Saturday, August 30, 2025

History of Penhold Lake (Fleming Slough)


Penhold Lake has historically been a local water body integral to the Penhold community, valued for its environmental and practical contributions to settlement, transportation, and recreation.[1][2][3]

Early Use and Settlement

  • The lake played a significant role in the area’s early settlement, supporting agricultural activities and serving as a main water source for various needs, including railway steam locomotives at the nearby CPR station.[2]
  • Natural lakes like Penhold Lake helped ensure reliable water access, making the location attractive for both the railway and settlers.[2]

Railway and Industry

  • Penhold Lake’s most notable historical use was supplying water for Canadian Pacific Railway steam engines, with water pumped directly into large storage tanks alongside the railway siding.[2]
  • This infrastructure fostered community growth and linked Penhold Lake’s importance to local transportation history.[2]

Community and Environmental Significance

  • Over the years, Penhold Lake remained a local hub for recreation, wildlife, and ecological observation, supporting waterfowl and other prairie species.[1]
  • The lake’s proximity influenced the shape of Penhold’s early development and the establishment of civic amenities nearby.[4][1]

Contemporary Role

  • Today, Penhold Lake is recognized primarily for its environmental and community value, supporting local biodiversity and providing recreational opportunities in the region.[1]
  • Community initiatives and events continue to celebrate the natural history and significance of Penhold Lake within the local area.[5][1]

Penhold Lake’s history reflects its key role in shaping settlement, transportation, and community life in central Alberta, with a legacy spanning both infrastructure and environmental importance.[3][1][2]


  • https://www.1000towns.ca/penhold-alberta/      
  • https://open.alberta.ca/dataset/d1020d93-414d-4137-8237-935b3be06b13/resource/2a9d2f42-d737-4aad-90f9-3e8852d3a28d/download/edt-alberta-locations-1986-penhold.pdf      
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penhold  
  • https://visitreddeer.com/story/membership-spotlight-town-of-penhold/ 
  • https://rdnewsnow.com/2022/06/28/penhold-launches-community-hub-development/ 
  • https://oxfordlanding.ca/penhold-alberta/ 
  • https://gameo.org/index.php?title=Pine_Hill_Hutterite_Colony_(Penhold%2C_Alberta%2C_Canada) 
  • https://archive.org/details/P007017 
  • https://www.abgenealogy.ca/uploads/files/Resources/AlbertaHistories.pdf 
  • https://www.paulpettypiece.com/red_deer_area.htm 
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peninsula_Lake 

No comments: