Black Diamond

Welcome

Welcome to Black Diamond, Alberta, located in the majestic foothills of Alberta's Rocky Mountains. Just a 30 minute drive southwest of Calgary, the town is a gateway to the ranchlands along the Cowboy Trail and the entrance to Kananaskis Country, Alberta's pristine wilderness and outdoor recreational area. A spectacular setting, friendly rural atmosphere, fascinating history, and a thriving artistic community are just a few of the qualities that give the town its unique appeal.

Enjoy specialty shops and unique dining on the main street.

Located at the doorstep of the Rockies. Photo credit: Wolfpack Studio, Turner Valley

Area Overview

Strategically situated on the Highway 22, also known as the Cowboy Trail, the town actively promotes the community’s historic character. Restoration of the downtown is underway through the Main Street Project, which encourages the preservation of local history through the enhancement of the original Boomtown storefronts. The Town also benefits greatly from the growth in Calgary’s urban fringe.

Moving cattle to greener pastures west of Black Diamond

Climate

Black Diamond experiences similar weather to Calgary, including warm Chinook winds.

Community Services

FAMILY AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES
Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) is a provincially and municipally supported agency designed to provide assistance to local citizens with a focus on prevention and community development. A variety of services are available along with referral services to relevant agencies, volunteer coordination and registration. Contact the municipal office 933-4348 

CHURCHES
Black Diamond Gospel Chapel 933-4957 Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 933-7352 St. George’s Anglican Church 933-3620 St. Michael’s Catholic Church 933-7215 Lewis Memorial United Church 933-4114

COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND SERVICES
Arena (Oilfields Regional Arena) 933-5272
Animal Control 933-4348
Bottle Depot 933-7277
Bylaw Enforcement 933-4348 312-6532
Campground (Centennial Park) 933-5785
Edith Park Banquet Room 933-4066 |
Family and Community Support Services 933-4348
Foothills Regional Emergency Services 933-6060
Foothills Foundation (seniors’ housing) 933-4028

Hospital (Oilfields Regional) 933-2222
Library (Sheep River Community Library) 933-3278
Medical Clinic 933-4368
Police (RCMP administration) 933-7227
Post Office 933-7767
Public works department 933-7599
Recycling 933-3303
Seniors Housing (Glen Mead Park) 933-4028
Seniors Lodge (High Country Lodge) 933-4028
Seniors long term care (Rising Sun) 933-2222
Student Employment 1-800-652-3700
Swimming pool (seasonal) 933-7483
Town of Black Diamond municipal office 933-4348
Visitor information 933-2347
Welcome Wagon 933-5227

Community Lifestyle

LIFESTYLE, LEISURE, RECREATION IN BLACK DIAMOND

Black Diamond offers a wide range of recreation facilities and activities for every age group. An arena, campground, ball diamonds, curling rink, football and soccer fields and playgrounds provide year round fun. A golf course and swimming pool are located only minutes away in Turner valley. Both Towns are located on the banks of the Sheep River and at the steps of Kananaskis Country for hiking, fishing and camping opportunities.

Friendship Trail - Community pathway This gentle 3 km paved trail linking Black Diamond and Turner Valley is popular among walkers, joggers and cyclists. The trail runs on the north side of Highway 22 and passes scenic view points, secluded rest areas, and the site of the old McPherson coal mine which inspired Black Diamond’s name. Impressive rock formations along the trail speak to the area’s remarkable geology which sustained the Turner Valley oilfields boom during the 1920s to 1940s.

Fishing
The banks of the Sheep River in Centennial Park Campground are one of many excellent local fishing holes within town or a short driving distance. Contact the local fishing license outlets for tips on the best times and places to fish!

Outdoor Recreation
Only a short drive to both the mountains and the prairie, the Black Diamond area abounds in outdoor recreation opportunities like few other places. Twenty minutes west of town lies Kananaskis Country, a provincial park offering numerous hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails, camping and cross-country skiing opportunities. For details, pick up a copy of the Kananaskis Country Guide or visit www.kananaskis.org or call 403-949-3754.

Oilfields Regional Arena
Home to the Foothills Figure Skating Club, High Country Minor Hockey, and various adult teams, the Oilfields Arena includes a regulation size hockey rink (200 ft x 85 ft), 4 dressing rooms with showers, lobby, concession and a 2,500 SQ. FT. banquet room. (403) 933-5272 or email: orarena@fclc.com.

Oilfields Curling Club
Located at 611-3 Street SW Black Diamond, the curling rink houses four sheets of curling ice, with the lobby and fully licensed bar overlooking the ice area. There is regular league curling for mixed, men, women, seniors and juniors and during the season there are bonspiels for men, women, mixed, Legion's little brown jug and fun bonspiels.

Turner Valley Golf & Country Club
Located amidst stunning foothills scenery between Turner Valley and Black Diamond, this picturesque and challenging 18-hole course offers relaxed golf which will challenge both beginners and expert golfers. visit www.turnervalleygolf.com for more information.

For more information on recreation facilities and opportunities, contact the Town of Black Diamond at 403-933-4348 or our visitor information centre (Wonders Coffee Shop) at 403-933-2347.

HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT
Black Diamond offers a wide range of housing to suit every budget, from older
residences to new developments. Seniors’ housing includes self-contained units at the
Glen Mead Park complex and High Country Lodge.
Single family homes cost range: 1,200 sq. ft. house is estimated at between $140,000 and
$180,000. (2004)
Average lot size: 50 – 55 ft. frontage x 100 - 120 ft. deep
Average lot size 5,500 sq. ft.

RESIDENTIAL LOTS: Large, serviced lots are available in the Diamond Meadows and Willow Ridge subdivisions. Affordably priced, close to schools, shopping and the hospital. Contact the municipal office for information.

Total # of Dwellings 820
Dwelling Types by %:
Single Family 75.74
Semi-detached, duplex, triplex,
Apartments 2.56
Mobile Homes 8.78
Institution - extended care, lodge 6.10
Seniors apartments - Glen Mead 6.10
Other - hotel, motel 0.74

The annual parade is just one of many family events staged throughout the year.

Economic Base

LOCAL ECONOMY

 Black Diamond‘s economy is fuelled by various industries and related services, primarily farming and ranching, oil and gas, residential housing, tourism and service-based industry.

Charming shops in restored Historic Black Diamond

Economic Facts

• Downtown Business Association
• Diamond Valley Chamber of Commerce
• Highwood Business Development Corporation
• Alberta Economic Development and Tourism

Strategically situated on the Highway 22, also known as the Cowboy Trail, the town actively promotes the community’s historic character. Restoration of the downtown was completed in 2004 through the Main Street Project, which encourages the preservation of local history through the enhancement of the original Boomtown storefronts. The Town also benefits greatly from the growth in Calgary’s urban fringe.

Municipal trading area 5,000
Regional trading area 15,000

The community is well served by a variety of commercial, home-based and professional services. The Town encourages the development of its business and industrial base, We endeavour to work with business to provide information to assist thenm in reaching their business goals .

In the shadow of the mountain, ranching and farming remain an important part of the local economy.

Education

SCHOOL
Several facilities serve the educational needs of children providing
modern classrooms, gymnasiums, computer and science labs, fully equipped
playgrounds, sports fields and highly qualified and caring staff.

Public System
C. I McLaren, Black Diamond (grades K to 6)
Oilfields High School (grades 9 – 12)
Education Plus
Contact: Foothills School Division (403) 652-3001

Separate schools are located in nearby Okotoks
Separate: Good Shepherd School (grades 1-9)
Holy Trinity Academy (grades 10-12)
St. Mary's School (grades 1-6)

Contact: Christ the Redeemer Catholic School Division (403) 938-2659

Private: Edison School (403) 938-7670
Strathcona Tweedsmuir (403) 938-4431
Alternative education:
Sheep River Alternative School (403) 938-6116
Home school information (403) 938-2477

Adult learning: 
Bow Valley College (403) 652-8338
Foothills Continuing Education Council (403) 652-3392
Okotoks Community Resources (403) 938-8955
Mount Royal College (403) 240-6111
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (403) 284-8110
University of Calgary (403) 220-5110

Emergency Services

PROTECTIVE and EMERGENCY SERVICES
Black Diamond is serviced by a local detachment of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police,
a Bylaw Enforcement Department - Special Constables and professionally trained
volunteer fire fighters.
Emergency Medical Services – 24-hour emergency response units, fully trained and
equipped for rescue and advanced life support. Air ambulance service is available in the
area.
FIRE
RCMP } 911
AMBULANCE }
BYLAW ENFORCEMENT 933-4348

Health Care

HEALTH SERVICES
Oilfields General Hospital, provides extensive health services. Other medical facilities and services include a medical clinic, chiropractors, massage therapists, natural health practitioners, dental clinic and pharmacy

Seniors Housing
A seniors’ lodge, seniors apartments and extended care services are available in Black Diamond. The Griffith’s Memorial Centre houses a seniors drop in centre.

Key Contacts for Business Development

Municipal
Rolly Magee, Mayor
mailto:info@town.blackdiamond.ab.ca

Dianne Kreh, Town Manager
ph. (403)933 4348, fax. (403) 933-5865
Email: mailto:info@town.blackdiamond.ab.ca

Provincial
Walter Valentini, Director
Alberta Economic Development
#300, 639 - 5th Avenue, SW
Calgary, Alberta
T2P 0M9
Tel: 403-297-8920
Fax: 403-297-6168
Email: walter.valentini@gov.ab.ca

Dianne Fitzsimmons, Information Officer
Email: dianne.fitzsimmons@gov.ab.ca

Dr. Ted Morton (PC)
MLA for Foothills-Rocky View

Constituency Office
6, 160 Maclaurin Drive
Calgary
T3Z 3S4
Phone: (403) 216-2221
Toll Free: 1-866-843-4314
Fax: (403) 221-2225
foothills.rockyview@assembly.ab.ca

Legislature Office
723 Legislature Annex
9718 107 Street
Edmonton
T5K 1E4 Phone: (780) 422-2768
Fax: (780) 422-1671

Federal
Ted Menzies
Member of Parliament[MP]
Macleod Constituency
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6
Tel: 613-995-8471
Fax: 613-996-9770
E-Mail: Menzies.T@parl.gc.ca

Constituency Address
4925 1st Street West, P.O. Box 40
Claresholm, Alberta
T0L 0T0
Telephone: (403) 625-5532
Fax: (403) 625-5592
E-Mail: menziest@telus.net

Taxation

	Residential/Farmland	Non-Residential
2005
Municipal Tax Rate	9.2467	9.2467
Education - Alberta School Foundation Fund Tax Rate	4.1503	6.2589
Education Opted Out Tax Rate	4.1503
Seniors Lodge Accommodation Tax Rate	.1145	.1145

Utilities

UTILITIES – MUNICIPAL SERVICES
Atco Gas 933-7355
Epcor (electricity) 310-4300
Telus (telephone) 310-7353 Water, Sewer and waste collection 933-4348
Cable 1-800-465-1000
Internet (cable and ADSL available)
Recycling: A recycling depot is located in Turner Valley

Population

Total Population 1991-2001

Black Diamond Population by Age Group (2001)

Education Statistics

Black Diamond Highest Level of Schooling 2001

Labour Force

Black Diamond Labour Force By Industry - 2001

Income

Family Expenditure

Black Diamond Family Expenditures (1996)

Building Permits

Total Housing Starts

Value of Building Permits

Dwellings

Projects

Summary of Projects in Black Diamond as of September 2006

Value of Projects by Sector (as of September 2006)

Largest Projects in Black Diamond as of September 2006