Picture Butte

picturebutte.ca

Welcome

It is with pleasure that I extend, on behalf of Picture Butte Town Council, a invitation for you to visit Picture Butte, the "Livestock Feeding Capital of Canada".

Located in the center of some of the largest cattle feeding operations in Canada, our industrial section offers prime location lots of various sizes suitable for a variety of uses.

Our location offers easy access to major highways leading south to the United States, west to British Columbia, north to Calgary or east to Saskatchewan. Existing business are committed and actively involved with the Picture Butte & District Chamber of Commerce to welcome new business into the community.

 Picture Butte offers its residents of all ages a quality lifestyle. Active service clubs and various sport associations offer a variety of activities for residents of all ages.

The potential for Picture Butte to grow and prosper looks good. So please come visit and see for yourself first-hand what Picture Butte has to offer.

Jon Stevens
Mayor of Picture Butte

Area Overview

Two historic events were largely responsible for the founding and development of Picture Butte - the building of the Lethbridge Northern Irrigation System in 1923 and the building of a railroad, which would provide access to markets, in 1925. These two events precipitated an influx of settlers from the dryland areas of Southern Alberta. A post office was opened in 1926 and the hamlet sprang to life. Another milestone was marked with the turning of sod for a sugar factory in 1935. The hamlet attained village status in 1943 and was incorporated as a town in 1960.

Today, Picture Butte has a population of 1,701, approximately 60 business establishments, excellent schools, churches of several denominations, medical and dental clinics, a modern hospital, two senior citizens' residences, a library and recreation complex.

 The Butte, after which Picture Butte was named, has long since disappeared in the name of progress, but, as the hub of an intensive livestock feeding and diversified farming area,the town continues to grow. Picture Butte has many attributes, among them a blending of cultures and an effervescent spirit that provides an atmosphere of neighbourly hometown living.

Climate

SEASONAL AVERAGES:
January -10.6 C ( 12.9 F)
April 4.8 C ( 40.6 F)
July 18.0 C (64.4F)
October 7.1 C (44.8 F)

ANNUAL PRECIPITATION:
Total 412.7 mm (16.2")
Rain: 252.1 mm ( 9.9")
Snow: 143.4 cm (56.5')

FROST FREE DAYS: 116

Community Services

MUNICIPAL: Town of Picture Butte Box 670 Picture Butte, Alberta T0K 1V0 Tel: 403-732-4555 Fax: 403-732-4334 Town of Picture Butte Public Works Recreation Municipal Library FEDERAL: Canada Post Royal Canadian Mounted Police



Town Office

Community Lifestyle

RECREATION:
Local recreation facilities include the North County Recreation Complex [curling, hockey, outdoor swimming pool], 2 beach volleyball courts, 2 tennis courts, an 27-hole golf course located 2 km west of town, and 2 ball diamonds [Harry Watson Memorial Ball Diamonds].

Nearby recreational areas include Lion's Park, Regional Park & Campground, and the 'Walk on the Wild Side' Nature Trail.

SERVICE CLUBS (see complete listing with contacts):
YOUTH SERVICE CLUBS
SERVICE CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS

RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS:

Trinity United Church

St. Catherine's Catholic Church

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Evangelical Free Church

Jehovah's Witness Kingdom Hall

Netherlands Reform

Picture Butte Mennonite Church

SPECIAL ANNUAL EVENTS / ATTRACTIONS:
For FULL calendar of events, please check out Picture Butte Calendar of Events

HOSPITALITY:
ACCOMMODATION:
Picture Butte Hotel

RESTAURANTS/ FOOD SERVICES:

  • Picture Butte Restaurant
  • M E Cafe & Lounge
  • Cactus Pub, Grill & Pizza
  • Picture Butte Golf Course Restaurant & Lounge (seasonal)
  • Eddie's Cuisine
  • Koster's Bakery/Deli
  • The Frosty Dip (seasonal)

Economic Base

The main economic base in Picture Butte is agriculture. The town is surrounded by agriculture and intensive livestock feeding operations.

Economic Facts

BUSINESS LISTING (Effective March 31, 2005). For complete listing information, please visit our website at

www.picturebutte.ca

 FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS:
Bank of Nova Scotia
ATB Financial

Education

Picture Butte is part of the Palliser Regional School Division #26, headquartered in Lethbridge [Tel: 403-328-4111].
Palliser Regional School Division

DAYCARE / NURSERIES:

  • Bible Story Time
  • Manna's Daycare
  • Picture Butte Pre-School

PUBLIC SCHOOLS:
Schools in Picture Butte include:
Dorothy Dalgliesh Elementary School [K-6] - 403-732-5636
Dorothy Dalgliesh School

Picture Butte High School [7-12] - 732-4404
Picture Butte High School

SEPARATE:
Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Separate School District # 4
St. Catherine's School [K-9] - 403-732-4359
St. Catherine's School

Emergency Services

FIRE PROTECTION:
Picture Butte has a 24-member volunteer fire department [Tel: 403-732-4100].

POLICE SERVICES:
Picture Butte is served by a detachment of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police [RCMP] [Tel: 403-732-4429].

AMBULANCE SERVICES:
The Town of Picture Butte has a volunteer ambulance service, offering Advanced Life Support / Basic Life Support.

Health Care

Decisions by the Chinook Health Region will change the town's traditional level of health care. Efforts of the Picture Butte Health Care Committee have resulted in the retention of a satisfactory level of service. In 2003, the Picture Butte Future Summit identified issued affecting health including Facilities and personnel; social issues; economic issues; need for community involvement and quality of life.

The town, the Chinook Health Region, Green Acres Foundation and Alberta Seniors have reached an agreement which will provide a level of service which will be envy of many municipalities. A wing of the Piyami Lodge is being renovated to house Urgent Care, Laboratory and X-ray services, Community Health and doctors offices. A new Supportive Housing annex is being added to the Lodge to replace 15 beds which will be lost when the primary care beds close in the old hospital.

The Picture Butte Integrated Care Society has been formed with representatives from the town and county as well as local physicians who will oversee operation of the Urgent Care, Lab and X-ray services and ensure that health care delivery meets the needs of the community.



Picture Butte Municipal Hospital

Key Contacts for Business Development

Municipal
Town of Picture Butte
Box 670 Picture Butte, Alberta
T0K 1V0

Jon Stevens
Mayor

Norm McInnis , CAO

Director - Operational Services
T. Pickard

Director - Corporate Services
A. Mortensen

Municipal Bylaw Enforcement Officer
R. Lagemaat

Chamber President
Chamber of Commerce

Provincial (Updated May 2006)
Alberta Economic Development
105, 200 5th Avenue South
Lethbridge, Alberta
T1J 4L1
Tel: 403-381-5414
Fax: 403-381-5741

Gerry Gibbons , Regional Manager

Mary Swanek , Client Service Representative

Barry McFarland
Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA)
Little Bow Constituency

Constituency Office
P.O. Box 231
111 Carman Street
Carmangay, AB
T0L 0N0
Phone: (403) 643-2077
Toll Free: 1-800-563-0917
Fax: (403) 643-2024
little.bow@assembly.ab.ca

Legislature Office
#410 Legislature Building
10800 - 97 Avenue
Edmonton, AB
T5K 2B6
Phone: (780) 427-0879
Fax: (780) 422-0351

Federal (Updated May 2006)
Lethbridge, Alberta
CASSON, Rick (Conservative)

Parliamentary Address
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6
Telephone: (613) 996-0633
Fax: (613) 995-5752
E-Mail: Casson.R@parl.gc.ca

Constituency Address
255 - 8th Street South
Lethbridge, Alberta
T1J 4Y1
Telephone: (403) 320-0070 1-877-327-0135
Fax: (403) 380-4026
TTY:
E-Mail: casson@rickcasson.com

Location

The Town of Picture Butte is located in the County of Lethbridge #26 , in southern Alberta. It is 30 km north of Lethbridge, 240 km southeast of Calgary, and 110 km north of the U.S. border [Coutts/Sweetgrass].



View of Picture Butte

Post Secondary Education

Picture Butte is within easy commuting distance of Lethbridge-based post-secondary institutions such as:

University of Lethbridge
Lethbridge Community College

Taxation

MILL RATES:
[2005) Residential - 15.0688
Non-Residential - 20.2356
Residential/Farmland Non-Residential
2005
Municipal Tax Rate 10.2755 12.7755
Education - Alberta School Foundation Fund Tax Rate 4.6642 7.3310
Education Opted Out Tax Rate 4.6642 7.3310
Seniors Lodge Accommodation Tax Rate .1291 .1291

Transportation

AIR SERVICE:
The Lethbridge County Airport is the nearest commercial and air freight service, located 30 km south of Picture Butte.

HIGHWAYS:
The main connecting highway is Highway 25, which connects to Lethbridge. It is approximately 30 km to Highway 3 and Highway 4, and 30 km to Highway 2.

TRUCKING FIRMS: Various local firms provide transport services for cattle, grain and miscellaneous use.

COURIERS: Serviced by a variety of local, provincial, and national courier companies.

Utilities

ELECTRICAL:
Aquila
Tel: 1 800 667-2354

NATURAL GAS:
Atco
424 Highway Avenue North
Picture Butte, Alberta
Tel: 403-732-5626

TELEPHONE:
Telus
808 - 4th. Avenue, South
Lethbridge, Alberta
T1J 0P2
Tel: 403-329-5911

WATER SUPPLY:
The source of water is the Keho Lake via a canal to the Picture Butte Lake Reservoir. The residential water usage rate is a flat fee of $55.00 per two-

WASTE MANAGEMENT:
The Transfer Station is open Tuesday and Wednesday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm and on Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. For detailed information look under Services on our website.
Phone number is (403) 732-5757.

The usage rate for garbage collection is a flat fee of $22.50.

Lethbridge Regional Waste Management provides is a recycling trailer available for public use.

Population

Total Population    
Population 2004* 1,701
Population 2003* 1,701
Population 2002* 1,701
Population 2001** 1,705
Population 2000* 1,669
Population 1996** 1,669
Population 1991** 1,559
Population % change 1991-1996 6.59%
Population % change 1996-2001 1.88%
* 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 70 70 140 75 45 120
Age 5 - 14 135 120 255 120 120 240
Age 15 - 19 55 65 120 70 65 135
Age 20 - 24 60 45 105 55 55 110
Age 25 - 34 115 90 205 95 90 185
Age 35 - 44 120 130 250 100 110 210
Age 45 - 54 80 85 165 110 110 220
Age 55 - 64 65 75 140 80 75 155
Age 65 - 74 70 70 140 75 80 155
Age 75 and older 55 80 135 65 95 160
Total All Persons 830 840 1,670 850 850 1,700
Source: Statistics Canada 1996 & 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Picture Butte Population by Age Group (2001)

Education Statistics

Highest level of schooling for Population 20yrs and older  2001 
People without high school certificates 440 38.43%
People with high school certificates 125 10.92%
People with trades or non-university certificate or diploma 265 23.14%
People with post-secondary education (not completed) 140 12.23%
People with university diploma/certificate 10 0.87%
People with university degree 155 13.54%
Total Population 20 years and older 1,145 100.00%
Source: Statistics Canada 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Picture Butte Highest Level of Schooling 2001


Population with Post Secondary Qualifications  1996  2001 
Agriculture and biological sciences 45 10.34% 30 6.82%
Commerce, management and business administration 50 11.49% 65 14.77%
Educational, recreational and counseling services 95 21.84% 80 18.18%
Engineering and applied science tech. and trades 95 21.84% 110 25.00%
Engineering and applied sciences 20 4.60% 10 2.27%
Fine and applied arts 40 9.20% 40 9.09%
Health professionals, science and technologies 35 8.05% 50 11.36%
Humanities and related fields 10 2.30% 10 2.27%
Mathematics and physical sciences 10 2.30% 10 2.27%
Social sciences and related fields 15 3.45% 30 6.82%
Other and/or no specialization 0 0.00% 0 0.00%
Total people with post secondary qualifications 435 100.00% 440 100.00%
Females with post-secondary qualifications 185 42.53% 195 44.32%
Males with post-secondary qualifications 250 57.47% 245 55.68%
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 850 785
Not in the labour force, both sexes 375 490
Total population 15 and over 1,225 1,275
Employed, both sexes 800 770
Unemployed, both sexes 50 15
Participation rate, both sexes 69.00% 62.00%
Unemployment rate, both sexes 6.00% 2.00%
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 135 16.07% 195 25.00%
Mining 0 0.00% 10 1.28%
Manufacturing 60 7.14% 60 7.69%
Construction 75 8.93% 80 10.26%
Transportation. & Utilities 45 5.36% 55 7.05%
Retail and Wholesale 185 22.02% 150 19.23%
Finance 40 4.76% 20 2.56%
Business & Community Services 230 27.38% 205 26.28%
Public Administration 30 3.57% 10 1.28%
Total All Industries 840 100.00% 780 100.00%
Source: Statistics Canada 1996 & 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Picture Butte Labour Force By Industry - 2001


 
Labour Force by Major Occupational Groups  1996  2001 
Management occupations 45 5.36% 70 8.97%
Business, Finances and administrative occupations 160 19.05% 100 12.82%
Natural and applied sciences and related occupations 10 1.19% 0 0.00%
Health occupations 25 2.98% 30 3.85%
Occupations in social science; education; government and religion 65 7.74% 60 7.69%
Occupations in art; culture; recreation and sport 15 1.79% 10 1.28%
Sales and service occupations 210 25.00% 140 17.95%
Trades; transport; equipment operators and related occupations 150 17.86% 140 17.95%
Occupations unique to primary industry 115 13.69% 170 21.79%
Occupations unique to processing; manufacturing and utilities 50 5.95% 60 7.69%
Occupations not elsewhere classified 10 1.19% 10 1.28%
Total - All Occupations (major groups) 840 100.00% 780 100.00%
Females - All Occupations 365 43.45% 330 42.31%
Males - All Occupations 475 56.55% 450 57.69%
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 40 10.81% 60 14.63%
$20,000 - $39,999 155 41.89% 160 39.02%
$40,000 - $59,999 80 21.62% 60 14.63%
$60,000 and over 95 25.68% 155 37.80%
Total number of families 370 100.00% 435 106.10%
Average family income $48,144   $56,843  
Median family income $37,908   $44,049  
Source: Statistics Canada 1996 & 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Household Income (Number of Households)  1996  2001 
less than $19,999 150 25.42% 110 18.03%
$20,000 - $39,999 200 33.90% 230 37.70%
$40,000 - $59,999 135 22.88% 80 13.11%
$60,000 and over 25 4.24% 190 31.15%
Total number of households 590 100.00% 610 100.00%
Average household income $40,604   $49,869  
Median household income $33,910   $38,031  
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 $5,546,275 37.71% $7,321,421 37.65%
Clothing $971,470 6.61% $1,277,395 6.57%
Education and Reading materials $276,810 1.88% $446,030 2.29%
Health and Personal care $934,965 6.36% $1,356,313 6.98%
Hshld. operationas and furnishings $1,601,010 10.89% $2,142,287 11.02%
Recreation $1,099,760 7.48% $1,684,263 8.66%
Transportation $3,050,280 20.74% $3,546,272 18.24%
Miscellaneous $1,219,670 8.29% $1,670,761 8.59%
Total Current Consumption $14,706,200 100.00% $19,444,742 100.00%
Total # of Households 540   593  
Average Consumption per Household $27,234   $32,790  
Source: Statistics Canada Family Expenditure Survey 1992 & 1996 (numbers may not add up due to rounding).

Picture Butte Family Expenditures (1996)

Building Permits

Total Building Permit Values  2001  2002  2003  2004  2005 
Building Permits Value, Commercial $27,000 $110,000 $30,000 $33,000 $90,000
Building Permits Value, Industrial $228,000 $43,000 $15,000 $0 $0
Building Permits Value, Institutional $58,000 $0 $0 $1,401,000 $16,000
Building Permits Value, Residential $366,000 $440,000 $1,165,000 $339,000 $137,000
Building Permits Value, Total $679,000 $593,000 $1,210,000 $1,773,000 $243,000
Total Housing Starts 3 4 1 3 1
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 0 0.00% 15 2.46%
Detached Duplexes 0 0.00% 10 1.64%
Movable Dwellings 45 7.63% 50 8.20%
Other single attached house 0 0.00% 5 0.82%
Row and semi-detached house 50 8.47% 35 5.74%
Single-detached house 500 84.75% 495 81.15%
Total number of occupied private dwellings 590 100.00% 610 100.00%
Private dwellings, owned 455 77.12% 435 71.31%
Private Dwellings, rented 140 23.73% 170 27.87%
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 70 11.67%
Period of construction, 1946 - 1960 125 20.83%
Period of construction, 1961 - 1970 90 15.00%
Period of construction, 1971 - 1980 165 27.50%
Period of construction, 1981 - 1990 90 15.00%
Period of construction, 1991 - 2001 60 10.00%
Total number of private dwellings constructed 600 100.00%
Source: Statistics Canada 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Projects

Summary of Projects in Picture Butte as of September 2006

Project Sector  Number of Projects  Project Cost 
Institutional  $4,500,000 
Infrastructure  $1,340,000 
Total $5,840,000 
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   $4,500,000 
Proposed   $1,340,000 
Total $5,840,000 
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 Picture Butte as of September 2006

Company Name  Project 
Description 
Project 
Location 
Project 
Cost 
Construction 
Schedule 
Status 
Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation*  Expansion / Modernization  Picture Butte  $4,500,000  2006-2007  Announced  
Town of Picture Butte  SHORT TERM INFRASTRUCTURE WORK  Picture Butte  $1,340,000  Proposed  

 

 

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