Posts from June 2014

The small community of Devon, Alberta, still considered a ‘town’ with a population of just over 6500, covers almost 12 square Kilometres of land southwest of Edmonton.  At about a 40 minute drive (26 KM) away, Devon provides an idyllic escape from city life.

Bridge at Devon, Alberta. Image Credit: Sean McCormick via flikr.com

Surrounded by agricultural communities, and residential sprawl from Edmonton, Devon is a hub of  not only shopping and amenities but is surrounded by world class golf courses and spectacular nature preserves.

By Alberta standards the town is relatively new, having almost sprung up overnight in the late winter of 1947. The Imperial Oil drilling company struck oil on the present day town site, and Devon developed to accommodate for the many site workers and staff necessary to maintain the drill. To this day the oil industry remains an important contributor to Devon’s economy.

Imperial Leduc #1 Oil Drill. Image Credit: Devon.ca

The Devonian Botanic Garden, facilitated by the University of Alberta, is a notable feature, and namesake, of the area around Devon known for its lush landscapes. The ‘Garden’ is in actuality over 190 acres of botany collections, indoor show houses, as well as an extensive trail system. Across the highway from the gardens lies the Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary; nearly 350 acres of marshland, parkland, open meadows, and more. The varied terrain attracts a multitude of animal species, including over 100 varieties of birds.

The greenery around Devon is not only reserved for flora and fauna however, the Devon Golf and Country Club, as well as Blackhawk Golf Club are both found along the scenic Devon River. The Golf and Country club was also built in the interest of the early oil workers, to create a leisure time activity. As the sport escalated in popularity, it grew from a 9 to an 18 hole course.

View of the Devonian Botanic Garden. Image Credit: University of Alberta

Devon is appealing for those searching for a starter family home, or even more established buyers. The area is serviced by a general hospital, 3 public schools, 2 Christian academy, a Catholic School, and the Devon Dispatch newspaper.

CLICK HERE to view properties available in Devon.

Stony Plain, Alberta is a town located west of Edmonton within Parkland County. With less than a 40 minute drive to Edmonton and only 10 minutes from Spruce Grove, as well as many amenities of its own, Stony Plain has become a desirable area for those relocating from larger nearby cities.

The area was officially settled in 1892 by homesteaders Alex McNabb and John McPherson, however the origin of the name “Stony Plain” has been disputed. It is possible it relates to the Stoney people, indiginous residents of the area. Alternatively, it has been suggested it was named by geologists noticing the large amounts of scattered boulders in the area.

Main Street. Image Credit: Town of Stony Plain

Stony Plain’s population of around 15,000 spread over 36 square Kilometres make it one of the largest towns in Alberta, as it nears eligibility for “city” status.  However in relation to Alberta’s primary cities, this is a relatively low population count, allowing for a quality of life oft sought after in smaller communities.

Public Mural. Image Credit: 20@30

Stony Plain has an active arts community, and has been lovingly dubbed “The Town with the Painted Past” due to the large number of public murals splashed throughout the town. It also houses the diverse Multicultural Heritage Centre, which amalgamates the arts community with the town’s strong agricultural heritage. The centre offers many cultural programs, as well as an art gallery, and a museum.

Summertime in Stony Plain means plenty of festivals and celebrations including Farmer’s Days (including a parade, fairgrounds, and rodeo!), the Blueberry Bluegrass and Country Music Festival, and The Cowboy Poetry and Country Music Gathering.

Cowboy Poetry and Country Music Gathering

For those interested in raising families, the town is home to five schools, including private, public, and Catholic divisions as well as an outreach centre.  The Stony Plain Reporter and the Tri-Area News are local media outlets located in town, reporting predominantly on Stony Plain, and secondarily the neighbouring Spruce Grove. Additionally, Stony Plain also shares a recreation centre with Spruce Grove, the TransAlta Tri Laisure Centre.

Click Here to search for homes available in Stony Plain. 

The REAL Trends Canadian 250 survey illustrates that RE/MAX agents outsold other agents, on average, by 16.1 transaction ends to 10.4 in 2013. That includes Royal LePage, Sutton, EXIT Realty, Century 21, Coldwell Banker and a host of others.

This just-released chart sums up how RE/MAX continues to occupy center stage in Canadian real estate: