NAMPA

Located approximately 24 km south-east of Peace River, Alberta is the Village of Nampa on Highway 2. This Village has a population of 372 people (2004 stats) and serves a trading area of about 1200.

Village of Nampa, picture taken looking northward, 2005 (pictures on this website cannot be reproduced)

Originally the area was known as "Tank" named after the water tank and pump house built by the railway when it arrived in 1916. The railway passed through the homestead of Robert Perry "Pa" Christian who later operated a store as well as the pump house. He also opened the first post office in 1924. It was decided a new name should be given to the community, and Christian and Johnny Gladue, an aboriginal leader came up with the current name of "Nampa". Nampa is also the name of a community in Idaho. Nampa means "the place" in aboriginal.

One of the largest employers of the area is Boucher Brothers Lumber Mill located just outside the village, about a 1 1/2 miles northwest of Nampa. This mill employs approximately 56 people and ships lumber to a number of different areas. Has been in the area since the 1980's. (780) 322-3945. In April 2008, Boucher Brothers laid off 28 people because of the poor United States housing market, softwood tariff, and the increasing Canadian dollar.

Northern Forage located on the west side of town compresses hay bails that are shipped to Japan. This business also employs a number of employees.

Farmers from around the community come to Nampa to deliver their grain at the Great Northern Grain Terminals, located at the north side of town. From here the grain is shipped to Falher which is 35 km south of Nampa. Besides raising cattle some farmers have herds of buffalo.

There is no hospital in Nampa, so residents travel 24 km north to Peace River. RCMP service is also provided from the town of Peace River.

Nampa & District Agriculture Society (780) 322-3808.

Nampa Golden Pioneers Drop in Centre (780) 322-3883.	Village of Nampa office (780) 322-3852.

2008 EVENTS OF THE PEACE COUNTRY

Skiing: Popular spot for downhill skiing is the Little Smoky Ski Hill (780) 837-8144.

One of the residential streets shows the variety of homes in the Village of Nampa. (May 2005)

In the summer of 2006 there were 17 new residential lots created and are all have been sold. This interest in new homes in Nampa, is because of the increased oil activity in the area.

Nampa and District Pioneer Museum is open during the summer, with a historic house open for viewing. The Museum was formed in 1978 to collect and preserve the areas culture and artifacts. (780) 322-3852. This location also serves as a tourist information centre.

Nampa & District Complex includes an Arena and Curling Rink. There is hockey and skating at the Arena in the winter months. (780) 322-3808. There are the opening and closing bonspiels held at the Curling Rink, 2 sheets of ice. Above the complex is a 350 seat banquet room used for many functions.

Nampa United Church is one of the oldest in the area. Built 75 years ago. Other churches include the St. Charles Catholic Church, and the Nampa Gospel Fellowship Church.

Nampa Municipal Library and Cultural Centre. (780) 322-3805. Also located at this building is the Family and Community Support Services, and playschool is also run from the same building.

Located on the north east of Nampa is the Mill Brown Memorial Park. Playground, ballpark, tennis and basketball courts, walking trails, camping. (6 campsites with electricity. Donations accepted.)

Schools:

Nampa Public School has from 60-80 students and is the only school in Nampa. Grade 1 to grade 6. (780) 322-3940. Grades 7-12 are bussed to Peace River.