Edson, Alta, Town, pop 8098 (2006c), 7585 (2001c), inc 1911. Edson is the distribution centre for a mining, timber and oil area 200 km due west of Edmonton. Named for Edson J. Chamberlain, president of the GRAND TRUNK RAILWAY (1912-17), it was founded in 1910 as a divisional point, some 100 km from the mountains. It served as a point of departure to the PEACE RIVER country, via a trail to GRANDE PRAIRIE, until 1916. Today Edson benefits from its position on the Yellowhead Highway. Every July Edson hosts a slo-pitch (softball) tournament with some 250 teams competing, earning it the title of "Slo-pitch Capital of Canada."