As rural Alberta expanded in the early 1900s, settlements often sprang up in areas where water, natural resources such as coal or excellent farmland existed. Railway expansion also played a role. The C.N.R. line in 1912-1913 began its expansion from the Village Morinville north towards Athabasca. In 1913, a flag station was opened several kilometres north of Legal. The C.N.R. conductor of the day, Mr. Dun Robin, allowed his name to be used for this new stop. The flag station, now named “Dunrobin”, began to serve the mainly French speaking families already living nearby. In 1914, the first house was built and it also served as the first store. In later years, the Dunrobin Post Office and small school were constructed.
On April 14, 1917, news of the invasion at Vimy Ridge, France, began trickling into the community. Both worry and concern for the Canadian Army filled the hearts of the locals. Those living in the community of Dunrobin felt a need to express their pride in the achievements of the Canadian soldiers who had been so brave in the attack against the German army. The day following the victory at Vimy Ridge, they changed the name of their community to Vimy. The Canadian government also allowed the name change for the local post office. Vimy continued to flourish and in 1919, the Parish of “Notre Dames de Victoires” was established followed by a new church in 1920.
The next 20 to 30 years saw many changes and much growth but, as with so many smaller rural communities, railway service ended. Highway 2 North bypassed the village and soon most businesses closed their doors. Vimy is now a small village of about 200 residents.
Daniel Huot, St. Albert
(Information taken from Notre Dame de Victoires parish Golden Jubilee booklet, 1970 and from 2016 Canadian Census)
