Ralston, Alberta

The Crown Village of Ralston is located on CFB Suffield within Cypress County in southern Alberta, Canada, approximately 3 km (1.9 mi) north of the Hamlet of Suffield.

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 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."

In April 1970, Ralston was saved from closure when Dr. Perry released that the Defence Research Board was "very favorably inclined towards incorporation" in a private letter to a citizen committee. 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 year." A site survey of Ralston was undertaken and the plan registered with the province. Negotiations ensued with the province in order to ensure Ralston would be debt-free and that all essential road, power and water services would remain intact. A survey of Ralston's tenants indicated that a majority of them were willing to purchase their houses that had already been assessed for value and taxation. The homes and lots would be bought through the CMHC for an average price of $4,000. In addition, a number of farm families in the Jenner/Iddesleigh area expressed interest in purchasing lots and houses.

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