Nestled in the picturesque landscape of central Alberta, the hamlet of New Norway stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of community and the passage of time. Established in 1895, this quaint corner of Canada, within Camrose County, has woven a rich tapestry of history that unfolds with each passing year.
Our journey through time commences in 1892 when the Olstad family disembarked in Wetaskiwin, traversing the newly laid Canadian Pacific Railway. Guided by a pioneering spirit, they made their way to the Duhamel settlement, establishing homesteads and acquiring CPR land for $3.00 per acre. At this juncture, the region bore the moniker “Olstead District.”
s fate would have it, New Norway’s identity underwent a metamorphosis around 1895. Other Norwegian families, joined by those of diverse nationalities, became integral threads in the fabric of the community. Thus, the hamlet emerged with a new name, embracing its diverse roots.
By 1903, New Norway had evolved into a fledgling community, boasting essential establishments like a school, general store, and a blacksmith shop. However, the year 1909 marked a significant chapter. In anticipation of the Grand Trunk Pacific rail line, the entire community, guided by skids and seven oxen, was relocated to its present site (NW-11-45-21-W4).
The townsite of New Norway went up for sale on October 14, 1909, attracting 14 businesses within the first month. Commercial lots, with a promise of prosperity, fetched prices ranging from $100 to $250, while residential lots were priced between $50 and $150.
May 6, 1910, witnessed the official incorporation of New Norway as a village, marking the beginning of its civic journey. Norman M. Smith, James F. Willows, and Evan O. Olstad constituted the first council, elected on May 9, 1910. Over a century later, on November 1, 2012, the Village of New Norway transitioned to hamlet status under Camrose County’s jurisdiction.
And now, in the 21st century, New Norway remains a tight-knit community, thriving with small businesses, schools, and the echoes of its storied past. The hamlet’s legacy continues, blending history with progress, creating a vibrant present for its residents.