Spruce Grove celebrates 40 years as a city

Spruce Grove celebrated its 40th year as a city on March 1, 2026. (Miriam Valdes-Carletti/CTV News Edmonton)

Spruce Grove celebrated its 40th year as a city on Sunday.

The area was settled by French and Scottish families in 1891. It became a town in 1971 before it received city status in 1986.

Spruce Grove’s former mayor said not everyone was happy with the city transition.

“There were a lot of discussions that went into it,” said George Cuff at the celebration. “Residents were opposed because you’re going to lose the town image, the town sense.

“We said no – we’re going to keep a small community, but we’re going to have to start growing.”

A ceremony inside Heavy Metal Place commemorated the anniversary and included an Indigenous hoop dance performance, horse carriage rides and other activities.

Alberta said the population of Spruce Grove has increased more than 14 per cent in the last five years.

“We still have that tight knit community, that small town feel,” said current mayor Jeff Acker. “People say hi to you in this community.”

In 2024, the population of Spruce Grove reached more than 44,000 people, the 12th largest city in the province.

Spruce Grove is about 25 kilometres west of Edmonton.