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Devon History

February 13, 1947 - one of the biggest oil discoveries in the world, and it happened just down the road from a barley field that would eventually become the Town of Devon. Imperial Oil Resources Ltd. asked a drilling superintendent by the name of Vern Hunter (also known as Dry Hole Hunter) to oversee the development of this well, and sure enough big things were the result!

On the afternoon of February 13, 1947 an excited group gathered on the farm of Mr. Mike Turta, and saw the gush of oil from the first well discovered in this area - Imperial Leduc No. 1. After 133 dry holes Imperial Oil struck Black Gold! The oil came from 5000 feet underground in a strata called the Devonian formation - hence came the name of Devon. Imperial Oil gave Devon its start, as it was necessary to find living quarters and accommodation for workers who were employed in the oil fields. Imperial chose a picturesque spot 25 miles southwest of Edmonton and bounded on 2 sides by the North Saskatchewan River. They were able to purchase 120 acres of what was then a barley field.

Imperial Oil was determined this should be a well-planned modern town. As a result the company of Devon Estates was formed to oversee the development and construction of the Town. With the assistance of the government town planning commission a new community was designed. By January of 1948 houses were being built, and at the same time work was going ahead laying the sewage, water and gas lines for the Town. In July 25 houses were occupied and by the end of January 1949 there were one hundred and twenty three homes finished and occupied. With a new Town comes families with children, and in September of 1948 there were 25 kids of school age. The first school in Devon operated from the basement of one of the teacher's homes.

In December of 1949, Devon was incorporated as a Village and in February of 1950 officially became a Town. Devon was labeled as Canada's Model Town, since it was the first community in all of Canada to be approved by a Regional Planning Commission.

Devon quickly grew over the years and in the early 1960's became the only Urban County in the Province of Alberta. This is a system of government that administers both the municipal and school operations. This system operated until the mid 1990's when the school division was separated from the Town and consolidated with the Black Gold Regional School District. Devon is now a rapidly growing community. We are the only Town in the Edmonton region that owns and operates the water, sanitary sewer and natural gas systems. As a result, Devon residents enjoy one of the lowest utility costs in the region. The Town is located a short 10 minutes west of the International Airport and 20 minutes southwest of the City of Edmonton.

The dominance of the oil industry is now giving way to new industries such as Tourism, manufacturing, research, retail and professional services. A healthy, safe, and caring community that has recently been labeled as a Community of Respect awaits new residents of Devon.