Swan Hills

www.townofswanhills.com

Welcome

Swan Hills Alberta

In 1967 with a population of 850, Swan Hills was the first centennial town in Canada to be incorporated. This community began as a camp for the new oil discovery in the Swan Hills. Through ups and downs, a small community of less than 100 became a thriving town of over 1800.

At an elevation of close to 4000 feet, overlooking hectare after hectare of forest, with several lakes and an ecological reserve in our "backyard," we consider our community a Wilderness Playground. Our spectacular outdoor recreation opportunities are complemented by our indoor facilities, including a salt water indoor swimming pool with hot tub and steam room, modern community center with a professional catering kitchen , 3-sheet curling rink, and ice area for hockey, figure skating and ice skating.

Originally sited to serve the extensive oilfield activity in the region, Swan Hills continues to thrive as a service centre to regional oil and gas exploration and production. The forestry industry and Canada's first fully integrated special waste treatment centre are also served by our community whose population now exceeds 1800 people.

On behalf of the residents of Swan Hills, we welcome your interest and look forward to assisting with your inquiries.

Gary Pollock
Mayor of Swan Hills



Area Overview

Native legend describes giant swans whose thundering wings can often be heard in the hilly forested terrain in west-central Alberta. The steep hills, dense forest and muskeg were deterrents to homesteaders; leaving the Swan Hills to the animals and the occasional trapper. The Swan Hills was an area that remained in isolation until the discovery of oil.

The Town of Swan Hills was named after the area in which it is found. The Town of Swan Hills was incorporated in 1967: approximately 10 years after oil deposits were first discovered. The town site was intended to serve the surrounding industry activity and today continues to thrive in the predominantly resource-based economy. Business activity reflects the economy with a number of service-to-industry companies. The downtown sector is active with retail, hospitality and financial services. Its unique setting on a hillside almost 4000 feet high, adds an extra feature to doing business in "the Hills".

Climate

The economic base of the region is oil and gas. All told, the Swan Hills area has nearly 2,000 oil and gas wells which have, in recent years, been yielding a total of 260,000 barrels of oil and 250 million cubic feet of gas daily. The tourism industry and Canada's first fully integrated special waste management centre also provide a strong economic base for the area.

Community Lifestyle

Recreation in Swan Hills.

The Town of Swan Hills maintains 6 campgrounds within a 25 km radius of town. Trapper Leas’ Campground is a historical site, that allows the camper to access ATV and Snowmobile trails directly from the campground. More adventurous campers will winter camp and snowmobile from the campground to the town for lunch.
Edith Lake and Chrystina are peaceful spots that are more rustic. You will not find a water pump there but you will find a beautiful view and solitude.
The Krause Lake Recreation Area is located just minutes south of Town off Hwy 32, adjacent to the Swan Hills Golf Course. Group camping is available. The Swan Hills area is tremendous country for cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and quadding. Countless miles of cleared cutlines lead to fascinating wilderness splendor amid tall pines and spruce. Also, year round, the unique flora and fauna of the nearby Goose Mountain Ecological Reserve is a natural wonder home to over 16 plants that are rare in Alberta.

In town recreational amenities in Swan Hills include an indoor swimming pool with hot tub, arena [renovated in 1998], a new 3-sheet curling rink (1999), community centre [400 person capacity – a professional catering kitchen], a lighted toboggan hill, 4 ball diamonds (1 baseball, 3 slow pitch). The Swan Hills Dirt Riders maintain a motocross track giving all riders young and old a chance to try their skill. Each year the club hosts a sanctioned race drawing riders from a crossed Alberta.

Camp right in Town at the Four Seasons Campground or at any of the following nearby campgrounds: Chrystina Lake, Edith Lake, Freeman River, Freeman Lake, Trapper Lea's Recreation Area.
Municipal

Town of Swan Hills
5536 Main Street, P.O. Box 149
Swan Hills, Alberta
T0G 2C0
Tel: 780-333-4477
Fax: 780-333-4547

Municipal Library 780-333-4505
Public Works 780-333-2815
FCSS 780-333-7099
YES 780-333-4404
SHARE 780-333-2855

Provincial

Fish & Wildlife
Forest District Office
Provincial Court
Transportation and Utilities

Federal

Canada Post Office 780-333-2691
Royal Canadian Mounted Police 780-333-4459

Economic Base

The provincial special waste treatment centre just north of Swan Hills is North America's first comprehensive special waste treatment facility. The $50 million centre has the capacity to treat 15,000 tons of waste per year.

Major Businesses Products/Services

  • Devon Canada Corporation, Oil and Gas
  • Apache Canada Ltd., Oil and Gas
  • Conoco Canada Resourses Ltd., Oil and Gas
  • Pengrowth Gas Corporation, Oil and Gas
  • Pembina Pipeline Corp. Oil and Gas
  • Penn West Petroleum Oil and Gas

Financial Institutions

  • Alberta Treasury Branch

Economic Facts

Hospitality

Accommodation

  • Derrick Motor Inn
  • Grizzly Motel
  • Hillcrest Motel
  • Swan Hills Hotel

Restaurants

  • Sammy's Restaurant
  • The Burger Baron
  • Swan Palace Restaurant
  • Swan Hills Hotel Family Restaurant

Education

Swan Hills is part of the Pembina Hills Regional School Division #7, headquartered in Barrhead [Tel: 780-674-8500].

Nursery Schools

Swan Hills Nursery School

Public Schools

Swan Hills School provides education services for Grades K to 12.

Emergency Services

Fire Protection

Swan Hills is served by a 20 member volunteer fire department. These personnel although volunteers are well disciplined and well trained. [Administration Office 780-333-4811 EMERGENCY #780-333-2255 or 911].

Police Services

Swan Hills is served by a 3 member local detachment of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police [RCMP] [Tel: 780-333-4459].

Ambulance Services

Ambulance services (land and air) are available [Administration No. 780-333-4811; EMERGENCY NO. 780-333-2255 or 911].

Health Care

Swan Hills Health Care Centre has 24 hospital beds. Other medical services include the Aspen Health Unit, a dental clinic, a medical clinic, and other medical support services.

Key Contacts for Business Development

Municipal

Town of Swan Hills
Town Manager, Hilda Price
5536 Main Street, P.O. Box 149
Swan Hills, Alberta
T0G 2C0
Tel: 780-333-4477
Fax: 780-333-4547
manager@townofswanhills.com

Economic Development Officer, Joan Kuntz
Tel: 780-333-4477
PO Box 149
Swan Hills, AB
T0G 2C0
town@townofswanhills.com

Gary Pollock
Mayor
5536 Main Street, P.O. Box 149
Swan Hills, Alberta
T0G 2C0
Tel: 780-333-4477
Fax: 780-333-4547

Swan Hills Chamber of Commerce
Tel: 780-333-4477

Provincial (Updated May 2006)

Alberta Economic Development
Cathy Goulet, Regional Director
cathy.goulet@gov.ab.ca
Christine Lockhart, Information Officer
chris.lockhart@gov.ab.ca

111 Provincial Building
111 - 54 Street
Edson, Alberta
T7E 1T2
Tel: 780-723-8229
Fax: 780-723-8240

Ken Kowalski
Member of the Legislative Assembly [MLA]
Barrhead-Westlock Constituency

Constituency Office
5110 - 50 Avenue
Barrhead
T7N 1A4
Phone: (780) 674-3225
Fax: (780) 674-6183
barrheadmorinvillewestlock@assembly.ab.ca

Legislature Office
#325 Legislature Building
10800 - 97 Avenue
Edmonton
T5K 2B6
Phone: (780) 427-2464
Fax: (780) 422-9553

Federal (Updated May 2006)

Robert Merrifield
Member of Parliament [MP]
Yellowhead Constituency

Parliamentary Address
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6
Telephone: (613) 992-1653
Fax: (613) 992-3459
E-Mail: Merrifield.R@parl.gc.ca

Constituency Address
119 - 50th Street, PO Box 7887
Edson, Alberta
T7E 1V9
Telephone: (780) 723-6068 1-800-268-7117
Fax: (780) 723-5060
TTY:
E-Mail:
5023 - 50 Avenue, P.O. Box 1495
Whitecourt, Alberta
T7S 1P3
Telephone: (780) 706-2067
Fax: (780) 706-2085
TTY:
E-Mail:

Location

The Town of Swan Hills is located in Improvement District #17, at the junction of Highways 32 and 33. It is 72 km north of Whitecourt, 209 km northwest of Edmonton, and 503 km northwest of Calgary.

The Town Of Swan Hills Is The Closest Community To The Geographical Center Of Alberta.





Post Secondary Education

The Swan Hills campus of Northern Lakes College offers a variety of educational opportunities. The Swan Hills campus is a Communication Access Point (CAP) site with fully integrated video conference courses available with seven Alberta Universities and Colleges. Northern Lakes has recently partnered with Education 2 Go to bring more choices to students. You know can take an online class and work toward the degree you always wanted. Set aside some time to check out the courses.

Taxation

Residential/Farmland Non-Residential
2005
Municipal Tax Rate 16.2327 20.4312
Education - Alberta School Foundation Fund Tax Rate 4.6173 6.9349

Mill Rates [2000]

Residential - Public 29.31
Residential - Separate N/A
Non-Residential - Public 28.93
Non-Residential - Separate N/A

Transportation

Air Service

M.D. of Big Lakes
Box 239
High Prairie, AB
T0G 1E0
Phone: 780-523-5955
Swan Hills Airport has all-weather facilities and a 5,000 foot lighted, asphalt landing strip. The nearest commercial and air freight service is available at Edmonton International Airport, 209 km southeast of town.

Rail Service

The nearest spur is at Whitecourt [Canadian National Railways].

Highways

Connecting highways are Highway 32, which connects with Whitecourt going south and Highway 33 to Slave Lake via Highway 2 going north. Highway 33 [Grizzly Trail] connects with Barrhead going south.
Trucking Firms

Bus Services

Greyhound Bus Lines provides regularly scheduled inter-community service. Courier services can be found at Couriers and Taxis

The local taxi service is provided by Twilight Taxi.

Utilities

Electrical Power

Direct Energy (electric)
Plaza Avenue
Swan Hills, Alberta
Tel: 780-333-4345

Natural Gas

Direct Energy (natural gas)
Plaza Avenue
Swan Hills, Alberta
Tel: 780-333-2664

Telephone

Telus Communications Ltd.
Swan Hills, Alberta
Tel: 780-333-4500

Water Supply

Town of Swan Hills
Swan Hills, Alberta
Tel: 780-333-4477

The source of water is the Freeman Lake. The reservoir capacity, measured in treated substance, is 800,000 gallons.

Waste Management

Town of Swan Hills
Swan Hills, Alberta
Tel: 780-333-4477
Sewage treatment is provided by 4 anaerobic ponds, 1 facultative pond and 5 storage ponds.

Residential garbage is collected weekly by the Town of Swan Hills, while commercial and industrial garbage is also collected weekly or as required by independent contractors.

Population

Total Population    
Population 2004* 1,807
Population 2003* 1,807
Population 2002* 1,807
Population 2001** 1,805
Population 2000* 2,030
Population 1996** 2,030
Population 1991** 2,348
Population % change 1991-1996 -15.67%
Population % change 1996-2001 -12.34%
* 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 95 200 75 75 150
Age 5 - 14 230 225 455 180 165 345
Age 15 - 19 75 70 145 90 90 180
Age 20 - 24 75 50 125 70 50 120
Age 25 - 34 225 200 425 155 145 300
Age 35 - 44 230 190 420 200 165 365
Age 45 - 54 105 85 190 120 105 225
Age 55 - 64 30 15 45 50 30 80
Age 65 - 74 5 5 10 10 10 20
Age 75 and older 5 0 5 5 10 15
Total All Persons 1,085 945 2,030 960 845 1,805
Source: Statistics Canada 1996 & 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Swan Hills Population by Age Group (2001)

Education Statistics

Highest level of schooling for Population 20yrs and older  2001  % 
People without high school certificates 305 27.35%
People with high school certificates 210 18.83%
People with trades or non-university certificate or diploma 395 35.43%
People with post-secondary education (not completed) 150 13.45%
People with university diploma/certificate 25 2.24%
People with university degree 30 2.69%
Total Population 20 years and older 1,115 100.00%
Source: Statistics Canada 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Swan Hills Highest Level of Schooling 2001


Population with Post Secondary Qualifications  1996  %  2001  % 
Agriculture and biological sciences 35 6.31% 10 2.17%
Commerce, management and business administration 140 25.23% 95 20.65%
Educational, recreational and counseling services 65 11.71% 30 6.52%
Engineering and applied science tech. and trades 220 39.64% 205 44.57%
Engineering and applied sciences 20 3.60% 0 0.00%
Fine and applied arts 10 1.80% 0 0.00%
Health professionals, science and technologies 20 3.60% 50 10.87%
Humanities and related fields 10 1.80% 0 0.00%
Mathematics and physical sciences 10 1.80% 15 3.26%
Social sciences and related fields 10 1.80% 15 3.26%
Other and/or no specialization 0 0.00% 0 0.00%
Total people with post secondary qualifications 555 100.00% 460 100.00%
Females with post-secondary qualifications 230 41.44% 185 40.22%
Males with post-secondary qualifications 325 58.56% 275 59.78%
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 1,090 1,025
Not in the labour force, both sexes 280 280
Total population 15 and over 1,370 1,310
Employed, both sexes 1,045 970
Unemployed, both sexes 40 60
Participation rate, both sexes 79.00% 78.00%
Unemployment rate, both sexes 3.00% 6.00%
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 10 0.93% 10 0.98%
Mining 325 30.09% 325 31.71%
Manufacturing 15 1.39% 20 1.95%
Construction 40 3.70% 80 7.80%
Transportation. & Utilities 230 21.30% 105 10.24%
Retail and Wholesale 120 11.11% 120 11.71%
Finance 35 3.24% 30 2.93%
Business & Community Services 250 23.15% 335 32.68%
Public Administration 20 1.85% 25 2.44%
Total All Industries 1,080 100.00% 1,025 100.00%
Source: Statistics Canada 1996 & 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Swan Hills Labour Force By Industry - 2001


 
Labour Force by Major Occupational Groups  1996  %  2001  % 
Management occupations 80 7.41% 115 11.22%
Business, Finances and administrative occupations 135 12.50% 125 12.20%
Natural and applied sciences and related occupations 65 6.02% 55 5.37%
Health occupations 10 0.93% 20 1.95%
Occupations in social science; education; government and religion 60 5.56% 15 1.46%
Occupations in art; culture; recreation and sport 10 0.93% 10 0.98%
Sales and service occupations 230 21.30% 205 20.00%
Trades; transport; equipment operators and related occupations 165 15.28% 235 22.93%
Occupations unique to primary industry 120 11.11% 185 18.05%
Occupations unique to processing; manufacturing and utilities 195 18.06% 70 6.83%
Occupations not elsewhere classified 10 0.93% 10 0.98%
Total - All Occupations (major groups) 1,080 100.00% 1,025 100.00%
Females - All Occupations 400 37.04% 400 39.02%
Males - All Occupations 680 62.96% 625 60.98%
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 8.16% 65 16.88%
$20,000 - $39,999 60 12.24% 80 20.78%
$40,000 - $59,999 120 24.49% 100 25.97%
$60,000 and over 270 55.10% 185 48.05%
Total number of families 490 100.00% 430 111.69%
Average family income $61,503   $65,765  
Median family income $62,740   $62,848  
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 50 7.46% 55 8.80%
$20,000 - $39,999 130 19.40% 125 20.00%
$40,000 - $59,999 195 29.10% 145 23.20%
$60,000 and over 105 15.67% 290 46.40%
Total number of households 670 100.00% 625 100.00%
Average household income $56,343   $65,049  
Median household income $56,559   $59,235  
Source: Statistics Canada 1996 & 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Building Permits

Total Building Permit Values  2001  2002  2003  2004  2005 
Building Permits Value, Commercial $5,000 $363,000 $20,000 $155,000 $40,000
Building Permits Value, Industrial $253,000 $0 $30,000 $225,000 $0
Building Permits Value, Institutional $118,000 $0 $2,000 $85,000 $0
Building Permits Value, Residential $33,000 $54,000 $35,000 $9,000 $362,000
Building Permits Value, Total $409,000 $417,000 $87,000 $474,000 $402,000
Total Housing Starts 0 0 0 0 3
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 50 7.46% 50 8.00%
Detached Duplexes 0 0.00% 0 0.00%
Movable Dwellings 175 26.12% 20 3.20%
Other single attached house 0 0.00% 5 0.80%
Row and semi-detached house 65 9.70% 65 10.40%
Single-detached house 380 56.72% 490 78.40%
Total number of occupied private dwellings 670 100.00% 625 100.00%
Private dwellings, owned 325 48.51% 400 64.00%
Private Dwellings, rented 345 51.49% 230 36.80%
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 10 1.61%
Period of construction, 1946 - 1960 0 0.00%
Period of construction, 1961 - 1970 105 16.94%
Period of construction, 1971 - 1980 255 41.13%
Period of construction, 1981 - 1990 220 35.48%
Period of construction, 1991 - 2001 30 4.84%
Total number of private dwellings constructed 620 100.00%
Source: Statistics Canada 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Projects

Summary of Projects in Swan Hills as of September 2006

Project Sector  Number of Projects  Project Cost 
Commercial/Retail  3  $1,500,000 
Total 3  $1,500,000 
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 
Under Construction   3  $1,500,000 
Total 3  $1,500,000 
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 Swan Hills as of September 2006

Company Name  Project 
Description 		 Project 
Location 		 Project 
Cost 		 Construction 
Schedule 		 Status 
Norstar Glass  CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW OILFIELD SUPPLY AND SERVICE STORE  Swan Hills  $500,000  2006-2007  Under Construction  
Syros Restaurant  CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW MOTEL AND RV PARK  Swan Hills  $500,000  2006-2007  Under Construction  
TJM Oilfeild Services  CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW RETAIL TIRE SHOP  Swan Hills  $500,000  2006-2007  Under Construction  

 

 

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