polis: a collective blog about cities worldwide

Doors in/to Cities: Fort Smith

by George Carothers



Fort Smith is a gateway that welcomes travelers from the South to Canada’s Northern frontier. A region famous for its natural beauty and incredible views, it is also known for its isolation, social turbulence, and economic instability. A population of 2,046 (2009) makes Fort Smith the fourth largest 'urban centre' in the Northwest Territories.


With an average yearly growth rate of -0.3, Fort Smith is also an emergency exit to the South, providing an opening to the more prosperous, oil-rich communities in Alberta.

Credits: Images of Fort Smith from George Carothers.