Valleyview, Alberta

Valleyview is a town in northwest Alberta, Canada. It is surrounded by the Municipal District of Greenview No. 16 and in Census Division No. 18.

Valleyview
Town
Town of Valleyview
Town Hall
Town Hall
Coat of arms of Valleyview
Coat of arms
Official logo of Valleyview
Welcome sign
Motto: 
Portal to the Peace
Location in the MD of Greenview No. 16
Location in the MD of Greenview No. 16
Valleyview is located in Alberta
Valleyview
Valleyview
Location in Alberta
Coordinates: 55°04′07″N 117°16′06″W
CountryCanada
ProvinceAlberta
RegionNorthern Alberta
Planning regionUpper Peace
Municipal districtMunicipal District of Greenview No. 16
Incorporated[1] 
 • Village1 January 1955
 • Town5 February 1957
Government
[2]
 • MayorVern Lymburner
 • Governing bodyValleyview Town Council
 • ManagerBen Berlinguette
 • MPArnold Viersen (Cons – Peace River—Westlock)
 • MLATodd Loewen (Independent – Central Peace—Notley)
Area
 (2021)[3]
 • Land9.17 km2 (3.54 sq mi)
Elevation
[4]
700 m (2,300 ft)
Population
 (2021)[3][5]
 • Total1,673
 • Density182.4/km2 (472/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC−7 (MST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−6 (MDT)
Postal code span
T0H
Area code+1-780
HighwaysHighway 43
Highway 49
WaterwaysSturgeon Lake
WebsiteOfficial website

It is at the junction of Highway 43 and Highway 49, between the Little Smoky River and Sturgeon Lake. Its position, in the junction of the two highways into the Peace Region, has led to the town motto, "Portal to the Peace".

History
Main Street

The area around Valleyview has been inhabited by native peoples for thousands of years due to the area's rich hunting and fishing grounds. The local Cree population has lived in the region since at least the 18th century.

In the early 1800s the first visitors to the area arrived, seeking natives to exchange goods for furs. The trading was good and a Hudson's Bay Company post was established on Sturgeon Lake in 1877.[6] Peace River Jim' Cornwall established the Bredin and Cornwall Trading Post nearby. The area was surveyed in 1900 for a possible settlement, but little developed of it. The following year the area was surveyed again by Fred Young who was particularly impressed with a piece of land on the northwest shore of Sturgeon Lake. By 1916 the first pioneers settled in the area nearby as its soil was rich for farming.

The community that formed to serve the growing population was initially named Red Willow Creek. Only when the first post office was opened in 1929 did the community change its name to Valleyview.[7]

In late 1950 oil was discovered near the hamlet. The Whitecourt Cutoff project was completed in 1955, significantly reducing the travel time between the Peace Country and Edmonton. In 2020 the Town of Valleyview and Chamber of Commerce renamed a stretch of the highway to recognize the 65th anniversary of the cutoff's completion.[8][9] By the late fifties Valleyview had firmly achieved boomtown status having been incorporated as a village in 1954 and then a town only three years later in 1957.[10]

Geography

The town is located in the southern Peace Region between the Little Smoky River and Sturgeon Lake. As noted by its name, the town is elevated and overlooks the surrounding valleys. Sturgeon Lake is located approximately 15 km west of the town and is home to Young's Point Provincial Park, a popular provincial park in the area. Residing next to the Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation reservation #154, within the land of treaty 8.

Valleyview lies on the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin known for some of the largest coal and oil deposits in the world and the Duvernay Formation a rich source of natural gas and oil. The town is also located in an active geothermal area.[11]

Climate

Valleyview experiences a humid continental climate (Köppen climate classification Dfb). Summers are warm with cool nights. Winters are long and severely cold.

Climate data for Valleyview
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 16.0
(60.8)		 18.0
(64.4)		 21.0
(69.8)		 28.0
(82.4)		 32.0
(89.6)		 33.3
(91.9)		 34.8
(94.6)		 34.0
(93.2)		 32.0
(89.6)		 29.0
(84.2)		 18.0
(64.4)		 14.5
(58.1)		 34.8
(94.6)
Average high °C (°F) −6.3
(20.7)		 −2.6
(27.3)		 2.9
(37.2)		 10.6
(51.1)		 16.7
(62.1)		 20.6
(69.1)		 22.6
(72.7)		 21.6
(70.9)		 16.3
(61.3)		 9.4
(48.9)		 0.2
(32.4)		 −4.7
(23.5)		 8.9
(48.0)
Daily mean °C (°F) −11.5
(11.3)		 −8.3
(17.1)		 −3
(27)		 4.5
(40.1)		 10.1
(50.2)		 14.2
(57.6)		 16.3
(61.3)		 15.2
(59.4)		 10.3
(50.5)		 4.3
(39.7)		 −4.4
(24.1)		 −9.5
(14.9)		 3.2
(37.8)
Average low °C (°F) −16.7
(1.9)		 −14
(7)		 −8.8
(16.2)		 −1.6
(29.1)		 3.5
(38.3)		 7.9
(46.2)		 9.9
(49.8)		 8.8
(47.8)		 4.2
(39.6)		 −0.8
(30.6)		 −8.9
(16.0)		 −14.3
(6.3)		 −2.6
(27.3)
Record low °C (°F) −43
(−45)		 −40
(−40)		 −42
(−44)		 −27
(−17)		 −15
(5)		 −4
(25)		 0.0
(32.0)		 −1
(30)		 −11.1
(12.0)		 −29
(−20)		 −32.2
(−26.0)		 −46.1
(−51.0)		 −46.1
(−51.0)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 33.8
(1.33)		 18.3
(0.72)		 19.2
(0.76)		 24.4
(0.96)		 48.8
(1.92)		 79.4
(3.13)		 92.4
(3.64)		 62.9
(2.48)		 48.2
(1.90)		 24.7
(0.97)		 28.2
(1.11)		 27.0
(1.06)		 504.8
(19.87)
Source: Environment Canada[12]

Demographics
Federal census
population history
YearPop.±%
1956973—    
19611,077+10.7%
19661,827+69.6%
19711,732−5.2%
19761,716−0.9%
19812,061+20.1%
19861,987−3.6%
19911,980−0.4%
19961,906−3.7%
20011,856−2.6%
20061,725−7.1%
20111,761+2.1%
20161,863+5.8%
Source: Statistics Canada
[13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20]

In the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, the Town of Valleyview had a population of 1,673 living in 661 of its 782 total private dwellings, a change of -10.2% from its 2016 population of 1,863. With a land area of 9.17 km2 (3.54 sq mi), it had a population density of 182.4/km2 (472.5/sq mi) in 2021.[3]

In the 2016 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, the Town of Valleyview recorded a population of 1,863 living in 747 of its 833 total private dwellings, a 5.8% change from its 2011 population of 1,761. With a land area of 9.32 km2 (3.60 sq mi), it had a population density of 199.9/km2 (517.7/sq mi) in 2016.[20]

The Town of Valleyview's 2013 municipal census counted a population of 1,972,[21] a 4.7% change from its 2007 municipal census population of 1,884.[22]

Government

Municipal politics

Valleyview Town Council consists of a mayor and six councillors. The entire council was acclaimed in the last municipal election. Vern Lymburner, the current mayor, has served the town for over a decade including terms as councillor.[23] The town's Chief Administrative Officer is Ben Berlinguette.[24]

Provincial politics
Valleyview federal election results[25]
Year Liberal Conservative New Democratic Green
2021 6% 51 59% 518 12% 108 1% 5
2019 6% 55 79% 727 10% 88 2% 20
Valleyview provincial election results[26]
Year United Cons. New Democratic
2019 76% 498 18% 121

Valleyview is part of the Central Peace-Notley provincial electoral district. The riding was first contested in 2019; previously, Valleyview was in the Grande Prairie-Smoky riding. Central Peace-Notley is represented by MLA Todd Loewen, who was elected as a member of the United Conservative Party in 2019. Loewen now sits as an independent MLA.[27]

Federal politics

Valleyview is part of the Peace River federal electoral district, and is represented by MP Chris Warkentin. In the next federal election, Valleyview will become part of the newly created riding of Peace River—Westlock.[28]

Economy

Valleyview's economy is primarily resource driven with oil and gas being the predominant industry. Multiple oil and gas companies operate in the area with several pipelines in the vicinity. Tervita began in Valleyview as Concord Well Servicing in 1979, founded by David Werklund and Gordon Vivian, and still has operations in the area.[29] Pembina Pipeline has an office in Valleyview and operates a terminal facility south of town along with managing other assets in the area.[30] The industry also supports a variety of well service companies and related businesses.

The travel industry is also a major component in Valleyview. Situated along the CANAMEX Corridor and at the junction of two major highways, a service corridor has developed to cater to the needs of travelers. Hotels/motels, gas/service stations and fast food establishments have been built adjacent to the portions of Highway 43 and Highway 49 that pass through town. This section is called Crocus Hill Gasoline Alley.[9]

Another notable employer in Valleyview is the Municipal District of Greenview, which has its main administrative office and several departments situated within town limits. The town is also a regional hub for medical services.

Attractions

Valleyview hosts the Crocus Hill Stampede, an annual rodeo and agricultural show at the Valleyview and District Agricultural Society grounds.[31] Each summer a fair is held on the town's Main St. (50th Ave).

Sports and recreation
Greenview Regional Multiplex

Valleyview is the home of Greenview's regional multiplex titled the Greenview Regional Multiplex. The recreational centre opened 9 February 2018, boasting aquatics, a fieldhouse, a play area, a commercial kitchen, and a fitness centre located on the second floor.

Valleyview's main recreational activity is found at the ice rink, named Polar Palace. This is where the Valleyview's hockey team (the Valleyview Jets) plays regular games in the Peace Region league. Also located in the ice rink is a curling rink which has regular bonspiels. Next door to the Polar Palace is the local pool, which is on the same grounds as the lovely Legion picnic area and water park.

The nearby Sturgeon Lake provides setting for outdoor activities. Two provincial parks are found on its shores: Young's Point Provincial Park (beach, boating, fishing, camping) and Williamson Provincial Park (beach, boating, fishing).

Infrastructure

Transportation

Valleyview is situated on the junction of Highway 43 leading to British Columbia and Alaska via Grande Prairie and the north south stretch of Highway 49 towards Donnelly and Alberta Highway 2 towards Peace River.

The town is served by Valleyview Airport (TC LID: CEL5), located south of the community. The Valleyview airport primarily provides air ambulance flights and serves as a hub for recreational pilots and charter flights in the area.[32] As of 2022 a capital upgrade initiative is underway to improve infrastructure at the Valleyview Airport.[33] There are no regularly scheduled flights.

Healthcare

The Valleyview Health Centre, administered by Alberta Health Services, provides emergency care and other services to the town and immediate area.[34] Alberta Health Services provides immunizations, early-childhood classes, and additional services through Valleyview Community Health Services located in the Provincial Building on 50th Ave.[35] The Valleyview Medical and Dental Clinic provides doctor's offices and dental services.

Education

Valleyview has three public schools, operated by Northern Gateway Public Schools, which combined serve students from Kindergarten to Grade 12. Valleyview also has St. Stephen's, a Catholic school serving students from Kindergarten to Grade Nine operated by the Holy Family Catholic Regional Division.[36]

Northern Lakes College provides post-secondary education at their Valleyview Campus.[37]

Notable people

See also

References
  1. "Location and History Profile: Town of Valleyview" (PDF). Alberta Municipal Affairs. 7 October 2016. p. 681. Retrieved 13 October 2016.
  2. "Municipal Officials Search". Alberta Municipal Affairs. 9 May 2019. Retrieved 1 October 2021.
  3. "Population and dwelling counts: Canada, provinces and territories, and census subdivisions (municipalities)". Statistics Canada. 9 February 2022. Retrieved 9 February 2022.
  4. "Alberta Private Sewage Systems 2009 Standard of Practice Handbook: Appendix A.3 Alberta Design Data (A.3.A. Alberta Climate Design Data by Town)" (PDF) (PDF). Safety Codes Council. January 2012. pp. 212–215 (PDF pages 226–229). Retrieved 9 October 2013.
  5. "Population and dwelling counts: Canada and population centres". Statistics Canada. 9 February 2022. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
  6. South Peace Regional Archives. "Fonds 175 Valleyview & District Chamber of Commerce Millennium Photograph collection". Retrieved 10 February 2019.
  7. Discover the Peace Country. "Town of Valleyview".
  8. Valleyview & District Chamber of Commerce. "Town Supports Crocus Hill Gasoline Alley". Retrieved 16 June 2020.
  9. Daily Herald Tribune. "Highway History: Valleyview Christens Service Corridor as Crocus Hill Gasoline Alley". Retrieved 16 June 2020.
  10. Town of Valleyview. "Story of Valleyview" (PDF). Retrieved 10 February 2019.
  11. Municipal District of Greenview. "Council Meeting Highlights May 9, 2017" (PDF). Retrieved 10 February 2019.
  12. "Canadian Climate Normals 1981-2010 Station Data – Valleyview RS". Environment Canada. Government of Canada. Retrieved 26 January 2019.
  13. "Table 6: Population by sex, for census subdivisions, 1956 and 1951". Census of Canada, 1956. Vol. I: Population. Ottawa: Dominion Bureau of Statistics. 1958.
  14. "Table 9: Population by census subdivisions, 1966 by sex, and 1961". 1966 Census of Canada. Western Provinces. Vol. Population: Divisions and Subdivisions. Ottawa: Dominion Bureau of Statistics. 1967.
  15. "Table 3: Population for census divisions and subdivisions, 1971 and 1976". 1976 Census of Canada. Census Divisions and Subdivisions, Western Provinces and the Territories. Vol. Population: Geographic Distributions. Ottawa: Statistics Canada. 1977.
  16. "Table 2: Census Subdivisions in Alphabetical Order, Showing Population Rank, Canada, 1981". 1981 Census of Canada. Vol. Census subdivisions in decreasing population order. Ottawa: Statistics Canada. 1982. ISBN 0-660-51563-6.
  17. "Table 2: Population and Dwelling Counts, for Census Divisions and Census Subdivisions, 1986 and 1991 – 100% Data". 91 Census. Vol. Population and Dwelling Counts – Census Divisions and Census Subdivisions. Ottawa: Statistics Canada. 1992. pp. 100–108. ISBN 0-660-57115-3.
  18. "Population and Dwelling Counts, for Canada, Provinces and Territories, and Census Divisions, 2001 and 1996 Censuses – 100% Data (Alberta)". Statistics Canada. Retrieved 25 May 2019.
  19. "Population and dwelling counts, for Canada, provinces and territories, and census subdivisions (municipalities), 2006 and 2001 censuses – 100% data (Alberta)". Statistics Canada. 6 January 2010. Retrieved 25 May 2019.
  20. "Population and dwelling counts, for Canada, provinces and territories, and census subdivisions (municipalities), 2016 and 2011 censuses – 100% data (Alberta)". Statistics Canada. 8 February 2017. Retrieved 8 February 2017.
  21. 2013 Municipal Affairs Population List (PDF) (PDF). Alberta Municipal Affairs. 20 November 2013. ISBN 978-1-4601-1418-6. Retrieved 5 December 2013.
  22. 2011 Municipal Affairs Population List (PDF) (PDF). Alberta Municipal Affairs. 5 October 2011. ISBN 978-0-7785-9738-4. Retrieved 5 December 2013.
  23. Town of Valleyview. "Mayor & Council". Retrieved 10 February 2019.
  24. Town of Valleyview. "Welcome to the Town of Valleyview's New Chief Administrative Officer". Retrieved 16 June 2020.
  25. "Official Voting Results Raw Data (poll by poll results in block 2249)". Elections Canada. Retrieved 7 March 2023.
  26. "Official Voting Results by polling station (poll by poll results in block 2249)". Elections Alberta. Retrieved 7 March 2023.
  27. "Alberta MLAs Todd Loewen, Drew Barnes booted from UCP caucus". CBC News. 13 May 2021. Retrieved 13 May 2021.
  28. Alberta Redistribution Commission. "Redistribution Report". Retrieved 4 February 2014.
  29. "Our History". Tervita. Retrieved 16 June 2020.
  30. My Grande Prairie Now. "Pembina Pipeline Working on New Projects in GP Region". Retrieved 16 June 2020.
  31. Valleyview & Districts Agricultural Society. "Rodeo". Retrieved 10 February 2019.
  32. Valleyview & District Chamber of Commerce. "Valleyview Airport". Retrieved 11 September 2022.
  33. Town of Valleyview. "Valleyview Airport Cost Estimate". Retrieved 11 September 2022.
  34. Alberta Health Services. "Valleyview Health Centre". Retrieved 11 September 2022.
  35. Alberta Health Services. "Valleyview Community Health Services". Retrieved 11 September 2022.
  36. Holy Family Catholic Regional Division. "Our School – St. Stephen's School". Retrieved 11 September 2022.
  37. Northern Lakes College. "Locations". Retrieved 11 September 2022.
Wikivoyage has a travel guide for Valleyview.
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