The Village of Ryley, once called Equity, is a small community of 497 residents located 50 minutes east of Edmonton on Highway 14 [the Poundmaker Trail] in the center of Beaver County. Primarily serving as an agricultural center in an area of grain and cattle production, Ryley has a variety of local businesses geared to the needs of local farmers.
Opportunities for fishing and camping are available at Black Nugget Lake, a short distance south and west of the village. Golf enthusiasts will find an excellent course just 18 kilometers west of Ryley at Tofield. A brand new golf course, Coal Creek Golf Resort is now open and close to the camping facilities at Black Nugget Lake.
There are 4 local churches – Bethel Lutheran, Seventh Day Adventist, The Total Life Centre and the Good News Community Church. Children from kindergarten through grade six attend elementary school in Holden, another village just 14 kilometers east of Ryley. The Holden and Ryley students complete their junior and senior high school education at the Ryley School. The Ryley and Holden schools operate a four day week, from Monday through Thursday, giving families the opportunity to enjoy a three day weekend, and schedule routine appointments on their free Fridays. A group of young mothers have organized a pre-kindergarten playgroup for children age three to five.
People come from all around for the annual Summer Bust Out Festival held on the 3rd weekend in June. This popular event includes activities for the whole family to enjoy, from a free pancake breakfast and parade in the morning, baseball and free family events all day, to a dinner, fireworks and dance in the evening. Be sure to cheer on your favorite team in the Ry/Tof Annual Slo-Pitch Tournament held September long weekend. There are a multitude of opportunities for the dedicated volunteer, from a couple of hours helping with a fundraising dinner, to committing to a team as a board member for a wide variety of volunteer organizations.