Navigating the Border Between Alberta and Saskatchewan: A Unique Canadian Experience
The border between Alberta and Saskatchewan is a unique and interesting feature of Canada's geography, especially when you consider the challenges it presents in a seemingly straightforward landscape. This border, which runs along the 110th meridian west longitude, is officially marked by the Dominion Land Survey, a systematic approach to land division used across Canada. However, this meridian cuts through the heart of a city, making it a special example of provincial cooperation and administrative complexity.
The Dominion Land Survey: A Systematic Division
The Dominion Land Survey is a method of land division used primarily in the Canadian prairie provinces, including Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. This system divides the land into large square sections, making it easier for the government to manage and distribute land for agriculture and settlement. The survey began in the mid-19th century and continues to be used today, providing a consistent method for land division in the prairies.
The Meridian and Its Geographic Implications
The 110th meridian west longitude, or the fourth meridian in the Dominion Land Survey, serves as the official boundary between Alberta and Saskatchewan. This line cuts through the relatively flat and rectangular prairie landscape, creating a straight division between the two provinces. However, the simplicity of this line is interrupted in Lloydminster, a city that exists in both Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Lloydminster: A City Spanning Two Provinces
Perhaps the most notable feature of the Alberta-Saskatchewan border is the city of Lloydminster. This city is situated directly on the border and is the only city in Canada that is divided between two provinces. To avoid significant legal disputes over jurisdiction, both provinces passed identical city charters, making Lloydminster one city in two provinces. This unique arrangement has led to a high degree of cooperation and collaboration between the two provinces, ensuring that the city functions smoothly and without friction.
The Curvature of the Earth and Correction Lines
While the land between Alberta and Saskatchewan generally forms a perfect rectangle, the curvature of the Earth can be a factor when driving long distances. To compensate for this, the Dominion Land Survey includes correction lines in the roads every 24 miles north to south. These correction lines help drivers maintain a straight course across the flat prairie landscape, ensuring they do not veer off course and into ditches or other hazards.
Common Misconceptions: Saskatchewan is Not North of Alberta
A common misconception is that Saskatchewan is located to the north of Alberta, which is not the case. Both provinces have a border with the Northwest Territories (NWT) at 60 degrees north latitude, forming a more northern boundary. The primary difference is that they are situated east and west of this line, rather than north and south.
Conclusion: Embracing the Complexity of Canadian Borders
The border between Alberta and Saskatchewan is a prime example of the unique challenges and solutions found in Canadian geography. The Dominion Land Survey, Lloydminster's unique status, and the correction lines for road alignment all contribute to a complex yet fascinating border that showcases the ingenuity of Canadian land management and provincial cooperation.