Stony Plain, Alberta
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Town of Stony Plain | |
| Nickname: The Town with the Painted Past | |
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| Coordinates: | |
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| Country |  Canada |
| Province | Alberta |
| Region | Edmonton Region |
| Census division | 11 |
| County | Parkland |
| Incorporated | December 10, 1908 |
| Government | |
| - Mayor | Ken Lemke |
| - Governing body | Stony Plain Town Council |
| Area | |
| - Total | 35.61 km² (13.7 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 705 m (2,313 ft) |
| Population (2006)[1] | |
| - Total | 12,363 |
| - Density | 347.2/km² (899.2/sq mi) |
| Time zone | MST (UTC-7) |
| Highways | Highway 16 Highway 779 |
| Website: Town of Stony Plain | |
Stony Plain is a large town in rural Alberta, Canada, just west of Edmonton.
Stony Plain is a rapidly growing town with strong historical roots. It is located west of Spruce Grove and surrounded by Parkland County. The town is governed by one mayor and six councillors. The region is dominated by agricultural and other resource-based industry. The proximity of Stony Plain to Edmonton makes it attractive for commuters—servicing a surrounding population of over 60,000 people. Around the town, there are many colourful murals that depict important figures and events of local history. These murals have earned it the nickname "The Town with the Painted Past."
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[edit] Demographics
In 2006, Stony Plain had a population of 12,363 living in 4,808 dwellings, a 28.5% increase from 2001. The town has a land area of 35.61 km² (13.7 sq mi) and a population density of 347.2/km² (899.2/sq mi).[1]
[edit] Services and attractions
Stony Plain is a full-service town. Parkland School Division operates one K-6 school, three K-9 schools, one high school, and an outreach centre within the town.[2] Evergreen Catholic School division operates one K-8 school, and there are a variety of small private schools and home schooling organizations.[3] NorQuest College also operates a small satellite campus, offering a variety of adult academic upgrading programs.[4] Stony Plain is host to the newly constructed WestView Health Centre (a 68-bed public hospital), an RCMP detachment, and a Provincial Court. The Town of Stony Plain jointly owns and operates the new TransAlta Tri Leisure Centre sports complex. The town is home to several important civic and cultural institutions such as the Stony Plain Public Library, the Multicultural Heritage Centre, and the Pioneer Museum. The town has three major parks (Shikaoi, Whispering Waters, and Rotary), a skate park, a BMX park, and a green path system running through the middle of the town. There are eight churches in Stony Plain and seven more in the surrounding area.
The town has a vibrant civic life. It is home to the Multicultural Heritage Centre, the Parkland Potters Guild & Crooked Pot Gallery, and active service organizations such as the Rotary Club, the Lions Club, and the Royal Canadian Legion.
[edit] Festivals and events
Stony Plain celebrates Farmers' Days in the first week of June each year, complete with the Farmers' Days Parade, the Kinsmen rodeo, a pancake breakfast, and fair grounds. The town also plays host to the Great White North Triathlon[5] in the first week of July. In the summer, Stony Plain hosts two major festivals. The first is the Blueberry Bluegrass and Country Music Festival[6], which is held in early August and is the largest bluegrass event in western Canada. The second is the Cowboy Poetry and Country Music Gathering[7] held in late August. In December, the town sets up a large Christmas tree on Main Street. The tree remains lit throughout the Christmas season. To celebrate New Year’s Eve, the town holds its Family Fest event at the Rotary Park. Family Fest offers skating on the frozen pond, hot chocolate, and fireworks.
[edit] Recent developments
As of April 15, 2006, the Town of Stony Plain added an Organicart compost collection program and a blue bag recycling program to the services it currently offers to residents.
The Town also recently announced the 2006 Mural Project, which is a plan to add two murals in the summer of 2006. The mural artists will be selected through open competition.
[edit] References
- ^ a b Statistics Canada (Census 2006). Stony Plain - Community Profile. Retrieved on 2007-06-13.
- ^ Parkland School Division No. 70
- ^ Evergreen Catholic Separate Regional Division No. 2
- ^ NorQuest College
- ^ The Great White North Triathlon
- ^ Blueberry Bluegrass and Country Music Festival
- ^ Stony Plain Cowboy Poetry Gathering
[edit] External links
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Onoway | Edmonton/Villeneuve Airport | Morinville St. Albert |
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| Wabamun |  |
Spruce Grove | |||||
 Stony Plain  |
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| Warburg | Thorsby | Devon |
