Stampede Ranch for Kids was formed as an alternative to institutional care of behaviourally challenged youth. Mervyn Edey, after touring youth facilities in the 1960’s, felt that there had to be a better way to rehabilitate youth. He was passionate about offering freedom and a fresh start.
Formed in 1975 by Mervyn and Bernice Edey, the Ranch continues to be a family operation.
We have served over 1000 children in that time, beginning with 3, growing to a max of 25. In that time we had girls for a 6 year period.
Currently the program is for boys only and we have 14 boys on campus, the program manager is Mervyn Edey’s grandson Joel Edey.
The Ranch itself got it’s name from Guy Weadick, originator of the Calgary Stampede. The Weadicks owned the property when they began to Stampede in 1912. From that time until 1975 the Ranch was both a working cattle ranch and a guest ranch. The historic buildings offer a glimpse into early ranching in Alberta.
