The Town of Edson was incorporated in 1911 and named after Edson J. Chamberlain, the General Manager of the Grand Trunk Pacific Railroad.
The Town’s growth has been based on the rich natural resources in the region.  Resources available locally include coal, clay, sand/gravel, oil, natural gas, and timber.  Products available locally include forest products, straw, hay, cereal grains, dairy products, cattle, poultry, horses, sheep, hogs, honey, seed potatoes, and vegetables.
Edson, with a population of 8365, has a full range of recreational and cultural facilities, diverse industry, excellent health care services, a high quality education system, and a vibrant business sector that serves all of the shopping needs of the local and area residents.  Edson serves a trading population of approximately 17,000 people. 
Our strategic location on the Trans-Canada Yellowhead Highway allows Edson to benefit from private, commercial, and industrial traffic.  This highway carries some of the heaviest traffic flow in Alberta, with approximately 8,000 vehicles passing through Edson daily.