Nestled in the heart of central Alberta, Canada, lies the quaint village of Carbon. Situated in Kneehill County, Carbon is a mere 41 kilometres west of Drumheller and 120 kilometres northeast of Calgary. The village is conveniently accessible via Highway 836, just 7 kilometres off Highway 21 on Highway 575. Established in the early 20th century in the serene Kneehill Creek Valley, Carbon boasts of paved, tranquil streets adorned with lush trees.
The history of the Carbon district is as vibrant as it is intriguing. The early settlers were primarily engaged in ranching, farming, and coal mining. The village's unique name, Carbon, was proposed by L.D. Elliot, a local rancher, and was officially adopted when the new post office opened its doors on October 1, 1904. The village was incorporated in 1912.
A significant part of Carbon's history is the railroad that once ran through it. Although it has since been removed, remnants of this railroad can still be seen on the south side of the Kneehill Creek. The Glenbow Museum in Calgary houses photographs of this railroad under construction. Operated by CP Rail, the railroad primarily served the coal mining industry in the area.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Carbon had a population of 492 living in 222 of its 240 total private dwellings. This marked an 8.4% increase from its 2016 population of 454. With a land area of 1.99 km2, the village had a population density of 247.2/km2 in 2021. The Village of Carbon's 2017 municipal census reported a population of 500. In the 2016 Census of Population, the village recorded a population of 500 living in 199 of its 222 total private dwellings, a -23.3% change from its 2011 population of 592.
Carbon offers a range of facilities and amenities for its residents and visitors. The village features a K-9 school, a swimming pool, a museum and art gallery, a curling rink, and two campgrounds. For those who enjoy the outdoors, well-maintained walking paths are available year-round, meandering along the creek through the picturesque valley.
