Breton, Alberta is a charming village nestled in the heart of central Alberta, Canada. Approximately 95 kilometres southwest of Edmonton, this quaint community offers a unique blend of history, culture, and modern amenities.
Breton, originally known as Keystone, was established in 1909 by a group of African-American immigrants. These brave pioneers hailed from Oklahoma, Kansas, and Texas, and they chose to make Alberta their home just four years after it became a province in 1905.
The Canadian Northern Railway line played a significant role in Breton's early development, with several grain elevators and a station located in the village. In 1927, the town was renamed Breton in honour of Douglas Breton, a politician serving his second year as the region's Member of the Alberta Legislature.
Breton, Alberta is a well-equipped village that caters to the needs of its residents. The village boasts a high school serving grades 7–12 and an elementary school for grades K-6.
The community's safety is ensured by a paid-on-call fire department operating in conjunction with the Brazeau county fire services. For everyday needs, residents have access to two grocery stores, four restaurants, and two hair parlors. Leisure activities are catered for with two golf courses, and law and order are maintained by a police station staffed by three officers and one secretary.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Breton, Alberta had a population of 567 living in 259 of its 296 total private dwellings. This represented a slight decrease of -1.2% from its 2016 population of 574.
The village covers a land area of 1.72 km2 (0.66 sq mi), resulting in a population density of 329.7/km2 (853.8/sq mi) in 2021. In the 2016 Census of Population, Breton recorded a population of 574 living in 252 of its 292 total private dwellings, a significant 15.7% increase from its 2011 population of 496.
The Village of Breton's 2012 municipal census counted a population of 581, a slight 0.3% increase over its 2007 municipal census population of 579. Despite minor fluctuations, Breton, Alberta remains a vibrant and thriving community.
