Stavely is a village in southern Alberta, Canada, situated within the County of Forty Mile No. 8. Located approximately 70 km (44 mi) south of the city of Lethbridge, the community lies near the confluence of the St. Mary River and the Little Bow River. As of the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Stavely had a population of 541 residents.
History
The area that would become Stavely was originally inhabited by Indigenous peoples, including the Blackfoot Confederacy. European settlement began in the late 19th century, with the establishment of a post office in 1907 under the name "Stavely". The settlement was named after an early pioneer, John Stavely, although the precise origin of the name is not definitively documented. The village was incorporated on January 1, 1961.
Geography
Stavely occupies a land area of 2.58 km² (1.00 sq mi). The surrounding region is characterized by rolling prairie, agricultural land, and proximity to the St. Mary River, which supports irrigation and recreation.
Economy
The local economy is primarily based on agriculture, with grain farming, cattle ranching, and related agribusinesses constituting the main economic activities. Small‑scale retail and service businesses serve the village and surrounding rural population.
Demographics
According to the 2021 census, the village had 541 inhabitants, a slight decrease from the 2016 population of 574. The median age was 42.5 years, and the majority of residents identified as of European descent, with a small proportion of Indigenous and other ethnic backgrounds.
Governance
Stavely is governed by a village council consisting of a mayor and councilors elected to four‑year terms. The council is responsible for municipal services, including water supply, road maintenance, and local planning.
Education and Services
The community is served by the Stavely School, which provides education for grades K–12 and is part of the Chinook's Edge School Division. Health services are accessed through clinics in nearby towns, such as Milk River and Lethbridge.
Recreation and Culture
Stavely hosts several community events, including the annual Stavely Summer Fair, which features agricultural exhibits, local crafts, and entertainment. The village maintains recreational facilities such as a community hall, sports fields, and a library.
Transportation
Highway 2A passes near the village, providing road access to Lethbridge and the Canada–US border. The nearest major airport is the Lethbridge Airport, located approximately 70 km (44 mi) to the north.
References
- Statistics Canada, "Population and dwelling counts: Canada, provinces and territories, and census subdivisions (municipalities)", 2021 Census.
- Alberta Municipal Affairs, "Alberta Municipal Profiles".
- County of Forty Mile No. 8, "Community History".
This article is based on information from reliable Canadian governmental and statistical sources.