Culture and Heritage

Pioneers first settled in the Mosquito Creek Community (Nanton area) in the late 1800s and early 1900s. On June 22, 1903, a village was formed and named Nanton, after the late Sir Augustus Nanton (1869-1925). Sir Augustus Nanton (pictured) was a partner in the financial firm Osler, Hammond and Nanton of Ontario. He was sent by the firm to the west to investigate investment in farm mortgages. Renowned for his sound judgment, he became the director for many companies, including the Canadian Pacific Railway, Hudson’s Bay Company, Great West Life, and Dominion Bank. He arranged financing of the Calgary and Edmonton Railway, sold subsequently to the Canadian Pacific Railway.

It was his close association with these two companies that led the community to name the village Nanton and in the summer of 1907, the town was incorporated.

Nanton 2023 - This is our place