Drayton Valley is a charming town nestled in the heart of central Alberta, Canada. Situated on the scenic Highway 22, also known as the Cowboy Trail, it is approximately 133 kilometres southwest of Edmonton. The town is enveloped by Brazeau County, renowned for its expansive oil fields. Drayton Valley is strategically positioned between the North Saskatchewan River and the Pembina River, offering a picturesque landscape that is sure to captivate any visitor.
The history of Drayton Valley is as intriguing as its landscape. The town was named after Drayton, Hampshire, the birthplace of the wife of one of the Alberta town's postmasters. Before the oil boom in 1953, Drayton Valley was a sparsely populated community, with farming and logging being the primary economic activities.
The town experienced significant growth following the oil boom, leading to its incorporation as a village in 1956. A year later, in 1957, Drayton Valley officially became a town. In 1955, a ferry was constructed to cross the North Saskatchewan River, which was later replaced by a bridge. The original bridge served the community for many years before being replaced by a new bridge in 2014.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Drayton Valley had a population of 7,291 living in 2,897 of its 3,250 total private dwellings. This represented a slight increase of 0.8% from its 2016 population of 7,235. The town, with a land area of 30.9 km2, had a population density of 236.0/km2 in 2021.
In the 2016 Census of Population, Drayton Valley recorded a population of 7,235 living in 2,782 of its 3,116 total private dwellings. This was a 1.6% increase from its 2011 population of 7,118. With a land area of 30.72 km2, the town had a population density of 235.5/km2 in 2016.
Drayton Valley is not just about oil fields and history; it also offers a plethora of attractions for both residents and visitors. The town's Omniplex is a community sports centre that hosts a variety of sports, including ice hockey, ringette, curling, soccer, baseball, and rodeo.
For those who prefer water activities, the town has a public swimming pool. Winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy the local ski hill, while bowling enthusiasts can have fun at the bowling alley. Golf lovers are not left out either; the Drayton Valley Golf and Country Club offers a perfect spot for a round of golf.
In conclusion, Drayton Valley, Alberta, is a town that beautifully blends history with modern attractions, making it a must-visit destination in central Alberta.
