As of completion of an expansion in December 2021, Capital Power Corporation operates Alberta's largest wind farm in the area, with 353MW capacity.

Named after R.J. Whitla, a Winnipeg merchant, who visited the site while it was a mere siding in 1885, squatters and cattle ranchers had taken up land in the vicinity as early as 1884.

Hundreds of settlers from North Dakota poured into the district in 1909, Lured by blatantly false promises from real estate agents, government officials and advertising brochures.

Though the Aston store burned in January, 1916, the town continued to grow rapidly, with a Union Bank, two cafes, a billiard hall and three garages.

In Tribute to Whitla Pioneers,[4] Carl Larson recalls a dust storm so severe that people could see grasshoppers digging holes four feet above ground.