Fort Macleod

www.fortmacleod.com

Welcome

As the Mayor of Fort Macleod I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to
our Town. Originally the home of the North West Mounted Police, Fort Macleod tells the history of the Police, Early Settlers and Native Culture in our Fort Museum. We are on the crossroads of Highway 2 and Highway 3, along the Oldman River. This gives us ease
of access to great fishing and the River Valley Wilderness Park for bird, elk, and deer watching, and native plant identification. With the oldest Golf Course in Western Canada and the only designated Historic Area in the Province, we have great culture and quality recreational facilities. Come and join us for our annual Santa Claus Parade, the oldest and largest west of Toronto. I am sure you will have a great time in Fort Macleod,
where the quality of life is number one.

Area Overview

Fort Macleod, with a population of over 3000 and a trading area of 14,000 (2001
Census) is located one hour North of the U.S. border at the confluence of four highways and 2 streams: Export Highway #2, Crowsnest Highway #3 Waterton Highway #811, Northeast Highway #810 plus the Oldman River with Willow Creek. Furthermore, the Canadian Pacific Railway transports freight east and west. As well as economically strategic, this location provides great visibility and access to the travelling public.

Fort Macleod is one of the most unique and progressive communities in Canada. As Alberta's oldest town it has a very colourful heritage. In the early 1870's, Fort Macleod was a North West Mounted Police outpost, as well as the main trading centre for
Southern Alberta.

In 1982, Heritage Canada and the Town started a Main Street Restoration Project. Fort Macleod is now the only Designated Historic Area in the Province of Alberta with 60 buildings (in the area). Some of these buildings date back to 1878 with several
sandstone and brick buildings from the 1910 to 1920 era. We are proud of our gradual growth in population, business, culture, and recreation.

Fort Macleod is a growing community which enables economic
growth and new businesses to flourish, and encourages existing businesses to expand.

While ranching and farmland surround Fort Macleod, there are 120 acres of industrial land (mostly serviced) available to the budding entrepreneur or established business owner who wants to take advantage of Alberta's economic opportunities. Local recreational facilities include golf course, curling & hockey arenas, natural wildlife and floral reserve park. Within an hour's drive of this family-oriented community are recreational sites such as Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, Westcastle Ski Resort, Three Rivers Dam, Oldman River Dam and St. Mary's Reservoir.

Community Services

Municipal
Town of Fort Macleod
236 - 23rd Street, Box 1420
Fort Macleod, Alberta
T0L 0Z0
Tel: (403)-553-4425
Fax: (403)-553-2426
Toll free 1-877-622-5366

Public Library
Tel: 403-553-3880
Internet Access available

Public Works
Tel: 403-553-3375

Family & Community Support Services
 Tel: (403)-553-4491
Fax: (403)-553-2189

Project Read
 Tel: 403-553-4086
Fax 403-553-2189

Recreation
Tel: (403)-553-4101


Town Special Constable/ By-Law Enforcement
Tel: (403)-553-4425

Economic Development & Tourism
Tel: (403)-553-2500/3204
Fax: (403)-553-2189
Toll Free - 1-877-622-5366
e-mail edo@fortmacleod.com
Home Key Contacts for Business Development

 

Community Lifestyle

Recreation:
Fort Macleod boasts many recreational facilities year round. The Town has the highest number of parks per capita in Canada, including playgrounds, and the oldest golf course in western Canada.

Fort Macleod also has an outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, skate park and an arena complex. The River Valley Wilderness Park provides interpretive trails for biking, cross country skiing, bird watching and special floral attributes only found in this area. The scenic Rocky Mountains to the west provide skiing and camping as well. Many of the recreational facilities in Fort Macleod accommodate many different types of sports.

Community Organizations:

  • Rebekahs
  • Royal Purple
  • Lions/Lionettes
  • Fish & Game Association
  • Hospital Aid
  • Masonic Order/Eastern Star/Jobs Daughters
  • Royal Canadian Legion Chamber of Commerce
  • Allied Arts Council
  • Elks
  • Rotary
  • Women's Institute
  • Beta Sigma Phi
  • Knights of Columbus
  • Historical Association
  • Senior Citizens' Welcome Mat

Religious Services:

  • Trinity United Church
  • Fort Macleod Christian Fellowship
  • Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church
  • Netherlands Reformed Church
  • Heritage Reform Church
  • Christian Reformed Church
  • Fort Macleod Alliance Church
  • Christ Church Anglican
  • The Victory Church
  • Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
  • Jehovah's Witnesses Kingdom Hall

Special Annual Events/Attractions:

Fort Macleod offers many attractions which draw people worldwide to come and visit.
The town's Main Street, where over 30 historically and architecturally rich structures were reconstructed, was designated as Alberta's first and only provincial historic area. The complete restoration of the Empress Theatre now acts as the Town's cultural
centre and is the Province's oldest operating theatre. The original Police Outpost of the early 1870's is now the Fort Museum. West of Town is the World Heritage Site Head-Smashed-In-Buffalo-Jump.

There is a quality of life, second to none, that allows for the growth of culture,
recreation and good business.

Annual Events:

  • French Film Festival - April
  • Classic Car Show - April
  • Fort Museum Musical Ride July & August
  • Midnight Days - June/July
  • Antique Sale & Show - July
  • South Country Fair -- July
  • Ranchmen's Rodeo -- July
  • Head-Smashed-In-Buffalo-Jump Pow Wow -- July
  • Great West Summer Theatre -- July, August
  • Heritage Fair at the Fort Museum - August
  • Oldman River Festival - August
  • Santa Claus Parade -- last Saturday in November

Hospitality:
Accommodation:

  • Century II Motel
  • DJ Motel
  • Fort Motel
  • Queens Hotel
  • Red Coat Inn
  • Sunset Motel
  • Heritage House Motel

Restaurants:

  • A & W Restaurant
  • Igloo Drive-In
  • Head-Smashed-In Cafeteria
  • Java Shop Restaurant
  • Luigi's Restaurant
  • New Hong Kong Restaurant
  • Johnny's Cafe
  • Macleod's Restauraunt and Lounge
  • Subway
  • Westerner Famil Restaurant & MIdnight Lounge China City
  • Aunty Lynda's Dining Room
  • Silver Grill
  • Auction Market Restaurant

Economic Base

Fort Macleod is a progressive community which has grown economically. The Town Council is offering Industrial Land at competitive prices.

While agriculture and ranching are the mainstays of the local economy, in recent years industrial expansion has focused on tourism and related businesses. With this in mind
the town has not forgotten about their youth and have worked with Alberta Economic Development and Tourism to retain and expand local businesses as well as attract new businesses to town, in order to provide needed employment for the youth.

Economic Facts

Some of the town's major employers are Structural Truss Systems, Frans Feyter Construction, Bouvry Exports, Fort Macleod Auction Market, Forma Steel, Falcan Industries, Major Retail and service sector, and the various government agencies.

Major Businesses Products/Services

  • Structural Truss Systems - Construction
  • Frans Feyter Construction - Construction
  • Bouvry Exports - Meat Exports
  • Fort Macleod Auction Market - Auction Services
  • O'Sullivan Construction - Cement
  • John's Construction - New Homes
  • Falcan Industries - Trailer manufacturer

Financial Institutions

  • Canadian Imperial Bank of
  • Commerce Macleod Savings and Credit Union
  • Alberta Treasury Branch

Education

Fort Macleod is part of the Livingstone Range School Division #68, headquartered in Claresholm Tel: 1-800-310-6579.

Daycare/Nursery

  • Fort Macleod Sunshine Kids Satellite Day Home Society

Public Schools

  • Schools in Fort Macleod include
  • W.A. Day Elementary School [k-3],
  • G.R. Davis School [4-7], and
  • F.P. Walshe School [8-12].

Lethbridge Community College Satellite Campus

Emergency Services

Fort Macleod is serviced by 911.

Fire Protection (Tel: 911)
 Fort Macleod is served by a local Volunteer Fire Department [Tel: 911].

 Police Services (Tel: 911)
Fort MacLeod is served by a local detachment of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police [RCMP] [Tel: 403-553-4406].

Ambulance Services
Local ambulance service is available [Tel: 911].

Health Care

The Fort Macleod Hospital has 24hr. X-ray/Lab; 24 hr. Emergency Care; 24-48 hr. Community Care Beds. The hospital complex also has a special development unit for the care of multi-handicapped people.

Senior citizens who no longer live in their own homes have a choice of 3 types of accommodation, depending on their health and independence. The elderly and disabled also benefit from Handi-bus service and a local drop-in centre.

Key Contacts for Business Development

Gordon MacIvor
Economic Development Officer
Tel: (403)-553-3204
Fax:(403)-553-2189
Toll free - 1-877-622-5366

Home Page. http://www.fortmacleod.com
edo@fortmacleod.com

Shawn Patience 
Mayor

Lane McLaren
Manager
lane@fortmacleod.com

 Provincial (Updated May 2006)
Alberta Economic Development
105, 200-5th Avenue, South
Lethbridge, AB
T1J 4L1
Phone: (403) 381-5414
Fax: (403) 381-5741
Mary Swanek, Information Officer
mary.swanek@gov.ab.ca

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

Federal (Updated May 2006)
 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

The Town of Fort Macleod is located in the Municipal District of Willow Creek #26, at the junction of Highway 2 and Highway 3, in southern Alberta. It is 48 km west of
Lethbridge and 144 km south of Calgary. It is located on the Oldman River 48 km east of the Oldman River Dam and 60 km from Glacier-Waterton International Peace Park.

Post Secondary Education

Fort Macleod residents are within easy commuting distance of Lethbridge-based post-secondary institutions such as the University of Lethbridge and Lethbridge Community College.

Taxation

Residential/Farmland Non-Residential
2005
Municipal Tax Rate 10.9393 18.9892
Education - Alberta School Foundation Fund Tax Rate 4.5538 7.3690
Allowance for Non-Collection of Requisitioned Taxes .1903 .1903
Seniors Lodge Accommodation Tax Rate .3541 .3541

Mill Rates [2006]

Residential-Public 14.8711
Residential-Separate N/A
Non-Residential-Public 25.0448
Non-Residential-Separate N/A

Transportation

Air Service
Fort Macleod has a local airstrip with all-weather facilities and a 914 metre runway. The nearest commercial and air freight services are at Lethbridge, 48 km east of Fort Macleod.

Rail Service
Fort Macleod is served by Canadian Pacific Railway main line.

Highways
Connecting highways are Highway 2, the major north-south route connecting Fort Macleod to Calgary and Edmonton, and Highway 3, which connects to Lethbridge [east] and the British Columbia border [west].

Trucking Firms

  • Boot Trucking Ltd.
  • Fort Macleod Transport
  • Hornberger Trucking
  • H & H Drilling
  • Vanee Livestock Ltd.

Bus Services

  • Greyhound Bus Lines provides regularly scheduled inter-community service.

Couriers and Taxis

  • Greyhound Courier Express, Loomis and Purolator Couriers. Red Coach Cab provides local taxi service.

Utilities

Electrical Power
Enmax
Lethbridge, Alberta
Tel: (403)-310-2010

Natural Gas
ATCO Gas
245 - 24 Street
Fort Macleod, Alberta
T0L 0Z0
Tel: (403)-310-5678

Telephone
 TELUS Ltd.
Tel: (403)-310-2255
Out of Province 1-800-400-2598
Telus.com

Water Supply
The source of water is the Oldman River. The reservoir capacity, measured in treated substance, is 9,090 cubic metres.

Waste Management
Sewage treatment is provided by a rotating biological contactor, CL2.

Residential garbage is collected weekly, while commercial and industrial garbage is collected daily or as required.

Population

Total Population    
Population 2004* 2,990
Population 2003* 2,990
Population 2002* 2,990
Population 2001** 2,990
Population 2000* 3,034
Population 1996** 3,034
Population 1991** 3,112
Population % change 1991-1996 -2.57%
Population % change 1996-2001 -1.47%
* 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 - 4 105 100 205 75 85 160
Age 5 - 14 240 200 440 200 190 390
Age 15 - 19 115 115 230 110 110 220
Age 20 - 24 85 80 165 80 75 155
Age 25 - 34 190 195 385 145 165 310
Age 35 - 44 195 220 415 210 210 420
Age 45 - 54 170 180 350 175 210 385
Age 55 - 64 135 165 300 155 165 320
Age 65 - 74 120 145 265 135 145 280
Age 75 and older 110 175 285 110 215 325
Total All Persons 1,455 1,580 3,035 1,405 1,585 2,990
Source: Statistics Canada 1996 & 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Fort Macleod Population by Age Group (2001)

Education Statistics

Highest level of schooling for Population 20yrs and older  2001  % 
People without high school certificates 885 41.36%
People with high school certificates 275 12.85%
People with trades or non-university certificate or diploma 550 25.70%
People with post-secondary education (not completed) 260 12.15%
People with university diploma/certificate 55 2.57%
People with university degree 125 5.84%
Total Population 20 years and older 2,140 100.00%
Source: Statistics Canada 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Fort Macleod Highest Level of Schooling 2001


Population with Post Secondary Qualifications  1996  %  2001  % 
Agriculture and biological sciences 30 3.66% 50 6.85%
Commerce, management and business administration 205 25.00% 165 22.60%
Educational, recreational and counseling services 145 17.68% 100 13.70%
Engineering and applied science tech. and trades 205 25.00% 235 32.19%
Engineering and applied sciences 0 0.00% 10 1.37%
Fine and applied arts 30 3.66% 40 5.48%
Health professionals, science and technologies 110 13.41% 70 9.59%
Humanities and related fields 40 4.88% 15 2.05%
Mathematics and physical sciences 0 0.00% 20 2.74%
Social sciences and related fields 45 5.49% 20 2.74%
Other and/or no specialization 0 0.00% 0 0.00%
Total people with post secondary qualifications 820 100.00% 730 100.00%
Females with post-secondary qualifications 435 53.05% 370 50.68%
Males with post-secondary qualifications 385 46.95% 360 49.32%
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 1,530 1,480
Not in the labour force, both sexes 755 860
Total population 15 and over 2,285 2,335
Employed, both sexes 1,440 1,355
Unemployed, both sexes 85 125
Participation rate, both sexes 67.00% 63.00%
Unemployment rate, both sexes 5.00% 8.00%
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 115 7.64% 45 3.10%
Mining 15 1.00% 35 2.41%
Manufacturing 80 5.32% 195 13.45%
Construction 110 7.31% 125 8.62%
Transportation. & Utilities 110 7.31% 140 9.66%
Retail and Wholesale 220 14.62% 225 15.52%
Finance 95 6.31% 60 4.14%
Business & Community Services 655 43.52% 595 41.03%
Public Administration 75 4.98% 35 2.41%
Total All Industries 1,505 100.00% 1,450 100.00%
Source: Statistics Canada 1996 & 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Fort Macleod Labour Force By Industry - 2001


 
Labour Force by Major Occupational Groups  1996  %  2001  % 
Management occupations 120 7.97% 150 10.34%
Business, Finances and administrative occupations 225 14.95% 160 11.03%
Natural and applied sciences and related occupations 10 0.66% 0 0.00%
Health occupations 90 5.98% 110 7.59%
Occupations in social science; education; government and religion 120 7.97% 95 6.55%
Occupations in art; culture; recreation and sport 10 0.66% 10 0.69%
Sales and service occupations 520 34.55% 375 25.86%
Trades; transport; equipment operators and related occupations 260 17.28% 360 24.83%
Occupations unique to primary industry 90 5.98% 75 5.17%
Occupations unique to processing; manufacturing and utilities 65 4.32% 115 7.93%
Occupations not elsewhere classified 25 1.66% 30 2.07%
Total - All Occupations (major groups) 1,505 100.00% 1,450 100.00%
Females - All Occupations 735 48.84% 655 45.17%
Males - All Occupations 770 51.16% 800 55.17%
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 8.33% 105 13.91%
$20,000 - $39,999 240 33.33% 220 29.14%
$40,000 - $59,999 190 26.39% 310 41.06%
$60,000 and over 230 31.94% 140 18.54%
Total number of families 720 100.00% 775 102.65%
Average family income $50,281   $49,686  
Median family income $43,374   $45,990  
Source: Statistics Canada 1996 & 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Household Income (Number of Households)  1996  %  2001  % 
less than $19,999 300 25.00% 295 24.58%
$20,000 - $39,999 410 34.17% 305 25.42%
$40,000 - $59,999 230 19.17% 325 27.08%
$60,000 and over 65 5.42% 290 24.17%
Total number of households 1,200 100.00% 1,200 100.00%
Average household income $40,625   $43,338  
Median household income $35,458   $40,750  
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 $12,192,165 37.57% $14,319,844 37.57%
Clothing $2,181,965 6.72% $2,443,812 6.41%
Education and Reading materials $644,505 1.99% $798,029 2.09%
Health and Personal care $2,055,015 6.33% $2,664,104 6.99%
Hshld. operationas and furnishings $3,548,740 10.94% $4,246,044 11.14%
Recreation $2,506,145 7.72% $3,294,916 8.65%
Transportation $6,689,275 20.61% $6,971,886 18.29%
Miscellaneous $2,619,910 8.07% $3,372,732 8.85%
Total Current Consumption $32,450,435 100.00% $38,111,367 100.00%
Total # of Households 1,170   1,201  
Average Consumption per Household $27,735   $31,733  
Source: Statistics Canada Family Expenditure Survey 1992 & 1996 (numbers may not add up due to rounding).

Fort Macleod Family Expenditures (1996)

Building Permits

Total Building Permit Values  2001  2002  2003  2004  2005 
Building Permits Value, Commercial $1,785,000 $268,000 $167,000 $100,000 $450,000
Building Permits Value, Industrial $89,000 $908,000 $160,000 $42,000 $42,000
Building Permits Value, Institutional $15,000 $145,000 $373,000 $486,000 $388,000
Building Permits Value, Residential $806,000 $1,530,000 $1,807,000 $154,000 $1,097,000
Building Permits Value, Total $2,695,000 $2,851,000 $2,507,000 $782,000 $1,977,000
Total Housing Starts 3 10 11 0 5
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 125 10.42% 105 8.75%
Detached Duplexes 35 2.92% 10 0.83%
Movable Dwellings 15 1.25% 115 9.58%
Other single attached house 20 1.67% 0 0.00%
Row and semi-detached house 45 3.75% 40 3.33%
Single-detached house 960 80.00% 940 78.33%
Total number of occupied private dwellings 1,200 100.00% 1,200 100.00%
Private dwellings, owned 825 68.75% 900 75.00%
Private Dwellings, rented 375 31.25% 305 25.42%
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 305 25.42%
Period of construction, 1946 - 1960 220 18.33%
Period of construction, 1961 - 1970 155 12.92%
Period of construction, 1971 - 1980 305 25.42%
Period of construction, 1981 - 1990 135 11.25%
Period of construction, 1991 - 2001 80 6.67%
Total number of private dwellings constructed 1,200 100.00%
Source: Statistics Canada 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Projects

Summary of Projects in Fort Macleod as of September 2006

Project Sector  Number of Projects  Project Cost 
Institutional  1  $60,000,000 
Commercial/Retail  2  $591,000 
Total 3  $60,591,000 
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 
Proposed   1  $60,000,000 
Under Construction   2  $591,000 
Total 3  $60,591,000 
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 Fort Macleod as of September 2006

Company Name  Project 
Description 		 Project 
Location 		 Project 
Cost 		 Construction 
Schedule 		 Status 
Alberta Solicitor General and Public Security  Provincial Police and Peace Officer College  Fort MacLeod  $60,000,000  -  Proposed  
GW Power  NEW BUILDING  Fort Macleod  $366,000  2006-2006  Under Construction  
Fort Macleod Agency  OFFICE ADDITION  Fort Macleod  $225,000  2006-2006  Under Construction  

 

 

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