Forestburg, Alberta, is a charming village nestled in east-central Canada. This region, known for its fertile farmland, was first settled by Europeans in 1905. Today, Forestburg is a thriving community with a diverse economy and a rich history.
Forestburg's economy is a dynamic mix of agriculture, coal mining, oil and gas activity, and power generation. The village is home to approximately 75 businesses, offering a good rate of employment for its residents. Major employers in the area include Atco Power Ltd. and Westmoreland Coal.
In addition to its robust industrial sector, Forestburg boasts a variety of retail and service businesses. The village is also the headquarters of the Battle River Railway, a co-operative railway established in 2009.
The history of Forestburg, Alberta, is deeply intertwined with the development of the Canadian Northern Railway. The site was surveyed in 1919, three years after the arrival of the railway. Shortly thereafter, Forestburg was incorporated as a village.
The early settlers of Forestburg were not just farmers, but also miners. In 1907, just two years after the first European settlers arrived, homesteaders began coal mining on the banks of the Battle River. These early "gopher hole" mines were the first of many in the area.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Forestburg had a population of 807 living in 373 of its 417 total private dwellings. This represents a decrease of 8.3% from its 2016 population of 880.
The village covers a land area of 4.04 km2 (1.56 sq mi), resulting in a population density of 199.8/km2 (517.4/sq mi) in 2021. In the 2016 Census of Population, Forestburg recorded a population of 875 living in 360 of its 404 total private dwellings, a 5.3% increase from its 2011 population of 831.
The 2014 municipal census reported a population of 880 for Forestburg, marking a 5.9% increase from its 2011 federal census population of 831.
Whether you're drawn to its rich history, diverse economy, or welcoming community, Forestburg, Alberta, is a village worth exploring. From its early days as a farming and mining community to its current status as a hub of industry and commerce, Forestburg continues to be a vibrant part of Alberta's landscape.
