Rocky the Ram is the iconic mascot of Grande Cache, Alberta, symbolizing the town’s strength, resilience, and deep connection to the surrounding Rocky Mountains. Representing the bighorn sheep native to the area, Rocky stands as a proud emblem of local heritage and wilderness. Highway 40, famously known as the Bighorn Highway, is due to the frequent sightings of bighorn sheep along its scenic route through the foothills and mountain ranges. In 1948, a road was constructed from Old Entrance to Muskeg, which later became an important link to the construction of Hwy 40. By 1959, Muskeg Road was connected to the existing forestry road that extended east of Grande Prairie. Since Highway 40 from Muskeg to Grande Cache was not completed until 1970, early travellers relied on the original forestry road, built during oil exploration in 1955–1956. Most of Highway 40 was graded south to Hinton by 1967 and fully paved by 1975. The northern extension of the highway to Grande Prairie was completed by 1986, with final paving of this section finished in the summer of 1996. Today, Highway 40, the Bighorn highway, the scenic route to Alaska, stands as both a symbol of Alberta’s rugged frontier history and a crucial link between the neighbouring communities of Hinton and Grande Prairie.
Reference: Municipal District of Greenview and the Historical Society (Richard Wuorinen)