High River

Welcome

 The Town of High River welcomes your interest in our community. Opportunity is abundant in High River, whether it be industrial, commercial, or residential, with a focus on retirement.

High River is preparing for the future with a high quality of life and an impressive infrastructure. High River takes pride in our 'A Modern Town with A Western Tradition' theme. Nestled in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, residents enjoy the advantages of living in the country with close proximity to the city of Calgary.

Business Development in High River flourishes with commerical and industrial development from small businesses to chains and cottage industries. We encourage and promote economic activity within the High River trading area, supporting existing businesses and encouraging new companies and entrepreneurs to investigate what High River has to offer for economic growth.

We would like you to take the time to check out the many facilities and programs offered throughout the town. High River is a thriving vibrant community today and promises to be so in the future. We hope in reading this profile that you identify the Town of High River as a great place to live, play and do business.

Feel free to drop by our office at 309B Macleod Tr SW or the High River & District Chamber of Commerce Office at 317 Macleod Tr SW High River for more economic development and tourism information on our Community.

Facts about High River

Population 9,522 (2004 civic census)

Location - Provincial Highway #2, 55 km south of Calgary

Lifestyle - Rural/urban benefitting from both our western tradition and the proximity to Calgary

Local Economy - local and regional services with a focus on agriculture

Easy access to local, regional, national and international markets

For more information about the Town of High River contact:   Town of High River
309B Macleod Trail SW
High River, Alberta T1V 1Z5
Tel: (403) 652-2110
Fax: (403) 652-2396
E-mail: info@highriver.ca
Web site: www.highriver.ca   Les Rempel
Mayor
Email: lrempel@highriver.ca   Ken Mundy
Town Manager
Email: kmundy@highriver.ca   Scott Kovatch
Economic Development Officer
Email: skovatch@highriver.ca   John Lockhart
Highwood Business Development Corporation
#3, 28 - 12 Avenue S.E.
High River, Alberta T1V 1E6
Tel: (403) 652-3700
Email: info@hbdc.net   Provincial
Walter Valentini, Director
Alberta Economic Development
#300, 639 - 5th Avenue, SW
Calgary, Alberta T2P 0M9
Tel: (403) 297-8920
Fax: (403) 297-6168
Email:walter.valentini@gov.ab.ca   Dianne Fitzsimmons, Information Officer
Email: dianne.fitzsimmons@gov.ab.ca

Area Overview

The Town of High River is strategically located along Alberta's economic corridor on highway #2 (north & south), less than an hour (55 kilometers) south of Calgary with easy access to air, rail and connections to major highways (east & west).

The Town of High River has seen tremendous economic growth over the past decade. High River stands on its own as a thriving regional service center benefitting from the larger Calgary regional trade area.

Alberta's provincial economy has been a national leader for over two decades. The Town of High River enjoys this economic growth as well as the benefits from the proximity to the Calgary regional trade area.

Alberta's Positive Business Climate and Recent Growth

• The lowest overall taxes in Canada
• No provincial sales tax
• No general capital or payroll taxes prevalent in other provinces and U.S. states
• A highly entrepreneurial and competive business community
• A fiscally responsible government that has eliminated its provincial debt, demonstrating to investors a business-like attitude of the government
• A highly skilled, educated and motivated workforce that is the most productive in Canada
• Over $103 billion in major capital projects are proposed, announced, under construction were recently completed (2004)
• Over $73.2 billion in international exports of goods and services (2004)
• Alberta's exports are expected to rise by 2.5% in real terms through 2007
• The consumer/household sector is estimated to remain robust to 2007 with spending to grow at 3.2% annully
• Alberta's average weekly earnings are only second to Ontario's

Source: Alberta Economic Development alberta-canada.com

 

High River's Economy  

According to the Conference Board of Canada the city of Calgary is expected to have the strongest growth of all cities. This rapid economic growth is expected until 2008 and will include the surrounding municipalities.

Construction Permit Values

Permits Value Commercial

• 2000 - $6,656,900.00
• 2001 - 4,320,348.00
• 2002 - 4,402,370.00
• 2003 - 3,465,500.00
• 2004 - 1,224,000.00

Permits Value Industrial

• 2001 - $182,500.00
• 2002 - $996,000.00
• 2003 - $450,000.00
• 2004 - $420,000.00

Permits Value Institutional

• 2000 - $180,000.00
• 2001 - $2,399,431.00
• 2002 - $4,278,500.00
• 2003 - $3,300,500.00
• 2004 - $1,500.00

Town of High River Housing Starts

Single Family Dwelling = SFD
Multiple Family Dwelling = MFD

1987 - SFD - 10 - MFD - 2 = $851,400.00

1990 - SFD - 68 - MFD - 133 =$16,960,722.00

1993 - SFD - 51 - MFD - 64 = $11,145,476.00

1996 - SFD - 26 - MFD - 34 = $6,484,250.00

1999 - SFD - 102 -MFD -139 =$25,411,278.00

2000 - SFD - 83 - MFD - 108 = $21,224,139.00

2001 - SFD - 74 - MFD - 78 = $16,825,593.00

2002 - SFD - 81 - MFD - 134 = $23,136,160.00

2003 - SFD - 90 - MFD - 98 = $20,973,920.00

2004 - SFD - 91 - MFD - 61 = $17,754,920.00

Location

When Katie Quirk arrived at the banks of the Highwood River in 1882 she told her husband, "John, I will go no further." Some say she was so happy with what she saw that she could find no reason to travel on.

Over 100 years later, true to its roots, High River remains The Meeting Place. Now, as in Katie's time, High River meets the best of all worlds: agriculture and commerce, rural community values and modern lifestyles. A little to the west is the recreation and beauty of the Rockies, while a mere 30 minute drive north is Calgary, the economic and cultural centre of Alberta.

This is the place to visit and enjoy, a place to stop and, as Katie did, put down roots. A modern town with a western tradition, High River truly is the best of all worlds.

Many people choose to retire to High River, settling into one of a number of retirement complexes or affordable homes. Curling, golfing, and volunteering with community programs, shopping and visiting, keeps this group of High Riverites active.

Young families too are drawn to High River, secure in the knowledge that children are safe to play in any one of the numerous playgrounds, or take part in bowling, skating, swimming, day camps, library and museum programs.

 

Climate

The weather in High River is varied and pleasant. Sesonably moderate temperatures provide for many outdoor and recreational activities and a significant growing season. We are located in the chinook belt of Alberta, bringing warm winds throughout the winter that can change the temperature from freezing cold to balmy within a few hours.

Average Temperature

January
Maximum temperature -2.9 celcius
Minimum temperature -16.2
Mean temperature or - 8.9

July
Maximum temperature 23.3
Minimum temperature 8.6
Mean temperature 16.2

Annual Precipitation 416.8
Days of Sunshine 336.5
Wind Speed 16.6 km/h W and NW

Source: Environment Canada

For additional weather information contact: climate.weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca

Community Services

Family Community Support Services (FCSS)
309B Macleod Tr SW
High River, AB
Tel: (403) 652-8690
highriver.ca
fcssaa.ab.ca   Centennial Library
909 1 St SW
High River, AB
Tel: (403) 652-2917
tracpac.ca   Museum of the Highwood
4 Ave & 1 St SW
High River, AB
Tel: (403) 652-7156   Culture Centre
251 9 Ave SW
High River, AB
Tel: (403) 652-4668
highriver.ca   Parent Link Centre
509 1 St SW
High River, AB
Tel: (403) 652-8633
child.gov.ab.ca   Advocacy in Motion
126 9 Ave SE
High River, AB
Tel: (403) 652-4161
footaim.com   Recreation Facilities   Bob Snodgrass RecPlex
5 St & 12 Ave NE
High River, AB
Tel: (403) 652-4042
highriver.ca  

The Town of High River communities and the High River Bob Snodgrass RecPlex have numerous facilities for all active High Riverites.

• 1 Pool
• 4 Sheet of Curling ice
• 2 Ice surfaces
• 1 Outdoor rink
• 9 Ball Diamonds
• 8 Play grounds
• 7 Soccer fields
• Skate Board Park
• Water Spray Park
• 3 Tennis Courts

High River has approximately 20 kilometers of scenic paved pathways that wind through the quiet treed neighborhoods and river area of High River. Jogging, bike riding, roller-blading, or just strolling, High River's 'Happy Trails' are a pleasant way to spend leisure time.

George Lane Campgrounds run by the Lions Club of High River, is situated in beautiful downtown High River adjacent to the Highwood River. The heavily treed campground features a bandshell, a horseshoe pit, community barbeque area, playgrounds as well as ball diamonds. George Land has camping for trailers with or without power and a dumping station.

For other area campgrounds: www.explorealberta.com/Alberta_Campgrounds.htm

Highwood Golf & Country Club
Box 5503
High River, AB
Tel: (403) 652-2402
highwoodgolf.com   Rio Vista Golf Course
3 2 St NE High River, AB
Tel: (403) 652-1443   Community Organizations Service Clubs

• High River Lions Club
• High River Masonic Organizations
• High River Rotary
• Independent Order of Oddfellows Association
• Kinsmen
• Knights of Columbus

Religious Services

• Baha'i Faith
• Christian Science Services
• Church of Jesus Crist of Latter-Day Saints
• Full Gospel Tabernacle
• High River Alliance Church
• High River Christian Women's Club
• Jehovah's Witnesses
• Good Sheperd Lutheran Church
• High River Baptist Church
• High River Christian Reformed Church
• High River Ministerial Association
• High River United Church
• New Hope Church
• The Salvation Army
• St. Benedict's Anglican Church
• St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church

 

Recycling Depot  

Recycling is at the west side of the parking lot at the Bob Snodgrass RecPlex.

• paper - standard white paper
• milk jugs - washed, with no lids
• magazines
• tins - clean and crushed
• cardboard - empty and flattened
• newspaper
• grass clippings and tree branches

Media Services   High River Times
618 Centre St SE
Tel: (403) 652-2034
highrivertimes.ca   AM 1140 Radio Station
11 5 Ave SE
Tel: (403) 652-2472
am1140radio.com   The Eagle
11 5 Ave SE
Tel: (403) 652-9611
theeagle1009.com   Municipal   Town of High River
309B Macleod Trail SW
High River, Alberta Canada T1V 1Z5
Tel: (403) 652-2110
Fax: (403) 652-2396
E-Mail: info@highriver.ca  

In addition to a full-time staff of town administrators, local residents serve on the town's many boards, committees and commissions, providing insight into the many areas of the town's concerns.

High River is the administrative centre for the Municipal District of Foothills #31 which governs the rural areas and hamlets south of Calgary, Municipal Government Committees include:

• Airport Commission
• Ambulance Committee
• Assessment Review Board
• Development Appeal Board
• Disaster Services
• Family & Community Support Services
• Foothills Foundation Foothills
• Regional Services Committee
• High River Historical Railway Association
• Library Board
• Memorial Centre Board
• Municipal Planning Commission
• Municipal Policing Committee
• Museum Board
• Recreation Board  

Provincial   Alberta AG-Info Center
Postal Bag 600
Stettler, AB T0C 2L0
Toll Free: 866-882-7677
agric.gov.ab.ca   Fish & Wildlife District Office
Tel: (403) 652-8330   Rural Community Mental Health
Tel: (403) 652-8340   Alberta Infrastructure & Transportation
Commercial Enforcement Branch
Box 5201
309 Macleod Tr SW
High River, AB  T1V 1M4
Tel: (403) 652-8359   Federal   Canada Post
105 1 St SW
High River, AB T1V 1A0
Tel: (403) 652-2868   Royal Canadian Mounted Police
1104 14 St SE
High River, AB T1V 1W2
Tel: (403) 652-2357

Community Lifestyle

Young and old alike enjoy the friendly country lifestyle wrapped in the beauty of the foothills, supporting the community businesses encouraging growth and prosperity for all.

  Special Annual Events/Attractions  

January - Curling, Hockey, Bowling

February - Winter Sports, Family Day Events

March - Agricultural Society Auction, Fish and Wildlife Dinner, Figure Skating Carnival

April - Windmill Theatre Productions, High River Music Festival, Senior Pro Rodeo, Chamber of Commerce Trade Fair, Rotary Club Garage Sale

May - Little Britches Rodeo and Parade, Old Time Ranch Days

June - North American Chuckwagon Championships, Guy Weadick Rodeo, High River Otters Swim Meet

July - Canada Day Celebrations and Fireworks

August - High River Hockey School, Highland Games

September - Labour Day Golf Tournament, Charity Slow Pitch Tournament, Community Connections, High River & District Handicraft Guild, River City Show N Shine

October - Highwood Concert Series, Small Business Week

November - Arts Alive, Windmill Theatre Productions

December - Santa Claus Parade, Community Christmas Skating Party, Community Christmas Fair, Bull Busting Event

Regular Thursday Farmers Markets are held throughout the summer.

Hospitality  

Accommodation

4 motels and 2 hotels in town and 4 bed and breakfasts

Heritage Inn
Tel: (403) 652-3834

High River Motel
Tel: (403) 652-4339

Foothills Motel
Tel: (403) 652-1395

Smiley's Gateway Hotel
Tel: (403) 652-1738

Super 8 Motel
Tel: (403) 652-4448
Toll Free 1-866-831-8558

Restaurants

High River has many restaurants which provide a full range of dining experiences including Chinese food, deli, western and fast food.

A & W Restaurant
Tel: (403) 601-3801

Beef N Brew Restaurant & Lounge
Tel: (403) 652-2388

Canton Chinese Restaurant
Tel: (403) 652-3935

Cattlejacks
Tel: (403) 652-1555

Coffee Time Donuts
Tel: (403) 601-2448

5th Ave Cafe
Tel: (403) 652-3170

Golden National Restaurant
Tel: (403) 652-4364

Heritage Inn Seasons Cafe & Eatery
Tel: (403) 652-3834

High River Dairy Queen
Tel: (403) 601-8420

High River Inn Restaurant
Tel: (403) 652-7733

High River 2 for 1 Pizza
Tel: (403) 652-2100

Hitchin Post Drive-In
Tel: (403) 652-2966

Joey's Only Seafood Restaurant
Tel: (403) 601-2929

KFC
Tel: (403) 652-3663

McDonald's Restaurant
Tel: (403) 652-1919

My Pizza & Steak House & Lounge
Tel: (403) 652-2262

P & H Family Restaurants
Tel: (403) 601-3802

Picasso's Pizza
Tel: (403) 652-5100

Pioneer Restaurant & Dining Lounge
Tel: (403) 652-3016

Smitty's Restaurant
Tel: (403) 652-1350

South Fork
Tel: (403) 652-3787

Subway Sandwiches & Salads
Tel: (403) 652-2563

Economic Base

High River has developed as a major service center for its surrounding district. Situated in the heart of the prosperous ranches and farms of southern Alberta, High River has drawn its major economic strength from agriculture. A good growing season and moderate climate contribute to the overall agricultural prosperity of this region. Not surprisingly, machinery dealerships, livestock services, major meat processing, bulk suppliers and a distillery (utilizing local agriculture produce) have located in High River. High River is also fortunate to have vast deposits of natural gas and petroleum in close proximity.

Demographics

2004 High River Characteristics

• Age 0 - 4 577 - (6.1%)
• Age 5 - 14 1294 - (13.6%)
• Age 15 - 19 630 - (6.6%)
• Age 20 - 24 402 - (4.2%)
• Age 25 - 44 2290 - (24%)
• Age 45 - 54 1271 - (13.3%)
• Age 55 - 64 1144 - (12%)
• Age 65 - 74 993 - (10.7%)
• Age 75 + 678 - (7.1%)

Total 9522

Source: 2004 Municipal Census Growth

• Average growth (15 years) = 4.49%
• Future Projections at Estimated Growth Factors
  * 2006 11,087 4% 11,518 6%
  * 2008 11.991 4% 12,942 6%
  * 2010 12.970 4% 14,542 6%

Based on 2004 Municipal Census data

Farm Size
• Average size of farm in Alberta 970 acres MD Foothills 686
• Average per Farm capital in Alberta 1,029,903 in the MD Foothills 1,578,166
• Average gross farm receipts in Alberta 184,885 in the MD of Foothills 214,844
• Average head of cattle per farm in Alberta 74 in the MD of Foothills 67

Top five types of farms:

• cattle 45.4%
• misc specialty 24.2%
• grain Oilseed 11.6%
• filed crop 8.9%
• wheat 3.6%

As High River has grown in importance as a service center, a number of public services have located in the town. Today, a modern hospital, a full school system, agriculture and public health offices, the Municipal District of Foothills #31 and other administrative agencies have their headquarters in High River.

Local commerce has expanded with the town’s growth. Three small malls, a variety of unique shops, some well known retail chains and an extensive commercial section are patronized by residents, who prefer the convenience, quality and value that local shops and stores provide.

In April 2005, High River participated in a regional project to survey businesses to update the business directory hosted on AlbertaFirst.com and collect baseline data to identify industry structure and exporters in the Calgary Region. Over 700 businesses were contacted in High River by Highwood Business Development Corporation. For a detailed directory go to albertafirst.com/directory and search High River.

Retail & Services

High River provides a variety of retail outlets and services for the community and surrounding area.

High River is a retail and service center for approximately 30,000 people with a potential to reach the expansive Calgary trade market.

The Town of High River has several key retail areas:

* High River has unique retail shops for local artisans, silversmiths, leatherworks, and art galleries.

* High River has recognized major retailers;

* Car dealerships (national & international)

• Country Chrysler
• High Country Chevrolet Oldsmobile Ltd
• High River Autoplex & RV
• High River Honda
• High River Toyota
• Ranchland Ford

* Extra Foods

* Home Hardware

* Liquidation World

* Pharmasave

* Peavy Mart

* Sears

* Sobey's

* Shoppers Drug Mart

Real Estate Agencies

Century 21 Foothills Real Estate
609D Centre ST SE
Tel: (403) 652-2121
21foothills.ca

J. Ross Real Estate
145 Macleod Tr SW
Tel: (403) 652-4020
jrossrealestate.com

Re/Max Classic Realty
Centre St & 3 Ave SE
TEL: (403) 652-5555

Royal LePage Highwood Real Estate
311 1 St SW
Tel: (403) 652-4222
royallepage.ca

Team Realty Ltd.
618 Centre St SE
Tel: (403) 652-7566
teamrealtors.com

Economic Facts

Business Development and Business Licenses Contact:

Scott Kovatch
Economic Development Officer
Town of High River
Tel: (403) 652-2110
Fax: 403) 652-2396
Skovatch@highriver.ca
highriver.ca

Cargill Foods began production at its $50 million beef processing facility in the summer of 1989 and employs approximately 2000 people. Cargill is now producing quality beef and beef by-products from its fully-integrated plant for markets throughout North America and around the world.

Highwood Distillers Ltd., a private Alberta company, distills, ages, blends, bottles and markets a broad line of fine spirits.The principal markets for its spirits are the four western provinces of Canada. Approximately 10 % of production is destined for markets in the U.S.A. and other Canadian provinces. Highwood, which commenced operations 30 years ago, now has approximately 25 employees most of whom are engaged at its production facilities in High River.

Rollover Premium Food Ltd., a rapidly growing company with sales of approximately $5 million annually produces premium pet food. Currently 'Rollover' employees 39 people and is experiencing a growth of 20% a year shipping nationally and internationally.

Business Services  

• High River has all major professional services to support and encourage business development
• High River has a thriving real estate industry, which offers both residential and commercial services.
• High River has a number of accounting and law firms to support business development.
• High River has representation from most national banks and is home to the new western Canadian Bank West.
• High River has business support services in Highwood Business Development Center a Community Futures Development Corp. dedicated to business planning.
• High River & District Chamber of Commerce provides membership benefits to the local business community.  

Market Research & Demographic Information

 

Price Comparison Survey - Completed by Alberta Economic Development in May 2004
alberta-canada.com/statpub/files/pdf/priceCompSurv2003.pdf

For Further In-depth Information

• Municipal Profiles developed by Alberta's Ministry of Municipal Affairs municipalaffairs.gov.ab.ca/cfml/profiles/index.cfm
• Alberta Weekly Economic Highlights alberta-canada.com/statpub/files/pdf/weekly.pdf developed by Alberta Economic Development alberta-canada.com
• Alberta Economic Outlook alberta-canada.com/statpub/files/pdf/EconomicUpdate_July05.pdf developed by Alberta Economic Development alberta-canada.com
• Alberta Export and Trade alberta-canada.com/statpub/exportTrade/ab_exported.cfm developed by Alberta Economic Development alberta-canada.com
• Special Reports alberta-canada.com/statpub/costStudies/index.cfm. developed by Alberta Economic Development alberta-canada.com
• Tourism Reports alberta-canada.com/statpub/tourismResearch/index.cfm developed by Alberta Economic Development alberta-canada.com
• Alberta Finance Statistics finance.gov.ab.ca/aboutalberta/ also contains much information which may be useful.

Financial Institutions  

Bank of Montreal
121 1 St SW
Tel: (403) 652-2378

Bank West
103 309 1 St SW
Tel: (403) 652-2107
Toll Free 1-888-440-2265

CIBC
403 1 St SW
Tel: (403) 652-2022
Toll Free 1-800 465-2422

Community Savings
319 Centre St SW
Tel: (403) 652-2919

TD Bank
315 Macleod Tr SW
Tel: (403) 652-2921
Toll Free 1-866 222-3456

Royal Bank
102 3 Ave SW
Tel: (403) 652-2351
Toll Free 1-800 769-2511

High River's "home grown" financial institution the Western Financial Group Inc. is enjoying success with an expansion to 135 employees in a new building in 2005/2006. westernfinancialgroup.net

Education

High River has an excellent education system with elementary, middle schools, high schools, as well as post-secondary institutions.

Public Schools are part of:

Foothills School Division #38
120 5 Ave SW
High River
Tel: (403) 652-3001   Highwood High School
Tel: (403) 652-5500   Ecole Joe Clark School
Tel: (403) 652-2020   Ecole Senator Riley School
Tel: (403) 652-2346   Spitzee Elementry School
Tel: (403) 652-2376  

Separate schools are part of:

Christ the Redeemer Catholic Schools
46 Elma St
Okotoks, AB
Tel: (403) 938-2659

Mother Teresa House
Tel: (403) 652-3521

Holy Spirit Academy
Tel: (403) 652-2231

Notre Dame Collegiate
Tel: (403) 652-2231

Additional Schools:

Education Plus
1204 10 St SE
High River, AB
Tel: (403) 601-4640

Rocky Mountain Montessori
D 1103 18 St SE
High River, AB
Tel: (403) 652-3585

Early childhood services are provided by a parent-run program. Daycare, day homes and school services are also available in town.

High River Nursery School Association
115 8 Ave SE High River, AB
Tel: (403) 652-4698

The Play Centre
Tel: (403) 652-4292

Emergency Services

The area is a “911” region for connection to all emergency services.   Fire Protection  

High River has two fire stations and enjoys a number one rating on fire insurance. A full time paid Fire Chief, a full time deputy, a fire captain and a firefighter with 30 volunteer fire fighters staff a firehall equipped with seven bays and a firehouse.

Station #1 is a Fire Hall in the main area of the town with a full compliment of equipment.

Main Fire Hall
1010 5 ST SE
High River, AB
Tel: (403) 652-3774  

Station #2 is a Firehouse in the residential area of the northwest. It is complimented with a number of safety features and environmentally friendly construction components as well as fire equipment.

Firehouse
1018 Highland Green Dr NW
High River, AB
Tel: (403) 601-8694

There are two town pumpers, one ariel (75’) pumper, one rescue truck and one bush buggy, all fully equipped. There are also three rural trucks, one pumper, one tanker and one compressed air foam truck owned by the Municipal District and operated by the fire department.

  Ambulance Services   Paramedic Ambulance service is available in High River   FREMS
309 Macleod Tr SW
High River, AB T1V 1Z5
Tel: (403) 652-3111
frems.ab.ca   Police Services   High River is serviced by a local detachment of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police   R.C.M.P.
Hwy 2A & 14 St SE
High River, AB
Tel: (403) 652-2356
rcmp-grc.gc.ca  

The Town of High River also has two Special Constables responsible for enforcing local legislation, animal control and some provincial legislation and minor criminal code offences.

  Municipal Enforcement  

The Municipal District of Foothills has three Special Constables responsible for traffic and minor criminal code offences. They are also part of the Regional Emergency Management Team.

For additional information and list of providers for emergency services contact: www.municipalaffairs.gov.ab.ca/ema/

Health Care

The area is under the jurisdiction of Calgary Health Region. Visit their web site at calgaryhealthregion.ca for more information.

High River Hospital
560 9 Ave SW
High River, AB T1V 1B3
Tel: (403) 652-2200
calgaryhealth.ca

The High River General Hospital and Nursing Home is a Regional Hospital that was opened in July 1982. It has 32 beds for active treatment; 75 long term care beds and a 24 hour paramedic service.

The Public Health Unit
310 Macleod Tr SW
Box 5638
High River, AB T1V 1M7
Tel: (403) 652-5450

The Public Health Unit, with its regional office in High River, provides medical services for the town and the surrounding area. Its Public Health Nursing Department operates a preventive health program, which includes prenatal classes, post-natal home visits, child health clinics, immunization programs for preschool and school age children and an environmental health program.

Foothills Foundation (Seniors)
Tel: (403) 652-8600

Medicine Tree Place (Seniors)
Tel: (403) 652-3104

High River’s other health services include:

• Specialists
• Doctors
• Chiropractors
• Dentists
• Denturists
• Optometrists

Key Contacts for Business Development

Municipal

Town of High River
309B Macleod Trail SW
High River, Alberta T1V 1Z5
Tel: 403-652-2110
Fax: 403-652-2396
E-mail: info@highriver.ca
Web site: highriver.ca   Les Rempel
Mayor
Email: lrempel@highriver.ca   Ken Mundy
Town Manager
Email: kmundy@highriver.ca   Scott Kovatch
Economic Development Officer
Email: skovatch@highriver.ca   John Lockhart
Highwood Business Development Corporation
#3, 28 - 12 Avenue S.E.
High River, Alberta T1V 1E6
Tel: 403- 652-3700
Email: info@hbdc.net   Regional   Other Contacts, Partners with High River   Calgary Regional Partnership (CRP)
Web: calgaryregion.ca   Economic Developers Association of Alberta (EDA)
Web: edaalberta.com   Economic Developers Association of Canada (EDAC)
Web: edac.ca   International Economic Development Council (IEDC) – United States
Web: iedconline.org   Provincial   Walter Valentini, Director
Alberta Economic Development
#300, 639 - 5th Avenue, SW
Calgary, Alberta T2P 0M9
Tel: 403-297-8920
Fax: 403-297-6168
Email:walter.valentini@gov.ab.ca   Dianne Fitzsimmons, Information Officer
Email: dianne.fitzsimmons@gov.ab.ca   George Groeneveld
Member of the Legislative Assembly [MLA]
Highwood Constituency
319 Legislative Building
10800 - 97 Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2B6
Tel: 780-427-1826
Fax: 780-427-4236   Constituency Office:
Box 5243
520 Macleod Trail
High River, Alberta T1V 1M4
Tel: 403-652-7100   Federal   Ted Menzies
Member of Parliament[MP]
Macleod Constituency
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A6
Tel: 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
Fax: (403) 625-5592
E-Mail: menziest@telus.net

Location

Proximity to Major Centers

Driving Distance from High River	km	miles	Time Required
Calgary (city centre)	65	40	48 minutes
Calgary International Airport	76	47	54 minutes
Edmonton, Alberta	375	233	3 hours, 50 minutes
Vancouver, British Columbia	1033	642	12 hours
Toronto, Ontario	3513	2183	35 hours, 26 minutes
United States Border (Coutts, Alberta crossing)	267	166	2 hours, 52 minutes

It is important to note that time required is calculated based on 'ideal' traffic and weather conditions.

Canamex Corridor Of Innovation http://www.trans.gov.ab.ca/Content/doctype59/production/Canamex%20Trade%20Brochure.pdf
The province of Alberta has been moving aggressively in the development of the CANAMEX Corridor in Western Canada. They have programmed CA$1.4 billion to upgrade their portion of the CANAMEX highway to four lanes from their border with Montana in British Columbia in the northwest corner of their province by 2007.

High River is ideally situated to service southern Alberta to the United States border.

Alberta Map

High River Location Map

Post Secondary Education

Foothills Continuing Education Council offer education courses in partnership with Community Education Resources.

Bow Valley College has a pre-employment program in High River and the Academy of Learning has extensive computer training at their High River location.

Academy of Learning
2 28 12 Ave SE
High River, AB
Tel: (403) 652-2116
bowvalleyc.ab.ca

The close proximity to Calgary allows students the opportunity to attend post-secondary institutions easily.

University of Calgary
Tel: (403) 220 - 5110
ucalgary.ca   Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
Tel: (403) 284-7248
sait.ab.ca   Mount Royal College
Tel: (403) 240-6111
mountroyal.ab.ca   Devry Canada
Tel: (403) 263-3450
devry.ca  

For assistance in locating adult education resources and to determine funding resources for your new career path contact:

HBDC (Highwood Business Development Corporation)
Tel: (403) 652-3700
hbdc.net

Taxation

	Residential/Farmland	Non-Residential
2005
Municipal Tax Rate	6.4300	6.4300
Education - Alberta School Foundation Fund Tax Rate	4.3050	7.0082
Education Opted Out Tax Rate	4.3050	7.0082
Seniors Lodge Accommodation Tax Rate	.1208	.1208

 

Mill Rates (2005)

 Residential – Public 10.8558
Residential – Separate 10.8558
Non-Residential – Public 13.5590
Non-Residential – Separate 13.5590

For further information on Business taxation contact: alberta-canada.com/investLocate/taxation.cfm

Transportation

Air Services  

High River has a modern airport which is served by charter companies and is equipped for night use. It is located 5.6 km (3.5 miles) south of High River on Highway 2A and offers all-weather facilities. The longest runway is 912 meters (3000 feet). The airport offers hanger services, as well as fuel and maintenance facilities. A flight school also operates at the High River airport. The nearest commercial airport with scheduled passenger services and air freight facilities is the Calgary International Airport, some 60 km to the north.

Rail Services  

Spur trackage for commercial or industrial purposes is available through CP Rail.

 

Highways  

High River is well serviced by modern highways and secondary roads, as follows:

Highway #2, is Alberta’s main north-south traffic corridor, intersects High River at the town’s industrial area in the southeast. It is a four-lane highway, serving to link High River with Calgary and Lethbridge and on to the United States border and on into Mexico.

Highway #2A is a two-lane, paved secondary road, that passes through High River in a north-south direction, paralleling Highway #2.

Highway #23 is a two-lane, paved secondary road that serves to link High River with eastern and central areas of the province. It intersects High River in the town’s southeastern corner.

Highway #543 is a two-lane paved, secondary road that leads directly into the Kananaskis recreation area and the oilfields communities of Black Diamond and Turner Valley. It joins High River in its northwestern corner.

Trucking Services  

Complete trucking services are available from local trucking firms. Flat deck service, vans, freight pick-up and delivery, hauling of explosives or liquor, inter-provincial trucking and same-day service to Calgary, is available.

Bus Services  

Greyhound Bus Lines provides High River with passenger and freight services seven days per week.greyhound.ca

There is also a commuter bus to and from Calgary daily.
Good Company Travel
Tel: (403) 333-8004

Courier Services  

Courier sevice to all world destinations is provided daily.

Fedex
fedex.com

Purolator
purolator.com

DHL
dhl.ca

Canada Post
canadapost.ca

UPS
ups.com

Handi-Bus, taxi and limousine services are available.

Utilities

Town of High River Water Supply

• High River’s water is supplied by 9 aquifer wells. The recently upgraded system has a reservoir capacity of 3,000,000 gallons. The water pressure is about 65 psi.

• This new system is designed to accommodate a population of about 20,000 people, so it will meet High River’s needs for some time to come. The town’s consumption averages about 2,000,000 gallons per day. In addition, the Town supplies Cargill with about 1,500,000 gallons per day.

Waste Management

• All new areas of High River and some of the older areas are equipped with curb, gutter and storm sewer lines to manage excess storm or rain water. Sewage treatment is provided by an aerated lagoon which has the capacity for a population of about 12,000.

As well, the regional landfill site recyles usable items of furniture, building materials, books, clothing and the like.

There is a daily garbage pick-up for commercial establishments and weekly pick-ups from residences. The Foothills Regional Landfill Site, six miles north and west of the town, also has provisions for the collection of empty chemical containers.

Electrical Power

Enmax
Tel: (403) 310-2010
enmax.com

Epcor
Tel: (403) 310-4300
epcor.ca

Natural Gas

Atco Gas
Tel: (403) 245-7888
atcogas.com

Telephone

Telus
Tel: (403) 310-3100
telus.com

Cable Television

Shaw Cable
Tel: (800) 400-9605
shaw.ca

Population

Total Population
Population 2004*	9,522
Population 2003*	9,345
Population 2002*	9,345
Population 2001**	9,345
Population 2000*	8,554
Population 1996**	7,359
Population 1991**	6,269
Population % change 1991-1996	14.81%
Population % change 1996-2001	21.25%
* 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	245	240	485	260	285	545
Age 5 - 14	590	575	1,165	700	655	1,355
Age 15 - 19	295	230	525	375	330	705
Age 20 - 24	205	180	385	260	225	485
Age 25 - 34	475	480	955	570	555	1,125
Age 35 - 44	580	640	1,220	705	715	1,420
Age 45 - 54	430	425	855	610	680	1,290
Age 55 - 64	280	300	580	445	490	935
Age 65 - 74	295	335	630	415	430	845
Age 75 and older	225	325	550	250	410	660
Total All Persons	3,625	3,735	7,360	4,585	4,760	9,345
Source: Statistics Canada 1996 & 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

High River Population by Age Group (2001)

Education Statistics

Highest level of schooling for Population 20yrs and older	2001	%
People without high school certificates	1,920	29.11%
People with high school certificates	825	12.51%
People with trades or non-university certificate or diploma	2,175	32.98%
People with post-secondary education (not completed)	725	10.99%
People with university diploma/certificate	205	3.11%
People with university degree	740	11.22%
Total Population 20 years and older	6,595	100.00%
Source: Statistics Canada 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

High River Highest Level of Schooling 2001

Population with Post Secondary Qualifications	1996	%	2001	%
Agriculture and biological sciences	230	9.96%	195	6.24%
Commerce, management and business administration	570	24.68%	680	21.76%
Educational, recreational and counseling services	365	15.80%	360	11.52%
Engineering and applied science tech. and trades	545	23.59%	880	28.16%
Engineering and applied sciences	25	1.08%	65	2.08%
Fine and applied arts	100	4.33%	160	5.12%
Health professionals, science and technologies	280	12.12%	415	13.28%
Humanities and related fields	60	2.60%	110	3.52%
Mathematics and physical sciences	25	1.08%	75	2.40%
Social sciences and related fields	105	4.55%	170	5.44%
Other and/or no specialization	0	0.00%	30	0.96%
Total people with post secondary qualifications	2,310	100.00%	3,125	100.00%
Females with post-secondary qualifications	1,170	50.65%	1,550	49.60%
Males with post-secondary qualifications	1,140	49.35%	1,575	50.40%
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	3,905	5,010
Not in the labour force, both sexes	1,670	2,290
Total population 15 and over	5,575	7,300
Employed, both sexes	3,715	4,770
Unemployed, both sexes	195	235
Participation rate, both sexes	70.00%	69.00%
Unemployment rate, both sexes	5.00%	5.00%
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	245	6.30%	165	3.33%
Mining	110	2.83%	125	2.53%
Manufacturing	505	12.98%	630	12.73%
Construction	315	8.10%	505	10.20%
Transportation. & Utilities	305	7.84%	340	6.87%
Retail and Wholesale	645	16.58%	745	15.05%
Finance	180	4.63%	235	4.75%
Business & Community Services	1,275	32.78%	2,075	41.92%
Public Administration	215	5.53%	130	2.63%
Total All Industries	3,890	100.00%	4,950	100.00%
Source: Statistics Canada 1996 & 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

High River Labour Force By Industry - 2001

 

Labour Force by Major Occupational Groups	1996	%	2001	%
Management occupations	380	9.76%	655	13.23%
Business, Finances and administrative occupations	660	16.94%	680	13.74%
Natural and applied sciences and related occupations	120	3.08%	265	5.35%
Health occupations	115	2.95%	225	4.55%
Occupations in social science; education; government and religion	250	6.42%	260	5.25%
Occupations in art; culture; recreation and sport	100	2.57%	160	3.23%
Sales and service occupations	1,005	25.80%	1,255	25.35%
Trades; transport; equipment operators and related occupations	675	17.33%	865	17.47%
Occupations unique to primary industry	255	6.55%	285	5.76%
Occupations unique to processing; manufacturing and utilities	320	8.22%	310	6.26%
Occupations not elsewhere classified	15	0.39%	55	1.11%
Total - All Occupations (major groups)	3,895	100.00%	4,950	100.00%
Females - All Occupations	1,765	45.31%	2,220	44.85%
Males - All Occupations	2,130	54.69%	2,730	55.15%
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	95	5.19%	165	7.62%
$20,000 - $39,999	460	25.14%	670	30.95%
$40,000 - $59,999	545	29.78%	660	30.48%
$60,000 and over	730	39.89%	845	39.03%
Total number of families	1,830	100.00%	2,340	108.08%
Average family income	$57,127		$63,994
Median family income	$52,404		$56,085
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	485	17.73%	440	12.39%
$20,000 - $39,999	800	29.25%	945	26.62%
$40,000 - $59,999	640	23.40%	790	22.25%
$60,000 and over	235	8.59%	1,375	38.73%
Total number of households	2,735	100.00%	3,550	100.00%
Average household income	$48,103		$58,084
Median household income	$42,766		$48,291
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	$25,989,285	36.91%	$36,307,958	36.83%
Clothing	$4,906,315	6.97%	$6,576,547	6.67%
Education and Reading materials	$1,554,760	2.21%	$2,158,097	2.19%
Health and Personal care	$4,366,780	6.20%	$6,757,751	6.86%
Hshld. operationas and furnishings	$7,770,040	11.04%	$10,903,354	11.06%
Recreation	$5,909,395	8.39%	$8,981,209	9.11%
Transportation	$14,384,710	20.43%	$18,355,723	18.62%
Miscellaneous	$5,509,760	7.83%	$8,534,309	8.66%
Total Current Consumption	$70,410,765	100.00%	$98,574,948	100.00%
Total # of Households	2,275		2,735
Average Consumption per Household	$30,950		$36,042
Source: Statistics Canada Family Expenditure Survey 1992 & 1996 (numbers may not add up due to rounding).

High River Family Expenditures (1996)

Building Permits

Total Building Permit Values	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005
Building Permits Value, Commercial	$1,646,000	$4,446,000	$2,863,000	$1,259,000	$6,616,000
Building Permits Value, Industrial	$3,567,000	$250,000	$1,451,000	$355,000	$631,000
Building Permits Value, Institutional	$6,899,000	$4,686,000	$3,297,000	$0	$1,135,000
Building Permits Value, Residential	$16,793,000	$23,900,000	$22,038,000	$18,781,000	$26,296,000
Building Permits Value, Total	$28,905,000	$33,282,000	$29,649,000	$20,395,000	$34,678,000
Total Housing Starts	151	240	187	149	178
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	235	8.59%	340	9.58%
Detached Duplexes	35	1.28%	70	1.97%
Movable Dwellings	225	8.23%	220	6.20%
Other single attached house	15	0.55%	15	0.42%
Row and semi-detached house	510	18.65%	850	23.94%
Single-detached house	1,715	62.71%	2,060	58.03%
Total number of occupied private dwellings	2,735	100.00%	3,550	100.00%
Private dwellings, owned	2,130	77.88%	2,740	77.18%
Private Dwellings, rented	605	22.12%	810	22.82%
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	6.63%
Period of construction, 1946 - 1960	245	6.91%
Period of construction, 1961 - 1970	270	7.62%
Period of construction, 1971 - 1980	730	20.59%
Period of construction, 1981 - 1990	765	21.58%
Period of construction, 1991 - 2001	1,300	36.67%
Total number of private dwellings constructed	3,545	100.00%
Source: Statistics Canada 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Projects

Summary of Projects in High River as of September 2006

Project Sector	Number of Projects	Project Cost
Tourism/Recreation	2	$19,900,000
Institutional	4	$6,850,000
Other Industrial	3	$830,000
Commercial/Retail	3	$625,000
Total	12	$28,205,000
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
Announced	2	$5,400,000
Completed	2	$1,250,000
Proposed	2	$19,900,000
Under Construction	6	$1,655,000
Total	12	$28,205,000
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 High River as of September 2006

Company Name	Project  Description	Project  Location	Project  Cost	Construction  Schedule	Status
Town of High River	Bob Snodgrass Recreation Centre Expansion	High River	$17,400,000	-	Proposed
Foothills Foundation	Addition to Medicine Tree Place (Supportive Living Units)	High River	$3,400,000	2006-2007	Announced
Town of High River	Highwood Memorial Centre Expansion / Upgrades	High River	$2,500,000	-	Proposed
High River United Church	Building Expansion	High River	$2,000,000	2006-2007	Announced
Alliance Church	Renovations / Addition	High River	$1,000,000	2006-2006	Completed
G.M. Mechanical Ltd.	Plumbing / Heating Shop	High River	$487,500	2006-2006	Under Construction
Living Waters (Group 2 Arch.)	Placement of Portables	Slave Lake	$450,000	2006-2006	Under Construction
G.M. Mechanical Ltd.	4 Bays	High River	$262,500	2006-2006	Under Construction
Hawk Properties	Building	High River	$250,000	2006-2006	Completed
Southshore Leisure & Building	Mini Storage Expansion	Slave Lake	$250,000	2006-2006	Under Construction