View source for List of towns in Alberta

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<!--See [[Wikipedia_talk:Featured_lists#Proposed_change_to_all_featured_lists]] for an explanation of this and other inclusion tags below-->
[[File:Alberta Towns.png|thumb|right|250px|Distribution of Alberta's 105 towns and 13 other communities that meet the legislated population requirements for town status]]

A '''town''' is an [[List of communities in Alberta#Urban municipalities|urban municipality]] status type used in the [[Provinces and territories of Canada|Canadian province]] of [[Alberta]]. Alberta [[town]]s are created when communities with populations of at least 1,000 people, where a majority of their buildings are on parcels of land smaller than 1,850&nbsp;m<sup>2</sup>, apply to [[Alberta Municipal Affairs]] for town status under the authority of the ''Municipal Government Act''.<ref name=MGA>{{cite web | url=http://www.qp.alberta.ca/574.cfm?page=m26.cfm&leg_type=Acts&isbncln=9780779745739 | publisher=Alberta Queen's Printer | title=Municipal Government Act | access-date=March 21, 2010}}</ref>  Applications for town status are approved via orders in council made by the Lieutenant Governor in Council under recommendation from the Minister of Municipal Affairs.<ref name=MGA/>

Alberta has 105&nbsp;towns that had a cumulative population of 471,028 and an average population of 4,486 in the [[2021 Canadian Census]].<ref name=2021StatCanON/> Alberta's largest and smallest towns are [[Cochrane, Alberta|Cochrane]] and [[Rainbow Lake, Alberta|Rainbow Lake]] with populations of 32,199 and 495 respectively.<ref name=2021StatCanON/> [[Diamond Valley, Alberta|Diamond Valley]] is Alberta's newest town, which incorporated on January 1, 2023 via amalgamation of the former towns of [[Black Diamond, Alberta|Black Diamond]] and [[Turner Valley]].<ref name=DiamondValley/>

When a town's population exceeds 10,000 people, the council may request a change to [[city]] status, but the change in [[Municipal corporation|incorporated]] status is not mandatory.<ref name="muntypes">{{cite web | url=http://municipalaffairs.gov.ab.ca/am_types_of_municipalities_in_alberta.cfm | title=Types of Municipalities in Alberta | publisher=Alberta Municipal Affairs | access-date=March 21, 2010 | archive-date=April 19, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120419011614/http://www.municipalaffairs.gov.ab.ca/am_types_of_municipalities_in_alberta.cfm  }}</ref> Towns with populations less than 1,000, whether their populations have declined below 1,000 or they were incorporated as towns prior to the minimum 1,000 population requirement, are permitted to retain town status.

A total of 699&nbsp;elected town officials (107 mayors and 592 councillors){{Update inline|date=February 2020}} provide town governance throughout the province.<ref name=townprofiles>{{cite web | url=http://www.municipalaffairs.alberta.ca/cfml/MunicipalProfiles/basicReport/TOWN.PDF | title=Municipal Profiles (Towns) | publisher=Alberta Municipal Affairs | access-date=January 14, 2019}}</ref>

The highest frequency of towns in Alberta is found in the [[Alberta Highway 2|Queen Elizabeth II Highway]]/[[Alberta Highway 2A|Highway 2A]] corridor between [[Calgary]] and [[Edmonton]] corridor including, from south to north, [[Crossfield, Alberta|Crossfield]], [[Carstairs, Alberta|Carstairs]], [[Didsbury, Alberta|Didsbury]], [[Olds, Alberta|Olds]], [[Bowden, Alberta|Bowden]], [[Innisfail, Alberta|Innisfail]], [[Penhold, Alberta|Penhold]], [[Blackfalds]], [[Ponoka, Alberta|Ponoka]] and  [[Millet, Alberta|Millet]].
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== Administration ==
Pursuant to Part 5, Division 1 of the ''Municipal Government Act (MGA)'', each municipality created under the authority of the MGA is governed by a council. As a requirement of the MGA, a town council consists of an odd number of councillors, one of which is the town's chief elected official (CEO) or mayor. A town council consists of seven councillors by default, but it can consist of a higher or lower odd number if council passes a bylaw altering its size (so long as it does not consist of fewer than three councillors).<ref name=MGA/> For the 2017–2021 term, 82 towns have a council of seven, and 25 have a council of five.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.municipalaffairs.alberta.ca/mc_municipal_officials_search.cfm | title=Municipal Officials Search | publisher=Alberta Municipal Affairs | access-date=January 14, 2019}}</ref>

Town councils are governed by a mayor and an even number of councillors that are elected by [[Universal suffrage|popular vote]], resulting in a total odd number of members to avoid tie votes on council matters.<ref name=MGA/> All council members are elected under the provisions of the ''Local Authorities Election Act (LAEA)''.<ref name=LAEA>{{cite web | url=http://www.qp.alberta.ca/574.cfm?page=L21.cfm&leg_type=Acts&isbncln=9780779747795 | publisher=Alberta Queen's Printer | title=Local Authorities Election Act | access-date=March 21, 2010}}</ref> Mayoral or councillor candidates are required to be residents of their municipality for a minimum of six consecutive months prior to nomination day. The last municipal election was [[2017 Alberta municipal elections|October 16, 2017]].

Alberta Municipal Affairs, a ministry of the [[Executive Council of Alberta|Cabinet of Alberta]], is charged with coordination of all levels of [[local government]].

Administrative duties of towns include public safety, local transit, roads, water service, drainage and waste collection, as well as coordination of infrastructure with provincial and regional authorities (including road construction, education, and health).

== List ==
The below table is a list of only those ''[[List of communities in Alberta#Urban municipalities|urban municipalities]]'' in Alberta that are incorporated as ''towns''.

The municipalities of [[Crowsnest Pass, Alberta|Crowsnest Pass]] and [[Jasper, Alberta|Jasper]] are not listed because they are incorporated as ''[[List of communities in Alberta#Specialized municipalities|specialized municipalities]]'', not ''towns''. For more information on ''specialized municipalities'', see [[Specialized municipalities of Alberta]].

<onlyinclude>

{{Compact ToC|j=|q=|u=|x=|y=|z=|name=no}}
{{sticky header}}
{|class="wikitable sortable sticky-header"
!Name
![[Specialized municipalities of Alberta|Specialized]]/[[List of communities in Alberta#Rural communities|rural]]<br />municipality<ref name=ABmunilocations>{{cite web | url=http://municipalaffairs.gov.ab.ca/cfml/officials/2013-CommRural.pdf | title=Communities Within Specialized and Rural Municipalities | publisher=[[Alberta Municipal Affairs]] | date=April 9, 2013 | access-date=May 21, 2013}}</ref>
!Incorporation<br />date (town)<ref name=ABtownprofiles>{{cite web | url=http://municipalaffairs.alberta.ca/cfml/MunicipalProfiles/basicReport/TOWN.PDF | title=Municipal Profiles: Summary Reports (Towns) | publisher=Alberta Municipal Affairs | date=May 17, 2013 | access-date=May 21, 2013}}</ref>
!scope="col"| Population<br />(2021)<ref name=2021StatCanON>{{cite web |title=Population and dwelling counts, for Canada, provinces and territories, and census subdivisions (municipalities), 2021 and 2016 censuses – 100% data |url=https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/tv.action?pid=9810000202&pickMembers%5B0%5D=1.4125 |publisher=[[Statistics Canada]] |date=9 February 2022 |access-date=29 April 2025}}</ref>
!scope="col"| Population<br />(2016)<ref name=2021StatCanON/>
!scope="col"| Change<br />(%)<ref name=2021StatCanON/>
!scope="col"| Land<br />area<br />(km{{sup|2}})<ref name=2021StatCanON/>
!scope="col" data-sort-type="number"| Population<br />density<br />(per km{{sup|2}})<ref name=2021StatCanON/>
|-
||  <span id=A></span>[[Athabasca, Alberta|Athabasca]]{{#tag:ref|Athabasca was formerly known as Athabasca Landing prior to August 4, 1913.<ref name=ABtownprofiles/>|group=N}} || [[Athabasca County]] ||align=center| {{dts|1911-09-19|abbr=on}} || {{change|2759|2965|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|17.79}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|2759|17.79|prec=1}}
|-
| <span id=B></span>[[Banff, Alberta|Banff]] || [[Improvement District No. 9|Improvement District No. 9 (Banff)]] ||align=center| {{dts|1990-01-01|abbr=on}} || {{change|8305|7851|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|4.08}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|8305|4.08|prec=1}}
|-
|| [[Barrhead, Alberta|Barrhead]] || [[County of Barrhead No. 11|Barrhead No. 11, County of]] ||align=center| {{dts|1946-11-26|abbr=on}} || {{change|4320|4579|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|8.20}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|4320|8.20|prec=1}} 
|-
| [[Bashaw, Alberta|Bashaw]] || [[Camrose County]] ||align=center| {{dts|1964-05-01|abbr=on}} || {{change|848|830|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|2.72}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|848|2.72|prec=1}} 
|-
| [[Bassano, Alberta|Bassano]] || [[County of Newell|Newell, County of]] ||align=center| {{dts|1911-01-16|abbr=on}} || {{change|1216|1206|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|5.23}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|1216|5.23|prec=1}} 
|-
| [[Beaverlodge]] || [[County of Grande Prairie No. 1|Grande Prairie No. 1, County of]] ||align=center| {{dts|1956-01-24|abbr=on}} || {{change|2271|2465|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|5.38}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|2271|5.38|prec=1}} 
|-
| [[Bentley, Alberta|Bentley]] || [[Lacombe County]] ||align=center| {{dts|2001-01-01|abbr=on}} || {{change|1042|1078|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|2.24}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|1042|2.24|prec=1}}
|-
| [[Blackfalds]] || [[Lacombe County]] ||align=center| {{dts|1980-04-01|abbr=on}} || {{change|10470|9328|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|16.58}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|10470|16.58|prec=1}} 
|-
| [[Bon Accord, Alberta|Bon Accord]] || [[Sturgeon County]] ||align=center| {{dts|1979-11-20|abbr=on}} || {{change|1461|1529|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|3.99}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|1461|3.99|prec=1}} 
|-
|| [[Bonnyville]] || [[Municipal District of Bonnyville No. 87|Bonnyville No. 87, M.D. of]] ||align=center| {{dts|1948-02-03|abbr=on}} || {{change|6404|5975|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|14.17}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|6404|14.17|prec=1}} 
|-
| [[Bow Island]] || [[County of Forty Mile No. 8|Forty Mile No. 8, County of]] ||align=center| {{dts|1912-02-01|abbr=on}} || {{change|2036|1983|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|5.68}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|2036|5.68|prec=1}} 
|-
| [[Bowden, Alberta|Bowden]] || [[Red Deer County]] ||align=center| {{dts|1981-09-01|abbr=on}} || {{change|1280|1240|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|3.46}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|1280|3.46|prec=1}} 
|-
| [[Bruderheim]] || [[Lamont County]] ||align=center| {{dts|1980-09-17|abbr=on}} || {{change|1329|1323|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|9.28}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|1329|9.28|prec=1}} 
|-
| <span id=C></span>[[Calmar, Alberta|Calmar]] || [[Leduc County]] ||align=center| {{dts|1954-01-19|abbr=on}} || {{change|2183|2228|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|4.67}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|2183|4.67|prec=1}} 
|-
| [[Canmore, Alberta|Canmore]] || [[Municipal District of Bighorn No. 8|Bighorn No. 8, M.D. of]]<br />[[Kananaskis Improvement District]]<ref name=Canmore>{{cite web | url=http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2011/dp-pd/prof/details/page_Map_Carte_Detail.cfm?Lang=E&G=1&Geo1=CSD&Code1=4815023&Geo2=CD&Code2=4815&Data=Count&SearchText=canmore&SearchType=Begins&SearchPR=01&B1=All&Custom=&TABID=1&geocode=4815023 | title=Census Profile - Map: Canmore, Town (Census Subdivision), Alberta | publisher=Statistics Canada | date=March 22, 2013 | access-date=May 21, 2013}}</ref> ||align=center| {{dts|1966-06-01|abbr=on}} || {{change|15990|13992|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|68.47}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|15990|68.47|prec=1}} 
|-
|| [[Cardston]] || [[Cardston County]] ||align=center| {{dts|1901-07-02|abbr=on}} || {{change|3724|3585|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|8.58}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|3724|8.58|prec=1}} 
|-
| [[Carstairs, Alberta|Carstairs]] || [[Mountain View County]] ||align=center| {{dts|1966-09-01|abbr=on}} || {{change|4898|4077|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|11.77}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|4898|11.77|prec=1}} 
|-
|| [[Castor, Alberta|Castor]] || [[County of Paintearth No. 18|Paintearth No. 18, County of]] ||align=center| {{dts|1910-06-27|abbr=on}} || {{change|803|929|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|2.61}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|803|2.61|prec=1}} 
|-
| [[Claresholm]] || [[Municipal District of Willow Creek No. 26|Willow Creek No. 26, M.D. of]] ||align=center| {{dts|1905-08-31|abbr=on}} || {{change|3804|3790|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|10.51}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|3804|10.51|prec=1}} 
|-
| [[Coaldale, Alberta|Coaldale]] || [[Lethbridge County]] ||align=center| {{dts|1952-01-07|abbr=on}} || {{change|8771|8331|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|13.58}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|8771|13.58|prec=1}} 
|-
| [[Coalhurst]] || [[Lethbridge County]] ||align=center| {{dts|1995-06-01|abbr=on}} || {{change|2869|2668|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|3.08}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|2869|3.08|prec=1}} 
|-
| [[Cochrane, Alberta|Cochrane]] || [[Rocky View County]] ||align=center| {{dts|1971-02-15|abbr=on}} || {{change|32199|25853|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|31.58}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|32199|31.58|prec=1}}
|-
| [[Coronation, Alberta|Coronation]] || [[County of Paintearth No. 18|Paintearth No. 18, County of]] ||align=center| {{dts|1912-04-29|abbr=on}} || {{change|868|940|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|3.57}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|868|3.57|prec=1}} 
|-
| [[Crossfield, Alberta|Crossfield]] || [[Rocky View County]] ||align=center| {{dts|1980-08-01|abbr=on}} || {{change|3599|2983|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|11.89}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|3599|11.89|prec=1}} 
|-
| <span id=D></span>[[Daysland]] || [[Flagstaff County]] ||align=center| {{dts|1907-04-02|abbr=on}} || {{change|789|824|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|1.77}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|789|1.77|prec=1}}
|-
| [[Devon, Alberta|Devon]] || [[Leduc County]] ||align=center| {{dts|1950-02-24|abbr=on}} || {{change|6545|6578|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|14.26}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|6545|14.26|prec=1}} 
|-
| [[Diamond Valley, Alberta|Diamond Valley]] || [[Foothills County]] ||align=center| {{dts|2023-01-01|abbr=on}}<ref name=DiamondValley>{{cite web | url=https://www.qp.alberta.ca/documents/Orders/Orders_in_Council/2022/2022_156.html | title={{abbr|O.C.|Order in Council}} 156/2022 | publisher=Government of Alberta | date=May 25, 2022 | access-date=January 3, 2023}}</ref> || {{change|{{#expr:2730+2611}}|{{#expr:2705+2559}}|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|{{#expr:6.82+5.75}}}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|{{#expr:2730+2611}}|{{#expr:6.82+5.75}}|prec=1}}  
|- 
| [[Didsbury, Alberta|Didsbury]] || [[Mountain View County]] ||align=center| {{dts|1906-09-27|abbr=on}} || {{change|5070|5268|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|16.12}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|5070|16.12|prec=1}} 
|-
| [[Drayton Valley]] || [[Brazeau County]] ||align=center| {{dts|1957-02-01|abbr=on}} || {{change|7291|7235|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|30.90}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|7291|30.90|prec=1}}
|-
| [[Drumheller]]{{#tag:ref|Drumheller originally incorporated as a city on April 3, 1930, but reverted from city status as a result of its amalgamation with the M.D. of Badlands No. 7 in 1998.<ref name=ABtownprofiles/>|group=N}} || [[Kneehill County]]<br />[[Special Area No. 2]]<br />[[Starland County]]<br />[[Wheatland County, Alberta|Wheatland County]]<ref name=Drumheller>{{cite web | url=http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2011/dp-pd/prof/details/page_Map_Carte_Detail.cfm?Lang=E&G=1&Geo1=CSD&Code1=4805026&Geo2=CD&Code2=4805&Data=Count&SearchText=drumheller&SearchType=Begins&SearchPR=01&B1=All&Custom=&TABID=1&geocode=4805026 | title=Census Profile - Map: Drumheller, Town (Census Subdivision), Alberta | publisher=Statistics Canada | date=March 22, 2013 | access-date=May 21, 2013}}</ref> ||align=center| {{dts|1916-03-02|abbr=on}}<br />January 1, 1998 || {{change|7909|7982|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|107.56}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|7909|107.56|prec=1}} 
|-
| <span id=E></span>[[Eckville]] || [[Lacombe County]] ||align=center| {{dts|1966-07-01|abbr=on}} || {{change|1014|1125|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|1.61}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|1014|1.61|prec=1}} 
|-
| [[Edson, Alberta|Edson]] || [[Yellowhead County]] ||align=center| {{dts|1911-09-21|abbr=on}} || {{change|8374|8414|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|29.43}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|8374|29.43|prec=1}} 
|-
| [[Elk Point, Alberta|Elk Point]] || [[County of St. Paul No. 19|St. Paul No. 19, County of]] ||align=center| {{dts|1962-01-01|abbr=on}} || {{change|1399|1452|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|4.91}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|1399|4.91|prec=1}} 
|-
|| <span id=F></span>[[Fairview, Alberta|Fairview]] || [[Municipal District of Fairview No. 136|Fairview No. 136, M.D. of]] ||align=center| {{dts|1949-04-25|abbr=on}} || {{change|2817|2998|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|10.67}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|2817|10.67|prec=1}} 
|-
|| [[Falher]] || [[Municipal District of Smoky River No. 130|Smoky River No. 130, M.D. of]] ||align=center| {{dts|1955-01-01|abbr=on}} || {{change|1001|1047|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|2.83}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|1001|2.83|prec=1}} 
|-
| [[Fort Macleod]]{{#tag:ref|Fort Macleod, which grew around the [[North-West Mounted Police|NWMP]]'s Fort Macleod barracks (built 1874), was formerly known as Macleod prior to April 1, 1952.<ref name=ABtownprofiles/>|group=N}} || [[Municipal District of Willow Creek No. 26|Willow Creek No. 26, M.D. of]] ||align=center| {{dts|1912-03-29|abbr=on}} || {{change|3297|2967|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|22.54}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|3297|22.54|prec=1}} 
|-
| [[Fox Creek, Alberta|Fox Creek]] || [[Municipal District of Greenview No. 16|Greenview No. 16, M.D. of]] ||align=center| {{dts|1983-09-01|abbr=on}} || {{change|1639|1971|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|12.26}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|1639|12.26|prec=1}} 
|-
| <span id=G></span>[[Gibbons, Alberta|Gibbons]] || [[Sturgeon County]] ||align=center| {{dts|1977-04-01|abbr=on}} || {{change|3218|3159|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|9.46}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|3218|9.46|prec=1}} 
|-
| [[Grimshaw, Alberta|Grimshaw]] || [[Municipal District of Peace No. 135|Peace No. 135, M.D. of]] ||align=center| {{dts|1953-02-02|abbr=on}} || {{change|2601|2718|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|7.08}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|2601|7.08|prec=1}} 
|-
|| <span id=H></span>[[Hanna, Alberta|Hanna]] || [[Special Area No. 2]] ||align=center| {{dts|1914-04-14|abbr=on}} || {{change|2394|2559|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|8.40}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|2394|8.40|prec=1}} 
|-
| [[Hardisty, Alberta|Hardisty]] || [[Flagstaff County]] ||align=center| {{dts|1910-11-09|abbr=on}} || {{change|548|554|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|4.50}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|548|4.50|prec=1}} 
|-
| [[High Level]] || [[Mackenzie County]] ||align=center| {{dts|1983-09-01|abbr=on}} || {{change|3922|3159|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|28.70}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|3922|28.70|prec=1}} 
|-
|| [[High Prairie]] || [[Big Lakes County]] ||align=center| {{dts|1950-01-10|abbr=on}} || {{change|2380|2564|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|7.01}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|2380|7.01|prec=1}} 
|-
|| [[High River]] || [[Municipal District of Foothills No. 31|Foothills No. 31, M.D. of]] ||align=center| {{dts|1906-02-12|abbr=on}} || {{change|14324|13594|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|22.19}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|14324|22.19|prec=1}} 
|-
| [[Hinton, Alberta|Hinton]] || [[Yellowhead County]] ||align=center| {{dts|1958-12-29|abbr=on}} || {{change|9817|9882|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|33.32}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|9817|33.32|prec=1}} 
|-
| <span id=I></span>[[Innisfail, Alberta|Innisfail]] || [[Red Deer County]] ||align=center| {{dts|1903-11-20|abbr=on}} || {{change|7985|7847|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|19.39}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|7985|19.39|prec=1}} 
|-
| [[Irricana]] || [[Rocky View County]] ||align=center| {{dts|2005-06-09|abbr=on}} || {{change|1179|1216|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|3.23}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|1179|3.23|prec=1}} 
|-
| <span id=K></span>[[Killam, Alberta|Killam]] || [[Flagstaff County]] ||align=center| {{dts|1965-05-01|abbr=on}} || {{change|918|989|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|6.40}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|918|6.40|prec=1}}
|-
|| <span id=L></span>[[Lamont, Alberta|Lamont]] || [[Lamont County]] ||align=center| {{dts|1968-05-31|abbr=on}} || {{change|1744|1774|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|9.14}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|1744|9.14|prec=1}} 
|-
| [[Legal, Alberta|Legal]] || [[Sturgeon County]] ||align=center| {{dts|1998-01-01|abbr=on}} || {{change|1232|1345|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|3.18}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|1232|3.18|prec=1}} 
|-
| <span id=M></span>[[Magrath, Alberta|Magrath]] || [[Cardston County]] ||align=center| {{dts|1907-07-24|abbr=on}} || {{change|2481|2374|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|5.88}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|2481|5.88|prec=1}} 
|-
|| [[Manning, Alberta|Manning]] || [[County of Northern Lights|Northern Lights, County of]] ||align=center| {{dts|1957-01-01|abbr=on}} || {{change|1126|1183|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|3.71}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|1126|3.71|prec=1}} 
|-
| [[Mayerthorpe]] || [[Lac Ste. Anne County]] ||align=center| {{dts|1961-03-20|abbr=on}} || {{change|1259|1320|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|4.39}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|1259|4.39|prec=1}} 
|-
| [[McLennan, Alberta|McLennan]] || [[Municipal District of Smoky River No. 130|Smoky River No. 130, M.D. of]] ||align=center| {{dts|1948-02-11|abbr=on}} || {{change|695|701|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|3.58}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|695|3.58|prec=1}} 
|-
| [[Milk River, Alberta|Milk River]] || [[County of Warner No. 5|Warner No. 5, County of]] ||align=center| {{dts|1956-02-07|abbr=on}} || {{change|824|827|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|2.42}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|824|2.42|prec=1}} 
|-
| [[Millet, Alberta|Millet]] || [[County of Wetaskiwin No. 10|Wetaskiwin No. 10, County of]] ||align=center| {{dts|1983-09-01|abbr=on}} || {{change|1890|1955|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|6.62}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|1890|6.62|prec=1}} 
|-
|| [[Morinville]] || [[Sturgeon County]] ||align=center| {{dts|1911-04-21|abbr=on}} || {{change|10385|9848|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|11.15}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|10385|11.15|prec=1}} 
|-
| [[Mundare]] || [[Lamont County]] ||align=center| {{dts|1951-01-04|abbr=on}} || {{change|689|852|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|4.12}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|689|4.12|prec=1}} 
|-
| <span id=N></span>[[Nanton, Alberta|Nanton]] || [[Municipal District of Willow Creek No. 26|Willow Creek No. 26, M.D. of]] ||align=center| {{dts|1907-08-09|abbr=on}} || {{change|2167|2181|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|5.11}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|2167|5.11|prec=1}} 
|-
| [[Nobleford]] || [[Lethbridge County]] ||align=center| {{dts|2018-02-28|abbr=on}} || {{change|1438|1278|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|1.69}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|1438|1.69|prec=1}} 
|-
| <span id=O></span>[[Okotoks]] || [[Municipal District of Foothills No. 31|Foothills No. 31, M.D. of]] ||align=center| {{dts|1904-06-01|abbr=on}} || {{change|30405|29016|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|38.55}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|30405|38.55|prec=1}} 
|-
| [[Olds, Alberta|Olds]] || [[Mountain View County]] ||align=center| {{dts|1905-07-01|abbr=on}} || {{change|9209|9184|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|14.92}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|9209|14.92|prec=1}} 
|-
| [[Onoway]] || [[Lac Ste. Anne County]] ||align=center| {{dts|2005-09-01|abbr=on}} || {{change|966|1029|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|3.31}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|966|3.31|prec=1}} 
|-
| [[Oyen]] || [[Special Area No. 3]] ||align=center| {{dts|1965-09-01|abbr=on}} || {{change|917|1001|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|5.15}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|917|5.15|prec=1}} 
|-
|| <span id=P></span>[[Peace River, Alberta|Peace River]]{{#tag:ref|Peace River was formerly known as Peace River Crossing prior to May 22, 1916.<ref name=ABtownprofiles/>|group=N}} || [[County of Northern Lights|Northern Lights, County of]]<br />[[Northern Sunrise County]]<br />[[Municipal District of Peace No. 135|Peace No. 135, M.D. of]]<ref name=PeaceRiver>{{cite web | url=http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2011/dp-pd/prof/details/page_Map_Carte_Detail.cfm?Lang=E&G=1&Geo1=CSD&Code1=4819038&Geo2=CD&Code2=4819&Data=Count&SearchText=Peace%20River&SearchType=Begins&SearchPR=01&B1=All&Custom=&TABID=1&geocode=4819038 | title=Census Profile - Map: Peace River, Town (Census Subdivision), Alberta | publisher=Statistics Canada | date=March 22, 2013 | access-date=May 21, 2013}}</ref> ||align=center| {{dts|1919-12-01|abbr=on}} || {{change|6619|6842|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|25.34}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|6619|25.34|prec=1}}
|-
| [[Penhold]] || [[Red Deer County]] ||align=center| {{dts|1980-09-01|abbr=on}} || {{change|3484|3287|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|11.20}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|3484|11.20|prec=1}} 
|-
| [[Picture Butte]] || [[Lethbridge County]] ||align=center| {{dts|1960-01-01|abbr=on}} || {{change|1930|1810|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|3.02}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|1930|3.02|prec=1}} 
|-
|| [[Pincher Creek]] || [[Municipal District of Pincher Creek No. 9|Pincher Creek No. 9, M.D. of]] ||align=center| {{dts|1906-05-12|abbr=on}} || {{change|3622|3642|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|9.87}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|3622|9.87|prec=1}} 
|-
|| [[Ponoka, Alberta|Ponoka]] || [[Ponoka County]] ||align=center| {{dts|1904-10-15|abbr=on}} || {{change|7331|7229|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|17.22}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|7331|17.22|prec=1}} 
|-
|| [[Provost, Alberta|Provost]] || [[Municipal District of Provost No. 52|Provost No. 52, M.D. of]] ||align=center| {{dts|1952-12-29|abbr=on}} || {{change|1900|1998|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|4.75}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|1900|4.75|prec=1}} 
|-
| <span id=R></span>[[Rainbow Lake, Alberta|Rainbow Lake]] || [[Mackenzie County]] ||align=center| {{dts|1995-09-01|abbr=on}} || {{change|495|795|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|10.76}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|495|10.76|prec=1}} 
|-
| [[Raymond, Alberta|Raymond]] || [[County of Warner No. 5|Warner No. 5, County of]] ||align=center| {{dts|1903-07-01|abbr=on}} || {{change|4199|3713|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|7.63}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|4199|7.63|prec=1}} 
|-
| [[Redcliff, Alberta|Redcliff]] || [[Cypress County]] ||align=center| {{dts|1912-08-05|abbr=on}} || {{change|5581|5600|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|16.15}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|5581|16.15|prec=1}}
|-
| [[Redwater, Alberta|Redwater]] || [[Sturgeon County]] ||align=center| {{dts|1950-12-31|abbr=on}} || {{change|2115|2053|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|19.93}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|2115|19.93|prec=1}} 
|-
| [[Rimbey]] || [[Ponoka County]] ||align=center| {{dts|1948-12-13|abbr=on}} || {{change|2470|2567|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|11.38}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|2470|11.38|prec=1}} 
|-
|| [[Rocky Mountain House]] || [[Clearwater County, Alberta|Clearwater County]] ||align=center| {{dts|1939-08-31|abbr=on}} || {{change|6765|6635|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|13.05}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|6765|13.05|prec=1}} 
|-
|| <span id=S></span>[[Sedgewick, Alberta|Sedgewick]] || [[Flagstaff County]] ||align=center| {{dts|1966-05-01|abbr=on}} || {{change|761|811|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|2.71}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|761|2.71|prec=1}} 
|-
| [[Sexsmith, Alberta|Sexsmith]] || [[County of Grande Prairie No. 1|Grande Prairie No. 1, County of]] ||align=center| {{dts|1979-10-15|abbr=on}} || {{change|2427|2620|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|13.01}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|2427|13.01|prec=1}} 
|-
|| [[Slave Lake]] || [[Municipal District of Lesser Slave River No. 124|Lesser Slave River No. 124, M.D. of]] ||align=center| {{dts|1965-08-02|abbr=on}} || {{change|6836|6651|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|14.31}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|6836|14.31|prec=1}} 
|-
|| [[Smoky Lake]] || [[Smoky Lake County]] ||align=center| {{dts|1962-02-01|abbr=on}} || {{change|1127|964|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|4.26}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|1127|4.26|prec=1}} 
|-
|| [[Spirit River, Alberta|Spirit River]] || [[Municipal District of Spirit River No. 133|Spirit River No. 133, M.D. of]] ||align=center| {{dts|1951-09-18|abbr=on}} || {{change|849|995|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|3.11}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|849|3.11|prec=1}} 
|-
|| [[St. Paul, Alberta|St. Paul]]{{#tag:ref|St. Paul was formerly known as St. Paul de Métis prior to December 15, 1932.|group=N}} || [[County of St. Paul No. 19|St. Paul No. 19, County of]] ||align=center| {{dts|1936-12-15|abbr=on}} || {{change|5863|5827|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|8.64}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|5863|8.64|prec=1}} 
|-
| [[Stavely]] || [[Municipal District of Willow Creek No. 26|Willow Creek No. 26, M.D. of]] ||align=center| {{dts|1912-05-25|abbr=on}} || {{change|544|541|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|1.78}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|544|1.78|prec=1}} 
|-
|| [[Stettler, Alberta|Stettler]] || [[County of Stettler No. 6|Stettler No. 6, County of]] ||align=center| {{dts|1906-11-23|abbr=on}} || {{change|5695|5952|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|13.19}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|5695|13.19|prec=1}} 
|-
|| [[Stony Plain, Alberta|Stony Plain]] || [[Parkland County]] ||align=center| {{dts|1908-12-10|abbr=on}} || {{change|17993|17189|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|35.45}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|17993|35.45|prec=1}} 
|-
|| [[Strathmore, Alberta|Strathmore]] || [[Wheatland County, Alberta|Wheatland County]] ||align=center| {{dts|1911-07-06|abbr=on}} || {{change|14339|13756|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|26.98}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|14339|26.98|prec=1}} 
|-
| [[Sundre]] || [[Mountain View County]] ||align=center| {{dts|1956-01-01|abbr=on}} || {{change|2672|2729|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|10.84}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|2672|10.84|prec=1}} 
|-
| [[Swan Hills]] || [[Big Lakes County]] ||align=center| {{dts|1967-01-01|abbr=on}} || {{change|1201|1301|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|25.87}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|1201|25.87|prec=1}}
|-
| [[Sylvan Lake, Alberta|Sylvan Lake]] || [[Red Deer County]] ||align=center| {{dts|1946-05-20|abbr=on}} || {{change|15995|14816|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|23.09}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|15995|23.09|prec=1}} 
|-
|| <span id=T></span>[[Taber, Alberta|Taber]] || [[Municipal District of Taber|Taber, M.D. of]] ||align=center| {{dts|1907-07-01|abbr=on}} || {{change|8862|8428|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|19.32}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|8862|19.32|prec=1}} 
|-
|| [[Thorsby, Alberta|Thorsby]] || [[Leduc County]] ||align=center| {{dts|2017-01-01|abbr=on}}<ref name=Thorsby>{{cite web | url=http://www.qp.alberta.ca/documents/orders/Orders_in_Council/2016/1216/2016_344.pdf | title=Order in Council (O.C.) 344/2016 | publisher=[[Province of Alberta]] | date=December 13, 2016 | access-date=December 15, 2016}}</ref> || {{change|967|985|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|3.80}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|967|3.80|prec=1}} 
|-
|| [[Three Hills]] || [[Kneehill County]] ||align=center| {{dts|1929-01-01|abbr=on}} || {{change|3042|3212|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|6.74}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|3042|6.74|prec=1}} 
|-
| [[Tofield]] || [[Beaver County, Alberta|Beaver County]] ||align=center| {{dts|1909-09-10|abbr=on}} || {{change|2045|2081|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|8.21}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|2045|8.21|prec=1}} 
|-
| [[Trochu, Alberta|Trochu]] || [[Kneehill County]] ||align=center| {{dts|1962-08-01|abbr=on}} || {{change|998|1058|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|2.78}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|998|2.78|prec=1}}
|-
|| [[Two Hills, Alberta|Two Hills]] || [[County of Two Hills No. 21|Two Hills No. 21, County of]] ||align=center| {{dts|1955-01-01|abbr=on}} || {{change|1416|1352|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|3.11}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|1416|3.11|prec=1}} 
|-
|| <span id=V></span>[[Valleyview, Alberta|Valleyview]] || [[Municipal District of Greenview No. 16|Greenview No. 16, M.D. of]] ||align=center| {{dts|1957-02-05|abbr=on}} || {{change|1673|1863|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|9.17}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|1673|9.17|prec=1}} 
|-
| [[Vauxhall, Alberta|Vauxhall]] || [[Municipal District of Taber|Taber, M.D. of]] ||align=center| {{dts|1961-01-01|abbr=on}} || {{change|1286|1222|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|2.71}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|1286|2.71|prec=1}} 
|-
|| [[Vegreville]] || [[County of Minburn No. 27|Minburn No. 27, County of]] ||align=center| {{dts|1906-08-15|abbr=on}} || {{change|5689|5708|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|14.08}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|5689|14.08|prec=1}} 
|-
| [[Vermilion, Alberta|Vermilion]] || [[County of Vermilion River|Vermilion River, County of]] ||align=center| {{dts|1906-08-27|abbr=on}} || {{change|3948|4084|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|12.72}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|3948|12.72|prec=1}} 
|-
| [[Viking, Alberta|Viking]] || [[Beaver County, Alberta|Beaver County]] ||align=center| {{dts|1952-11-10|abbr=on}} || {{change|986|1083|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|3.45}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|986|3.45|prec=1}} 
|-
| [[Vulcan, Alberta|Vulcan]] || [[Vulcan County]] ||align=center| {{dts|1921-06-15|abbr=on}} || {{change|1769|1917|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|6.28}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|1769|6.28|prec=1}} 
|-
|| <span id=W></span>[[Wainwright, Alberta|Wainwright]] || [[Municipal District of Wainwright No. 61|Wainwright No. 61, M.D. of]] ||align=center| {{dts|1910-07-14|abbr=on}} || {{change|6606|6285|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|12.17}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|6606|12.17|prec=1}} 
|-
| [[Wembley, Alberta|Wembley]] || [[County of Grande Prairie No. 1|Grande Prairie No. 1, County of]] ||align=center| {{dts|1980-08-01|abbr=on}} || {{change|1432|1516|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|4.74}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|1432|4.74|prec=1}}
|-
| [[Westlock]] || [[Westlock County]] ||align=center| {{dts|1947-01-07|abbr=on}} || {{change|4921|5101|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|13.37}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|4921|13.37|prec=1}} 
|-
|| [[Whitecourt]] || [[Woodlands County]] ||align=center| {{dts|1971-12-20|abbr=on}} || {{change|9927|10209|dec=1|align=right|invert=on}} ||align=right| {{nts|29.51}} ||align=right| {{Pop density|9927|29.51|prec=1}} 
|- class="sortbottom" align="center" style="background: #f2f2f2;"
| '''Total towns'''
|align=right| '''&mdash;'''
|align=right| '''&mdash;'''
| {{change|471028|455389|dec=1|align=right|bold=on|invert=on|bgcolour=#f2f2f2}}
|align=right| '''{{nts|1294.84}}'''
|align=right| '''{{Pop density|471028|1294.84|prec=1}}'''
|-
|}
</onlyinclude>

== New towns ==
'''New town''' is a former urban municipal status in Alberta that is no longer in use. The authority to incorporate a community as a new town came from ''The New Towns Act'', which was chapter 39 of the ''Statutes of Alberta, 1956''.

At least 12 communities incorporated as a new town between 1956 and 1967. [[Cynthia, Alberta|Cynthia]] and [[Drayton Valley]] were the first communities in Alberta to incorporate as new towns on June 1, 1956.<ref name=Cynthia1/><ref name=DV1/> Drayton Valley did so after only six months of incorporation as a village,<ref name=DV1/> and was also the community that operated under new town status for the shortest period – eight months from June 1, 1956, to February 1, 1957.<ref name=DV2/>

The last community to incorporate as a new town was [[Fox Creek, Alberta|Fox Creek]] on July 19, 1967.<ref name=FC1/> Fox Creek was previously unincorporated prior to this date. It remained a new town for just over sixteen years until September 1, 1983, when it changed to town status.<ref name=FC2/>

[[Rainbow Lake, Alberta|Rainbow Lake]] was the last community to be recognized as a new town. Its status was changed to that of a town in 1994 when numerous former acts under the authority of Alberta Municipal Affairs were transitioned into the current ''Municipal Government Act''.<ref name=RL2/> Rainbow Lake was also the community that operated under new town status for the longest period – nearly 28 years from September 1, 1966, to May 2, 1994.

Other communities that applied for new town status included [[Slave Lake, Alberta|Slave Lake]] and [[Smith, Alberta|Smith]]. Slave Lake applied, despite already being incorporated, to access additional provincial funding but the application was denied by the provincial cabinet. In the case of Smith, after applying in 1968, its application was denied after the province's feasibility study for the community determined Smith was unlikely to attract further economic development.<ref name=Masson>{{cite book | title=Alberta's Local Governments: Politics and Democracy | url=https://archive.org/details/albertaslocalgov0000mass | url-access=registration |author=Jack Masson |author2=Edward C. LeSage Jr. | publisher=The [[University of Alberta]] Press | year=1994 | pages=[https://archive.org/details/albertaslocalgov0000mass/page/91 91–92] | isbn=0-88864-251-2}}</ref>

Below is a list of the 12 communities that were once incorporated as a new town. All but one of them are resource communities in northern or west&ndash;central Alberta and were recently founded communities at their dates of incorporation as new towns. [[St. Albert, Alberta|St. Albert]] was the only community that was not in northern or west&ndash;central Alberta and had been incorporated as its own municipality since December 7, 1899.<ref name=SA1/>

{|class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Former new town
!Incorporation date<br />(new town)
!Previous<br />status
!Subsequent status<br />change date
!Subsequent<br />status
|-
||[[Cynthia, Alberta|Cynthia]]|| {{sort|56-06-Cy|June 1, 1956}}<ref name=Cynthia1>{{cite web | url=http://ourfutureourpast.ca/law/page.aspx?id=3106491 | archive-url=https://archive.today/20160724034809/http://ourfutureourpast.ca/law/page.aspx?id=3106491  | archive-date=July 24, 2016 | title=The Alberta Gazette, 1956 (Volume 52) &ndash; Order in Council 783&ndash;56: New Town of Cynthia Established | publisher=Government of Alberta | pages=1122&ndash;1123 | date=June 11, 1956 | access-date=October 11, 2015 }}</ref> ||{{sort|0Cy|[[Unincorporated area|Unincorporated]]}} || {{sort|59-05-Cy|May 1, 1959}}<ref name=Cynthia2>{{cite web | url=http://ourfutureourpast.ca/law/page.aspx?id=3113584 | archive-url=https://archive.today/20160724034810/http://ourfutureourpast.ca/law/page.aspx?id=3113584  | archive-date=July 24, 2016 | title=The Alberta Gazette, 1959 (Volume 55) &ndash; Order in Council 760/59: Dissolution of the Town of Cynthia | publisher=Government of Alberta | page=911 | date=May 19, 1959 | access-date=October 11, 2015 }}</ref> || {{sort|1Cy|[[Hamlet (place)|Hamlet]]}}{{#tag:ref|Cynthia dissolved as development in Cynthia "did not materialize sufficiently to warrant the attention of a Board of Administrators as appointed under the ''New Towns Act''", and did not have "sufficient population or occupied dwellings ... to allow for its establishment into a town or a village under the provisions of ''The Towns and Villages Act''."<ref name=Cynthia2/>|group=N}}
|-
||[[Drayton Valley]]|| {{sort|56-06-Dr|June 1, 1956<ref name=DV1>{{cite web | url=http://www.municipalaffairs.alberta.ca/cfml/pdf_search/pdf/TOWN/0091/Drayton_Valley_Gaz_OC_601_56_1957_No27.pdf | title=Order in Council (O.C.) 601/56 | publisher=Province of Alberta | date=May 9, 1956 | access-date=March 13, 2010}}</ref> }} ||{{sort|2Dr|[[Village]]}} || {{sort|57-02-Dr|February 1, 1957<ref name=DV2>{{cite web | url=http://www.municipalaffairs.alberta.ca/cfml/pdf_search/pdf/TOWN/0091/Drayton_Valley_Gaz_OC_403_57_1957_No22.pdf | title=Order in Council (O.C.) 403/57 | publisher=Province of Alberta | date=March 11, 1957 | access-date=March 13, 2010}}</ref>}} || {{sort|3Dr|[[Town]]}}
|-
||[[Fort McMurray]]|| {{sort|64-06-Fort|June 30, 1964<ref name=FM1>{{citation | title=Order in Council (O.C.) 930/64 | publisher=Province of Alberta | date=June 30, 1964}}</ref>}} ||{{sort|3Fort|[[Town]]}} || {{sort|80-09-Fort|September 1, 1980<ref name=FM1/>}} || {{sort|4Fort|[[City]]}}{{#tag:ref|Fort McMurray later dissolved from city status on April 1, 1995, and is now designated as an [[urban service area]].<ref name=FM2>{{cite web | url=http://www.municipalaffairs.alberta.ca/cfml/pdf_search/pdf/SMUN/0508/Regional_Municipality_of_Wood_Buffalo_Gaz_OC_817_94_1995_No6%20.pdf | title=Order in Council (O.C.) 817/94 | publisher=Province of Alberta | date=December 21, 1994 | access-date=March 13, 2010}}</ref>|group=N}}
|-
||[[Fox Creek, Alberta|Fox Creek]]|| {{sort|67-07-Fox|July 19, 1967<ref name=FC1>{{cite web | url=http://www.municipalaffairs.alberta.ca/cfml/pdf_search/pdf/TOWN/0119/Fox_Creek_Gaz_OC_1405_67_1967_No6.pdf | title=Order in Council (O.C.) 1405/67 | publisher=Province of Alberta | date=July 19, 1967 | access-date=March 13, 2010}}</ref>}} ||{{sort|0Fox|[[Unincorporated area|Unincorporated]]}} || {{sort|83-09-Fox|September 1, 1983<ref name=FC2>{{cite web | url=http://www.municipalaffairs.alberta.ca/cfml/pdf_search/pdf/TOWN/0119/Fox_Creek_Gaz_OC_40_83_1983_No4.pdf | title=Order in Council (O.C.) 40/83 | publisher=Province of Alberta | date=January 12, 1983 | access-date=March 13, 2010}}</ref>}} || {{sort|3Fox|[[Town]]}}
|-
||[[Grande Cache]]|| {{sort|66-09-Gr|September 1, 1966<ref name=GC1>{{cite web | url=http://www.municipalaffairs.alberta.ca/cfml/pdf_search/pdf/TOWN/0131/Grande_Cache_OC_160_66_1966_No7.pdf | title=Order in Council (O.C.) 1605/66 | publisher=Province of Alberta | date=August 30, 1966 | access-date=March 13, 2010}}</ref>}} || {{sort|0Gr|[[Unincorporated area|Unincorporated]]}} || {{sort|83-09-Gr|September 1, 1983<ref name=GC2>{{cite web | url=http://www.municipalaffairs.alberta.ca/cfml/pdf_search/pdf/TOWN/0131/Grande_Cache_OC_749_83_1983_No2.pdf | title=Order in Council (O.C.) 749/83 | publisher=Province of Alberta | date=August 31, 1983 | access-date=March 13, 2010}}</ref>}} || {{sort|3Gr|[[Town]]}}
|-
||[[High Level, Alberta|High Level]]|| {{sort|65-06-High|June 1, 1965<ref name=HL1>{{cite web | url=http://www.municipalaffairs.alberta.ca/cfml/pdf_search/pdf/TOWN/0146/High_Level_Gaz_OC_967_65_1965_No3.pdf | title=Order in Council (O.C.) 967/65 | publisher=Province of Alberta | date=June 1, 1965 | access-date=March 13, 2010}}</ref>}} || {{sort|1High|[[Hamlet (place)|Hamlet]]}} || {{sort|83-09-High|September 1, 1983<ref name=HL2>{{cite web | url=http://www.municipalaffairs.alberta.ca/cfml/pdf_search/pdf/TOWN/0146/High_Level_OC_750_83_No2.pdf | title=Order in Council (O.C.) 750/83 | publisher=Province of Alberta | date=August 31, 1983 | access-date=March 13, 2010}}</ref>}} || {{sort|3High|[[Town]]}}
|-
||[[Hinton, Alberta|Hinton]]|| {{sort|56-11-Hint|November 1, 1956<ref name=Hinton1>{{cite web | url=http://www.municipalaffairs.alberta.ca/cfml/pdf_search/pdf/TOWN/0151/Hinton_Gaz_OC_1547_56_1956_No14.pdf | title=Order in Council (O.C.) 1547/56 | publisher=Province of Alberta | date=November 6, 1956 | access-date=March 13, 2010}}</ref>}} || {{sort|1Hint|[[Hamlet (place)|Hamlet]]}} || {{sort|58-12-Hint|December 29, 1958<ref name=Hinton2>{{cite web | url=http://www.municipalaffairs.alberta.ca/cfml/pdf_search/pdf/TOWN/0151/Hinton_Gaz_OC_1661_58_1958_No10.pdf | title=Order in Council (O.C.) 1661/58 | publisher=Province of Alberta | date=November 14, 1958 | access-date=March 13, 2010}}</ref>}} || {{sort|3Hint|[[Town]]}}
|-
||[[Lodgepole, Alberta|Lodgepole]]|| {{sort|56-07-Lo|July 1, 1956<ref name=Lodge1>{{cite web | url=http://www.municipalaffairs.alberta.ca/cfml/pdf_search/pdf/HMLT/0764/Lodgepole_Gaz_OC_1034_56_1956_No2.pdf | title=Order in Council (O.C.) 1034/56 | publisher=Province of Alberta | date=July 31, 1956 | access-date=March 13, 2010}}</ref>}} ||{{sort|0Lo|[[Unincorporated area|Unincorporated]]}} || {{sort|70-03-Lo|March 1, 1970<ref name=Lodge2>{{cite web | url=http://www.municipalaffairs.alberta.ca/cfml/pdf_search/pdf/HMLT/0764/Lodgepole_Gaz_OC_325_70_1970_No1.pdf | title=Order in Council (O.C.) 325/70 | publisher=Province of Alberta | date=July 31, 1956 | access-date=March 13, 2010}}</ref>}} || {{sort|1Lo|[[Hamlet (place)|Hamlet]]}}{{#tag:ref|Lodgepole dissolved as development in Lodgepole "did not materialize sufficiently to qualify under the provisions of the Municipal Government Act for the formation of a town or village."<ref name=Lodge2/>|group=N}}
|-
||[[Rainbow Lake, Alberta|Rainbow Lake]]|| {{sort|66-11-Ra|September 1, 1966<ref name=RL1>{{cite web | url=http://www.municipalaffairs.alberta.ca/cfml/pdf_search/pdf/TOWN/0260/Rainbow_Lake_OC_1666_66_1966_No2.pdf | title=Order in Council (O.C.) 1606/66 | publisher=Province of Alberta | date=August 30, 1966 | access-date=March 13, 2010}}</ref>}} ||{{sort|0Ra|[[Unincorporated area|Unincorporated]]}} || {{sort|94-05-Ra|May 2, 1994<ref name=RL2>{{cite web | url=http://www.municipalaffairs.alberta.ca/cfml/pdf_search/pdf/TOWN/0260/Rainbow_Name_Change_1994_No1.pdf | title=Transitional Provisions, Consequental Amendments, Repeal and Commencement, Transition from Former Acts to this Act | publisher=Province of Alberta | date=May 2, 1994 | access-date=March 13, 2010}}</ref>}} || {{sort|3Ra|[[Town]]}}
|-
||[[St. Albert, Alberta|St. Albert]]|| {{sort|57-01-St|January 1, 1957<ref name=SA1>{{cite web | url=http://www.ourroots.ca/toc.aspx?id=4373&qryID=8386f79c-578e-4b69-ab50-1f5e4681b8e4 | title=The Black Robe's Vision: A History of St. Albert & District (Volume 2) | author=Arlene Borgstede | publisher=St. Albert Historical Society | page=681 | year=1985 | access-date=March 13, 2010}}</ref>}} ||{{sort|3St|[[Town]]}} || {{sort|62-07-St|July 3, 1962<ref name=SA1/>}} || {{sort|3St|[[Town]]}}{{#tag:ref|St. Albert later incorporated as a city on January 1, 1977.<ref name=SA2>{{cite web | url=http://www.municipalaffairs.gov.ab.ca/cfml/pdf_search/pdf/CITY/0292/St_Albert_OC_1284_76_%20%20%20%20.pdf | title=Order in Council (O.C.) 1284/76 | publisher=Province of Alberta | date=December 1, 1976 | access-date=March 13, 2010}}</ref>|group=N}}
|-
||[[Swan Hills, Alberta|Swan Hills]]|| {{sort|59-09-Sw|September 1, 1959<ref name=SH1>{{cite web | url=http://www.municipalaffairs.alberta.ca/cfml/pdf_search/pdf/TOWN/0309/Swan_Hills_Gaz_OC_1242_59_1959_No9.pdf | title=Order in Council (O.C.) 1242/59 | publisher=Province of Alberta | date=August 18, 1959 | access-date=March 13, 2010}}</ref>}} ||{{sort|0Sw|[[Unincorporated area|Unincorporated]]}} || {{sort|67-01-Sw|January 1, 1967<ref name=SH2>{{cite web | url=http://www.municipalaffairs.alberta.ca/cfml/pdf_search/pdf/TOWN/0309/Swan_Hills_OC_2145_66_1967_No8.pdf | title=Order in Council (O.C.) 2145/66 | publisher=Province of Alberta | date=November 15, 1966 | access-date=March 13, 2010}}</ref>}} || {{sort|3Sw|[[Town]]}}
|-
||[[Whitecourt]]|| {{sort|61-08-Wh|August 15, 1961<ref name=Wct1>{{cite web | url=http://www.municipalaffairs.alberta.ca/cfml/pdf_search/pdf/TOWN/0350/Whitecourt_OC_1253_61_1961_No8.pdf | title=Order in Council (O.C.) 1253/61 | publisher=Province of Alberta | date=August 15, 1961 | access-date=March 13, 2010}}</ref>}} ||{{sort|2Wh|[[Village]]}} || {{sort|71-12-Wh|December 20, 1971<ref name=Wct2>{{cite web | url=http://www.municipalaffairs.alberta.ca/cfml/pdf_search/pdf/TOWN/0350/Whitecourt_Gaz_OC_1917_71_1971_New_Town_Formed_Into_Town_No5.pdf | title=Order in Council (O.C.) 1917/71 | publisher=Province of Alberta | date=November 10, 1971 | access-date=March 13, 2010}}</ref>}} || {{sort|3Wh|[[Town]]}}
|}

== Former towns ==
All [[List of cities in Alberta|cities in Alberta]]<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.municipalaffairs.alberta.ca/cfml/MunicipalProfiles/basicReport/CITY.PDF | publisher=Alberta Municipal Affairs | title=Municipal Profiles: Summary Reports (Cities) | date=January 25, 2013 | access-date=February 1, 2013}}</ref> and the [[List of cities in Alberta#Former cities|former cities]] of [[Fort McMurray]]<ref name=1958pop/> and [[Strathcona, Alberta|Strathcona]]<ref name=AnnexationMap>{{cite map | title=History of Annexations | publisher=City of Edmonton, Planning and Development Department}}</ref> previously held town status in their histories. Other communities that previously held town status include [[Beverly, Alberta|Beverly]], [[Big Valley, Alberta|Big Valley]], [[Blairmore, Alberta|Blairmore]], [[Bowness, Alberta|Bowness]], 
[[Black Diamond, Alberta|Black Diamond]], [[Carmangay, Alberta|Carmangay]], [[Coleman, Alberta|Coleman]], Cynthia, [[Diamond City, Alberta|Diamond City]], [[Forest Lawn, Alberta|Forest Lawn]], [[Gleichen, Alberta|Gleichen]], [[Grande Cache]], [[Grand Centre, Alberta|Grand Centre]], [[Grouard, Alberta|Grouard]], [[Irvine, Alberta|Irvine]], [[Jasper Place]], [[Lac La Biche, Alberta|Lac La Biche]], [[Lodgepole, Alberta|Lodgepole]], [[Montgomery, Alberta|Montgomery]], [[Turner Valley, Alberta|Turner Valley]] and [[Youngstown, Alberta|Youngstown]].<ref name=GCdissolution>{{cite web | url=http://www.qp.alberta.ca/documents/orders/Orders_in_Council/2018/1118/2018_361.html | title=Order in Council (O.C.) 361/2018 | publisher=Government of Alberta | date=November 27, 2018 | access-date=January 13, 2019}}</ref><ref name=1958pop>{{cite web | url=http://www.municipalaffairs.alberta.ca/documents/ms/population1958.pdf | title=Population Data – 1958 | publisher=Alberta Municipal Affairs | year=1958 | access-date=January 31, 2013}}</ref><ref name=1935pop>{{cite web | url=http://www.municipalaffairs.alberta.ca/documents/ms/population1935.pdf | title=Population Data 1935 | publisher=Alberta Municipal Affairs | year=1935 | access-date=January 31, 2013}}</ref> Of these, the villages of Big Valley, Carmangay and Youngstown are the only communities that remain incorporated municipalities.<ref name=2013codes>{{AltaMC}}</ref> The others either amalgamated to form other municipalities (Blairmore, Coleman, Grand Centre and Lac La Biche),<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.municipalaffairs.alberta.ca/cfml/MunicipalProfiles/index.cfm?fuseaction=BasicReport&MunicipalityType=SMUN&stakeholder=361&profileType=HIST | publisher=Alberta Municipal Affairs | title=Municipality of Crowsnest Pass - Location and History Profile | date=January 25, 2013 | access-date=February 1, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.municipalaffairs.alberta.ca/cfml/MunicipalProfiles/index.cfm?fuseaction=BasicReport&MunicipalityType=CITY&stakeholder=525&profileType=HIST | publisher=Alberta Municipal Affairs | title=City of Cold Lake - Location and History Profile | date=January 25, 2013 | access-date=February 1, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.municipalaffairs.alberta.ca/cfml/MunicipalProfiles/index.cfm?fuseaction=BasicReport&MunicipalityType=RMUN&stakeholder=4353&profileType=HIST | publisher=Alberta Municipal Affairs | title=Lac La Biche County - Location and History Profile | date=January 25, 2013 | access-date=February 1, 2013}}</ref> were absorbed through annexation by Calgary (Bowness, Forest Lawn and Montgomery)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.aupress.ca/books/120152/ebook/03_Foran_2009-Establishing_the_Pattern_1955_1962.pdf | title=Chapter 3: Establishing the Pattern, 1955–1962 | access-date=February 1, 2013}}</ref> or Edmonton (Beverly and Jasper Place)<ref name=pophistory>{{cite web | url=http://www.edmonton.ca/city_government/facts_figures/population-history.aspx | title=Population History | publisher=City of Edmonton | access-date=February 1, 2013}}</ref> or dissolved to become [[Hamlet (place)|hamlets]] under the jurisdiction of [[List of municipal districts in Alberta|municipal districts]] (Cynthia, Diamond City, Gleichen, Grande Cache, Grouard, Irvine and Lodgepole).<ref name=GCdissolution/><ref name=ABmunilocations/>

== Town status eligibility ==
The villages of [[Stirling, Alberta|Stirling]], [[Duchess, Alberta|Duchess]], and [[Alberta Beach]], with population counts of 1,269, 1,085, and 1,018 respectively,<ref name=2018MAPL>{{cite book | url=http://municipalaffairs.gov.ab.ca/documents/2018_MAPL_web.pdf | title=2018 Municipal Affairs Population List | publisher=[[Alberta Municipal Affairs]] | isbn=978-1-4601-4254-7 | date=December 2018 | access-date=July 18, 2019}}</ref> meet the legislated population requirements for town status. There are also at least [[List of hamlets in Alberta#List of hamlets|ten hamlets]] – [[Cardiff, Alberta|Cardiff]], [[Clairmont, Alberta|Clairmont]], [[Dunmore, Alberta|Dunmore]], [[Fort Chipewyan, Alberta|Fort Chipewyan]], Grande Cache, [[La Crete]], Lac La Biche, [[Langdon, Alberta|Langdon]], [[Springbrook, Alberta|Springbrook]], and [[Wabasca, Alberta|Wabasca]] – that meet the population requirements for town status.

== City status eligibility ==
There are currently nine towns – Blackfalds, [[Canmore, Alberta|Canmore]], [[Cochrane, Alberta|Cochrane]], [[High River]], Okotoks, [[Stony Plain, Alberta|Stony Plain]], [[Strathmore, Alberta|Strathmore]], [[Sylvan Lake, Alberta|Sylvan Lake]] and [[Whitecourt]] – that are eligible for city status having populations in excess of 10,000.<ref name=2018MAPL/> In addition, the Town of [[Hinton, Alberta|Hinton]] has expressed interest in incorporating as a city once it surpasses 10,000 people.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.hinton.ca/Archive/ViewFile/Item/1149 | publisher=Town of Hinton | title=Town of Hinton Regular Meeting of Council Agenda (see page 113 of 157) | date=April 21, 2009 | access-date=December 9, 2009}}</ref> Its population in 2016 was 9,882.<ref name=2016censusABmunis>{{cite web | url=http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2016/dp-pd/hlt-fst/pd-pl/Table.cfm?Lang=Eng&T=302&SR=1&S=86&O=A&RPP=9999&PR=48 | title=Population and dwelling counts, for Canada, provinces and territories, and census subdivisions (municipalities), 2016 and 2011 censuses – 100% data (Alberta) | publisher=[[Statistics Canada]] | date=February 8, 2018 | access-date=January 12, 2019}}</ref> In 2016, the Town of [[Morinville]] conducted a [[Municipal census in Alberta|municipal census]] in which it anticipated the town would surpass 10,000; thus the town investigated city status as well as a specialized municipality model with [[Sturgeon County]].<ref name="morinvillenews1">{{cite news | url=http://morinvillenews.com/2016/02/12/morinville-council-briefs-39/ | title=Morinville Council Briefs | newspaper=Morinville News | publisher=Pawn Marketing & Publishing Inc. | author=Tristan Turner | date=February 12, 2016 | access-date=February 19, 2016}}</ref> The census reported a population of 9,893, which was 107 people shy of the milestone.<ref name=2018MAPL/>

== Gallery ==
{{Gallery
| title=Towns in Alberta
|width=160 | height=120 
|align=center
|Image:Town of Athabasca, Alberta photograph.jpg | [[Athabasca, Alberta|Athabasca]]
|Image:Banff town.JPG  | [[Banff, Alberta|Banff]]
|Image:Alberta mainstreet Bowen 038.jpg | [[Bowden, Alberta|Bowden]]
|Image:Albert Mainstreet Canmore looking east HPIM4263.JPG | [[Canmore, Alberta|Canmore]]
|Image:Alberta mainstreet Carstairs 015.jpg | [[Carstairs, Alberta|Carstairs]]
|Image:Cochrane-Szmurlo.jpg | [[Cochrane, Alberta|Cochrane]]
|Image:Alberta mainstreet Crossfield 002.jpg | [[Crossfield, Alberta|Crossfield]]
|Image:Alberta mainstreet Didsbury 018.jpg | [[Didsbury, Alberta|Didsbury]]
|Image:Fort Macleod.JPG | [[Fort Macleod]]
|Image:Innisfail mainstreet.JPG | [[Innisfail, Alberta|Innisfail]]
|Image:Okotoks2009.JPG | [[Okotoks]]
|Image:Alberta mainstreet Olds 033.jpg | [[Olds, Alberta|Olds]]
|Image:Peaceriver.jpg | [[Peace River, Alberta|Peace River]]
|Image:Mainstreet Alberta Slave Lake 3985.jpg | [[Slave Lake, Alberta|Slave Lake]]
|Image:Alberta mainstreet Stettler 3433.jpg | [[Stettler, Alberta|Stettler]]
|Image:Taber-center.JPG | [[Taber, Alberta|Taber]]
|Image:Mainstreet Vauxhall.jpg | [[Vauxhall, Alberta|Vauxhall]]
|Image:Vulcan visitor centre.JPG | [[Vulcan, Alberta|Vulcan]]
|Image:Whitecourt, AB - Mill over town.JPG | [[Whitecourt]]
}}

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|group=N|30em}}

== See also ==
*[[List of census divisions of Alberta]]
*[[List of cities in Alberta]]
*[[List of communities in Alberta]]
*[[List of hamlets in Alberta]]
*[[List of municipal districts in Alberta]]
*[[List of municipalities in Alberta]]
*[[List of population centres in Alberta]]
*[[List of summer villages in Alberta]]
*[[List of villages in Alberta]]

== References ==
{{Reflist|30em}}

== External links ==
* [http://www.municipalaffairs.alberta.ca/ Alberta Municipal Affairs]
* [http://www.auma.ca/ Alberta Urban Municipalities Association]

{{Canada topic|List of towns in}}
{{Subdivisions of Alberta|towns=yes}}
{{Topics on Alberta}}

[[Category:Towns in Alberta| ]]
[[Category:Lists of populated places in Alberta|Towns]]