High River’s downtown, with its quaint restaurants, historic buildings and unique architecture, has been the backdrop for a number of film sets in past years.

The Town’s Director of Development Services, Rob Milne, says maintaining the charm of the area is paramount as people continue to move in. “We want to build on High River’s historic identity,” Milne says.

The town’s history dates back to 1862 when Fort Spitzee was built. The downtown core began to take shape 20 years later when Katie Quirk opened the first store and post office.

Today there are a number of historic buildings that still stand and newer buildings have been given a makeover to incorporate architectural details from the past.

Milne says as new buildings crop up the town will implement standards that will continue the historic prairie town feel. Apartments with street-level commercial businesses are another option that is being considered to keep the downtown vibrant. In new residential areas, the small town feel is preserved through grid-road systems, large lots and treed lanes.

Residents are currently being engaged in a public consultation process to get input on what the community would like to see in future development. “We want people to tell us what they like and want to see more of and what they don’t like and don’t want more of,” Milne says.

John Andresen has seen High River grow around him. The local lawyer moved from Saskatchewan to the town when he was offered an articling job.

He met his wife, Kim, and the couple were married and raised their three children in the town.

As their children grew, Andresen said there was peace of mind living in a small town. “When they went out and they were in town, I had a good feeling that I knew where they were,” he says. “The big city, Calgary, urban problems didn’t exist by and large.”

Events like the Little Britches Rodeo Parade and the annual High River Chuckwagon Races were staples for his family, he says. “There is a real community feel to these events.”

The town has lots of opportunity for people to get in touch with nature and local history. George Lane Park is a popular recreation spot in the centre of town with a baseball diamond, bandstand, playground and camping facilities. Sheppard Family Park is a historic farm that features a restored log cabin built in 1882.

The High River Highland Games attracts thousands of visitors for traditional Scottish dancing and heavy games and a night of entertainment at the Ceilidh.

Andresen bought  a downtown building 10 years ago where he runs his legal practice. He says he has seen the town evolve before his eyes. “It is very nice. There is a coffee house, neighbourhood pub and a diner right across the street. It’s developed around me and that is very gratifying.” After 33 years in the town, High River is definitely home for the Andresens. “This town has been very good to me,” he says. “It has created a good life for me.

Although the Town of High River continues to grow, with a population now over 10,000 people, Andresen says the small town feel continues. “You know a lot of people,” he says. “You know your neighbors and they accept you and you know them and accept them. It’s a very warm feeling.”