Groundbirch
Groundbirch is located approximately 55 km (34 miles) west of Dawson Creek and approximately 54 km (34 miles) east of Chetwynd. It is an agricultural community with only its centre, at the junction of Road 271 and Highway No. 97, being outside the Agricultural Land Reserve. The predominate agricultural uses and major economic drivers are forage and cattle grazing. There is the Groundbirch Community Pasture to the south and quarter-section parcels surrounding the community. Several smaller rural residential parcels are located along 271 Road. Groundbirch was named after a species of birch trees prevalent in the area.
The majority of settlers came west to the area from the prairies after the 1929 stock market crash. One of the first to file homesteads were Martinson and Iver Benterud in 1921. A Farmer’s Institute was formed in 1931. The first school was built in April 1931, while a second one, Tuscola School, was opened in the fall of that year. Nearby Mcleod Elementary School was opened in 1966 and still provides educational services to the children in the area. An expansion onto the elementary school was built in 2003, and now provides the community with a new community hall facility.
Community Facilities
| Facility | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Groundbirch Community Hall | 8649 – 271 Road, Plan B4262 NE ¼ 19-79-19 | 7.3 acres Owned by Groundbirch Historical Society |
| Groundbirch Recreational Area | 8621 – 271 Road, Plan 19729 NE ¼ 19-79-19 | 19 acres Owned by Groundbirch Recreation Commission |
| Groundbirch General Store | 8445 – 271 Road, Parcel B4262 NE ¼ 19-78-19 | Provides post office, fuel and liquor sales on a 2 acre site. |
| McLeod Elementary School | 8025 – 265 Road, Plan 16192 SE ¼ 27-78- 19 | On a 10.5 acre site, built 1967, serves grades K-7, includes a community hall |
| Groundbirch RV Campground | Lot 2, Plan 31102, NW ¼ 20-78-19 | 4.7 acres |
| Groundbirch Cemetary | Parcel A 19-78-19 | 2 acres owned by Groundbirch FI |
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