Stavely, a charming town nestled in southern Alberta, Canada, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Situated 110 kilometres south of Calgary on Highway 2 and a mere 16 km east of Willow Creek Provincial Park, Stavely offers a unique blend of history, culture, and outdoor recreation.
Stavely's history is deeply rooted in ranching and the railway. The town was named after Alexander Staveley Hill, the Managing Director of the Oxley Ranching Company, which was established in 1882 by John R Craig on 100,000 acres of grazing rights. The Canadian Pacific Railway once ran through the town, and its closure led to the removal of all but one of Stavely's grain elevators. Despite these changes, the people of Stavely maintain a strong sense of community spirit and pride in their town's history.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Stavely had a population of 544 living in 269 of its 287 total private dwellings, a slight increase of 0.6% from its 2016 population of 541. The town spans a land area of 1.78 km2, resulting in a population density of 305.6/km2 in 2021.
Stavely is renowned as the home of the Stavely Indoor Rodeo, the world's first indoor rodeo, founded in 1929. The town's cultural significance was further highlighted when the miniseries "In Cold Blood" was filmed here in 1996. In 2012, the community celebrated its 100th birthday, marking a century of rich history and cultural development.
Stavely boasts a variety of recreational venues and attractions. The Stavely Golf Club, a 9-hole golf course, was one of the few remaining sand green golf courses in Canada until its recent conversion to artificial greens. Other recreational facilities include an arena, archery lanes, a recreational vehicle campground, a ball diamond, and parks. The town is also home to a museum, offering a glimpse into its historical past.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the Pine Coulee Reservoir, a popular spot for recreation and camping, is just 5 km west of Stavely. The Clear Lake recreation area, offering camping and water sports, is located 19 km east of the town. Additionally, the Willow Creek Municipal Park, a campground, is situated 16 km west of Stavely.
Stavely is home to a variety of volunteer community organizations and service groups, reflecting the town's strong sense of community spirit. These groups contribute significantly to the town's vibrant community life, making Stavely a welcoming and friendly place to visit or call home.
