Ralston

History

Approval was given in August 1947 for the construction of 60 prefabricated housing units for scientists, technologists, and military personnel working at the Suffield Experimental Station at a site named after the Honourable J. L. Ralston. Due to delays, major construction did not complete until 1953. In June 1969, Dr. Perry of the Defence Research Establishment Suffield (DRES) informed the tenants of the Crown village that the Defence Research Board was considering the possibility of closing Ralston due to the financial situation of the federal government at the time. A decision was to be reached in September or October of that year. The decision would affect approximately 150 families, the bowling alley, theatre, store, swimming pool and elementary school. At the time, of the 200 homes, approximately 40 to 50 were vacant. A committee was looking at the cost saving options that would be phased in over two years. One option was to move Ralston's houses to Medicine Hat and discussions were under way with the Central Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) concerning the possibility of setting up new housing in Medicine Hat. In the letter given to the occupants of Ralston's houses, Dr. Perry stated "I cannot emphasize too strongly that a decision to close the village, if adopted, will not in any way imply a change in the decision already made to continue the program and operation of DRES at the level established last fall, and I can assure you that any final action will be taken so as to minimize the possible hardships which may arise." The formal announcement was to be made publicly by Léo Cadieux, Minister of National Defence. The citizen committee, chaired by Dr. James Lipp, was "very happy with the information. Maybe with luck we'll have it done (incorporated) this…

Most-observed species

• Horned Lark

  Eremophila alpestris (Linnaeus, 1758) · Aves
  298
• Western Meadowlark

  Sturnella neglecta Audubon, 1844 · Aves
  261
• Chestnut-collared Longspur

  Calcarius ornatus (J.K.Townsend, 1837) · Aves
  240
• Swainson's Hawk

  Buteo swainsoni Bonaparte, 1838 · Aves
  208
• Vesper Sparrow

  Pooecetes gramineus (J.F.Gmelin, 1789) · Aves
  202
• Ferruginous Hawk

  Buteo regalis (G.R.Gray, 1844) · Aves
  167
• McCown's Longspur

  Rhynchophanes mccownii (Lawrence, 1851) · Aves
  158
• Common Raven

  Corvus corax Linnaeus, 1758 · Aves
  145