campground
- Poplar Grove Campground
- Crawling Valley Resort
Accommodations
- Imperial Hotel
- Prairie Schooner II
- Mid-Way Motel
Restaurants
- Rosies Roadside Grill
- Harry's Place Restaurant and Bar
- Astros Restaurant
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