in 1891, the canadian pacific railway's main line, which had passed well south of edmonton, was extended northward into strathcona, then known as south edmonton. edmonton came to fear that the presence of the railway across the north saskatchewan river would result in it being surpassed by its southern neighbour, and calls for the railway to be brought to edmonton grew louder (this objective would be achieved in 1905). as part of these efforts, it was judged appropriate to apply for a town charter, which was granted effective february 15, 1892, when the first town council was to be sworn into office. the election of the first council was fixed for february 10.