Communities

Railway Avenue in Irvine, looking at Irvine General Store

Residents have a choice of living environments. Farm residences are spread throughout the municipality. Clusters of homes in country residential subdivisions (acreages) are typically found within a short drive from the City of Medicine Hat.

Small urban areas include Walsh, Schuler, Hilda and Veinerville. Less than 100 people live in each of these communities.

Medium size urban areas of approximately 300 people include Seven Persons, Irvine, and Suffield.  Another is Ralston, but is for military personnel since it is located on Canadian Forces Base Suffield.

Elkwater, within Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, has a permanent population of less than 100 but significantly more on any given weekend. There are over 300 homes or seasonal cabins in the townsite.

Larger urban areas, but still with a rural feel, include Dunmore and Desert Blume. Dunmore is known for its large lot size (up to half an acre) allowing larger homes and garages, or more room to play. Desert Blume is part of a premier golf resort, with many homes adjacent to the fairways.

Service levels vary between communities, but they each have their own flavour and lifestyle.