History

The Village of Holden derived its name from the late Mr. J. B. Holden, the first M.L.A. in the constituency for the Province. There were few settlers in the area before 1902. In 1903 the community was starting to be settled under the name Pleasant Ridge. The Federal Government had surveyed the area, the land was divided into sections and offered for homesteads.

Once the railway was completed from Calgary to Edmonton, settlers started walking or riding horseback eastward from Wetaskiwin. These settlers came from eastern Canada, United States and Central Europe.

Holden was formally incorporated as a village on April 14, 1909 and will celebrate its Centennial Anniversary in 2009.

The Village is situated on fairly flat land, with wide streets and sidewalks. Homes are well kept and several new homes are currently under construction. Holden joined Communities in Bloom in 2007 to foster environmental awareness, community pride and involvement.

We invite you to share the charm of country living and our friendly atmosphere any time of year.

Location

95 kilometers (59 miles) SE of Edmonton on Highway #14, within Beaver County, and on the CN mainline from Vancouver to Montreal

Population

398 at last Statistics Canada census (2006)

Soil/Fertility

Black soil zone, mostly class 2. These soils are deep and hold moisture well. Can produce moderately high productivity for a wide range of crops. Soils in this zone are among the most fertile in the province. 3 - 4 times as much nitrogen and organic matter in their surface foot as the average brown or grey wooded soil.

Climate

Average annual rainfall: 29.36 cm; average annual snowfall: 86.63 cm. Droughts are rare with less evaporation and hot winds than in other zones. Frost free days: 100 - 120; hours of sunshine: 2180 - 2200.

Regional Resources

Agriculture; Cereal Grains ( Wheat, Barley, Oats, Canola, Canary seed ); Cattle; Natural Gas & Coal.

Economic Development

Rate of taxation is set by the Village Council each year for those living within the Village boundaries. Residents living outside the Village pay taxes to Beaver County. Some residential and commercial properties are available for sale through the Village of Holden, and reasonably priced. Many opportunities exist for economic development.

Local Government

The Village of Holden elects five Councillors. The Mayor is selected by the Council each year. The Village has three employees.

Transportation

Road

Truck transport: Highway 9 Express,; Highway 14, no load restrictions.

Bus

Greyhound - contact 688-3876 for schedule.

Rail

Freight: CNR; Passenger: Via Rail services at Viking.

Air

Edmonton International Airport at Leduc is one hour away

Municipal Airport in Edmonton - passenger and freight

Small plane airports at Viking and Tofield