Big Valley, Alberta facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Big Valley
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Village
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| Village of Big Valley | |
Main Street
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 Big Valley
Location in Alberta
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| Country | Canada |
| Province | Alberta |
| Region | Central Alberta |
| Census division | 7 |
| Founded | 1907 |
| Incorporated | |
| • Village | July 28, 1914 |
| • Town | November 15, 1920 |
| • Village | March 9, 1942 |
| Area
(2021)
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| • Land | 1.86 km2 (0.72 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 840 m (2,760 ft) |
| Population
(2021)
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| • Total | 331 |
| • Density | 177.5/km2 (460/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC−7 (MST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−6 (MDT) |
| Postal code span |
T0J
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| Area code(s) | +1-403 |
Big Valley is a small village in central Alberta, Canada. It's located southeast of Red Deer, about 32 km (20 mi) south of Stettler and 64 km (40 mi) north of Drumheller. You can find it on Highway 56.
Contents
History of Big Valley
Early Ranching Days
People started settling in Big Valley even before 1910. They saw how good the soil and natural 'Prairie Wool' grass were. Settlers began raising cattle, and the village grew. A large area of land southeast of Big Valley was owned by Pat Burns. Much of this land is now a special ecological reserve. It helps protect the natural plants and wildlife.
The Rail Era
In 1911, the Canadian Northern Railway (CNoR) started building tracks through Big Valley. By 1912, Big Valley had a busy railway hub. It included a large roundhouse for trains, stockyards, and repair shops. The village grew to 500 people by 1914. It even became a town in 1920 with 803 residents.
Later, the Canadian Northern Railway merged with another company. They formed the Canadian National Railway (CNR). The new company decided they didn't need the railway through Big Valley anymore. You can still see parts of the old railway today on a self-guided walking tour.
In 1986, a company called Central Western Railway bought some of the old CNR tracks. They used them to move grain between towns. Now, most of these tracks have been sold. The remaining part, from Stettler to Big Valley, is owned by a local heritage group. A company called Alberta Prairie Steam Tours rents these tracks. They use them for fun steam train rides.
Coal Mining Days
Early explorers found coal along the Red Deer River, about 19 km (12 mi) west of Big Valley. Several small coal mines opened near the village. The biggest one, Big Valley Collieries, started in 1912. It was about 2 km (1.2 mi) north of Big Valley. This mine employed over 100 people and even had its own school and hotel.
The coal found here was a softer type, mostly used for heating homes. People needed this coal for many years. The mines kept running until oil and gas were discovered in Big Valley in 1950. The last local mine, a "Strip Mine" north of town, closed in 1952.
The Oil Boom
Before the 1950s, coal was the main resource in the area. But in the late 1940s, oil was discovered near Big Valley. This led to a lot of oil and gas exploration. In 1950, the "Big Valley No. 7" oil well was discovered. It was about 6 km (3.7 mi) south of Big Valley.
This oil field, called Fenn-Big Valley, covered a large area. It produced millions of barrels of oil and billions of cubic feet of natural gas. The oil and gas are found deep underground, about 1660 meters (5,445 feet) below the surface. At its busiest, the field produced a lot of oil every day for companies like Gulf and Shell. Today, many of the oil pumps you see in the area are no longer active.
In Memorial Park, there's an oil pumper on display. It reminds everyone how important the oil industry was to Big Valley.
Special Historical Places
St. Edmund's Anglican Church (The Blue Church)
St. Edmund's Anglican Church, often called the "Blue Church," was built in 1916. It sits on a hill overlooking the village. The church was started with a gift of $500 from Caroline Leffler in England. She earned the money by making and selling children's clothes. She sent it to the church in Calgary, asking for it to help build a new church in western Canada. Big Valley was chosen because it was a busy place with mining, ranching, and railways. A local builder named Walter Dennis constructed the church.
Inside, the church still has its original wooden benches, a pump organ, and other old items. The last regular church service was in the 1960s. The building started to look old and worn. In 1974, a group working on a "Homecoming" event found some leftover blue paint. They used it to paint the church, changing it from cream-colored to blue.
Big Valley Today
Population Information
In 2021, the Village of Big Valley had a population of 331 people. These residents lived in 159 homes. The village covers a land area of about 1.86 km2 (0.72 sq mi).
Where is Big Valley?
Big Valley is in central Alberta. It's a busy community located just one kilometer off Highway 56. The village is in the southern part of the Battle River Tourist zone.
- It's about 32 km (20 mi) south of Stettler on Highway 56.
- It's about 60 km (37 mi) north of Drumheller on Highway 56.
- It's about 80 km (50 mi) east of Innisfail on Highway 590.
- It's about 204 km (127 mi) southeast of Edmonton.
Fun Things to Do
Arts and Culture
Since 2005, the Big Valley Amphitheatre has hosted local talent. You can enjoy old-time and modern country music, sing-alongs, and storytelling.
In 2007, the Big Valley Creation Science Museum opened in the village. This museum shares ideas about the Genesis creation story.
Golfing
The Big Valley Golf Course is on the western edge of the village. It's a nine-hole course with hills and sand greens. It offers a fun challenge for golfers.
Parks and Playgrounds
Ball Diamonds
Big Valley has several community ball teams. They also host tournaments every year. The facilities include ball diamonds, a playground, and access to the Agriplex for food and dances.
Elks Playgrounds
There are a few playgrounds for kids in Big Valley. These include the Elks Playground, a playground at the ball diamond, and one at the Big Valley School.
Memorial Park
Memorial Park is a lovely place in the village for a picnic. It has a War Memorial that honors the many men from Big Valley who fought for Canada. You can find Memorial Park at 121 Main Street, West.
Community Facilities
Big Valley Agriplex
The Agriplex is Big Valley's main ice rink. It can seat about 800 people. Many minor hockey games and tournaments are held here. You can also find times for public skating.
Tennis Courts
Big Valley has two tennis courts for residents and visitors. These courts can also be used for basketball and skateboarding.
Education
- [Big Valley School] is part of the Clearview Public Schools system.
Famous People from Big Valley
- Skeeter Thurston, a rodeo competitor.
- Zeke Thurston, a rodeo world champion.
