Rossdale's Rich History
one of edmonton’s oldest neighbourhoods
Rossdale, originally known as Ross Flats, is sequestered nearby the north shores of the North Saskatchewan River. The land in Rossdale holds a long history of use by Indigenous Peoples before two fur trading posts were opened there in 1802. Then, in 1876, Donald Ross bought much of the land to build a residence that would later be known as Edmonton’s first hotel.
Where Edmonton came to life
Rossdale is not only Edmonton’s birthplace, but it is also the site where Alberta was inaugurated as a province in 1905 by Prime Minister Sir Wilfrid Laurier!
A historic hub for industry, arts and entertainment
Over the years that followed, Ross Flats became the supply point for the Klondike Gold Rush and home to a brewery, ice house, lumber yard, coal mine, and the famous Rossdale Power Plant. Many cultural events were hosted on Ross Flats, with Diamond Park offering a playing field for baseball, soccer and football games. Did you know? The exhibition grounds were first held in Rossdale before they were relocated in 1911?!
Life after the flood
In 1915, a devastating flood rocked the Rossdale community, washing out many homes and businesses in its wake. Since then, most of the commercial properties have been converted, removed, or left vacant. It has been the City of Edmonton’s mission to revitalize Rossdale to show folks what makes it both an incredible landmark of our city’s history and a sought-after destination for entertainers, adventurers, businesspeople and the like!
