Edmonton
Edmonton is the capital city of Alberta, Canada and the second largest city of the province. Edmonton sits on the banks of the North Saskatchewan river. According to the census of 2006, Edmonton has a population of some 730.372 people and an area of 684 km2.
History
Fort Edmonton was established in 1795 by the Hudson's Bay Company and was incorporated as the capital of the newly formed province of Alberta in 1905. Edmonton grew rapidly in the years immediately after its incorporation as a city, a trend that was magnified by the onset of the oil boom in 1947.
Geography and climate
Edmonton lies on gently rolling terrain near the western edge of the plains of central Canada, about 220 km east of the Rocky Mountains on the North Saskatchewan river. The city has an elevation of 668 m (2.192 ft) above sea level. The river and the creeks that feed it within the city's boundaries have created many ravines that define Edmonton's park lands.
Climate
The city of Edmonton experiences a fairly dry but harsh climate with cold winters and cool summers. Most precipitation falls in spring and summer. Heavy summer hail storms are not uncommon.