Stony Plain, Alberta, is a charming town nestled in the Edmonton Metropolitan Region of Canada. Surrounded by the picturesque Parkland County, Stony Plain is located west of Edmonton, adjacent to the City of Spruce Grove. This town, which sits on Treaty 6 land, is renowned for its vibrant painted murals that depict various periods, events, and people from its rich history.
The town of Stony Plain, Alberta, originally known as Dog Rump Creek, has a fascinating history. The town's name is believed to have originated from one of two sources. The first theory suggests that the Stoney people historically camped in the area. The second theory attributes the name to Dr. James Hector, a geologist on the Palliser Expedition, who noticed boulders scattered across the area. The official name for the settlement was adopted in 1892, with Alex McNabb and McPherson being the first homesteaders in the area.
Stony Plain, Alberta, experiences a humid continental climate (Köppen climate classification Dfb). It falls into the NRC Plant Hardiness Zone 4a, making it a suitable environment for a variety of plant species.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Stony Plain, Alberta, had a population of 17,993 living in 7,134 of its 7,475 total private dwellings. This represented a 4.7% increase from its 2016 population of 17,189. With a land area of 35.45 km2 (13.69 sq mi), it had a population density of 507.6/km2 (1,314.6/sq mi) in 2021.
Stony Plain, Alberta, is a hub of arts and culture. The town is home to many colourful murals that depict important figures and events of local history. In 2006, the town held a mural project where artists were selected through open competition to paint two murals. The Parkland Potters Guild & Crooked Pot Gallery is also located within Stony Plain.
Cultural institutions in the town include the Stony Plain Public Library, the Multicultural Heritage Centre, and the Stony Plain Pioneer Museum. Stony Plain celebrates Farmers' Days in the first week of June each year, complete with the Farmers' Days Parade, the Kinsmen rodeo, a pancake breakfast, and fairgrounds.
Stony Plain, Alberta, jointly owns and operates the TransAlta Tri Leisure Centre sports complex located within neighbouring Spruce Grove. The town is also home to the Multicultural Heritage Centre, the Pioneer Museum, and multiple parks including Shikaoi and Rotary, a skate park, a BMX park, and a green path system running through town.
Stony Plain, Alberta, is home to the WestView Health Centre, a 68-bed public hospital, ensuring the health and well-being of its residents and visitors.
Stony Plain, Alberta, is twinned with Shikaoi, Hokkaido, Japan, fostering cultural exchange and mutual understanding between the two communities.
