Beyond YEG Borders: Stony Plain
Mon, 16 JunStony 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.