Black Diamond, Alberta
Welcome to Black Diamond, a town of about 2000 situated in the majestic foothills of Alberta’s Rocky Mountains. Just a half-hour south of Calgary, the town is a gateway to the ranchlands along the Cowboy Trail. 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.
History
Black Diamond takes its name from the abundant local coal deposits discovered in the late 1800s by a government land surveyor, James McMillan. In 1899, Ad McPherson and J.J. Cooper opened a coal mine near the west bank of the Sheep River, just west of the town, and laboriously shipped an annual 650 tons of high-grade coal by a wagon track to Okotoks. The mine site and crazily tilted coal seams in rocky outcrops are visible today from the 3 km Friendship Trail to nearby Turner Valley.
Ranching activity in the area began in the 1880s, but it wasn’t until the 1907 that the town began to take shape near what is now the Black Diamond Hotel. Growing numbers of miners and ranchers led to the establishment of Herb Arnold’s store and post office at the intersection of Centre Avenue and Government Road (Highway 22). These buildings formed the core of what is now Black Diamond’s main street.
The discovery of oil and gas in neighboring Turner Valley stimulated a construction boom in Black Diamond. By 1929, the population surged to over one thousand, with oilfield workers and their families living in shacks and tents. From 1914 to 1947, the derrick-studded landscape west of town was the heart of Alberta’s petroleum industry. The local demand for construction was met by building around the clock in the light of the flares, the glow of which could be seen from Calgary. By 1949, however, activity in the petroleum industry had shifted north to Leduc. Black Diamond survived the change, but many businesses and families in the area moved elsewhere and neighboring settlements like little Chicago, Naptha and others vanished from the landscape. Buildings from these communities were moved to Black Diamond after the fire of 1949 and now comprise a large part of the downtown.
Today, Black Diamond and area are prospering through development activity in Calgary’s urban fringe, tourism along the Cowboy Trail, and growth from within by an energetic local population and business community.
Attractions
Whether you?re after great outdoor recreation, a feel for the west, historical sites, local points of interest, and major historical sites, Black Diamond makes an excellent destination in its own right, a day trip from Calgary, or an ideal stopover along the Cowboy Trail. Experience the country charm and warmth of Alberta's Foothill community. From mountains to music, we invite you to take in our many activities and attractions.
Arts, Crafts and Antiques
Black Diamond makes a convenient part of several day trip loops through the foothills region. Of particular interest to day trippers are the growing number of art and craft galleries in town. Folks who enjoy browsing for antiques will want to include Black Diamond on a loop through a number of foothills communities, including Nanton, Okotoks, High River and Bragg Creek.
Turner Valley Gas Plant
Turner Valley's history is fuelled by the fires of "Hell's Half Acre", a reference to the discovery of oil in 1914, creating a 40-year boom. The Turner Valley Gas Plant is a remarkable complex of industrial structures which encompasses the area's first gas processing plant and the site of the discovery well, Dingman No. 1, which began the modern era of oil and gas exploration and processing in Alberta. A national historic site, the gas plant reflects the evolution of gas processing technology, the boom-and-bust history of nearby communities, and tells of a time when the gas flares illuminated the night sky for miles around. Contact the Turner Valley town office at 403-933-4944 or tturval@telusplanet.net for guided tours (generally available May through September) through the site, audio-visual shows and displays, and group tour bookings. Be sure to visit the Turner Valley Oilfield Society's website at http://hellshalfacres.com for more information.
Historic Black Diamond Main Street - Unique Shopping & Dining
Stroll along Black Diamond's Main Street wher history is preserved through the restoration of authentic boomtown buildings. Enjoy unique shopping and dining in a heritage environment. Contact (403) 933-4348.
The River Ford
The River Ford at Three Point Creek, several kilometers north of Black Diamond, is said to be one of the last maintained river fords in the province. The ford is well used by area residents as a shortcut to Calgary and a unique experience of driving through a watercourse. Ask locals for directions.
Millarville Farmer's Market, Horse Races & Fair
May - September
Site of the famous Farmer's Market, held each Saturday morning, 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon between mid-May and early October. Call 931-3411 for more information. www.millarville.ab.ca/farmers-market.htm.
Leighton Art Foundation - Art Gallery, Millarville
Open year round
Tour the art gallery or take part in one of the many workshops. Set in the beautiful rolling Foothills of Millarville. Call (403) 931-3633 for more info.
Foothills Country Market - Oilfields Regional Arena
May - September. Homemade goodies and crafts, fresh fruits and vegetables, antiques and collectibles are offered for sale every Saturday, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. during the season. Call 933-7478 for more information.
Music, Magic!
An outstanding variety of musical and cultural talent is here to enjoy. Contact: Beneath the Arch concert series: (403) 933-5811, Flare 'N Derrick Community Centre, Turner Valley: www.beneaththearch.org Black Diamond Hotel (403) 933-4656, www.blackdiamondhotel.com, Turner Valley Lodge (403) 933-7878, www.turnervalleylodge.com, The Stop Coffee House and Gathering Place (403) 933-3002 www.thestop.ca , Wonders Coffee House and Gift Shop (403) 933-2347. Route 40 Soup Co. (403) 933-7676.
Kananaskis Country
Explore nature's paradise at our doorstep where a world of outdoor activities await you. www.kananaskisalberta.ca
Golfing - Turner Valley Golf and Country Club
Exquisitely manicured 18 hole course, challenging fairways and a magnificent view of the Foothills and the Rocky Mountains - full service facility. www.turnervalleygolf.com or call (403) 933-4731.
Christ Anglican Church
Just north of Black Diamond?s River Ford at the junction of Highway 549 stands Christ Anglican Church, a unique structure built in 1896 of vertical unpeeled logs. The logs were stripped in 1926 when worms were found living beneath the bark, but the reticulated scars they left is still visible on the interior walls. Services are still regularly held in this designated historic building.
Okotoks Erratic
Located 15 km east of Black Diamond on Highway 7, the ?Big Rock? is believed to be the largest glacial erratic in the world. This enormous quartzite block was Alberta?s first natural feature to be designated a provincial historic site. Parking and interpretive signs are provided on-site.
Bar-U Ranch National Historic Site
The Bar U Ranch has been part of Western Canada's ranching history for over 100 years. Nestled in the Foohills with the Rocky Mountains as a backdrop, this working museum features exhibits, video presentations, interpretations, the original ranch buildings, demonstrations and seasonal wagon rides. Special events throughout the season and customized group and educational packages are also available. 1-800-568-4996 or visit http://parkscanada.pch.gc.ca/lhn-nhs/ab/baru/index_e.asp
Sheep River Driving Tour
A tour brochure of scenic routes and locations of both well and lesser known points of interest in the foothills area from southwest Calgary to the Chain Lakes. Ideal for day trips in the Black Diamond area. Tour brochures are available at no charge at the tourist information center (Wonders Coffee Shop).
Cowboy Trail
Black Diamond is the heart of the Cowboy Trail, a 350 km route which follows much of Highway 22 along the eastern slopes of the Rockies from Cardston to Mayerthorpe. The trail offers Alberta?s most spectacular ranchlands scenery, a remarkable series of historic sites, and a western experience found nowhere else. Brochures listing points of interest, services and events information are available at tourist information outlets and through the Cowboy Trail website at www.thecowboytrail.com.
Trail of the Great Bear
This international tour traverses 3350 kilometers of the Canadian and US Rockies on existing highways, linking Yellowstone; the worlds first national park, Banff-Jasper, Canada?s first national parks; and Glacier-Waterton, the world?s first international peace park. Obtain the touring guide by calling 1-800-215-2365 or visit www.trailofthegreatbear.com
Recreation
Black Diamond’s recreation facilities include an indoor arena and curling rink, walking trails, outdoor skating rinks, 2 tot lots and playgrounds, and an outstanding range of outdoor recreation opportunities. The town’s facilities are supplemented by those of neighboring Turner Valley, where there is supervised outdoor swimming at the Dr. Landers Pool.
Friendship Trail
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
611-3 Street SW, Black Diamond
Home to the Foothills Figure Skating Club, High Country Minor Hockey, and various adult teams, the Oilfields Arena includes a hockey rink, 4 dressing rooms with showers, lobby, concession and a banquet room. The banquet room is approximately 2,500 sq. ft. which overlooks the ice surface, and is equipped with a kitchen, two pool tables, other recreation equipment, TV and VCR. The hall can be rented by contacting (403) 933-4066 (Diamond Valley & District Boys & Girls' Club). Ice is in place from September to March. Public Skating is offered on Sundays, October to February and roller skating on Saturdays, May and June. Roller skates may be rented... or bring your own! A Farmers Market is also in on Saturdays from 9 am to 2pm from mid May to the end of August. Three tennis courts are available inside the rink & the pad is available for lacrosse, inline hockey & other functions. Ice & pad time is supplied on a first-come first-serve basis, and bookings can be made through the Arena Manager at (403) 933-5272 or email: orarena@persona.ca. The Arena has both solar panels and a wind turbine installed to help make the facility more energy efficient. For anyone interested in keeping track of the amount of energy generated by the solar panels please visit www.lassothesun.ca/pages/black-diamond-bkgd.htm
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. All bonspiels are open to the public. Rentals are available, so plan your next office party, Christmas party or function at our club! For more information contact the club at (403) 933-7324 or visit www.occcurling.com
Playing Fields
Black Diamond’s three ball diamonds are located behind the Oilfields Arena, on the Oilfields High School grounds, and on the C. Ian McLaren School grounds. There is also a T-ball diamond in Maplewood Park and a soccer pitch on the Oilfields High School grounds, and a smaller field at Maplewood Park. For fees and booking information, please call (403) 933-5272.
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. Highlights include: driving range, putting greens, practice areas and sand traps, a fully licensed lounge and restaurant, members’ lounge and banquet facilities, pro shop, instructional programs, club and cart rentals, and more. Please call the Pro Shop at (403) 933-4741 for tee times or 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.
Communications
Newspapers
- Gateway Gazette (bi-weekly)
- Okotoks Western Wheel (weekly)
- Calgary Herald (daily)
- Calgary Sun (daily)
- The Globe and Mail (daily)
- The National Post (daily)
Radio:
- All Calgary and area AM/FM stations.
- CHRB High River.
- AM 1140 The Eagle 100.9 FM
Television:
- 4 local Calgary broadcasters.
- Cable service provided through Persona Cable TV (Phone: 1-866-737-7662).
- In Black Diamond, check the local community channel (Channel 2) for events!
Internet access through various Calgary area and other providers (local call).
Education
Public Schools
- Diamond Valley Creative Kids Play Society Ages 0-5
- Longview Early Childhood Service K (Longview and Black Diamond)
- C. Ian McLaren Elementary School K-8
- Turner Valley Elementary School K-8
- Oilfields Junior/Senior High School 9-12
- Foothills Composite High School 8-12 (Okotoks)
Separate Schools
- Good Shepherd Catholic School K-6 (Okotoks)
- Holy Trinity Academy 7-12 (Okotoks)
Private Schools
- Edison Private School K-9 (Okotoks)
- Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School 1-12 (Okotoks area)
Continuing Education
A variety of adult continuing education classes are offered fall, winter and spring. Contact Education Plus for more information.
112 Centre Avenue W
Telephone: 933-4772; Fax: 933-4773
Numerous additional secondary and post-secondary institutions are located in Calgary
Content provided by the Town of Black Diamond (http://www.town.blackdiamond.ab.ca/)
All Information & Images © Town of Black Diamond
