The Village of Big Valley saw big things in 2016. Major road work was done, a local cowboy became a regular name in the rodeo world, a new Christmas train arrived in 2016 and there are more big things in the making for 2017.
Big Valley’s third street paving project was completed in 2016. According to Mayor Asaph Ken Johnson 2017 will see more upgrades done to broaden streets and sidewalks within the village.
The village is also looking at adding a new mini subdivision that maybe one of the firsts like it around.
Mayor Johnson said, “There is land that’s been sitting waiting to be developed as a subdivision for several years. The CAO of Big Valley had a few phone calls of people saying there’s no place to put a small home or park model. We came to realize we have roughly four blocks we could use. Developing plans for a mini subdivision is probably going to be one thing we focus on this winter and spring. The size of the properties would be smaller, seacan houses maybe. Council, in the next few months, will be discussing this. I have talked to a company that develops seacan homes from Edmonton, Carstairs area that are just tickled pink at the thought of a community willing to do this.”
According to Mayor Johnson, Council is starting to discuss with the school the possibility of putting in an outdoor skating rink.
The Big Valley Rodeo Association will soon have a new outdoor rodeo arena, which will be, not only used for the Big Valley Rodeo, but the Archery Club will use some of this property. The Archery Club is still in the process of being formed.
Big Valley has also become known for the train that travels from Stettler to Big Valley, providing a unique experience for many people. The train has always brought in people from out of town.
“From my perspective there was no drop in people coming on the train this past year. Might even be more than the year before because everyone is doing staycations. It was really enjoyable this year.” Mayor Johnson told The Mail.
The Alberta Steam Train also started a new Christmas train called the Polar Bear Express for the first time in 2016. According to Mayor Johnson four out of seven trains were completely sold out.
Big Valley is also being put on the map by a young 22 year old cowboy, who was born and raised on a local ranch. Zeke Thurston is a saddle bronc champion from the little Village of Big Valley that will be honoured with a new banner and signs that will be located at both entrances into the Village. He has gone from winning champion saddle bronc rider in the Calgary Stampede, RodeoHuston and now Thurston has won the world championship.
Mayor Johnson said, “We have banners on our light posts to honor local cowboys and now Zeke Thurston’s name will be on one of those banners.”
The Village of Big Valley is a community located 66.6 kilometers north of Drumheller with a population of approximately 365.
Mayor Johnson said, “There were 20 plus welcome packages given out in the last year to new residents moving to the village. I would say we are growing.”
