Nestled in the Edmonton Metropolitan Region of Alberta, Stony Plain sits just west of Edmonton, sharing a border with the City of Spruce Grove and entirely surrounded by Parkland County. This mid-sized Alberta town has grown steadily over the years, and its colourful streetscapes and active community calendar make it a distinctive presence in the region west of the provincial capital.
Population and Growth
According to Statistics Canada’s 2021 Census, Stony Plain was home to 17,993 residents living across 7,134 of its 7,475 private dwellings. That figure represents a 4.7% increase from the 2016 population of 17,189, which itself had climbed 14.2% from 15,051 residents counted in 2011. A 2019 municipal census put the population at 17,842, reflecting a 10.6% rise from the 16,127 residents recorded in the 2015 municipal count. The town covers a land area of 35.45 square kilometres, yielding a population density of approximately 507.6 people per square kilometre. Stony Plain experiences a humid continental climate, classified as Dfb under the Koppen system, and falls within NRC Plant Hardiness Zone 4a.
History, Culture, and Points of Interest
The town’s name has two competing explanations. One points to the Stoney people, who historically camped throughout the area. The other credits Dr. James Hector, a geologist with the Palliser Expedition, who observed boulders scattered across the landscape. The settlement was officially named Stony Plain in 1892, with Alex McNabb and McPherson recognised as the first homesteaders in the area. Interestingly, the community was once known as Dog Rump Creek before adopting its current name. Stony Plain is widely recognised for its collection of painted murals depicting significant local figures and historical events. In 2006, the town held a mural competition open to artists across the region, resulting in two new works added to the streetscape. Cultural institutions include the Stony Plain Public Library, the Multicultural Heritage Centre, and the Stony Plain Pioneer Museum. The Parkland Potters Guild and Crooked Pot Gallery also calls the town home. Throughout the year, Stony Plain hosts a range of community events, including the Farmers’ Days celebration each June, featuring a parade, rodeo, pancake breakfast, and fairgrounds. Summer brings the Blueberry Bluegrass and Country Music Festival in early August, considered the largest bluegrass event in western Canada, and the Cowboy Poetry and Country Music Gathering in late August. July sees the town host the Great White North Triathlon. As the year closes, a large Christmas tree is lit on Main Street, and New Year’s Eve is marked by the Family Fest event at Heritage Park.