Wetaskiwin in County Of Wetaskiwin, Alberta — Canada’s Prairie Region (North America)
Canadian Bank of Commerce
| — | Historic Downtown Wetaskiwin | — |
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 12, 2022
1. Canadian Bank of Commerce Marker
The first building on this site was John West's Clothing store. It was destroyed by a fire on June 23, 1903, and the Bank of Nova Scotia located here the following year. In 1906, the bank was taken over by the Canadian Bank of Commerce who built the present building in 1907 for $35,000. The main floor of the two-story brick and stone building was used for banking; the second floor held offices and accommodations for the bankers.
The bank closed its doors in 1936 in the middle of the Depression, and this building stood empty for some time because no one had the $3,500 purchase price. In 1937, Mr. Brody bought it, and after making several changes to the building, he opened the Sterling Store. This was Wetaskiwin's first Five Cent to a Dollar store, and it remained open until 1952.
After World War II, Len Roberts managed the Sterling Store for six years. During that time, a taxi office occupied the front of the building and Bert Collicutt had a small barber shop. The building did not extend right to the street on the east side, so George Long kept his hot dog, peanut, and popcorn wagon on this open, but sheltered spot.
In
this page online
Erected by Downtown in Motion • City of Wetaskiwin • Alberta Historical Resources Foundation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1907.
Location. 52° 58.172′ N, 113° 22.463′ W. Marker is in Wetaskiwin, Alberta, in County Of Wetaskiwin. It is at the intersection of 50 Avenue and 50 Street, on the right when traveling east on 50 Avenue. The marker is mounted directly on the subject building, on the left/east side of the front entrance. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 5001 50 Avenue, Wetaskiwin AB T9A 0S3, Canada. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Central Alberta. It is
City of Wetaskiwin Archives
2. Marker detail: Canadian Bank of Commerce
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Men's Outfitter Store (a few steps from this marker); Imperial Bank of Canada (1909) (within shouting distance of this marker); Montgomery's (within shouting distance of this marker); Wetaskiwin Post Office (within shouting distance of this marker); Compton Block (within shouting distance of this marker); Royal Meat Market (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Railway Station (about 120 meters away); George Owen’s Second-Hand Store (about 150 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wetaskiwin.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 12, 2022
3. Canadian Bank of Commerce Marker
The marker is on the left/east side of the front entrance.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 12, 2022
4. Canadian Bank of Commerce Building (north/front elevation)
Credits. This page was last revised on November 2, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 30, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 10 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 2, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
