LAGLACE

Located just 30 km west of Sexsmith, Alberta, is the Hamlet of LaGlace . LaGlace has a population of 217.

The main street of LaGlace. Facing west, on the left corner is the Co-op, Post Office and Horizon Credit Union and on the right is the LaGlace Family Restaurant (restaurant closed 2007).

The LaGlace Heritage Park, pays tribute to its pioneers.

During the early 1800's the Peace River Country was occupied by roving bands of Beaver Indians who traded for goods at Dunvegan. One of their leaders was identified as "La Glace", which is French for "Ice". His descendants came to live in this district. In 1900 Charles La Glace accepted the terms of Treaty #8 at Dunvegan. This confirmed that the entire area could be opened for homestead. In about 1909, at the age of 62, Charles La Glace drowned in the lake about 3 km west of here known at that time as Rat Lake. It later became known as La Glace Lake. In July of 1909 this township was surveyed and made available for homestead. A store and post office were opened at the North end of the lake in 1917 and were eventually relocated to the present townsite around 1930. It was around this store that the community of La Glace evolved. A cairn commemorates the individuals who first settled in this area during the period 1910-1930.

Changes have also included LaGlace with a number of newer homes on the south part of the Hamlet.

One of the early settlers homesteaded in the Valhalla Centre area just a short distance west of LaGlace. The Ronning 2 1/2 story log homestead, built in 1914 by Halvar and his son Chester Ronning still stands today. The Ronning family played an important role to help settle the area. (Valhalla-Hythe District) Halvar Ronning was the founder of the Norwegian Lutheran community in the Valhalla region while Chester served as a missionary to China, became involved with politics, the air force and participated in the international commissions on Korea, Laos, Hanoi, Saigon and Vietnam. For his accomplishments he was designated an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1967, became a Companion of the Order of Canada in 1972 and inducted in the Alberta Order of Excellence in 1983.

The first school that served the area was built in 1921. In 1938 the first high school was built in LaGlace.

LaGlace School (Kindergarten to Grade 9). There are close to 145 children enrolled. (2008) (780) 568-2430. School website Older children are transported to the Sexsmith High School 30 km to the east.

2010 EVENTS OF THE PEACE COUNTRY

LaGlace Co-op is owned by the Grande Prairie Co-op (780) 568-2410.

The Horizon Credit Union employs about 5 people. The LaGlace Savings & Credit Union (Incorporated in June,1946) merged with Caisse Horizon Credit Union Ltd in November of 2002. (with Girouxville, Falher, Manning, and St Isidore.) (780) 568-2409.

LaGlace Twilight Centre has pool tables, floor curling, card games and shuffleboard. Located on the lower level is the Community Library. (780) 568-4696.

LaGlace Fire Hall manned by a 25 volunteer fire department. (780) 568-2742.

LaGlace Recreation and Agriculture Centre. (780) 568-4737. The LaGlace Agricultural Society was formed in 1972 when they built the arena. Now in charge of the arena which provides ice for the bantams and midget hockey teams and the curling rink which has two sheets of ice. (780) 568-4511.