The area was inhabited by Dane-zaa (Beaver), Dene and later Cree First Nations long before the arrival of European traders and settlers.[7] In 1974, a bridge was built over the Peace River immediately west of Fort Vermilion, effectively ending the winter isolation of the community.The original Old Bay House, home of the chief factor, still exists and is now part of the Fort Vermilion National Historic Site.Another heritage building is the 1907 Clark House, built for the Hudson's Bay clerk quarters, and moved in 1994 to the present location near the visitor centre.Wildlife is abundant in the area, and includes bears, moose, deer, beavers, foxes, coyotes and Canada geese and Sandhill cranes[8] The hamlet is situated on the southern banks of the Peace River, with an elevation ranging from 255 to 282 m (837 to 925 ft) and the Indian reserve of Fort Vermilion 173B is about a kilometre east.Despite being so high in latitude, Fort Vermilion experiences a humid continental climate (Dfb), though bordering closely on subarctic, with long, very cold winters and brief but fairly warm summers.The community complex also boasts workout facilities, a splash park, ball diamonds and playground - making it a great stop to relax and cool off on hot summer days.The old hospital building (aka old court house) has now been re-purposed and relocated as an office place for MARA (Mackenzie Applied Research Association) at the Fort Vermilion Experimental Farm.Located east of the settlement is the Fort Vermilion (Wop May Memorial) Aerodrome (TC LID: CEZ4), administered by Mackenzie County.Other events and festivals held in Fort Vermilion include Canada Day celebrations, Town and Country Fair, River Daze and Arts and Crafts Show.[citation needed] Fort Vermilion is in the federal riding of Peace River—Westlock, represented by MP Arnold Viersen.Fred Brick, husband to Sarah Lendrum (formerly of the Strathcona area), was an early businessman, farmer and trader at Fort Vermilion.Dave Hancock, named 15th premier of Alberta on 23 March 2014 following the resignation of Alison Redford, grew up in Fort Vermilion.
The Hudson's Bay Company vessel
Messenger
at Fort Vermilion
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A side view of the Fort Vermilion Bridge crossing the Peace River