Devon, Alberta

Devon
Town
Town of Devon
Flag of Devon Flag
Devon Location of Devon in Alberta
Coordinates:
Country	Canada
Province	Alberta
Region	Edmonton Capital Region
Census division	11
Municipal district	Leduc County
Incorporated	1949 Village
	1950 Town
Government
• Mayor	Stephen Lindop
• Governing body	Devon Town Council
• MLA	Mark Smith
Area (2011)
• Total	11.72 km2 (4.53 sq mi)
Elevation	709 m (2,326 ft)
Population (2011)
• Total	6,510
• Density	555.6/km2 (1,439/sq mi)
Time zone	MST (UTC-7)
Area code(s)	780
Highways	Highway 60
	Highway 19
Waterways	North Saskatchewan River
Website	Official website

Devon is a town in the province of Alberta, Canada, situated 26 kilometres (16 mi) southwest of Edmonton, the provincial capital, and located along the banks of the North Saskatchewan River.

History

Leduc No. 1

Devon owes its existence to one of the largest oil discoveries in the world. On 1947 February 13, the Imperial Leduc #1 well struck oil, and the new town of Devon was constructed shortly thereafter by Imperial Oil to accommodate its workers. The company was determined that the town would be well-planned, and Devon holds the distinction of being the first Canadian community to be approved by a regional planning commission. The oil industry remains a major player in the town's business sector, though the economy has diversified to include tourism, manufacturing, and research.

Devon is named after the Devonian formation (the strata tapped in the Leduc #1 oil well), which in turn is named for Devon county, England.

Demographics

The population of the Town of Devon according to its 2014 municipal census is 6,650, a 1.8% change from its 2009 municipal census population of 6,534.

In the 2011 Census, the Town of Devon had a population of 6,510 living in 2,387 of its 2,471 total dwellings, a 4% change from its 2006 adjusted population of 6,261. With a land area of 11.72 km² (4.53 sq mi), it had a population density of 555.5/km² (1,438.6/sq mi) in 2011.

In 2006, Devon had a population of 6,256 living in 2,342 dwellings, a 25.9% increase from 2001. The town at that time had a land area of 8.63 km² (3.33 sq mi) and a population density of 725.2/km² (1,878/sq mi).

Economy

The Town of Devon is a member of the Leduc-Nisku Economic Development Association, an economic development partnership that markets Alberta's International Region in proximity to the Edmonton International Airport.

Amenities

Devonian Garden north of Devon

Devon is amply served by schools, community services such as the Devon General Hospital, and recreational facilities. It is only ten minutes away from the Edmonton International Airport, and is close to major rail routes and highways. It is located close to a motor sports park, a bird sanctuary, a botanical garden (the Devonian Gardens), and a number of other attractions to residents and visitors. Devon and area is popular with cyclists, as it has a good network of paved country roads, as well as unpaved mountain bike trails, and has hosted high level cycling events such as Canada's 2010 National Road Championships.

Schools

• Devon Christian School
• Holy Spirit Catholic School
• John Maland High School
• Riverview Middle School
• Robina Baker Elementary

See also

• List of communities in Alberta
• List of towns in Alberta