INVESTMENT & BUSINESS

ALBERTA FOOTHILLS & BUSINESS INVESTMENT & Site Selection Guide Town of Black Diamond • M.D. of Foothills • Town of High River • Town of Okotoks • Tow...
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ALBERTA FOOTHILLS

& BUSINESS INVESTMENT & Site Selection Guide Town of Black Diamond • M.D. of Foothills • Town of High River • Town of Okotoks • Town of Turner Valley •

A Business Development Initiative of the Alberta Foothills Region

www.albertafoothills.ca

Welcome to the Foothills Region In the quiet of the dawn of new days, the first light paints itself across the snowpack clinging to the face of the Rocky Mountains to the west. The green grasses bend away from the breeze, over a washboard of rolling hills as far as the eye can see. Our common geography the Foothills Region of Southern Alberta - is inspired and inspiring. From artist to entrepreneur to movie industry to new resident drawn by its beauty, a vibrant, growing and prosperous economy has emerged. The bounds of opportunity live on imagination’s terms. Today, more than 60,000 people live in our five communities - the M.D. of Foothills #31 and the towns of Okotoks, High River, Turner Valley and Black Diamond. Population growth exceeds the Alberta average. Investment opportunity abounds. The Foothills Region has come together to embolden pursuit of opportunity sympathetic to the physical endurance of a geography that counts among the world’s special places. Our common goal is to promote responsible, innovative, prosperous, and sustainable development of our region. RISE is a descriptor of people, place, aspiration and direction. It is an expression of our passion for this place we call ’home’.

Table of Contents Welcome

2

The Foothills Region at a Glance

3-5

The Calgary Region

6-7

Investment Targets

8-11

The Foothills Region: Industry Profile

12

Business Resources

13

Real Estate

14

Finance

15

Tourism Infrastructure

16-17

M.D. of Foothills

18-20

Town of Okotoks

21-24

Town of High River

25-27

Town of Turner Valley

28-30

Town of Black Diamond

31-34

Alberta Foothills Region at a Glance CONNECTIVITY Road access: convenient access to two of Canada’s primary highway networks Highway 2 Canamex Corridor, linking north / south corridors from northern Alberta to Mexico TransCanada - Highway 1, linking west and east corridors from coast to coast across Canada Highway 22 - “the Cowboy Trail” - a scenic and convenient route along Alberta’s Foothills Highway 7, east / west access to Highway 22 south to Crowsnest Pass and B.C. Highway 549, access to Millarville, Bragg Creek and Highway 1 to Banff

Residential Structures

Air

Calgary International Airport - 45-60 minutes north Regional airports: Okotoks, High River 3000 ft. lit runways for light aircraft

Rail

Canadian Pacific Railway—mainline/spur access in Okotoks, and M.D. of Foothills, Aldersyde industrial corridor between Okotoks and High River

Greyhound Service, commuter bus service daily from Okotoks, High River, Turner Valley, Black Diamond Courier Full courier services Internet High speed Internet commonly available

CLIMATE Min. Max. Month temp. temp. (C) (C) January -15 -3 February -12 0 March -8 4 April -2 11 May 3 16 June 7 20 July 9 23 August 9 23 September 4 18 October -1 12 November -9 3 December -13 -1 Source: Environment Canada

Min. temp. (F) 5 10 18 28 38 45 49 49 39 30 16 8

Max. Temp. (F) 27 32 39 52 62 68 73 73 64 37 37 30

Average hours of sunshine per day Average number of Chinook days per year Number of frost free days

23,070 Housing Starts

6.34 25

396

112

Annual mean rainfall

300 mm (11.8 inches)

Annual mean snowfall

153 cm (60 inches)

Annual mean precipitation

42 cm (16.7 inches)

Number of days with precipitation

113

Climate severity index

Population 63,680

Distance to: Calgary- south city limits: approximately 25 km Downtown Calgary: 60 km Calgary International Calgary International Airport - 65-100 km Edmonton - 325 to 375 km U.S. border - 230 to 290 km

Bus

Quick Facts (2011)

Calgary Victoria Range: 1 (very mild) to 100 Vancouver (very severe) Winnipeg Toronto Source: Environment Canada

34 13 18 51 35

Construction Value $218 million # Registered Businesses 3,520 3

The Foothills Region

4

The Region at a Glance Black Diamond (population 2,373) Beauty, country feel, and a historic main street characterize the community. Located 35 minutes southwest of Calgary adjacent to the Sheep River, amidst the steep foothills that rise to meet the Rocky Mountains, locals and visitors alike are drawn to recreational and cultural activities, a comfortable lifestyle, and inspired geographic setting.

Municipal District (M.D.) of Foothills # 31 (population 21,258) A 3600 sq. km municipality bordering Calgary’s southern city limits and extending 100 km south, the M.D. typifies the best of all worlds with its proximity to urban amenity amidst a peaceful rural atmosphere. With an emphasis on gracious family living, the M.D. features beautiful residential developments, picturesque golf courses, a Highway 2 industrial corridor that will serve as a significant employment generator, and spectacular scenery extending from the Rocky Mountains, through steeply rolling foothills, out onto Alberta’s prairie.

High River (population 12,920) Located 30 minutes south of Calgary on Highway 2, High River is a sub-regional service centre with a diversified economy driven by health services, construction, manufacturing, and agriculture. As a lifestyle community, a progressive business environment is enhanced by the strong presence of arts and culture, and heritage.

Okotoks (population 24,962) Located 15 minutes south of Calgary in the Sheep River valley in the heart of the Alberta Foothills, the Town of Okotoks is a youthful, vibrant and friendly community. Alberta’s youngest, and one of Canada’s fastest growing, communities, Okotoks offers full services, diverse recreational amenity, and substantial opportunity in a rapidly growing business sector. A commitment to sustainable development practices is at the heart of the community.

Turner Valley (population 2,167) Lying at the base of the Rocky Mountains 35 minutes southwest of Calgary, Turner Valley’s geography is inspiring and the lifestyle relaxed - which has attracted a thriving community of visual artists and musicians. Communitymindedness, feeling of belonging, and environmental focus values offer economic opportunity for independent free spirits, and affordable, familyfriendly housing options. A primary gateway to Kananaskis Country, a myriad of outdoor recreation options are at the core of community life.

5

The Calgary Region 1 Cost of Business One of the Top 3 “emerging powerhouses and best urban prospects in North America,” in its analysis of the world’s fastest growing cities, describing Calgary as “business friendly and relatively affordable.” (Forbes Magazine, 2010). Calgary #1 for Metro Areas in its Canadian Competitiveness Rankings (Site Selection Magazine, 2009).

Economic Facts Of the six major cities in Canada, Calgary has…

The 2012 KPMG Competitive Alternatives study showed that Calgary has a 2.7% operating cost advantage over the United States. While it ranks as the most expensive among the 16 featured Canadian cities, Calgary is more cost effective than 42 international cities studied.

The most productive and best-paid workforce.

Calgary’s Key Industries

The highest personal income and the greatest purchasing power.

Energy - Calgary is home to the majority of Canada’s oil and gas production companies, major pipeline operators, oilfield service and drilling companies, energy-related engineering and consulting firms, and headquarters to major North American pipeline and energy distribution companies. Canada's largest concentration of investor owned electric power generation companies are based in Calgary. Finance and Business Services - 13,300 new jobs created over the past 10 years (2001-2010), an increase of 39.1%. In 2011, Calgary was added to the list of cities eligible to be recognized in the Global Financial Centres Index (rank #28). Transportation and Logistics - Employing 41,400 (2009), major retailers like Walmart, Target and Costco have selected the Calgary Region as an integral part of their Western distribution strategy. Recent investments include a $100 million Calgary logistics park announced by CN Railroad and the $30 million UPS distribution centre at the Calgary International Airport. Technology - Calgary is home to the largest number of technology start ups per capita in Canada. Manufacturing - Employing 49,600, comprising a variety of consumer and industrial products. Film, TV & Creative Industries - $100 million in annual film production (80% of Alberta production), rapidly growing cultural, convergent media, and creative design and consulting industries. Aerospace, Health & Wellness - emergent sectors.

Alberta's Positive Business Climate and Recent Growth 2 Highest economic growth rate among Canadian provinces at 3.4%/yr over the last 20 years. 440,000 new jobs created between 1999 and 2009. One of most competitive tax environments in North America - no provincial retail sales tax, provincial capital taxes, payroll taxes, or machinery & equipment taxes. Highest personal disposable income in Canada (2009). Young (youngest population in Canada), educated (63.7% over age 25 with post secondary certificate, diploma, or degree), and productive (GDP per hour worked highest in Canada and 17% above Canadian average) workforce. Highly efficient and competitive transportation and logistics system. $193 billion in major capital projects proposed, announced, under construction or recently completed (2012). Export of $93 billion in commodities to 192 countries in 2011, an 18% increase over 2010. Third largest petroleum reserves in the world, after Saudi Arabia and Venezuela. Crude oil and equivalent production to rise to 3.1 million barrels/day by 2018. Investment per capita of $23,461 in 2011, more than twice the national average. One of most multicultural provinces in Canada (1 in 6 Albertans born outside Canada)

A lower cost of living than either Toronto or Vancouver. The second lowest unemployment rate (2011). The second highest total retail sales growth over the past 10 years. Calgary is… #5 most liveable city in the world (140 cities ranked) in 2012 according to the Conference Board of Canada.

Calgary has… The highest concentration of head office employment in Canada (on a per capita basis). 1.36 million people living in the Calgary Economic Region, with the highest total population growth and average annual population growth in Canada from 2002-2011 at 25.8% and 2.6% respectively.

. 6

A REGION OF DISTINCTION... The Alberta Foothills Region No Business Tax Surcharge. Competitive tax and utility rates and high amenity and services levels provided for tax dollars. Location, Location, Location - to major urban centres, transportation corridors, and the U.S. Lifestyle Edge - high growth environment, high per capita amenity and full urban services with the benefits of smaller community atmosphere.

The Alberta Foothills Region,

Quality of Investment - Okotoks and High River tied for 6th best place to invest in real estate in Alberta in 2006.3

Calgary Calgary is ranked #33 in the world (221 cities ranked) for quality of livingbased on political, social, economic, and environmental criteria. Calgary is ranked #1 in the world in 2010 as an eco-city based on water availability and potability, waste removal, sewage, air pollution, and traffic congestion criteria.4

Alberta5 Strong Economy - Alberta leads the nation in employment and export growth, and per capita investment. Cost Advantages - Albertans pay the lowest personal income taxes in Canada. Alberta businesses have among the lowest business taxes in Canada. Alberta’s total federal/provincial corporate tax structure is 14.2% below the U.S. federal/state average. Infrastructure - modern infrastructure in Alberta includes advanced technology, extensive transportation networks, quality education and training facilities, superior research and development and competitively priced commercial and industrial real estate. Skilled and Productive Workforce - 63.7% with post-secondary education, highest labour force participation rate in Canada, highest economic productivity in Canada (value added per hour 118% of Canadian average), manufacturing sector with highest productivity in Canada, more trades people with an Interprovincial Standard Red Seal than any other jurisdiction in Canada, competitive wage/salary rates (Alberta has total compensation cost advantage over U.S. due to publicly funded healthcare).

Calgary, and Alberta, offer key competitive advantages for enterprise.

Quality of Life - affordable cost of living, and world-class educational and health care facilities contribute to Alberta's superior quality of life. A strong economy combined with Alberta's diverse landscape, lovely scenery, low crime, and clean air and water, all contribute to making Alberta one of the best places in Canada and the world in which to live, work or visit.

7

T a

r

g e

t s

“Our investment targets reflect the competitive advantage, values, and aspirations, of the Foothills Region.”

Agriculture Value Added/Processing Alternative Energy Tourism Information Technology Products and Services Environmental Products and Services

    

The Alberta Foothills Region is working to create economic opportunities based on core community values: 

Sustainable infrastructure and development



Preservation of, and reduced impact on, the environment



Development that preserves, and reflects, our heritage



The nurturing of a strong social fabric - from recreation, to arts and culture, to health and wellness

8

BUILDING COMMUNITIES KEY TARGET INDUSTRIES Agriculture Value Added / Processing Alberta's food processing sector is one of the largest manufacturing sectors in the province. In the past five years, over $1 billion has been invested in Alberta by some of the world's top food processing companies; with only 10% of the population, Alberta accounts for 21% of Canada's total farm cash receipts.6 Alberta’s strategic location, transportation infrastructure and extensive and diverse agriculture staples base crop industry are well-positioned to be further leveraged with investment in value-added activity. The M.D. of Foothills has a thriving and extensive agricultural base with ready access to Calgary and its superior global transportation linkages. Investment opportunities exist in organic foods, processing, horticulture (flowers, bulbs, berry crops, nurseries, specialty crops and processing), food processing, and food production. Growth of this sector supports sustainability with its encouragement of a grow local and eat local ethic—particularly horticultural activity. Value-added processing of raw materials at its source is more energy efficient. Social sustainability is encouraged via preservation of a rural lifestyle and associated economic activity in the Foothills Region. “As oil prices continue to rise and the Anchors companies located in the region cost of alternatives continues to fall with Cargill Foods (established 1989) - beef processor, employs 2,100 Highwood Distillers (established 1976) - production of broad line of distilled spirits, employs 35 Rollover Premium Food - production of premium pet food, employs 49

Alternative Energy

further technical advances, it seems likely that carbon fuels will no longer be the main energy source in two to three decades. 2020 +/- 5 years is the serious beginning of this transition period, when 30% of all global energy is most likely to be derived from alternative sources.” (TechCast—the Virtual Think Tank, 2007)

The total clean-energy market will grow to $92 billion by 2013, about seven times its current size of $13 billion.7 All "alternative" sources (nuclear, wind, solar, hydro, biomass) now comprise about 17% of global energy use (11% excluding nuclear energy). Alternative energy is growing 30% per year, backed by wide public support and strong corporate investment.8 The Foothills Region’s pursuit of the sector in the form of manufacturing, research and development, and installation, leverages and extends Alberta’s reputation and expertise as an energy leader. Targeted activities are solar, wind, geo-thermal and bio-fuels.

Our Common Values Balance ratio of residential and non-residential assessment

Enhance quality of life

Low environmental impact, high positive community impact of development

Preserve geographic beauty that attracts people to live, and to visit

Accommodate growth in a sustainable way

Reduce commuter ratio

Maintain small town atmosphere

Maintain and enhance sense of place

“The Foothills Region welcomes all forms of investment. However, we know substantial investment is a simple product of population growth. Our targets reflect emerging industries we are working to accelerate relative to other economic activity in the Region.”

Tourism Alberta’s tourism industry is a $5 billion dollar business annually. 9 It’s built on physical beauty, and cultural and recreational amenity. It requires attraction and support infrastructure. The Foothills Region is a place of great beauty - of outdoor pursuits. The rolling foothills and mountain gateways are here. More than one million people reside on our doorstep and we view a tourist primarily as a regional day-tripper seeking ‘experiences.’ Opportunities exist to create and support these experiences, including destination shopping and dining, agricultural tourism, eco-tourism, arts and culture, accommodation and outdoor adventure attractions. We’re doing our part by building sustainability into our development equation and by preserving unique small town atmosphere best represented in our vibrant downtowns. 9

BUILDING COMMUNITIES KEY TARGET INDUSTRIES High Tech - Information and Communications Technology Products and Services Knowledge has become the well from which economic and social prosperity is drawn. Information and communications technology (ICT) sector growth has outpaced growth of the broader Canadian economy by 200% since 2002. Today, ICT is an economic enabler for all sectors of the economy. 19th in the world in broadband penetration, Canada is leveraging its connectivity as a source of competitive economic advantage.

556,000 Canadians are employed in the ICT sector (2011). The sector is Canada's top R&D driver, spending $5.3 billion annually. The sector has accounted for 8.9% of Canada’s GDP growth since 2002.

A Role for the Foothills Region Broadband and wireless have broken traditional economic constraints that have restricted opportunity in more rural environments. The Foothills Region will establish itself as a Work-From-Anywhere location by targeting activity that uses readily available broadband infrastructure to establish homebased and commercial space activity in the form of computer and network-based consulting, tele-commuting, software and applications development, and e-commerce.

A high quality of life this cluster is traditionally attracted to and is present locally, and the Calgary Region’s highly skilled labour force and concentration of engineers, are enablers for accelerated growth of this activity in the Foothills Region.

Alberta’s ICT sector includes companies engaged in producing computer equipment and services, software, navigational and medical instruments, semiconductors, and telecommunication equipment and services. Approximately 4,300 ICT companies employ 53,200, and generate an estimated $10 billion in revenues, making ICT Alberta’s third largest value added sector . This activity supports sustainability with its low pollution (direct and indirect) form and function. Social and economic sustainability is enhanced with greater ratios of residents at home during the day, and having a higher propensity to purchase locally.

Environmental Products and Services The world market for environmental goods and services was valued at US $515 billion in 2000 and is forecast to increase to US $688 billion by 2010. In the last 10 years, the global markets for environmental goods and services have developed enormously.10 Building the business of environment is already big business, but has entered an explosive growth phase with the emergence of the global warming debate and other consciousness-raising issues increasingly a high priority in the public domain. In the nexus of consumer, industry, and government interests is vast market opportunity Alberta's environmental industry includes 1,330 companies, generating $2.8 billion in annual revenues. The sector has a well-earned international reputation for excellence in water treatment, land remediation, bio-based value add products, waste management, and the development of climate change solutions. Rapid growth in Alberta and CDN $193 billion in planned capital investment in the province provides significant investment potential for environmental solutions providers to meet water, wastewater and soil contamination challenges. 11 The Town of Okotoks - with its multi-award winning Sustainable Okotoks initiative - positioned itself at the forefront of this trendline 15 years ago. Today, the Town is considered a leading light in activity devoted to the environment. Other communities in the Region are steadily implementing initiatives. The Foothills Region aims to capitalize on its well-deserved reputation and on-theground initiatives, prodigious engineering talent in the Calgary Region, and the backdrop of geographic beauty, to focus on attracting manufacturing, consulting, engineering, and research and development in areas including water, waste, wastewater, recycling, energy efficiency, land remediation and green building products. 10

BUILDING COMMUNITIES -A HOME-RUN INITIATIVETargets: 

Home-Based Business



Tele-Commuters



High Tech



Professional and Technical Services engineering focus, one to two person consulting services firms

Freedom...On Your Own Terms

Economic Sectors Targeted: All sectors Number of Registered Home-Based Businesses in Foothills Region - 1200

in the Foothills Region

Side-step the blur of the rush and work from home in the Foothills Region! If the ‘trend is one’s friend,’ the fact that 80% of job growth in Canada is now generated by small business (less than five employees), and broadband and technology is fundamentally changing the way we work, and where we work, points to vast and growing opportunity to work from home. The Foothills Region has a lifestyle advantage, with small town atmosphere and convenience, high per capita amenity, competitive taxation, utility rates, and other fixed business costs, and readily available broadband infrastructure. Accessibility to the City of Calgary, with its diverse and flexible opportunities, provides the Foothills Region with an opportunity to concentrate an already burgeoning home-based workforce within the Region. People living in the region tend to be motivated by lifestyle choices. Living in/re-locating to the Foothills Region to pursue a home-based employment option, people are naturally inclined to be:  a telecommuter, an entrepreneur, a professional service, a consultant, in the engineering field, a homebased business, and an outdoor enthusiast that spends time in the foothills and the mountains  cherish a sense of space  value family and safety  have children and an active lifestyle  are not motivated by ‘the corporate ladder’

Quick Facts about Home-based business12 2006 

1,230,350 Canadians work from home  8% of workforce

2001 

1,175,000 Canadians work from home  8% of workforce  6% of workforce in metropolitan areas (200% increase since 1981)  64% live in urban areas  23% live and work on farms.

Over the last 20 years, working at home has become an increasingly urban phenomenon. The proportion of people working at home in census metropolitan areas rose, while the proportion of people working at home outside those areas declined. 46% of micro businesses are homebased. This represents a significant increase from 1996 when only 30% were operated from home. The most likely home-based businesses are agriculture (81%), construction (74%) and business services (47%), with retail being the least likely (15%).13

People who operate a business or tele-commute from home are important to regional sustainability because they:  start new business ventures (reduces carbon footprint of region with more activity being conducted locally rather than regionally).  have expertise that can take advantage of opportunities in environmental industries.  generate social and environment benefits (community safety, reduced commuting and CO2 emissions, local spending) by sticking closer to home. 11

Industry Profile LABOUR FORCE BY INDUSTRY14 2006

LABOUR FORCE BY OCCUPATION14 2006 Resource-based Industries

16%

19%

Construction

M.D. of Foothills

B usiness, Finance & A dministratio n

2%

14%

M anagement

16%

Natural & A pplied Sciences

Manufacturing Retail/Wholesale Trade

20%

12%

Health So cial Science, Educatio n, Go vernment, Religio n

14% 17%

Finance & Real Estate Health Care/Social Services

5% 5% 5%

Educational Services

12%

6%

Sales & Service

17%

Business Services

3% 5% 4%

Trades, Transpo rt, Equipment Operato rs

8%

P rimary Industry

Other Services

P ro cessing, M anufacturing & Utilities

3% 2%

8%

17%

11%

A rt, Culture, Recreatio n, Spo rt

12%

18%

Okotoks

18% 7%

20% 16% 7%

8%

24% 5%

6%

8%

3%

8%

20%

5%

7%

7%

10%

10% 17%

High River

9%

19% 4%

17%

6%

16% 6%

23%

4%

10%

3% 6%

11%

17%

7% 2%

Turner Valley

10%

17%

25% 7%

4% 2% 15%

5% 10%

14%

15%

9%

20%

3%

11%

4%

2%4%

Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (all communities) Construction, Agriculture (M.D. of Foothills) Real Estate, Agriculture (High River) Arts, Entertainment and Recreation, Real Estate (Black Diamond)

13%

19%

Highest Sector Growth Rates 2001-2005

Retail Trade, Health Care, Education (Okotoks) Mining/Oil and Gas Extraction (Turner Valley)

8% 4%

Black Diamond

5% 19%

21%

6% 2%

32% 6%

3% 10%

1%

11%

26%

12

Business Resources Resourceful Web Links FOOTHILLS REGION

Municipal Governments

Community Futures Highwood 14 McRae Street Okotoks t: 403.995.4151 e: [email protected] www.cfhighwood.net

Town of Black Diamond Economic Development 301 Centre Avenue W. t: 403.933.4348 f: 403.933.5865 e: [email protected] www.town.blackdiamond.ab.ca

Programs and Services for new entrepreneurs and existing small business owners including short term Business Office rental space, Business Loans, Business Planning assistance, Business Training opportunities, a Business Resource Library, and programs for entrepreneurs with disabilities and youth. Community Futures Highwood is a nonprofit organization serving a municipal region south of Calgary, and is funded by Western Economic Diversification Canada. Business Programs and Services • loan programs - start-up, expansion, maintenance • business plan development, evaluation and coaching • training programs • one-on-one support • self-employment training • entrepreneurs with disabilities programming • youth business loans and entrepreneur camp

Chambers of Commerce Diamond Valley Chamber of Commerce (Turner Valley, Black Diamond), Longview, Millarville, and surrounding areas) Box 61, Turner Valley, T0L 2A0 e: [email protected] www.diamondvalleychamber.com High River & District Chamber of Commerce 149B Macleod Trail SW t: 403.652.3336 f: 403.652.7660 e: [email protected] www.hrchamber.com Okotoks Chamber of Commerce 14 McRae Street t: 403.938.2848 F: 403.938.6649 e: [email protected] www.okotokschamber.ca

M.D. of Foothills No. 31 309 Macleod Trail, High River Samantha Payne Economic Development Officer t: 403.603.6252 f: 403.652.7880 e: [email protected] www.mdfoothills.com Town of High River 309B MacLeod Trail SW Marilyn MacArthur Business & Tourism Development Manager t: 403.603.3535 f: 403.652.2990 e: [email protected] www.highriver.ca Town of Okotoks 5 Elizabeth Street Shane Olson Economic Development Team Leader t: 403.938.8907 f: 403.938.7387 e: [email protected] www.okotoks.ca Town of Turner Valley 514 Windsor Avenue NW t: 403.933.4944 f: 403.933.5377 e: [email protected] www.turnervalley.ca

All businesses are required to obtain business licenses and relevant development and/or building permits, depending on the nature of the activity. Contact the individual municipalities for further information. Download a detailed Invest in Alberta Guide courtesy the Calgary Regional Partnership, which includes information on business structure, investment, trade, employment and labour regulations, taxation, banking and finance, and practical tips. www.calgaryregion.ca/crp/ (business investment link)

Business Link www.canadabusiness.ab.ca Government information service for existing and prospective businesses. A single point of access for federal and provincial government services, programs and regulatory requirements for business. Calgary Regional Partnership www.investcalgaryregion.ca Calgary Economic Development www.calgaryeconomicdevelopment.com Key industry sectors and competitive advantage information. Calgary Real Estate Board www.creb.com Real estate statistics. Community Futures Highwood www.cfhighwood.net Business and economic development services for the foothills region. Foothills Community Immigrant Services www.ccis-calgary.ab.ca Settlement/integration services for southern Alberta immigrants/refugees. McBride Career & Employment Centre www.mcbridecareergroup.com Career and employment services for the foothills region. Alberta Enterprise and Advanced Education www.alberta-canada.com Investment, competitive advantage, and statistical information. Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development www.agric.gov.ab.ca Business and marketing information for agriculture and food processors. Travel Alberta www.travelalberta.com Tourism information. Business Development Bank of Canada 1935 32 Ave NE, Calgary t: 403.292.5590 www.bdc.ca Delivers financial, investment and consulting services to Canadian small and medium-sized businesses. 13

Real Estat e OKOTOKS

HIGH RIVER

Axis Realty 110, 102 Elizabeth Street t: 403.630.2165

Century 21 Foothills Real Estate 1103 18 St SE t: 403.652.2121 www.c21foothills.ca

Century 21 Foothills Real Estate 199, 31 Southridge Drive t: 403.995.7721 www.c21foothills.ca CIR Realty 2 McRae Street t: 403.995.4200 www.cirrealty.ca Discover Real Estate 83 Elizabeth Street t: 403.540.9314 Maxwell Canyon Creek 2, 18 Southridge Drive t: 403.444.7624 www.maxwellrealty.ca Prairie Managment & Realty Inc. 203, 40 Elizabeth Street t: 403.995.2810 R A Berrien Associates Ltd. 103, 315 Woodgate Rd. t: 403.938.2000

Foothills Lease Rates net/sq. ft. Okotoks (2012) Industrial: $10-15 Downtown Office - $15.00-$22.00* New Office - $20.00 - $30.00* Downtown Retail - $14.00 - $22.00* New Retail - $25.00 - $35.00* Serviced Industrial Land: $450,000$600,000/acre *plus common area costs where applicable

Coldwell Banker South Realty 415 - 1 St South t: 403.652.3432 www.cbsouthrealty.com CIR 618 Centre St SE t: 403.652.3030 Re/Max Southern Realty 19 - 3 Ave SE t: 403.652.5550 www.remax-southern-hr-ab.ca

High River (2012)

Royal LePage Foothills 5, 938 Centre St SE t: 403.652.4222 www.rlfoothills.com

Serviced Industrial Land: $350,000$450,000/acre

Office: $13.00-$22.00 Retail: $13.00-$24.00

Calgary (2012)15 Industrial (average net psf): $8.18 ($11.44 gross psf) Office (average): $31 (suburban) - $43.00 (downtown) Retail: $22-$40 (net psf) Serviced Industrial Land: $550,000$800,000/acre Industrial vacancy rate: 5%

Re/Max Signature Properties 105 Elizabeth Street t: 403.938.3737 www.remax.ca Royal LePage Foothills Real Estate 29 Elizabeth Street t: 403.938.6311 www.foothillsrealestate.ca West Country Management 100 Stockton Avenue t: 403.938.6800

Average Home Sale Price (2011)16 900000

$807,765

$788,890

$772,415

800000 700000

600000

TURNER VALLEY/ BLACK DIAMOND Ken Placsko Realty t: 403.938.4462 [email protected] MaxWell Town & Country Realty 102 Centre Avenue N.E., B. Diamond t: 403.933.4100 [email protected] Re/Max Realty 101 Sunset Blvd., S.W., T. Valley t. 403.815.0922 www.remaxhouse.ab.ca

400000

$466,402

$461,144

$ 500000 $442,327 $352,704

$359,327

$353,970

2009

2010

2011

Surrounding Towns

Country Residential

300000 200000 100000 0

City of Calgary

Calgary: average single family home price, surrounding towns and country residential: average single and multi-family home price

Residential Dwelling Re-Sales (2011)16

Royal LePage 220 Centre Ave. W., B. Diamond t: 403.933.2900 [email protected] www.rlfoothills.com Style Realty t: 403.264.6122 [email protected] For residential/commercial real estate listings - www.mls.ca

14

Finance OKOTOKS

HIGH RIVER

BLACK DIAMOND

ATB Financial 131, 31 Southridge Drive t: 403.938.7232 www.atb.com

ATB Financial 5, 28 - 12 Avenue SE t: 403.652.1426 www.atb.com

ATB Financial 122 Centre Avenue t: 403.933.4357 www.atb.com

BMO Bank of Montreal 401, 200 Southridge Drive t: 403.995.4975 www.bmo.com

BMO Bank of Montreal 121 1 Street SW t: 403.652.2378 www.bmo.com

TURNER VALLEY

CIBC 300 Village Lane t: 403.938.4474 www.cibc.com

Bank West 1010 - 24 Street SE t: 403.652.2107 www.bankwest.ca

First Calgary Savings 141, 71 Riverside Drive W t: 403.736.4930 www.firstcalgary.com

CIBC 403 1 Street SW t: 403.652.2022 Toll Free 1.800.465.2422 www.cibc.com

Money Mart 140, 28 Southridge Drive t: 403.630.1347 www.moneymart.ca Raymond James 104, 45 North Railway Street t: 403.938.9715 www.raymondjames.ca RBC Royal Bank 144 Elizabeth Street t: 403.938.4416 www.royalbank.com Servus Credit Union 131, 71 Riverside Drive t: 403.938.8610 www.servus.ca Scotiabank 721, 201 Southridge Drive t: 403.938.4712 www.scotiabank.com TD Canada Trust 160, 28 Southridge Drive t: 403.995.3183 www.td.com

RBC Royal Bank 104 Main Street t: 403.933.4364 www.royalbank.com

RBC Royal Bank 102 3 Avenue SW t: 403.652.2351 Toll Free 1.800.769.2511 www.royalbank.com Scotiabank 40, 30 - 3 Avenue SE t: 403.652.5808 www.scotiabank.com Servus Credit Union 319 Centre Street SW t: 403.652.2919 www.servus.ca TD Canada Trust 315 Macleod Trail SW t: 403.652.2921 Toll free 1.866.222.3456 www.td.com Western Financial Group 1010 24th Street SE t: 403.652.2663 www.westernfinancialgroup.ca

15

Tourism Infrastructure Shop 'Til You Drop

Fore!

General service, boutique, specialty shopping, and art galleries have become a magnet for locals and Calgary day-trippers alike. Mainstreet revitalization efforts have generated pedestrian-friendly environments and atmospheric experience. Major new commercial developments offer anything available in “the big city.”

Eleven golf courses in the Region take advantage of rolling foothills, river valleys, and the inspirational distraction of mountain views.

Now That's a Mouthful

D’Arcy Ranch - Okotoks

Eating out in the Region ranges from art form to fast form. All of it is in fine form, and many represent destination dining. Some of them (we won't tell you which ones) have served as favourites for Hollywood actors filming movies in the area. There's something for every taste.

Heritage Pointe - M.D. of Foothills

These Boots Were Made For Walkin' With 70 km (Okotoks - 45, High River 23, Turner Valley/Black Diamond - 3) of urban, interconnected hiking/biking trails that pass by everything from rivers to mountain views, to backyards, to parks, to a surprised deer or two, there's no excuse for not walking off the calories noshed in the local eateries.

Here Fishy Fishy Fishy…. Babbling mountain streams with headwaters only kilometers to the west, the Sheep and Highwood Rivers are reminiscent of scenes from the movie – 'A River Runs Through It' Species: Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Rocky Mountain Whitefish.

Carnmoney Golf Club - M.D. of Foothills 18 holes, private www.carnmoney.com

Cottonwood - M.D. of Foothills 18 holes, private, www.cottonwoodgcc.com

Crystal Ridge - Okotoks 9 holes, public, www.crystalridgegolf.com 18 holes, public, www.darcyranchgolf.com 27 holes, public, ranked #40 in Canada (www.golfcourses.ca), www.heritagepointe.com

Highwood - High River 27 holes, semi-private, www.highwoodgolf.com Oasis Greens Golf Centre (Driving Range) – M.D. of Foothills www.golf4fun.ca/oasis-greens-drivingrange

Priddis Greens - M.D. of Foothills 36 holes, private, ranked #70 in Canada (www.golfcourses.ca) www.priddisgreens.com

Rio Vista - High River 9 holes, public

River’s Edge - M.D. of Foothills 18 holes, public, www.riversedgegolfclub.com

Sirocco - M.D. of Foothills 18 holes, semi-private, www.sirocco.ca

Turner Valley - Turner Valley 18 holes, semi-private, www.turnervalleygolf.com

WJ Homestead Disc Golf - M.D. of Foothills 18 Holes, public, www.wjhomesteaddiscgolf.com

The Old and the Beautiful We Western Canucks only have 100 years of history, but we've made it an interesting history. Find it on Mainstreet (Black Diamond, Okotoks, High River), in a Heritage Walking Tour (Okotoks), and Sheppard Family Park and interpretive murals (High River).

Accommodation Camping Foothills Lions Campground (Centennial Park), Black Diamond, 403.933.5785 0r 403.933.4348 George Lane Campground , 55 sites, High River, 403.652.2529 Hell’s Half Acre Campground, Turner Valley, 403.993.8538 Hogg Park, M.D. of Foothills, 40 sites, 10 km W of High River, 403.652.2341 Nature's Hideaway Campground, 150 full/partial hookups, 30 km E of Okotoks, 403.938.8185 Riverbend Campground, 220 fully serviced & tenting 2 kms E of Okotoks 403.938.2017 Sheep River Campground, 55 electrified / 6 tent sites, Okotoks, 403.938.4282

Bed and Breakfast Accommodations Arbuthnot B&B, High River, 403.652.4056 Big Rock B&B, Okotoks area, 403.938.4718 Coulee Crossing B&B, Okotoks area, 403.938.1560 Harmony House B&B, Okotoks, www.harmonyhousebb.ca High Cactus Ranch B&B, DeWinton, 403.537.0866 Highwood Views B&B, High River www.highwoodviews.com Idle Spurs B&B, Black Diamond, 403.933.5360 Okotoks B&B, 403.938.5443 Riverview B&B, Okotoks area www.riverviewbnb.ca Visotiran Dreams B&B, High River, 403.601.2340 Welcome Acres B&B, Black Diamond www.welcomeacres.com

Hotels/Motels Black Diamond Bar & Hotel, 403.933.4656 Cowboy Trail Motel, Black Diamond, 403.933.4915 Foothills Motor Motel, High River, 403.652.1395 Heritage Inn, High River, 403.652.3834 High River Motor Motel, 403.652.4339 Ramada Inn & Suites, High River, 403.603.3183 Lakeview Inn & Suites, Okotoks, 403.938.7400 Okotoks Country Inn, 403.938.1999 Super 8 Motel, High River, 403.652.4448 The Royal Duke Hotel, Okotoks, 403.938.4101 Turner Valley Lodge, 403.933.7878

Located in one of Alberta's finest recreation areas, the Alberta Foothills Region is a playground for pursuit of outdoor experiences and an active lifestyle. Our distinctive communities o ff e r u n i q u e culture, recreation, and shopping experiences for the Calgary R e g i o n ’s wandering spirits.

16

Tourism Infrastructure A Big Rock…That Doesn’t Roll

Marketing

Take a walk around the Big Rock (Okotoks Erratic) , the largest glacial boulder in North America left after the retreat of the last ice age 10,000 years ago. 7 km west of Okotoks in the M.D. of Foothills.

The Millarville Farmers' Market, held every Saturday morning during the summer months, is the largest in the Calgary Region. The market features local crafts, fresh produce, and lovely foothills terrain. Hwy 22 north of Turner Valley. www.millarvilleracetrack.com/market/index.html

Take a Hike Experience the unforgettable beauty of the regional trail system. From mild to wild, nature and wildlife is featured in their best habitat - naturally. Pick up trail guides for Kananaskis Country and nearby Provincial Parks. Wear a bear bell…..

The Rivers Wild The Sheep River, Elbow River, Bow River and Highwood Rivers are a haven for photographers, fishermen, birdwatchers, and hikers. Book a guided canoe tour to less-known fishing holes along more remote rivers and creeks such as the Crowsnest, Dogpound, Little Red and Stauffer.

Ranch Dressing The Bar U Ranch National Historic Site, 13 km south of Longview on Highway 22, is a living history representing one of Canada's important industries - ranching. Turn of the century buildings are being preserved and restored at this working ranch, established in 1882. For more information phone toll free at 1.800.568.4996.

From the Horse's Mouth Spruce Meadows hosts world-class show jumping (Hwy 22X just south of Calgary city limits). Some local stables that board horses provide trail rides for those who prefer a 'hands on' experience. There are over 800 km of equestrian-use trails throughout Kananaskis Country.

Peak Activity

Surf the White Stuff

The Sheep River Provincial Park and Bluerock Wildland Park (just west of Turner Valley), in the front range of the Rocky Mountains - engage the imagination - including camping, hiking, horseback riding, picnicking, photography, wildlife watching, and birding. Sheep River Falls is a highlight. Tread lightly….this is nature's domain. If you are lucky enough to spot elk, moose, bighorn sheep, white-tailed deer, mule deer, wolves, grizzly bears, black bears or cougars, be thankful for wild places.

For downhill ski enthusiasts, Wintergreen is one hour away at Bragg Creek, and a little further west is Mount Norquay, Nakiska, Sunshine and Lake Louise. Cross-country skiers can take advantage of the easy access to Fish Creek Park in South Calgary, Sandy McNabb in East Kananaskis, Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, the Smith-Dorrien Trail System, Ribbon Creek, and the Canmore Nordic Centre.

Roll With It Dig out your mountain bike and cycle the Smith-Dorrien Trail System, one of the best-known trails in Kananaskis Country. There are also many others! Check trailheads for restrictions due to wildlife movement. Foothills Bed & Breakfasts’ scattered around the area provide a taste of foothills life and rejuvenating views of the foothills and the Rocky Mountains.

Cowboy Trail (Highway 22) Nestled between the Rocky Mountains and the Canadian prairie is Alberta’s high ranching country, home to the historic Cowboy Trail. This 700 km trail winds its way north on Highways 5, 6 and 22 through the foothills from Cardston to Mayerthorpe. Stay at a guest ranch or working ranch. Go on a trail ride with an outfitter into some of Alberta’s prettiest country. Take in a rodeo, cowboy festival or a pow-wow for a day. Watch dawn break on the eastern slopes. The western spirit comes alive in the small communities along the way. www.thecowboytrail.com

17

Location

Light Industrial/Commercial Lands

The Municipal District of Foothills No. 31 is a rural municipality (3600 sq. km.) located adjacent to and immediately south of the City of Calgary, abutting Kananaskis Country and the Rocky Mountains to the west, and stretching east into the Alberta prairie. The M.D. surrounds the Towns of Okotoks, Turner Valley, Black Diamond, High River, the Village of Longview, and the Eden Valley Indian Reserve.

The Highway 2A Corridor is the primary location for industrial and commercial development within the M.D. of Foothills No. 31. The current Area Structure Plan guiding the development of the corridor (8587 acres, all privately owned) is referred to as the Highway 2A Industrial Area Structure Plan (H2AIASP). Development approvals are based on submitted proposals. Please contact the M.D. of Foothills No. 31 (403.652.2341) or visit http://www.mdfoothills.com/business/ hwy_2a_industrial_area_structure_plan.html for more information.

Utilities Electricity/Natural Gas are deregulated in Alberta • The Alberta government provides a web site to assist consumers with choosing an appropriate provider for their residence or business. To learn more about electrical or natural gas providers visit www.ucahelps.gov.ab.ca Electricity: EPCOR (regulated): 403.310.4300 or www.epcor.ca Natural Gas: Direct Energy (regulated): 1.866.420.3174 or www.directenergyregulatedservices.com Sunshine Gas Co-op Ltd.: 1.877.684.3672 or www.sunshinegascoop.com Meota Gas Co-op: 403.931.2161 or www.meotagascoop.com

Municipal Services

Population • Growth rate - 2006 to 2011 - 7.7% (10.8% - Alberta, 5.9% Canada). Growth rate - 2001 to 2006 - 18.7%

The M.D. provides a number of services - directly or jointly with other municipalities - to the residents of the rural area and the Hamlets of Aldersyde, Blackie, Cayley, De Winton, Hartell, Millarville, Naptha, Priddis, and Priddis Greens. These services include general administration and maintenance, fire protection, ambulance service, garbage disposal, planning and development administration, agricultural services, recreation and parks, family and community support services, and bylaw enforcement. Water services are provided in the hamlets of Aldersyde, Blackie, and Cayley. Wastewater services are provided in the hamlets of Blackie and Cayley.

21,258

Utility provision and rates vary depending on location. Contact the M.D. for details.

Communications

Trade Area Resident within M.D. of Foothills boundaries (including incorporated communities) - 63,536

Transportation Road: Air: Bus:

Highway 2/2A (N/S trade corridor) Highway 22 (to Black Diamond / Brag Creek - N / B.C. - S) Highway 7 (to Okotoks) Okotoks Air Park - 3000 ft. lighted runway High River Regional Airport Calgary International Airport - 55 minutes Greyhound Service - Okotoks

Employment Base Agriculture, professional services, construction

Newspapers Okotoks Western Wheel (weekly) www.westernwheel.com High River Times (weekly) www.highrivertimes.com Gateway Gazette (bi-weekly) gatewaygazette.homestead.com Radio AM 1140 www.am1140radio.com The Eagle 100.9 FM www.theeagle1009.com Sun Country 99.7 www.sun99radio.com Telephone TELUS: 403.310.2255 (residential), 403.310.3100 (business), or www.telus.com

Emergency Services Police - RCMP Detachments in Turner Valley, High River, and Okotoks Fire - M.D. operates Blackie, Cayley, and Priddis Fire Halls (volunteer forces). Part-owner - Okotoks (FT/volunteer) and Longview (volunteer) Fire Halls. Mutual aid with City of Calgary to serve northern portion of M.D. Ambulance - 24 hour emergency response (Foothills Regional Emergency Medical Services)

Future Growth Sectors Commercial and Light Industrial (Highway 2A Corridor), Commercial (Hamlets), Agriculture (value-added, biotech, specialty farming, bio energy production), telecommuting, home-based businesses (Residential Acreage), Natural Resources Development and Tourism.

www.mdfoothills.com

18

Population Age Structure (2011)

Residential Housing Starts

45 40

350 300

35 30

250

% 25 of total 20

M.D. of Foothills

# 200 of starts 150

Alberta

15 10

157

100

5 0 0-19

20-44

45-64

50

65+

Age

Education

0 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Construction Values

A full range of public and separate schools are available in the majority of the foothills communities.

250

Medical

200

• High River and Black Diamond Hospitals • Health Units in Black Diamond, Okotoks, and High River • Full range of medical service clinics

Value ($) in millions 150 (incl.s residential, commercial, industrial, 100 institutional)

Household Income (2005) 90890

100000 90000 80000 Median Household 70000 60000 Income 50000 40000 (2005) 30000 20000 10000 0

101

50

63788

0 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Tax Rates (2012) Residential Non-Residential

M.D. of Foothills

5.479763 10.744347

Example: $300,000 (residential property assessment) x 5.479763/1000= $1643.93 (property taxes).

Alberta

Src: Statistics Canada, 2006 Federal Census

Education (2006) Alberta - 17%

19%

19% Wit hout high school cert if icat e Wit h high school cert if icat e Wit h t rade or non-universit y cert if icat e/ diploma

29% 33%

Wit h universit y diploma, cert if icat e, or degree

Alberta - 33% Src: Statistics Canada, 2006 Federal Census

Business Development 800

In 2011, 458 home-based businesses were operating in the M.D. of Foothills (63% of all business licenses). 725

700 600 500 # business 400 licenses 300 200 100 0 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

www.mdfoothills.com

19

Industrial/Commercial Land Supply - M.D. of Foothills -

Highway 2A Industrial Corridor (8587 acres undeveloped/unserviced) The Highway 2A Corridor is the primary location for industrial and commercial development within the M.D. of Foothills No.31. The corridor is a place for business growth that complements environmental and social needs with economic objectives for the region. The current Area Structure Plan guiding the development of the corridor is referred to as the Highway 2A Industrial Area Structure Plan (H2AIASP). Land within the plan area encompasses a broad range of uses and land use intensities. The corridor consists of 8587 acres of land, all privately owned. All development approvals are based on submitted proposals. Please contact the Municipal District of Foothills No.31 (403.652.2341) or visit http:// www.mdfoothills.com/business/hwy_2a_industrial_area_structure_plan.html for more information. t. Samantha Payne, Economic Development Officer, 403.652.2341 Anchors: Cargill, Sprung Instant Structures, Mullen Trucking, Abild’s Trucking, Christianson Pipe Inc., Nelson Lumber

Abild’s Industrial Park

Warner Business Park

(just north of Cargill, serviced) Hans Abild t: 403.652.2440, c: 403.333.5757

(junction of Hwy 7 & Hwy 2, serviced) Ed Warner t: 403.872.0837 e: [email protected] www.warnerbusinesspark.ca

www.mdfoothills.com

20

Location

Light Industrial/Commercial Lands

Okotoks is nestled in the Sheep River Valley of the Alberta Foothills, 20 kms south of Calgary on Highway 2/2A. Okotoks has centrally-located access to a number of destinations, including downtown Calgary or the Calgary International Airport (40 minutes), Banff National Park (2 hours), Lethbridge (2 hours), Radium/Invermere (3 hours), and Waterton National Park (2.5 hours).

Approximately 300 acres of developable industrial/commercial land are available for sale, lease or build to suit in Okotoks. Contact Okotoks Economic Development for more information at 403.938.8907.

Utilities Electricity/Natural Gas are deregulated in Alberta • The Alberta government provides a web site to assist consumers with choosing an appropriate provider for their residence or business. To learn more about electrical or natural gas providers visit www.ucahelps.gov.ab.ca Electricity: EPCOR (regulated): 403.310.4300 or www.epcor.ca Natural Gas: Direct Energy (regulated): 1.866.420.3174 or www.directenergyregulatedservices.com Municipal Rates (2012): Water - $12.09 bi-monthly + $1.23/ cubic metre (first 23 cm water consumed), $1.53/cubic metre (23 cm to 68 cm consumed), $1.69/cubic metre (68 cm+ consumed) Sewage - $12.57 bi-monthly + $1.69/ cubic metre consumed Resource Recovery • Refuse (residential, 120L cart) - $9.09/month • Recycling facility fee - $3.69/month • Optional Curb It (street recycling pick-up) - $9.00/month

Population • 10th Fastest Growing Community in Canada (2006-2011) at 42.9% population growth. Current population (2012) - 24,962. • A September, 2012 resolution of Council will seek a continuous growth model enabled by pursuit of a sub-regional water supply model - thereby lifting a finite growth model established in 1998 that capped population at the capacity of the local water supply - the Sheep River (35,000 people). 30000

24,962 25000 20000 15000

Emergency Services

5000 0

2003

2004

Trade Area

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

Okotoks is the regional centre of commercial activity with a trade area of approximately 85,000. This includes Okotoks, High River, Black Diamond, Turner Valley, Vulcan, Nanton and rural areas encompassing approximately 2,000 square kms. Trade area for tourism, industrial, selected retail and professional services businesses extends as far as South Calgary and southeast B.C. (trade area: 250,000).

Transportation

Air: Rail: Bus:

Online: www.okotoksonline.com Newspapers: Okotoks Western Wheel (weekly) www.westernwheel.com Gateway Gazette (bi-weekly) www.gateway.gazette.ca Radio: AM 1140 www.am1140radio.com The Eagle 100.9 FM www.theeagle1009.com Sun Country 99.7 www.sun99radio.com Telephone: TELUS: 403.310.2255 (residential), 403.310.3100 (business), or www.telus.com TV: Shaw: 403.716.6000 or www.shaw.ca Internet: High speed Internet service is available through TELUS, Shaw, or Platinum Communications (www.platinum.ca) Note: Shaw and TELUS both offer phone, TV, and Internet services. Platinum offers phone over Internet (VoIP) service.

10000

Road:

Okotoks operates an award-winning recycling/composting facility.

Communications

Highway 2A (to High River) Highway 2 (Calgary - Lethbridge) Highway 7 & 22 (to Turner Valley/B.C.) Okotoks Air Park - 3000 ft. lighted runway CP Main Rail Line (limited spur access) Scheduled Greyhound Service

Employment Base Agriculture, education, construction, transportation & logistics, trade, professional services, retail, home-based business,municipal government.

Okotoks has a fully integrated police, fire, ambulance and emergency response service (911) Police – RCMP Detachment in Okotoks: Complaints - 403.938.4202; Admin 403.938.7406

Education • 13 pre-schools • 5 elementary schools • 2 junior high schools • 2 regional high schools • 2 private schools • 1 K-9 school (new - Westmount School)

Medical • High River Hospital – 15 minutes south • Black Diamond Hospital – 15 minutes west • Okotoks Health and Wellness Centre: 403.995.2600 • Full range of medical service clinics

Future Growth Sectors Professional and commercial retail/services, local and regional industrial growth (high tech, ‘green’, warehousing, transportation, manufacturing), home-based businesses, tele-commuters, Calgary commuters, seniors/retirees, relocations motivated by lifestyle choice.

www.okotoks.ca

21

Population Age Structure (2011)

Residential Housing Starts

40

1200

35 1000

30

800

25 % 20 of total 15

Okotoks Alberta

# of starts

600

400

227

10 200

5

0

0 0-19

20-44

45-64

2002

65+

Age

Okotoks is younger, more prosperous, and more educated than provincial and national averages: • Okotoks is the second youngest mid-sized urban centre in Canada and the youngest community in Alberta (2006). 72% of the population is under age 45 (75% in 2001). • Median age (2011) - 34.1 – 6.5 years younger than Canadian average, 2.4 years younger than Alberta average. • Average number of people per household (2011) - 2.9 (Alberta - 2.6). Approximately 50% of the workforce is employed in Calgary, and 50% in Okotoks and/or the Foothills Region.

(2005)

2007 2008

2009

2010

2011

180 160

140 Value ($) in millions (incl. residential, commercial, industrial, institutional)

120 100

79

80 60 40 20

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

Events Calendar

63788 Note: average family income in the Calgary metropolitan area has risen 21% since 2005.

Okotoks

2005 2006

0

77438

80000 70000 60000 50000 40000 30000 20000 10000 0

2004

Construction Values

Household Income (2005) Median Household Income

2003

Alberta

Src: Statistics Canada, 2006 Federal Census (next Census Canada update September, 2013)

Education (2006)

• February - Winter Walk Day, Family Day Activities • April - Okotoks & District Chamber of Commerce Trade Show, Birth of a Nation Day, Earth Day • May - Antique Car Auction, and Annual Sheep River Clean-Up • June - Environment Week, Rotary Soap Box Derby, Annual Okotoks Parade & Children’s Festival • July - Canada Day, BuskerFest • August - Foothills Highland Games, Olde Towne Okotoks Show & Shine • September - Okotoks Pro Rodeo, Chili Cook Off, Olde Towne Okotoks Country Fair, Sheep River Road Race, Terry Fox Community Run • October - HarvestFest • November - Annual Okotoks Holiday Light Up • December - Annual Children’s New Year’s Eve Party • 1st Saturday of each month - First Saturdays (The Market Square - seasonal)

Recreation & Other Amenities

Alberta - 17%

16%

19% Wit hout high school cert if icat e Wit h high school cert if icat e Wit h t rade or non-universit y cert if icat e/ diploma

28%

37%

Wit h universit y diploma, cert if icat e, or degree

Alberta - 33% Src: Statistics Canada, 2006 Federal Census (next Census Canada update August, 2013)

Business Development 1800

1603

1600

•18 hole golf course (D’Arcy Ranch) • 9 hole golf course (Crystalridge) • 18 hole golf course (River’s Edge) • Recreation Centre with 2 indoor arenas (official size), 2 pools, hot tub/sauna, and 6 indoor curling sheets • 49 kms of interconnected hiking/biking trails • 94 parks, 48 playgrounds, 14 ball diamonds, 15 soccer pitches, 5 tennis courts, 4 basketball courts, 2 football fields, 11 rugby field, 1 BMX track, 1 skateboard park, 5 outdoor skating rinks, 1 running track, 1 multi-sport court, 1 spray park, 2 outdoor fitness trails • Okotoks Art Gallery at the Station, Public Library, Okotoks Museum & Archives, Rotary Performing Arts Centre • Fishing and wading (Sheep River) • Outdoor ice rink and track and field facility • Campground (61 sites) • 1,500 seat indoor Centennial Arena • 2,000 seat Seaman Stadium and Duvernay Fieldhouse (baseball)

Lodging • Three hotels, one B&B. Several B&Bs within 20 km radius.

Nearby Facilities & Attractions

1400

• Millarville Fair and Farmer’s Market (20 minutes west) • Kananaskis Country (45 minutes west) • Spruce Meadows Equestrian Centre (10 minutes north) • Bar U Ranch National Historic Site (30 minutes south-west) • Banff National Park (90 minutes north-west) • Wide array of golf courses/camping/hiking • The Cowboy Trail (Highway 22) (10 minutes west) • Calgary Polo Club (5 minutes north) • Saskatoon Farm (15 minutes east) • Chinook Honey Farm & Chinook Arch Meadery (5 minutes west) • Kayben Farms (5 minutes north)

1200

# of business1000 licenses

800 600 400 200 0 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

In 2011, 602 home-based businesses were operating in Okotoks (38% of all business licenses issued).

Tax Rates (2012) Residential - 0.7165% Non-Residential - 0.9734%

www.okotoks.ca

Example: $300,000 (residential property assessment) x 0.7165/100= $2149.50 (property taxes).

22

Land Supply - Okotoks Land Owners/Developers

COMMERCIAL 





There are several areas in Okotoks zoned for commercial development (retail, office, and affiliated land uses) including various areas along Southridge and Northridge Drives, the Westmount commercial site, the Drake Landing Shopping area, Banister Gate near Northridge Drive, and various redevelopment and infill opportunities in downtown Okotoks. The Southbank Business Park at 32nd Street and Highway 7 (Tri-Star Communities and Burnswest Corporation) has commercial and light and medium industrial development opportunities, accentuated by the 32nd Street bridge (McAlpine Crossing) creating highway exposure and easy access to CAN-MEX Hwy 2. Elma Street is a turn of the century heritage street running parallel to mainstreet that has a mix of residential and commercial properties. Commercial projects on this street include bed and breakfast's, boutique retailers, hair and beauty salons, accountants, alterations, health-dentistry, upholstery repair, massage, naturopathic services, antiques, and financial and information technology enterprise. Mainstreet (Elizabeth/McRae/North Railway) has several redevelopment and a handful of raw land development opportunities, and is being targeted for professional, entertainment, tourism, culture and arts, high end retail, and corporate headquarters and offices land uses. Future commercial expansion in the downtown core is anticipated on South Railway St., and North Railway St. E.

Commercial/Industrial Anchorbay Holdings 8 Banister Gate, Lorne Wildeman c: 403.686.4444 e: [email protected] Drake Landing 235 Milligan Drive United Communities, Bob Faktor t: 403.265.6180 [email protected] Okotoks Business Park Town of Okotoks c/o Shane Olson, EDO t: 403.938-8907 e: [email protected] Southbank Business Park Tristar Communities Inc. Moez Moledina, General Manager t: 403.640.0708, c: 403.605.2670 e: [email protected] www.tristarcommunities.com

INDUSTRIAL New raw industrial land capacity of approx. 200 acres is available, including:



Okotoks Business Park Expansion Area (29 acres). Phase 1 and 2 available for sale. Prices range from $500,000 - $600,000 per acre. For details contact Economic Development at 403.938.8907or [email protected]. Owner - Town of Okotoks.



Southbank Business Park (170 acres). Located east of Costco and Home Depot on Tri-Star and Burnswest lands, zoned I1-S. Tri-Star (60 acres) welcomes all inquiries including but not limited to offices, corporate headquarters, warehousing, light manufacturing, R&D facilities, auto service shops, business support services, industrial service shops, medical clinics, theatres, truck terminals, and light commercial such as hotel and entertainment establishments. The Burnswest lands (111 acres) can accommodate uses similar to the Tri-Star lands, plus Commercial Highway uses such as eating establishments, financial institutions, medical clinics, household service shops, retail stores, recreation facilities, and commercial schools. Both developers are accepting expressions of interest or have parcels available for sale, lease, or build to suit.

Burnswest Corporation Jeff J. Burns, General Manager t: 403.301.3983, c: 403.681.7703 e: [email protected] www.burnswest.com Westmount Prominence Development Corp., Gabriel Chou t: 403.571.5050 e: [email protected] 235 Milligan Drive Gerry Siebel t: 403.350.7678

Residential Cimarron www.tristar-cimarron.com Drake Landing www.unitedcommunities.com Mountainview at Sandstone www.apexland.com Okotoks Air Ranch www.okotoksranchersrise.com The Hill at Westridge www.qualicocommunities.com Eaglecrest at Westmount www.westmountokotoks.com

www.okotoks.ca

23

Education, Recreation, Culture, Health - Okotoks -

Education Okotoks has a superior education system catering to approximately 4,000 students. Okotoks, like most of Alberta, has both public and separate (Catholic) school systems:

Public School System: Foothills School Division - 403.652.3001 Big Rock Elementary School (Grades 1-6) 403.938.6666 Dr. Morris Gibson Elementary School (Grades 1-6) 403.938.6221 Percy Pegler Elementary School (Grades 1-6) 403.938.4449 Westmount School (Grades K-9) 403.938.6666 Okotoks Junior High School (Grades 7-9) 403.938.4426 Foothills Composite High School (Grades 10-12) 403.938.6116 (includes Alberta High School of Fine Arts) Ecole Francophone d'Okotoks (Grades K-12) 403.815.4662

Separate School System: Christ the Redeemer Catholic School Division - 403.938.2659 Good Shepherd School (Grades K-6) 403.938.4318 Holy Trinity Academy (Grades 10-12) 403.938.4600 John Paul II (Grades 7-9) 403.938.4600 St. Mary's School (Grades K-6) 403.938.8048 There are also a number of early childhood development, private, and alternative schools in Okotoks:

Early Childhood Development: Serendipity Pre-Kindergarten - 403.938.2811 Sunshine Nursery School - 403.938.5046 Big Rock Early Childhood Services (E.C.S.) - 403.938.6666 Good Shepherd E.C.S. - 403.938.4318 Dr. Morris Gibson E.C.S. - 403.938.6221 Percy Pegler E.C.S. - 403.938.4449 Salvation Army Children's Village E.C.S Day Treatment Program - 403.652.5054

Alternative Education: Sheep River Alternative Jr./High School - 403.938.6116 Home School Information - 403.938.2477

Private Schools: Edison Private School - 403.938.7670 Strathcona Tweedsmuir School - 403.938.4431

Adult Learning: Bow Valley College - 403.652.8338 Foothills Continuing Education Council - 403.652.3392 Okotoks Community Resources & Leisure Learning 403.938.8955 Olds College - 1.800.661.6537 Foothills Employment Training Centre - 403.652.2716 Residents are within commuting distance to post-secondary institutions in Calgary, including the University of Calgary, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), and Mount Royal University.

Recreation Okotoks Recreation Centre 99 Okotoks Drive t: 403.938.4222 An expanded facility (2006) now offers: 2 indoor arenas (official size), 2 pools, hot tub/sauna, gymnasium, youth centre, babysitting centre, 6 indoor curling sheets, and privately run physiotherapy clinic and fitness centre. A full range of courses, organized sports, and recreation programs are offered. Consult the Okotoks Community Guide on the Okotoks web site (www.okotoks.ca) for more information. Home of the Jr. B Okotoks Bisons (hockey) - www.okotoksbisons.com

Other 50 + kms of interconnected hiking/biking trails, 46 playgrounds, 13 ball diamonds, 21 soccer pitches, 3 tennis courts, 8 basketball courts, 5 football fields, 1 BMX track, 1 skateboard park, 5 outdoor skating rinks, 1 running track, 3 multi-sport courts.

Pason Centennial Arena 204 Community Way The 1500 seat Centennial Arena is a multi-use facility, and is the home of the Okotoks Oilers of the Alberta Junior Hockey League. www.okotoksoilers.ca

Seaman Stadium & Duvernay Fieldhouse The 2000 seat baseball stadium is home to the Okotoks Dawgs of the Western Major Baseball League (2007, 2008, 2009 Champions) - www.dawgsbaseball.ca

Culture Okotoks Art Gallery at the Station 53 North Railway Street t: 403.938.3204 Public gallery space, studio, foyer, large art gallery. www.okotoksculture.ca

Okotoks Public Library #7 Riverside Drive t: 403.938.2220 www.okotokslibrary.ca

Okotoks Museum & Archives at Heritage House 49 North Railway Street t: 403.938.8969 www.okotoksculture.ca

Foothills Centennial Centre 204 Community Way t: 403.938.4404 (booking information) Multi-use community centre (seniors centre, youth centre, meeting/banquet rooms, commercial kitchen) with seating capacity from 10 to 1000 people.

Rotary Performing Arts Centre 3 Elma Street Performance, meeting and forum facility. Seats 175. t: 403.938.3204 www.okotoksculture.ca

Health Okotoks Health & Wellness Centre 11 Cimarron Common (Southridge Drive) t: 403.995.2600 Offers a number of health services including Urgent Care, Lab, X-Ray, Public Health, Community Care, Sexual Health, Speech Language Pathology, Pediatric Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy, Respiratory Therapy, Mental Health, Environmental Health, Adult Day Support and the Okotoks Healthy Family Resource Centre.

Foothills Country Hospice Society www.countryhospice.org Hospital facilities in Black Diamond, High River, south Calgary (under construction). Full range of dental and specialty medical clinics present locally.

www.okotoks.ca

24

Location

Light Industrial/Commercial Lands

High River straddles the Highwood River, 65 km south of Calgary (city centre) on Highway 2 - Alberta’s primary north south travel corridor. The Highway 2A corridor north to Okotoks provides access to a significant future industrial corridor. High River has centrally-located access to a number of destinations, including the Calgary International Airport (55 minutes), Banff National Park (2 hours), and Lethbridge (1 1/2 hours). Elevation – 1,035 metres / 3,396 feet

Approximately 350 acres, all privately owned. Commercial zoning (box store, hotel, restaurant, service station, warehousing, no manufacturing). Various lot sizes. Contact Town of High River for more information (403.652.2110).

Utilities Electricity/Natural Gas are deregulated in Alberta • The Alberta government provides a web site to assist consumers with choosing an appropriate provider for their residence or business. To learn more about electrical or natural gas providers visit www.ucahelps.gov.ab.ca Electricity: EPCOR (regulated): 403.310.4300 or www.epcor.ca Natural Gas: Direct Energy (regulated): 1.866.420.3174 or www.directenergyregulatedservices.com Customer choice for electricity/gas utilities - www.ucahelps.gov.ab.ca Municipal Rates (2012): Water rates based on meter size, billed every 2 months (residential) flat rate - 5/8” - $17.00, 3/4” - $22.00, 1” $33.00, consumption rate - 0-6000 gallons - $3.50/1000 gallons, 6001-12000 - $4.50/1000, 12001-24000 $7.00/1000, over 24001 - $9.50/1000 (commercial) flat rate - 5/8” - $20.00, 3/4” - $25.00, 1” $36.00, consumption rate - 0-3600 gallons - $3.50/1000 gallons, 3601-40000 - $5.00/1000, over 40001 - $6.50/1000

Population • Growth rate - 2006 to 2011 - 20.6% (10.8% - Alberta, 5.9% Canada). Growth rate - 2001 to 2006 - 14.7% (10.6% - Alberta, 5.4% Canada). 14000

12,920

12000 10000

6000 4000 2000 0

1997

2000

2001

2002

2004

2006

2007

2010

2011

Trade Area 60,000 Transportation

Air: Bus:

Storm water/sewer surcharge – residential - $4.20, commercial - $4.20 per 2 months Garbage (residential) - 240L bin - $18.00/2 months, 360L bin - $25.00/2 months (commercial) - rates based on bin size and frequency of pickup. E.g. 360L bin 1 pickup/week $30.50, 1100L bin 1 pickup/week - $71.58

Communications

8000

Road:

Sewer rates based on meter size, billed every 2 months (residential) flat rate - 5/8” - $15.00, 3/4” - $18.00, 1” $25.00, consumption rate - $7.25/1000 gallons (commercial) flat rate - 5/8” - $16.00, 3/4” - $20.00, 1” $30.00, consumption rate - $7.75/1000 gallons

Highway 2 (to northern Alberta, U.S., Mexico) Highway 2A (to Okotoks) Highway 23 (east) Highway 543 (west to Kananaskis) High River Airport - 3000 ft. lighted runway Calgary International Airport - 55 minutes Greyhound Service - passenger/freight

Newspapers High River Times (weekly) www.highrivertimes.com Gateway Gazette (bi-weekly) gatewaygazette.homeland.com Radio AM 1140 www.am1140radio.com The Eagle 100.9 FM www.theeagle1009.com Sun Country 99.7 www.sun99radio.com Telephone TELUS: 403.310.2255 (residential), 403.310.3100 (business), or www.telus.com TV Shaw: 403.716.6000 or www.shaw.ca Internet High speed Internet service is available through TELUS, Shaw, or Platinum Communications (www.platinum.ca) Note: Shaw and TELUS both offer phone, TV, and Internet services. Platinum offers phone over Internet (VoIP) service.

Emergency Services Police - RCMP Detachment Fire - FT Chief + Deputy, FT + volunteer firefighters Ambulance - 24 hour emergency response Fire, RCMP, Ambulance - 911

Employment Base

Future Growth Sectors

Commercial services (retail, business/community services), manufacturing, construction, transportation, finance, agriculture.

Service commercial (local and Highway 2), home-based business and telecommuting, health and wellness services/industry.

www.highriver.ca

25

Population Age Structure (2011)

Residential Housing Starts

40

400

35

350

30

300

25 % 20 of total 15

High River Alberta

10

# of starts

250 200 150

5

85

100

0 0-19

20-44

45-64

50

65+

Age

0

Education

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

• Public schools - 2 elementary, 1 junior high, 1 high school, 1 alternative school • Separate schools - 1 elementary, 1 high school • Private school - 1 regional • 2 pre-schools • Post High School • Academy of Learning • Bow Valley College (PET program)

Construction Values 100 90

80 Value ($) in millions

Medical

70 60

(incl.s residential, 50 commercial, industrial, 40 institutional)

• High River Hospital, 403.652.2200 • Health Unit: 403.652.5450 • Charles Clark Medical Centre (projected opening Fall 2011) • Full range of medical service clinics

26.4

30 20

Household Income (2005)

10 0

80000 Median 70000 60000 Household 50000 Income 40000 30000 (2005) 20000 10000 0

61528

High River

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

63988

Events Calendar • February - Alberta Men’s Curling Championship (2011), Jesse Payne Memorial Rodeo • April - Senior Pro Rodeo, Trade Fair • May - Little Britches Rodeo • June - Guy Weadick Memorial Rodeo & Chuckwagon Races • July—Canada Day Celebration, Farmer’s Market • August - Farmer’s Market, Border Country Rodeo • September - River City Classics Show n Shine, Farmer’s Market, Trails End Cowboy Poetry • November - Arts Alive • December - Christmas Craft Fair & Santa Clause Parade

Alberta

Src: Statistics Canada, 2006 Federal Census

Education (2006)

Recreation Amenities

Alberta - 17%

11%

• Recreation Complex: 2 arenas, curling rink, swimming pool, meeting room • 2 Golf Courses ( 9 hole & 27 hole) • Walking Trails: 17 kms, + 6 kms of linking trails • 10 Playgrounds, 7 ball diamonds, 5 Soccer pitches, 2 outdoor Basketball courts, 2 Football fields, 1 outdoor Skating rink, 1 Skateboard park, 1 Mini Putt

Without high school certificate

24% With high school certificate

With trade or non-university certificate/diploma

37% 28%

Lodging

With university diploma, certificate, or degree

• 5 hotels, 2 B&Bs, one campground (55 sites)

Alberta - 33%

Nearby Facilities & Attractions

Src: Statistics Canada, 2006 Federal Census

Business Development 1200 1000

875

800 # of business 600 licenses

• Historic Murals - Downtown High River • Museum of the Highwood - Downtown High River • Frank Lake Conservation Area (birding) (5 minutes east) • Saskatoon Farm (U-pick, store, café) (5 minutes east) • Bar U Ranch National Historic Site (15 minutes west) • Greidanus Honey Mill • Wide array of golf courses/camping/hiking

Tax Rates (2012) Residential

8.0778

Municipal – 5.1729 Foothills (Senior) Foundation – 0.1483 Education Taxes – 2.7566

400 200

Non-Residential 8.7245

0 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

In 2011, 241 home-based businesses were operating in High River (27% of all business licenses issued).

Example: $300,000 (residential property assessment) x 8.0778/1000= $2423.34

Municipal – 5.1729 Foothills (Senior) Foundation – 0.1483 Education Taxes – 3.4033

www.highriver.ca

26

Education, Recreation, Culture, Health - High River -

Education High River schools accommodate a school-age population of approximately 2,100 students in the public and separate (Catholic) school systems: Public School System: Foothills School Division - 403.652.3001 Spitzee Elementary School (Grades K-5) 403.652.2376 Ecole Senator Riley School (Grades 6-8) 403.652.2346 Highwood High School (Grades 9-12) 403.652.5500 École Joe Clark School (Grades K-5) 403.652.2020

Separate School System: Christ the Redeemer Catholic School Division 403.938.2659 Mother Teresa House 403.652.3521 Holy Spirit Academy (Grades K-6) 403.652.2231 Notre Dame Collegiate (Grades 7-12) 403.652.2231 There are also a number of early childhood development, private, and alternative schools in High River and area:

Early Childhood Development: Provided by a parent-run program. Daycare, day homes and school services are also available in Town. High River Nursery School Association - 403.652.4698 The Play Centre - 403.652.4292 High River Montessori - 403.652.2774

Alternative Education:

Recreation Bob Snodgrass RecPlex 5 St & 12 Avenue NE t: 403.652.4042 2 ice surfaces, 4 curling sheets, 1 indoor saltwater pool

Other 3 tennis courts, 7 soccer pitches, children’s water spray park, 9 ball diamonds, 8 playgrounds, 17 km of paved pathways.

Culture Centennial Library 909 1 Street SW t: 403.652.2917

www.tracpac.ca Museum of the Highwood 4 Ave. & 1 Street SW t: 403.652.7156

While visiting the museum enjoy a unique dining adventure aboard the Whistle Stop Café, a restored 1940’s style dining car. Culture Centre 251 9 Avenue SW t: 403.652.4668

Health High River Hospital 560 9 Avenue SW t: 403.652.2200 Beds - 32 active, 75 long-term care, 24 hour paramedic service

Education Plus - 403.601.4640

Public Health Unit

Private Schools:

310 Macleod Trail SW t: 403.652.5450

Edison Private School, Okotoks - 403.938.7670 Strathcona Tweedsmuir School, M.D. of Foothills 403.938.4431

Adult Learning: Bow Valley College, High River (pre-employment program) 403.652.8338 www.bowvalleycollege.ca Academy of Learning, High River (computer training) 403.652.2116 Foothills Continuing Education Council - 403.652.3392 Residents are within commuting distance to post-secondary institutions in Calgary, including the University of Calgary, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), and Mount Royal University.

Preventive health program, including prenatal classes, post-natal home visits, child health clinics, immunization programs for preschool and school age children, and environmental health program.

Seniors Foothills Foundation - 403.652.3104 Medicine Tree Place - 403.652.3104

Foothills Country Hospice Society - www.countryhospice.org Full range of dental and specialty medical clinics present locally.

The Foothills Region is under the jurisdiction of Alberta Health Services (www.albertahealthservices.ca)

www.highriver.ca

28

Industrial/Commercial Land Supply - High River -

Service Commercial Highway 2 Service Commercial Canada Finance Corp. Bruce Laing t: 403.652.2513. (55 acres undeveloped, 25 acres developed)

Commercial 12th Avenue Commercial Lands Dundee Developments Mike Calley t: 403.245.3515 Mostly developed. Some property remaining.

Future Industrial

www.highriver.ca

27

Location

Light Industrial/Commercial Lands

The Town of Turner Valley is located in the Municipal District of Foothills, at the foot of the Rocky Mountains and abutting Kananaskis Country, approximately 55 km southwest of Calgary on Highway 22. Driving times: Black Diamond - 5 minutes, Okotoks (15 minutes - Highway 7), south Calgary - 30 minutes, High River - 30 minutes. Latitude – 50 degrees, 42 minutes Longitude – 114 degrees, 14 minutes Elevation – 1,080 metres / 3,542.2 feet

3 acres of developable industrial land east of Main Street adjacent to Kennedy Drive S.E. - privately owned. Serviced highway commercial privately and publicly owned. Contact Town of Turner Valley for more information (403.933.4944), e: [email protected]

Utilities Electricity/Natural Gas are deregulated in Alberta • The Alberta government provides a web site to assist consumers with choosing an appropriate provider for their residence or business. To learn more about electrical or natural gas providers visit www.ucahelps.gov.ab.ca Electricity: EPCOR (regulated): 403.310.4300 or www.epcor.ca Natural Gas: Direct Energy (regulated): 1.866.420.3174 or www.directenergyregulatedservices.com Customer choice for electricity/gas utilities - www.ucahelps.gov.ab.ca Municipal Rates (2012): Water (residential) $66/2 months plus /cubic metre consump tion charge (0-10 - $2.15, 10-20 - $2.20, 20-30 - $2.25, 30-45 - $2.30, 45+ - $2.35) (commercial) $66/2 months plus /cubic metre consumption charge (0-10 - $1.35, 50-100 - $1.45, 100+ - $1.55)

Population

Sewage (residential) 80% of water, (commercial) 100% of water

• Growth rate 2006 to 2011 - 13.6% (10.8% - Alberta, 5.9% Canada). Growth rate - 2001 to 2006 - 18.7% (10.6% - Alberta). 2500

Garbage Res. - $16.00/2 months (cart volume limit). Recycling fee (residential) $11.00/2 months, (commercial) $15.00/2 months

2,167

2000

Communications

1500

Trade Area

Newspapers Okotoks Western Wheel (weekly) www.westernwheel.com Gateway Gazette (bi-weekly) www.gatewaygazette.homestead.com Radio AM 1140 www.am1140radio.com The Eagle 100.9 FM www.theeagle1009.com Sun Country 99.7 www.sun99radio.com Telephone TELUS: 403.310.2255 (residential), 403.310.3100 (business), or www.telus.com TV Shaw: 403.716.6000 or www.shaw.ca Internet High speed Internet service is available through TELUS, Shaw, Platinum Communications (www.platinum.ca), or DaVinci Broadband (www.davincibroadband.com)

Local - 5,000 Regional - 15,000

Note: Shaw and TELUS both offer phone, TV, and Internet services. Platinum offers phone over Internet (VoIP) service.

1000 500

0 1996 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2008 2011

Transportation

Emergency Services

Road:

Police - RCMP Detachment Municipal Peace Officers Fire - professionally trained volunteer department Ambulance - 24 hour emergency response Emergency response service (police, fire, EMS) - 911

Air: Bus:

Highway 22 (to Black Diamond / Bragg Creek - N / B.C. - S) Highway 7 (to Okotoks) Okotoks Air Park - 3000 ft. lighted runway Calgary International Airport - 55 minutes Greyhound Service - Okotoks

Employment Base

Future Growth Sectors

Agriculture, oil and gas, tourism, commercial services.

Service commercial, very light industry (region markets, hobby craft), home-based business and tele-commuting, tourism and recreational services.

www.turnervalley.ca

29

Population Age Structure (2011)

Residential Housing Starts

40

70

35

60

30 50

25 % 20 of total 15

Turner Valley Alberta

10

# of 40 starts 30

20

5

11

10

0 0-19

20-44

45-64

65+

Age

0 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Education

Construction Values

• 1 K-8 public school • Grades 9-12 - Black Diamond • Separate school division - Okotoks • 2 private schools in region

14 12 Value ($) in millions

Medical • Oilfields Regional Hospital – Black Diamond (5 minutes east) • High River Hospital – 30 minutes southeast • Health Unit: 403.933.8505 • Medical clinic, chiropractic, physiotherapy, dental, optometry, naturopathic services available locally

10 8

(incl.s residential, commercial, 6 industrial, institutional)

4.8

4 2 0 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Household Income (2005) Median Household Income (2005)

80000 70000 60000 50000 40000 30000 20000 10000 0

57276

Turner Valley

Events Calendar

• June - Diamond Valley Parade and Discovery Days, Green Day (Sheep River Clean Up, Southern Alberta Art Days (Black Diamond) • July - Diamond Valley Canada Day, Turner Valley Triathlon, Bloomin’ Boxes, Legion Stampede Breakfast, Dog Days, Marv’s Rock ‘n Roll Classic (Black Diamond) • August - Festival of Arts, Alberta Art Days (Black Diamond) • September - Parade of Garage Sales • November - Diamond Valley Christmas Market, Diamond Valley Christmas Light Up (Black Diamond) • December - New Year’s Eve Family Celebration

63988

Alberta

Recreation Amenities

Src: Statistics Canada, 2006 Federal Census

Education (2006) Alberta - 17%

9% 26%

Wit hout high school cert if icat e Wit h high school cert if icat e Wit h t rade or non-universit y cert if icat e/ diploma

37%

Wit h universit y diploma, cert if icat e, or degree

Alberta - 33%

• 18 hole golf course (Turner Valley Golf and Country Club) • Oilfields Arena and Curling Club (Black Diamond) with one arena, four indoor curling sheets, and one outdoor arena • Friendship Trail - 3 km paved pathway connecting Turner Valley and Black Diamond • Sheep River Library • Gateway to Kananaskis Country • Hells Half Acre Campground (20 sites) • Dr. Lander Memorial Pool - outdoor swimming pool (summer) • Outdoor skating rink (winter) • Skateboard park • Kananaskis Country - hiking, camping, fishing, horseback riding - 20 km west • Art exhibits and musical performances

Lodging • One hotel

28%

Nearby Facilities & Attractions

Src: Statistics Canada, 2006 Federal Census

• Millarville Fair and Farmer’s Market (10 minutes north) • Kananaskis Country (direct access) – provincial park (15 minutes west) • Spruce Meadows Equestrian Centre (15 minutes northeast) • Bar U Ranch National Historic Site (15 minutes south) • Banff National Park (75 minutes north-west) • Wide array of golf courses/camping/hiking • The Cowboy Trail (Highway 22)

Business Development 130 125

Tax Rates (2012)

120 # of business115 licenses 110

Residential

10.23196

Municipal – 7.30343 Foothills Foundation – 0.14845 Education Taxes – 2.78008

105

Non-Residential 11.43899

100 2007

2010

Example: $300,000 (residential property assessment) x 10.23196/1000= $3069.58 (property taxes).

Municipal – 7.30343 Foothills Foundation – 0.14845 Education Taxes – 3.98711

www.turnervalley.ca

30

Land Supply - Turner Valley -

Industrial 8 acres of developable industrial land east of Main Street N and S of Kennedy Drive has several owners. Contact the Town of Turner Valley for more information - t: 403.933.4944 Commercial Serviced commercial lands have several owners, including 9.5 acres owned by the Town of Turner Valley. Contact the Town of Turner Valley for more information - t: 403.933.4944. Residential Schmaus Meadows & Bailey Ridge JKR Construction Don Beaton t: 403.933.3008 www.jkrexcavating.com

Seclusion Valley Candor Properties Ltd. Adam Till t: 403.801.4330

Redquest Developments Bob Rettie t: 403.519.6773

www.turnervalley.ca

31

Location

Light Industrial/Commercial Lands

The Town of Black Diamond is located in the Municipal District of Foothills, at the foot of the Rocky Mountains and abutting Kananaskis Country, approximately 55 km southwest of Calgary on Highway 22. Driving times: Turner Valley - 5 minutes, Okotoks (15 minutes - Highway 7), south Calgary - 30 minutes, High River - 30 minutes. Latitude – 50 degrees, 42 minutes Longitude – 114 degrees, 14 minutes Elevation – 1,080 metres / 3,542.2 feet

Sales & Leasing - Land Styles Realty, Herb Styles, 403.264.6122 Sales & Leasing - Warehouse, Office, Retail JKR Business Centre, John Fraser, 403.938.4078 Royal LePage Foothills, John Fraser, 403.938.4078 For a complete and current inventory, contact: [email protected]

Utilities Electricity/Natural Gas are deregulated in Alberta



The Alberta government provides a web site to assist consumers with choosing an appropriate provider for their residence or business. To learn more about electrical or natural gas providers visit www.ucahelps.gov.ab.ca

Electricity: EPCOR (regulated): 403.310.4300 or www.epcor.ca Natural Gas: Direct Energy (regulated): 1.866.420.3174 or www.directenergyregulatedservices.com Customer choice for electricity/gas utilities - www.ucahelps.gov.ab.ca Municipal Rates (2012): Water (all buildings): $29.70 flat/2 months + $4.97/1000 imperial gallons

Population • Growth rate - 2006 to 2011 - 24.9% (10.8% - Alberta, 5.9% Canada). Growth rate 2001-2006 - 1.8% (10.6% Alberta, 5.4% Canada) 2,373

2500

Sewer: Single family residential – $68.76 flat/2 months. Non single family residential – $68.76 for 1-8000 imperial gallons plus $2.10/1000 gallons > 8000 gallons/2 months Garbage - $15.50/2 months. Recycling fee - $8.35/2 months Curbside, construction and commercial recycling services and a recycling centre provide full recycling options.

2000

Communications 1500 1000 500

0 1996 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2009 2011

Trade Area Local - 5,000 Regional - 15,000

Transportation Road: Air: Bus:

Highway 22 (to Brag Creek - N / B.C. - S) Highway 7 (to Okotoks) Okotoks Air Park - 3000 ft. lighted runway Calgary International Airport - 55 minutes Greyhound Service - Okotoks

Newspapers Okotoks Western Wheel (weekly) www.westernwheel.com Gateway Gazette (bi-weekly) www.gatewaygazette.homeland.com Radio AM 1140 www.am1140radio.com The Eagle 100.9 FM www.theeagle1009.com Sun Country FM 99.7 www.sun99radio.com Telephone TELUS: 403.310.2255 (residential), 403.310.3100 (business), or www.telus.com TV EastLink www.eastlink.ca 1.888.345.1111. Satellite - Bell, Shaw Direct, TELUS Internet TV Internet High speed Internet service is available through TELUS, or EastLink

Emergency Services Police - RCMP Detachment Fire—volunteer department Ambulance—24 hour emergency response Fire, RCMP, Ambulance - 911

Employment Base

Future Growth Sectors

Agriculture, oil and gas, tourism, commercial services.

Service commercial, very light industry (region markets, hobby craft), home-based business and tele-commuting, tourism and recreational services.

www.town.blackdiamond.ab.ca

32

Population Age Structure (2011)

Residential Housing Starts

40

70

35

60

30

50

25 % 20 of total 15

Black Diamond Alberta

10

# of starts

40 30 16

20

5

0 0-19

20-44

45-64

10

65+

0

Age

Education

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Construction Values

• 2 early childhood services • 1 K-6 public school • 1 7-12 public school • 1 alternative outreach high school • Separate school division - Okotoks • 2 private schools in region • Home-schooling and adult learning services

25 20 Value ($) in millions 15

Medical

(incl.s residential, commercial, industrial, 10 institutional)

• Oilfields Regional Hospital • High River Hospital – 30 minutes southeast • Health Unit: 403.933.8505 • Medical, chiropractic, dental, optometry facilities available locally

5

0

Household Income (2005) Median Household Income (2005)

80000 70000 60000 50000 40000 30000 20000 10000 0

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Events Calendar

63988

• February—Scavenger Hunt • June - Diamond Valley Parade and Discovery Days • July - Canada Day Music Festival/Fireworks, Marv’s Rock & Roll Classic • November - Christmas Light Up • September - Community Garage Sale • December - Light Up Black Diamond

46811

Recreation Amenities Black Diamond

Alberta

•18 hole golf course (Turner Valley Golf and Country Club) • Oilfields Arena and Curling Club - one arena and four indoor curling sheets • Friendship Trail - 3 km paved pathway connecting Turner Valley and Black Diamond • Sheep River Library • Skateboard park • Fly fishing (Sheep River) • Gateway to Kananaskis Country • Foothills Lions Campground (59 sites) • Outdoor swimming pool (summer) (Turner Valley) • 2 Outdoor skating rinks (winter)

Src: Statistics Canada, 2006 Federal Census

Education (2006) Alberta - 17%

6.6

6% 27%

Wit hout high school cert if icat e Wit h high school cert if icat e

Lodging

35% Wit h t rade or non-universit y cert if icat e/ diploma

• One hotel, one motel, one bed & breakfast

Nearby Facilities & Attractions

Wit h universit y diploma, cert if icat e, or degree

Alberta - 33%

32% Src: Statistics Canada, 2006 Federal Census

Business Development 250 203

200 # of 150 business licenses 100

• Millarville Rodeo, Farmer’s Market, Horse races, Fair (10 minutes north) • Spruce Meadows Equestrian Centre (15 minutes northeast) • Beneath The Arch Concert Series (Turner Valley) • Leighton Art Centre and Museum (15 minutes north) • Okotoks Erratic (10 minutes east) • Bar U Ranch National Historic Site (15 minutes south) • Kananaskis Country – provincial park (20 minutes west) • Banff National Park (75 minutes north-west) • Wide array of golf courses/camping/hiking • The Cowboy Trail (Highway 22) • Calgary Polo Club (5 minutes north)

Tax Rates (2012) Residential

10.326

Municipal – 7.4856 Education Taxes – 2.695 Seniors Foundation - .1454

50

0 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

In 2011, 55 home-based businesses were operating in Black Diamond (27% of all business licenses issued).

Example: $300,000 (residential property assessment) x 10.326/1000= $3097.80 (property taxes).

Non-Residential 11.1791 Municipal – 7.4856 Education Taxes – 3.5481 Seniors Foundation - .1454

www.town.blackdiamond.ab.ca

33

Land Supply - Black Diamond -

Service Commercial - Land, Warehouse, Office, Retail Diamond Crossing, Style Realty, Herb Styles, t: 403.875.3491 JKR Business Park, John Fraser, t: 403.938.4078 T&T Disposal Building, Ted Matlo, t: 403.933.7930 Residential Diamond Meadows Riverwood (Lifestyle Homes Inc.), t: 403.933.2503, www.lifestylehomes.ca Mountain View Ridge

www.town.blackdiamond.ab.ca

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Education, Recreation, Culture, Health - Black Diamond / Turner Valley -

Education Black Diamond / Turner Valley schools accommodate a school-age population of approximately 700 students in the public and separate (Catholic) school systems:

Public School System: Foothills School Division - 403.652.3001

Recreation Oilfields Regional Arena 611-3 Street SW, Black Diamond t: 403.933.5272 Home to the Foothills Figure Skating Club, High Country Minor Hockey, and various adult teams, the Oilfields Arena includes a hockey rink, 4 dressing rooms with showers, lobby, concession and a banquet room.

C. I. McLaren, Black Diamond (Grades K-6) 403.933.4234 Turner Valley Elementary-Junior High School (Grades K-8) 403.933.4361 Oilfields High School, Black Diamond (Grades 7-12) 403.933.4373

Oilfields Curling Club

Separate School System: Christ the Redeemer Catholic School Division - 403.938.2659 Good Shepherd School, Okotoks (Grades K-6) 403.938.4318 Holy Trinity Academy, Okotoks (Grades 10-12) 403.938.4600 John Paul II, Okotoks (Grades 7-9) 403.938.4600 St. Mary's School, Okotoks (Grades K-6) 403.938.8048 St. Luke’s Outreach Centre, Okotoks (Grades 10-12) 403.995.0287

611-3 Street SW, Black Diamond t: 403.933.7324 www.occcurling.com -4 curling sheets

Scott Seaman Sports Rink -2 refrigerated outdoor arenas (Nov.—Mar.)

Swimming Pool (Dr. Lander Memorial) (outdoor) 207 Main Street NE, Turner Valley

Culture

There are also a number of private, alternative school, and adult learning opportunities in the Region:

Alternative Education:

Flare & Derrick Community Centre 131 Main Street, Turner Valley t: 403.933.9514

Education Plus: Diamond Valley Campus - 403.933.4772 (Sheep River Alternative Jr./High School) Home School Information - 403.938.2477

Sheep River Library

Private Schools:

Health

Edison Private School - 403.938.7670 Strathcona Tweedsmuir School - 403.938.4431

Adult Learning: Bow Valley College - 403.652.8338 Foothills Continuing Education Council - 403.652.3392 Okotoks Community Resources - 403.938.8955 Olds College - 1.800.661.6537 Foothills Employment Training Centre - 403.652.2716 Residents are within commuting distance to post-secondary institutions in Calgary, including the University of Calgary, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), and Mount Royal University.

131 Main Street NE, Turner Valley t: 403.933.3278

Foothills Family Medical Clinic 141- 1 St. SW, Black Diamond t: 403.933.4368

Black Diamond Health Unit (Calgary Health Region facility) 717 Government Road S. t: 403.933.8505

Oilfields General Hospital 717 Government Road S., Black Diamond t: 403.933.2222 Beds - 10 acute care, 30 long-term care, palliative care unit Staffing - 7 physicians, orthotics specialist, audiologist, clinical dietitian, speech pathologist. Full range of health care services, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, respiratory therapy, mental health office, and home care and public health services. Base of operations for the area’s 24-hour 911 emergency medical service.

Foothills Country Hospice Society www.countryhospice.org www.turnervalley.ca www.town.blackdiamond.ab.ca

35

Sources 1

Calgary Economic Development (www.calgaryeconomicdevelopment.com)

2

Alberta Economic Development (www.alberta-canada.com)

3

Real Estate Investment Network (Alberta) (www.albertarein.com)

4

Mercer (sourced from Calgary Economic Development Presentation)

5

Government of Alberta (www.alberta-canada.com)

6

Government of Alberta (www.alberta-canada.com)

7

Business Week (www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/04_52/b3914456.htm), citing Clean Edge Inc., a U.S.-based research and strategy consultant, 2004

8

TechCast - the Virtual Think Tank (www.techcast.org/event.aspx?event=27, Dec. 2007)

9

Government of Alberta (www.alberta-canada.com)

10

Government of the United Kingdom (www.dti.gov.uk/sectors/environmental/index.html)

11

Government of Alberta (www.alberta-canada.com)

12

Statistics Canada, Federal Census

13

GD Sourcing, 2001 (www.gdsourcing.com)

14

Statistics Canada

15

Office - Cushman & Wakefield (www.cushwake.com/cwmbs2q12/PDF/ off_calgary_2q12.pdf), Retail - Colliers Canada (www.collierscanada.com/~/media/Files Research/2012/Canada_Retail_Real_Estate_Report_Spring2012.ashx), Industrial Colliers, 2011

16

Calgary Real Estate Board (www.creb.com)

36

A Business Development Initiative of the Alberta Foothills Regio n

www.albertafoothills.ca

This publication is partially funded by:

Photo credits: M.D. of Foothills, Town of Okotoks, Town of High River, Town of Black Diamond, and Town of Turner Valley. The content of this site is provided 'as-is'. The Foothills Region communities, in whole or in part and including its employees or contractors, make no warranty, either express or implied, including but not limited to, warranties of fitness for a particular purpose or accuracy of data. In no event will the Foothills Region communities be liable for any indirect, special, consequential or other damages however caused. Copyright 2012 Printed in Canada

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