Located approximately one hour Northeast of Edmonton, Thorhild County is sparsely populated enough to feel remote, but contains, and is close enough to amenities to not feel isolated. Thorhild County has a population of only 3,042 people per the 2021 census, and spans just over 1,997 square kilometres.
What we lack in expanse and population, we more than make up for in spirit!
In Thorhild County we have self-identified as pace-setters for Alberta and in many ways, all of Canada! In early 2023 when faced with lifestyle-altering land-use bylaws, our community revealed how Albertans feel about our connection to the land. We made our voices heard and defeated the proposed land-use bylaw that would impose discomforting restrictions to our way of life. This in turn ignited a movement and the people of Alberta spoke. We value freedom!
Made up of predominately farmland, Thorhild County also has 7 hamlets; Thorhild, Radway, Newbrook, Abee, Long Lake, Egremont, and Opal. The largest of these communities, Thorhild, has a population of just 351 people but boasts several restaurants, a Co-Op grocery store and a Co-Op Farm/Agro Center, as well as numerous other business. We have an active Agricultural Society, and along the North Saskatchewan River you will also find a stretch of the historic Victoria Trail….the route upon which the very first settlers to Alberta travelled, and for generations has inspired the resilient and empowered spirit evident in our residents to this day.