Old Bezanson Townsite

The original site of Bezanson along the banks of the Smoky River was a thriving pioneer settlement founded by Ancel Maynard Bezanson, an adventurer from Nova Scotia. Once it was established that the Canadian National Railway had surveyed their line through an area just beyond where the Simonette and Wapiti Rivers confluence with the Smoky River, Maynard (as he liked to be called) subdivided his “Townsite” directly on that rail line and shortly thereafter lots were advertised for sale. As the provincial government decided to locate the ferry 10 kms. downstream from the “Townsite”, Bezanson saw to it that a road was built down the hill to a suitable place for the ferry system that he then put in place. By 1915, the “Townsite” had 20 buildings – Hall & Leonard General Store, Harwood Hotel, Mart Geary’s Blacksmith Shop, Doran’s Bakery and a Presbyterian Church that also served as the schoolhouse, to name a few. The development of the Bezanson Townsite was closely linked to the development of the south Peace area prior to the arrival of the railroad. It was on the route followed by settlers who came into the region via the Edson Trail and was a stopping point for the river boats operating on the Smoky and Peace Rivers. With the decision of the Edmonton Dunvegan and British Columbia Railway to enter Grande Prairie from the north, virtually all hope was lost for the need for a town. In 1917, Maynard Bezanson and his family left the “Townsite” bound for Edmonton. With the Government’s decision in 1922 to move the site of the ferry down river to where the bridge is presently, the “Townsite” soon disintegrated. Several buildings were either moved or dismantled and rebuilt at different locations with the most notable being the Church which was rebuilt as a Store at the current hamlet of Bezanson. In 1923 the last resident left the “Townsite”.

The “Townsite” was designated a Registered Historic Resource in 1986. In 1988, with many distinguished guests in attendance, including Jim Bezanson, son of A.M. Bezanson, the Old Bezanson Townsite and Park officially opened. Many of the old building sites have been identified with markers. See if you can find them as you enjoy the spectacular views of the Smoky River.
Today we celebrate the road to revitalizing this park, and we recognize those pioneer men and women, like Mr. Bezanson, who worked to promote the Peace Country.
2014 saw a new revitalization of the park, including a beautiful new playground and additional historic markers.This revitalization project would not be possible without the support of our community, the countless hours put in by our dedicated volunteers, our partnership with the County of Grande Prairie No. 1 and many other groups who have stepped up to keep this park part of Peace Country history.

(History of Bezanson Townsite submitted by Wanda Zenner)