by George Carothers
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLM1Ygvm6LtgAfMqNp9wXDqoLUUFqnahPRSt7MM68RDVmSrSmvj_LrSM2P6DrSM76J1sUotlwCVbd_IBOzmpG5iIgqXUtW6PGt7k3rZz4rv1Pn4TlyDyoLynnOmAkqnonGLaIs5ox0UMg/s400/IMG_0076_2.JPG)
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.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnuQg2bmomSQ7X56w_9rE5d3EuLznrC_Pc1nUV7Rg5TMay_9ZwS9H6JT4sRRWR2Ym0di6Cw6HXJoqoaPXCGPWwkgDH6LfB6DbeSQ74DSsqy0mX8kcZXQqWBHN9p1kBJFa1XdbskNqK_Sg/s400/IMG_0082.jpg)
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.