Community

Stony Plain is one of Alberta's fastest growing communities with its population doubling between 1986 and 2003.. There are currently just over 10,500 people calling Stony Plain home today.

Housing starts in Stony Plain over the past five years have been consistently higher than at any other point over the past three decades. 2005 set a record in Stony Plain for the value of new housing permits at over $50 million. The land will soon be put to use if the present demands for development continue.

In 2003, the number of dwellings in Stony Plain increased by 12% over the 2001 federal census, with the majority of Stony Plain's residents (77 percent) own their dwellings, and some 21 percent are renters. This ratio is somewhat above Canada's general average, where 65 percent are owners. It offers several indicators on the economic and social health of the town. Unlike urban areas, Stony Plain's residents are not transient. It is also an indication of economic health where people hold jobs with incomes sufficient to carry long-term mortgages. The majority of the homes in town are single family (79 percent) with multi-family as a balance. This ratio is likely to change as more people retire and choose to trade single family with apartments. The average price of a home in Stony Plain as of January 2006 is $227,431 with a median price of $214,863.

History

The Town of Stony Plain has a pride in its history which began in 1881 when the first homestead in the area was documented. In 1892, the area was known as Dog Rump Creek until a post office was named for the region and it became Stony Plain. In 1907, Stony Plain's first Sheriff, lsrael Umbach, made national headlines when he chained a locomotive to the railway tracks for non-payment of taxes and changed the course of history. ln 1908, Stony Plain was officially Incorporated as a town. Stony Plain's history is kept alive through its murals program, numerous historic sites, and the Multicultural Heritage Centre.

Economic Base

Regional resources include coal, cement, sand, gravel, petroleum, natural gas, fish, and agriculture. Stony Plain has, and continues to prosper, as an agricultural centre for trade population of approximately 60,000. The community's proximity to the Edmonton Genesee power plant and the Fording Coal Mine are two sizeable contributors to the local economy. Ln addition, diversification in to government services and light manufacturing has set the stage for Long term steady growth. Stony Plain also has a thriving tourism industry.

The North and South Business Parks are zoned for commercial and light industrial use suitable for all types of business from manufacturing to service industries. A special feature of both Business parks is a large supply of untreated water for specialized uses. These features, plus the exceptional pricing on all parcels, make Stony Plain a location that is unequal in value to accommodate new business. Some of the major businesses in the parks are a 43,000 square foot Canada Safeway, Petro-Canada station, 64-room Stony Highway Motor Inn, Joe Doherty Chevrolet Oldsmobile dealer, to name a few. As well, the Lions R.V. Park located in the North Business Park has 26 fully-serviced stalls to meet the traveler's needs.

• Fording Coal Mining
• Westmark Manufacturing
• Maple Leaf Gold Manufacturing

Demographics

The Town of Stony Plain 2003 Census data also provides a good picture of what the community looks like today.

• the data points to an increase of 15.9% over 1996, and 9% over 2001
• the 16-54 age group accounts for 56% of the population (compared to 57% in 1996 and 2001)
• 20% f the 2003 population is in the 55+ cohort (compared to 17% in 1996 and 20% in 2001)
• 51% of the 2003 population is female with the largest number of both males (37%) and females( 38%) occurring in the age 30-54 cohort
• 33% of respondents indicated they have lived in Stony Plain for 10 or more years and of these residents, the majority are aged 55-64 (51Yo)and 65+ (45%)
• 10% of respondents indicated they have lived in Stony Plain for less than one year and of these residents the majority are aged 16-29 (17%)
• 14% of all respondents indicated they are retired
• 37% of respondents indicated they are employed full time, and 65% of those aged 30-54 said they were employed full time
• 62% of respondents indicated they worked outside of Stony Plain [e.g. Metro/Edmonton; Parkland County; Spruce Grove] while 31% work in Stony Plain

Recreation

Stony Plain has a history of commitment to creating an atmosphere of feel-good hospitality. From the Multicultural Heritage Centre featuring the best heritage kitchen, Oppertshauser House (living museum), Generations Art Gallery, quaint shops throughout the town, 22 breathtaking outdoor murals, Main Street market, to the Pioneer Museum, Exhibition Park and miles of planned parks system- Stony Plain offers residents and visitors a variety of unique and fun-filled ways to spend the day.

Over the years, Stony Plain has developed an impressive list of recreational facilities and Organizations for the whole family. A full-service arena houses senior, junior and minor hockey teams during the winter and numerous community events throughout the year. As well, Stony Plain has a multitude of sports facilities to suite all age levels and miles of jogging, walking, bicycle and cross-country skiing trails, soccer and football fields, skateboard park, and a BMX Race track. The Stony Plain Golf Course is a CPGA 18-hole championship course during the golf season and used for cross-country skiing in the winter.

Local recreational facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, arena, curling rink, baseball and softball diamonds, tennis courts, sports grounds, parks and playgrounds, an 18-holechampionship golf course, outdoor skating rinks, a community centre, the Elks Club Hall, and the Royal Canadian Legion Hall. The Transalta Tri Leisure Centre is the newest facility and represents a partnership between the Town of Stony Plain, City of Spruce Grove and Parkland County. It contains two NHL sized arenas ,soccer pitches fitness centre, aquatic centre with waterslide and 25 metre/1O-lane pool, food and beverage outlets, meeting facilities children's play area, and gymnasium.

Nearby campgrounds include Allan Beach Resort, Ascot Beach, Chickakoo Lake Recreation Area and Interpretive Centre, Hasse Lake Provincial Park, Hubbles Lake Resort, Jackfish Lake Recreation Area, Mink Lake Resort and Campground, Wabamun Lake Provincial Park and Spring Lake Resort.

Health Care

The Westview Regional Health Centre, located in Stony Plain, provides area residents with hospital care, emergency and out-patient services radiology and laboratory facilities, obstetrical, physiotherapy, and consulting by visiting specialists.

Other medical services include three clinics [Family Medicine Centre, Meridian Medical Clinic, and parkland Medical Associates], the Stony Plain-Lac Ste. Anne Health Unit, and two extended care centres [Good Samaritan Care Centre and Parkland Palliative Care Program].

Facilities for seniors include; the Meridian Foundation, Alberta Rose Manor, Diamond Jubilee Manor, Everglades Lodge Special Care Home Ltd., Good Samaitan Care Centre, Meridian Pioneer Manor, George Hennig Extended Care Centre, Meridian Pioneer Club Lounge, Whispering Waters Manor, Senior Citizens Society of Stony Plain, and the Stony Plain Handi-bus.