Welcome

'Where the Wheatlands Meet the Range'

Claresholm is a wonderful place to call home, this friendly small town, with it's tree lined streets of comfortable houses, convenient shopping, and excellent medical and recreational facilities creates the ideal place to enjoy a high quality of life.

Claresholm is located in a beautiful part of Alberta, where the Porcupine hills rise gently from the prairie to the west of town. Claresholm's Western culture is prominent with the Canadian Appaloosa Museum and Registry located in Claresholm, along with an active Agriplex. Horse shows, ropings or rodeos offer lots to see and do!

Claresholm is fortunate to have a number of green spaces and playgrounds within the Town limits, also located very close nearby are a number of parks including Willow Creek Provincial Park, Pine Coulee and Clear Lake.

Step back in time to learn more about the history of Claresholm and the surrounding area at the Claresholm Museum situated on main street in the sandstone railway building.

Claresholm is a growing community found in the heart of Southwestern Alberta, situated midway between Lethbridge and Calgary along Highway #2. There are many reasons to visit Claresholm, spend the day, or choose to spend the rest of your life here. We've got what you need.

Climate

Claresholm has a moderate climate that enjoys four distinct seasons, separated by warm summers and mild Canadian winters.

Temperature
Seasonal Averages:
January        -9.9 C   /   14.2 F
April              4.4 C   /   39.9 F
July             18.1 C   /   64.6 F
October         7.2 C   /  45.0 F

Annual Precipitation
Mean Rainfall per year:                             26 cm. (10.10 in.)
Mean Snowfall per year:                           210 cm. (87.71 in.)
Mean no. of days with precipitation:          113 days
Mean total precipitation:                           48 cm. (18.71 in.)

General Information
Frost Free days average:                                        130 days
Average hours of sunshine hours per day:                 6.31
Total hours of sunshine per year:                             2370
Prevailing wind direction:                                         NNW
Average wind speed:                                              16.2 km/h / 9.72 mph.
Chinook Average:                                                   25 days

Severity Index
*The severity index is an indication of desirability of the climate of the area. The lower the index, the more desirable the climate.
Area Index: Claresholm 32

Compared to:
Victoria                    13
Halifax                     43
Vancouver                18
Montreal                   44
Regina                     47
Calgary                    34

Economic Base

Retail Business

Claresholm has a solid retail base, with the majority of the retailers situated within 4 downtown blocks and along the Highway 2 corridor. The following partial list of businesses shows the diverse nature of the retail community in Claresholm.

mens, ladies and childrens clothing
hair salons and barber shop
4 financial institutions
realtors
hardware store and building supply store
liquor stores
flower stores and greenhouses
jewelery store and gift shops
drug stores and health food store
stationery and office supply store
car dealerships
electronics stores
bakery
equestrian supply store
two grocery stores

Claresholm also has several convenience stores along Highway 2, as well as gas stations and restaurants. Due to the nature of the town's location, the drive-through traffic makes up a large part of the clientele of these highway businesses.

Motels in Claresholm are busy in the summer and winter, with tourists and those working in the area. There are three motels in town with a total of 106 rooms, and a hotel with 22 rooms.

Restaurants provide a variety of food including:

Italian and pizza
Greek
Delivery pizza
Western cuisine
Chinese Foos
Fast food

Effective July 1, 2003, all public places were declared non-smoking in Claresholm. Those businesses that choose to allow smoking on their property can not allow those under the age of 18 into the business.

The retailers of Claresholm encourage local shopping and offer occasional late night shopping events. The Chamber of Commerce encourages shoppers to support the town's local businesses which will in turn allow the business community to grow.

Industrial Business

Located on the south-east side of Claresholm is the industrial subdivision where a large number of industrial businesses conduct business. In the industrial subdivision, businesses include the following:

welding
auto body repair
auto parts suppliers
automotive repair
trucking/transportation companies
glass repair shop
veterinarian
RV repair shop

Industrial businesses are also located at teh Claresholm Airport, approximately 5 kilometres west of Town. A tortilla chip plant, Del Comal, employs 15 people, and iLevel a Weyerhaeuser company is also located there, working shifts around the clock. Currently there are 100 associates at the Claresholm plant and iLevel Weyerhaeuser is proud to have been a major employer in the Claresholm area since 1966. iLevel celebrated their 40 year anniversary in June 2006.

Some industrial businesses are also choosing to locate along Highway 2 north of Claresholm. In this location, a rural electrical supply company, a furniture manufacturer and a fibreglass company operate during the week.

Economic Facts

Market Area

The population of Claresholm's main trading area is well over 13,600 people. It extends west to the south-east corner of British Columbia east to Highway 23, and north to Nanton and south to Fort Macleod. Claresholm is in an excellent location for highway transportation in all four directions due to Highway 2 running through the town (North-South) and Highway 3 (East-West) just 20 minutes to the south of town.

Education

Claresholm's commitment to public education is clear by its support of its public schools: Claresholm Elementary (K-3), West Meadow School (4-8) and Willow Creek Composite High School (9-12). In addition Claresholm boasts an Educational Consortium, Willow Creek Community Adult Learning Society and its adult literacy program.

Health Care

Claresholm offers high quality medical services through local facilities such as the medical clinic, hospitals, nursing home and health unit. facilities including the Care Centre and AADAC also offer medical support. Claresholm is part of the Calgary Health Region.

The CLARESHOLM MEDICAL CLINIC is located west of the General Hospital on 43 Avenue West and houses the offices of our local doctors. The CLARESHOLM GENERAL HOSPITAL was opened in 1972 and today is an active treatment facility with 16 beds, and a 24-hour emergency.

The WILLOW CREEK CONTINUING CARE CENTRE provides extended care for long term patients. In 1988 the present hospital was opened with 100 beds.

the PORCUPINE HILLS SENIORS FOUNDATION is a non-profit organization which provides subsidized, low-cost housing for seniors 65 years of age and older who are functionally independent. The Foundation operates forty lodge units and eight 2-bedroom supportive housing units.

The DAVID LANDER CENTRE/ A. A. D. A. C. was first established in Claresholm in 1974. This facility offers treatment to people of Southern Alberta who are suffering from drug/alcohol addictions.

The CLARESHOLM CARE CENTRE provides community-based psychiatric facilities providing treatment, educational and supportive services. The facility's purpose is to maximise the ability of mental health consumers to live independently in the environment of their choice.

Through the CLARESHOLM HEALTH UNIT, a wide array of community health programs are offered by the Calgary Health Region. Some of the services and programs offered are home visits, immunizations, public health inspections, speech pathologist, seniors wellness clinic, prenatal classes, and foot clinics.

Claresholm also has chiropractic, dental, foot care (chiropodist), massage therapy, optometrist, physotherapy, and reflexology services in town.

Key Contacts for Business Development

Municipal

Town of Claresholm
PO Box 1000
Claresholm AB
T0L 0T0
Tel: (403)625-3381
Fax: (403)625-3869
clares@telusplanet.net

Rob Steel
Mayor

Larry Flexhaug
Town Coordinator

Honourable David Coutts (PC)
MLA for Livingstone-Macleod

Constituency Office
P.O. Box 69
2115 - 2nd Avenue
Fort Macleod, AB
T0L 0Z0
Phone: (403) 553-2400
Toll Free: 1-800-565-0962
Fax: (403) 553-2133
livingstone.macleod@assembly.ab.ca

Legislature Office
#420 Legislature Building
10800 - 97 Avenue
Edmonton, AB
T5K 2B6
Phone: (780) 415-4815
Fax: (780) 415-4818

MP~ Macleod, Alberta
MENZIES, Ted (Conservative)

Parliamentary Address
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6
Telephone: (613) 995-8471
Fax: (613) 996-9770 E-Mail: Menzies.T@parl.gc.ca

Constituency Address
4925 1st Street West, P.O. Box 40
Claresholm, Alberta
T0L 0T0
Telephone: (403) 625-5532 1-866-636-9437
Fax: (403) 625-5592
TTY:
E-Mail: menziest@telus.net

Location

Claresholm is conveniently situated midway between Lethbridge and Calgary along Highway #2. This makes Claresholm an excellent base for many of the area's tourist attractions, it also makes Claresholm a great place to stop for a break from your travels, shop, have a bite to eat at one of our restaurants and check out the historic main street buildings.

Taxation

Residential/Farmland Non-Residential

2005

Municipal Tax Rate 7.5500 16.6300

Education - Alberta School Foundation Fund Tax Rate 4.4750 7.2200

Seniors Lodge Accommodation Tax Rate .4000 .4000

Transportation

Claresholm has two local taxi services, and transportation is available through the Transportation Society 625-4455.

The Greyhound bus line also stops in Claresholm at Double S Foods on Highway 2. Call 625-2661 for schedule details.

Population

Total Population
Population 2004*	3,622
Population 2003*	3,622
Population 2002*	3,622
Population 2001**	3,620
Population 2000*	3,427
Population 1996**	3,427
Population 1991**	3,297
Population % change 1991-1996	3.79%
Population % change 1996-2001	5.38%
* Source: Official Population List, Alberta Municipal Affairs ** Source: Statistics Canada 1991, 1996, & 2001 Census

Total Population 1991-2001

Population by Age and Gender	1996 Male	1996 Female	1996 Total	2001 Male	2001 Female	2001 Total
Age 0 - 4	100	100	200	95	80	175
Age 5 - 14	225	200	425	220	190	410
Age 15 - 19	125	105	230	115	100	215
Age 20 - 24	75	80	155	95	80	175
Age 25 - 34	175	185	360	155	175	330
Age 35 - 44	250	240	490	255	235	490
Age 45 - 54	190	230	420	245	270	515
Age 55 - 64	180	180	360	195	255	450
Age 65 - 74	160	210	370	210	205	415
Age 75 and older	140	280	420	160	285	445
Total All Persons	1,615	1,810	3,425	1,740	1,880	3,620
Source: Statistics Canada 1996 & 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Claresholm Population by Age Group (2001)

Education Statistics

Highest level of schooling for Population 20yrs and older	2001	%
People without high school certificates	825	31.49%
People with high school certificates	370	14.12%
People with trades or non-university certificate or diploma	800	30.53%
People with post-secondary education (not completed)	235	8.97%
People with university diploma/certificate	45	1.72%
People with university degree	345	13.17%
Total Population 20 years and older	2,620	100.00%
Source: Statistics Canada 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Claresholm Highest Level of Schooling 2001

Population with Post Secondary Qualifications	1996	%	2001	%
Agriculture and biological sciences	130	13.40%	65	5.46%
Commerce, management and business administration	135	13.92%	195	16.39%
Educational, recreational and counseling services	170	17.53%	205	17.23%
Engineering and applied science tech. and trades	180	18.56%	310	26.05%
Engineering and applied sciences	10	1.03%	10	0.84%
Fine and applied arts	40	4.12%	65	5.46%
Health professionals, science and technologies	195	20.10%	225	18.91%
Humanities and related fields	30	3.09%	40	3.36%
Mathematics and physical sciences	15	1.55%	10	0.84%
Social sciences and related fields	50	5.15%	50	4.20%
Other and/or no specialization	0	0.00%	0	0.00%
Total people with post secondary qualifications	970	100.00%	1,190	100.00%
Females with post-secondary qualifications	525	54.12%	600	50.42%
Males with post-secondary qualifications	445	45.88%	590	49.58%
Source: Statistics Canada 1996 & 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Labour Force

Labour force by activity	1996	2001
In the labour force, both sexes	1,655	1,750
Not in the labour force, both sexes	965	1,080
Total population 15 and over	2,620	2,830
Employed, both sexes	1,555	1,605
Unemployed, both sexes	100	150
Participation rate, both sexes	63.00%	62.00%
Unemployment rate, both sexes	6.00%	9.00%
Source: Statistics Canada 1996 & 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Labour Force by Industry Division	1996	% of total	2001	% of total
Agriculture	130	7.98%	70	4.13%
Mining	25	1.53%	25	1.47%
Manufacturing	70	4.29%	155	9.14%
Construction	110	6.75%	110	6.49%
Transportation. & Utilities	85	5.21%	115	6.78%
Retail and Wholesale	335	20.55%	265	15.63%
Finance	30	1.84%	100	5.90%
Business & Community Services	705	43.25%	745	43.95%
Public Administration	45	2.76%	110	6.49%
Total All Industries	1,630	100.00%	1,695	100.00%
Source: Statistics Canada 1996 & 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Claresholm Labour Force By Industry - 2001

Labour Force by Major Occupational Groups	1996	%	2001	%
Management occupations	145	8.87%	190	11.21%
Business, Finances and administrative occupations	180	11.01%	230	13.57%
Natural and applied sciences and related occupations	45	2.75%	45	2.65%
Health occupations	170	10.40%	165	9.73%
Occupations in social science; education; government and religion	110	6.73%	125	7.37%
Occupations in art; culture; recreation and sport	25	1.53%	30	1.77%
Sales and service occupations	535	32.72%	405	23.89%
Trades; transport; equipment operators and related occupations	210	12.84%	325	19.17%
Occupations unique to primary industry	125	7.65%	80	4.72%
Occupations unique to processing; manufacturing and utilities	95	5.81%	90	5.31%
Occupations not elsewhere classified	25	1.53%	60	3.54%
Total - All Occupations (major groups)	1,635	100.00%	1,695	100.00%
Females - All Occupations	760	46.48%	785	46.31%
Males - All Occupations	875	53.52%	910	53.69%
Source: Statistics Canada 1996 & 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Income

Family Income (Number of Families)	1996	%	2001	%
less than $19,999	60	7.41%	125	14.62%
$20,000 - $39,999	300	37.04%	280	32.75%
$40,000 - $59,999	220	27.16%	230	26.90%
$60,000 and over	230	28.40%	285	33.33%
Total number of families	810	100.00%	920	107.60%
Average family income	$47,352		$58,066
Median family income	$42,727		$49,112
Source: Statistics Canada 1996 & 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Household Income (Number of Households)	1996	%	2001	%
less than $19,999	330	23.83%	380	25.17%
$20,000 - $39,999	455	32.85%	420	27.81%
$40,000 - $59,999	320	23.10%	295	19.54%
$60,000 and over	135	9.75%	415	27.48%
Total number of households	1,385	100.00%	1,510	100.00%
Average household income	$39,067		$48,056
Median household income	$33,604		$37,407
Source: Statistics Canada 1996 & 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Family Expenditure

Expenditure Category	1992	% of total	1996	% of total
Food and Shelter	$13,434,970	37.59%	$16,051,852	38.00%
Clothing	$2,420,015	6.77%	$2,681,799	6.35%
Education and Reading materials	$726,275	2.03%	$845,119	2.00%
Health and Personal care	$2,262,680	6.33%	$2,996,855	7.10%
Hshld. operationas and furnishings	$3,917,460	10.96%	$4,671,099	11.06%
Recreation	$2,792,895	7.81%	$3,611,619	8.55%
Transportation	$7,335,435	20.52%	$7,660,062	18.14%
Miscellaneous	$2,834,680	7.93%	$3,718,955	8.80%
Total Current Consumption	$35,739,055	100.00%	$42,237,360	100.00%
Total # of Households	1,285		1,385
Average Consumption per Household	$27,812		$30,496
Source: Statistics Canada Family Expenditure Survey 1992 & 1996 (numbers may not add up due to rounding).

Claresholm Family Expenditures (1996)

Building Permits

Total Building Permit Values	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005
Building Permits Value, Commercial	$188,000	$207,000	$521,000	$227,000	$1,218,000
Building Permits Value, Industrial	$185,000	$237,000	$108,000	$0	$117,000
Building Permits Value, Institutional	$142,000	$320,000	$1,109,000	$0	$1,000,000
Building Permits Value, Residential	$2,514,000	$2,625,000	$2,745,000	$634,000	$2,841,000
Building Permits Value, Total	$3,029,000	$3,389,000	$4,483,000	$861,000	$5,176,000
Total Housing Starts	19	15	16	4	18
Source: Statistics Canada 2000-2004 Building Permits (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Total Housing Starts

Value of Building Permits

Dwellings

Occupied Private Dwellings by Type	1996	% of total	2001	% of total
Apartments	160	11.55%	180	11.88%
Detached Duplexes	40	2.89%	20	1.32%
Movable Dwellings	0	0.00%	55	3.63%
Other single attached house	15	1.08%	10	0.66%
Row and semi-detached house	95	6.86%	110	7.26%
Single-detached house	1,075	77.62%	1,135	74.92%
Total number of occupied private dwellings	1,385	100.00%	1,515	100.00%
Private dwellings, owned	1,025	74.01%	1,090	71.95%
Private Dwellings, rented	355	25.63%	425	28.05%
Source: Statistics Canada 1996 & 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Private Dwellings by Period of Construction	# of Dwellings	% of total
Period of construction, before 1946	235	15.51%
Period of construction, 1946 - 1960	205	13.53%
Period of construction, 1961 - 1970	240	15.84%
Period of construction, 1971 - 1980	445	29.37%
Period of construction, 1981 - 1990	165	10.89%
Period of construction, 1991 - 2001	225	14.85%
Total number of private dwellings constructed	1,515	100.00%
Source: Statistics Canada 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Projects

Summary of Projects in Claresholm as of September 2006

Project Sector	Number of Projects	Project Cost
Agriculture & Related	2	$4,200,000
Institutional	1	$1,000,000
Total	3	$5,200,000
This inventory lists projects in Alberta that have recently been completed, are under construction, or are proposed to start construction. Not all projects are listed due to reasons of confidentiality and/or due to information not being available at the time of printing. Project data is obtained from public information sources, where possible, this data has been verified with the project proponent/developer, users of the Inventory may wish to confirm project data with the proponent/developer. The inventory does not breakdown project expenditures by any given year. The cost of a project is the value of expenditures expected over all phases of project construction, which may span over two or more years. Cost of projects listed in the Inventory are estimated values only. Source: Alberta Economic Development, 2004.

Value of Projects by Sector (as of September 2006)

Project Status	Number of Projects	Project Cost
Nearing Completion	1	$3,000,000
Under Construction	2	$2,200,000
Total	3	$5,200,000
This inventory lists projects in Alberta that have recently been completed, are under construction, or are proposed to start construction. Not all projects are listed due to reasons of confidentiality and/or due to information not being available at the time of printing. Project data is obtained from public information sources, where possible, this data has been verified with the project proponent/developer, users of the Inventory may wish to confirm project data with the proponent/developer. The inventory does not breakdown project expenditures by any given year. The cost of a project is the value of expenditures expected over all phases of project construction, which may span over two or more years. Cost of projects listed in the Inventory are estimated values only. Source: Alberta Economic Development, 2004.

Largest Projects in Claresholm as of September 2006

Company Name	Project Description	Project Location	Project Cost	Construction Schedule	Status
Goldridge Meats	MEAT PROCESSING PLANT	Claresholm	$3,000,000	2006-2006	Nearing Completion
Goldridge Meats	Meat Processing Plant - Addition	Claresholm	$1,200,000	2006-2006	Under Construction
Claresholm Seniors Lodge	New 20 Unit Building	Claresholm	$1,000,000	2006-2006	Under Construction

	Residential/Farmland	Non-Residential
2005
Municipal Tax Rate	7.5500	16.6300
Education - Alberta School Foundation Fund Tax Rate	4.4750	7.2200
Seniors Lodge Accommodation Tax Rate	.4000	.4000