Coalhurst, originally known as Bridgend, is a charming town nestled in southern Alberta, Canada. Situated on Highway 3, it is a mere 15 km (9.3 mi) northwest of Lethbridge. This town has a rich history rooted in coal mining, which has shaped its identity and community spirit.
In the early 20th century, Coalhurst was a bustling coal-mining community. However, the town faced a significant challenge in 1930 when a large fire broke out. The fire caused approximately $35,000 in damages, a substantial amount for the time. Despite the financial loss, the community was fortunate that no one was injured in the fire. This event marked a turning point in the town's history, demonstrating the resilience and unity of the Coalhurst community.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Coalhurst, Alberta had a population of 2,869. This figure represents a 7.5% increase from its 2016 population of 2,668. The town had 1,025 occupied private dwellings out of a total of 1,055. With a land area of 3.08 km2 (1.19 sq mi), the population density stood at 931.5/km2 (2,412.6/sq mi) in 2021.
The 2019 municipal census reported a population of 2,784, a slight increase of 0.6% from the 2018 municipal census population of 2,767. In the 2016 Census of Population, Coalhurst recorded a population of 2,668 living in 938 of its 970 total private dwellings. This was a significant 34.9% increase from its 2011 population of 1,978. The land area in 2016 was 3.11 km2 (1.20 sq mi), resulting in a population density of 857.9/km2 (2,221.9/sq mi).
The steady growth in population over the years reflects the town's appeal as a place to live, work, and visit. The community spirit, rich history, and convenient location make Coalhurst, Alberta a desirable destination for both residents and tourists.
