Black Diamond, Alberta, is a charming former town nestled in the Calgary Metropolitan Region of Alberta, Canada. It's situated within the newly formed Town of Diamond Valley, at the crossroads of Highway 22 (Cowboy Trail) and Highway 7. The town's name, Black Diamond, was inspired by the coal deposits found near the original town site. Today, little oil or gas remains, but the town's rich history and vibrant community life continue to shine.
Black Diamond, Alberta, was once a sister town to Turner Valley. It boasts a variety of amenities, including a hospital, shops, hotels, and residences. The town is also home to an elementary school serving students from kindergarten to 6th grade, and a high school for 7th to 12th graders. For sports enthusiasts, there's a hockey rink, and a Boys and Girls Club provides a safe and fun environment for the town's younger residents.
The town is beautifully located in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, surrounded by some of Canada's best ranch country. A 3 km (1.9 mi) trail known as the Friendship Trail connects Black Diamond and Turner Valley, offering a scenic route for walkers and cyclists.
Black Diamond, Alberta, has a rich history. It was incorporated as a village on May 8, 1929, and after nearly 26 years, it became a town on January 1, 1956. On May 25, 2022, the Province of Alberta issued an Order in Council to amalgamate Black Diamond and Turner Valley, forming the new Town of Diamond Valley. The incorporation date was set for January 1, 2023.
This decision followed years of discussions and a 2007 plebiscite. While Turner Valley citizens were in favor of amalgamation, Black Diamond residents initially rejected it. However, the potential for increased efficiencies and cost savings of up to $1 million a year eventually led to the approval of the merger without a plebiscite. Thus, on January 1, 2023, Black Diamond, Alberta, amalgamated with its neighboring Town of Turner Valley to form the Town of Diamond Valley.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Black Diamond, Alberta, had a population of 2,730 living in 1,178 of its 1,233 total private dwellings. This represented a slight increase of 0.9% from its 2016 population of 2,705. The town spans a land area of 6.82 km2 (2.63 sq mi), resulting in a population density of 400.3/km2 (1,036.8/sq mi) in 2021.
In the 2016 Census of Population, Black Diamond recorded a population of 2,700 living in 1,098 of its 1,108 total private dwellings. This was a significant 13.8% increase from its 2011 population of 2,373. With a land area of 3.84 km2 (1.48 sq mi), the town had a population density of 703.1/km2 (1,821.1/sq mi) in 2016.
