is a town in the province of
Alberta ,
Canada , situated 26 km south of
Edmonton , the provincial capital, and located on the banks of the
North Saskatchewan River .
Population: 6,095 (2005)
Devon owes its existence to one of the largest
Oil discoveries in the world. On
1947 February 13 , the Imperial Leduc #1
Well struck oil, and the new town of Devon was constructed shortly thereafter by
Imperial Oil to accommodate its workers. The company was determined that the town would be well-planned, and Devon holds the distinction of being the first Canadian community to be approved by a Regional Planning Commission. The oil industry remains a major player in the town's business sector, though the economy has diversified to include
Tourism ,
Manufacturing , and
Research .
Devon is amply served by schools, recreational facilities, and community services. It is only ten minutes away from the Edmonton International Airport, and is close to major rail routes and highways. It is located close to a motor sports park, a bird sanctuary, a botanical garden, and a number of other attractions to residents and visitors.
Devon is named after the
Devonian Formation , the strata which overlays the oilfield tapped by Leduc #1.
