Stories of Alberta: Canada's Oldest Working Water Tower
A piece of Alberta history, saved by the people who love it
If you've ever driven into Wetaskiwin, you've probably noticed it.
Rising above the city skyline, the water tower has been part of the view for generations. But it’s more than just a landmark. It’s a piece of Alberta history that nearly disappeared.
The steel heart of 1909
Construction began in 1906, a joint effort between the Dominion Bridge Company out of Calgary and the Ontario Wind Engine and Pump Company. While the tower went up quickly, it sat waiting until 1909, when the city's broader water system was finished and it could finally go to work pumping water from Coal Lake.
In the early days, the tower looked a little different. Originally painted black, it had a wooden enclosure wrapped around the steel tank. That wasn't for looks. It acted as insulation, keeping more than 450,000 litres of water from freezing through the long Alberta winters.
This impressive structure also attracted a few adventurers. Around 1926, locals such as Terry Kobelsky, Morley Merner and Gladys Rippin were brave enough to climb all the way to the top and leave their engravings in the shingles, a small, human reminder that this tower has always been part of Wetaskiwin life.
For nearly a century, the tower simply did its job in the background, supporting homes and daily life without much notice, until someone suggested tearing it down.
The battle for the tower
By 2003, the tower's future was uncertain.
City council had put demolition on the table. The land could be put to other use, and the aging structure was expensive to keep up. The case seemed reasonable enough.
The people of Wetaskiwin, however, felt differently. The council had underestimated just how much the town loved its water tower, and how much pride the community took in it.
What followed was a genuine fight to save the landmark. Residents rallied and raised nearly $2 million to restore the tower, even though rebuilding from scratch would've cost far less.
A living Alberta legacy
Today, the Wetaskiwin Water Tower is the oldest working water tower in Canada. More than a century on, it still faithfully pumps water to the roughly 13,000 residents.
The town's affection runs deep, too. Wetaskiwin loves its landmark so much it even gave it an official mascot, Wally the Water Tower.
After 120 years, the tower is still going strong. Lit up at night and visible from across the city, it remains one of Wetaskiwin’s most recognizable features.
