About Edmonton

• The name "Edmonton" is a Latinized version of a Saxon word meaning "Happy Hamlet,” and was used to honour the home of HBC governor James Winter Lake who was from Edmonton, England.

• The city's population stands at 782,439 people as of April 2009; while Edmonton’s metropolitan population is more than a million people.

• Edmonton is the gateway to the majestic Canadian Rockies, via road, air and Via Rail’s famed cross-country “The Canadian.” Luxurious mountain hotels and resorts with spectacular spa facilities await you.
• The city of Edmonton began as a North West Company fur trading post in 1795.
• During the Klondike Gold Rush of 1897 prospectors and adventures travelled by rail to Edmonton and then began the long overland journey to the Yukon. Edmonton became the last supply centre on route.
• Celebrating its centennial in 2012, Alberta's Legislature Building is set amidst 23 hectares of parkland and historical monuments, and marks the seat of government in Edmonton as Alberta's capital City.
• Edmonton’s Waste Management Centre of Excellence has one of the world’s highest standards in recycling, composting and minimizing landfill. The Clover Bar facility diverts 60 per cent of its solid waste, the highest diversion rate across Canada. Learn more about Edmonton's waste management at www.edmontonstories.ca.
• Edmonton is the second-most sustainable large city in Canada. This 2011 Corporate Knights Magazine ranking is based on our environmental footprint and commitment to creating a healthy, thriving population.
• Edmonton hosted the ICLEI World Congress June 2009. This international environmental conference will put the Edmonton on the world stage as it highlights the city’s role as an environmental leader.
• The City of Edmonton has achieved ISO 14001 certification, the world's most rigourous environmental management system standard. 
• Proudly multicultural, Edmonton is home to several of Canada’s largest festivals. Heritage Days features pavilions with food, displays, and performances from more than 60 different ethnic associations in the city. Learn more about multiculturalism in Edmonton through the stories of people who've experienced it at www.edmontonstories.ca.
• The Edmonton arts scene goes well beyond grand venues. This city buzzes with grassroots arts, and has a great respect for indie music. Roland Pemberton, a rising local rapper better known as Cadence Weapon, was a recent Edmonton poet laureate.
• Edmonton was named the Cultural Capital of Canada in 2007.
• Edmonton has 10 post-secondary institutions, with a post-secondary student population over 170,000.
• Edmonton has more bike paths and on-street facilities per capita than any other city.
• Edmonton is home to 58 per cent of Alberta's biotechnology companies.