Turner Valley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Turner Valley
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Former town
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Looking south in Turner Valley
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 Turner Valley
Location in Alberta
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| Country | Canada |
| Province | Alberta |
| Region | Calgary Region |
| Census division | No. 6 |
| Town | Diamond Valley |
| Incorporated | |
| • Village | February 23, 1930 |
| • Town | September 1, 1977 |
| Amalgamated | January 1, 2023 |
| Area
(2021)
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| • Land | 5.75 km2 (2.22 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 1,215 m (3,986 ft) |
| Population
(2021)
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| • Total | 2,611 |
| • Density | 453.7/km2 (1,175/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC−7 (Mountain Standard) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−6 (MDT) |
| Postal Code |
T0L 2A0
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| Area code(s) | 403, 587, 825, 368 |
| Highways | Highway 7 Highway 22 Highway 546 |
| Waterways | Sheep River |
Turner Valley was a town in Alberta, Canada. It was part of the Calgary Metropolitan Region. Now, it is part of the new Town of Diamond Valley.
The town is located on Highway 22, also known as the Cowboy Trail. It is about 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) west of Black Diamond. Turner Valley is also about 60 kilometers (37 miles) southwest of Calgary. The town got its name from Robert and John Turner, who settled there in 1886.
Turner Valley was once a very important place for oil and natural gas. For 30 years, the oilfields here were a main source of oil and gas. They were the biggest producers in the British Empire at that time.
Contents
History of Turner Valley
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Turner Valley officially became a village on February 23, 1930. After 47 years, it became a town on September 1, 1977.
On January 1, 2023, Turner Valley joined with its neighbor, Black Diamond. They formed a new town called Diamond Valley. This decision was made by the Province of Alberta on May 25, 2022.
The Turner Valley Gas Plant
The Turner Valley Gas Plant was a very important site. A rancher named W. Stewart Herron found investors to help drill for fuel. He brought in drilling expert Archibald Dingman.
On May 14, 1914, Dingman found natural gas that produced gasoline. This was a big discovery! However, in 1920, the main buildings of the plant burned down. Herron's group could not afford to rebuild.
Imperial Oil then bought the company. They rebuilt the plant and continued operations. The plant stopped working in 1985. Today, it is a historic site. The Alberta government is working to restore it. On May 14, 2014, a celebration was held to mark 100 years since oil was first found there. Over 2,000 people attended.
Joining with Black Diamond
For many years, people talked about Turner Valley and Black Diamond joining together. In 2007, Turner Valley citizens wanted to join, but Black Diamond residents did not.
Later, the idea of saving money became a big reason to join. By combining services, they could save about $1 million each year. So, on January 1, 2023, the towns officially became one. They are now called the Town of Diamond Valley.
People and Population
In 2021, the population of Turner Valley was 2,611 people. These people lived in 1,073 homes. This was a small increase from its population of 2,559 in 2016.
Fun Things to Do
There are many fun things to do near Turner Valley.
- Kananaskis Country is about 25 kilometers (16 miles) west. Here you can go camping, hiking, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, fishing, and bird watching.
- The Turner Valley Golf and Country Club has an 18-hole golf course.
- You can also find the Dr. Lander Memorial Pool (an outdoor swimming pool).
- There is an outdoor ice rink and a skateboard park.
- The Friendship Trail is a paved path about 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) long. It connects Turner Valley to Black Diamond.
Schools in the Area
Younger students, from kindergarten to grade 6, go to Turner Valley Elementary School. Older students, in junior and senior high school, attend Oilfields High School in Black Diamond.
Famous People
Some notable people have connections to Turner Valley:
- Laureen Harper: She is the wife of former Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
- Dwight Lodeweges: A former professional soccer player.
- Stanley A. Milner: A Canadian businessman and former politician.
Gallery
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Looking west in Turner Valley
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Welcome sign
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Police station
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Royal Canadian Legion building
