Three Hills

www.threehills.ca

Welcome

To the Town of Three Hills!

Three Hills Vision for our Community – We envision a future full of promise in a thriving, hospitable community that offers continuing economic opportunity and excellent amenities.

 



Aerial Photo of the Town of Three Hills

Area Overview

The Town of Three Hills was named after three prominent hills located north of the town. The entire community was moved to its present site on the Canadian Northern Railway (CNR) in 1912 and was incorporated as a village in the same year.

The first settlers were ranchers who freighted their supplies from Didsbury, 48 miles (77.3 kilometers) east. Early ranchers were: Arthur Evans, Fred Brandly, and R.E. Morgan. The second wave of settlers to the area after the ranchers were mixed farmers. As homesteaders settled the region, Three Hills became a major service centre for the large wheat growing area.

In 1922, the Prairie Bible Institute was established on land north of the village limits. In time, the institute grew to a campus of 120 acres (48.6 hectares) in size with an enrolment of over 1,000 students.

In 1983 the town annexed a large area surrounding the town site, including the small hamlet of Grantville. This increased the population of Three Hills to more than 2,000 people. In 1984, the town expanded yet again to include the Prairie Bible Institute and Ruarkville, which increased the population to 3,375.

Recently, the town council has developed a business plan geared towards growth in population. The current population is 3,554 with a trading population of 11,000. Agriculture is the primary industry in the area followed by oil and gas production. The municipality also produces approximately 6.3 per cent of Alberta's wheat, 10 per cent of the barley, 3.9 per cent of the canola, 11.63 per cent of the poultry, 7.7 per cent of the hogs and 2.11 per cent of the dairy.

ALBERTA, THE BEST PLACE TO WORK, LIVE AND DO BUSINESS

The province of Alberta is a leader in the Canadian economy. Alberta has had the fastest growing economy in Canada over the past two decades, with real GDP growth averaging 3.7 percent per year. Highlighting Alberta's success in the past year is:

  • Over $73.2 billion in international exports of goods and services (2004)
  • Manufacturing shipments of $52.6 billion (2004)
  • Creation of 40,000 new jobs in 2004 and 433,900 between 1994 and 2004
  • Over $103 billion in major capital projects are proposed, announced, under construction or recently completed (2004)
Source:Alberta Economic Development

ALBERTA'S POSITIVE BUSINESS CLIMATE
  • 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 competitive business community
  • A fiscally responsible government that has eliminated its provincial debt, demonstrating to investors the business-like attitude of the government
  • A highly skilled, educated and motivated workforce that is the most productive in Canada.

Source: Alberta Economic Development

TOWN OF THREE HILLS COUNCIL

(left to right) Top: Council Member Len Schafer, Council Member Jim McIlhargey,
Deputy Mayor Ron Wilson, Council Member Rob Naylor. Bottom: Council Member Steve Klenk,
Mayor Kevin Edwards, Council Member Heather Pliva.

Climate

AVERAGE TEMPERATURES

 

January
Maximum temperature = -6.3 Celsius
Minimum temperature = -16.7 Celsius

July
Maximum temperature = 23.5 Celsius
Minimum temperature = 9.9 Celsius

Annual precipitation = 461.9mm

Source: Environment Canada

Community Services

BUSINESS SUPPORT SERVICES

 

Wild Rose Economic Development Corporation is a career center for employers and employees, small business assistance, financing and referral.

Box 2159
2nd Floor, 203 3rd Avenue
Hilton Plaza Strathmore, Alberta T1P 1K2
1-888-881-9675
(403) 934-6488 phone (403) 934-6492 fax
Email: wildrose@wildrose.ab.ca
Website: gowildrose.com

Alberta Human Resources and Employment is a provincial department that focuses on people skills and the workplace. They provide a broad range of service to both employees and employers.

Human Resources and Skills Development Canada is a federal department that provides a broad range of services for employees and employers.

Three Hills and District Chamber of Commerce
Sharmagne Ray
Post Office Box 277
Three Hills, Alberta T0M 2A0
1 (403) 443-2223

Community Lifestyle

RECREATION AND TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

 

Three Hills Golf
9 hole course with different tee locations for back 9 * Grass driving range * Practice putting green and sand-trap * Clubhouse with event hosting capabilities * Licensed * Beautiful irrigated fairways and campground.

Three Hills Recreational Park and Campground
The Three Hills Recreational Park and Campground is open from May to October, has 34 camp-sites, and shower/washroom facilities.

Kneehill Historical Society Museum
A Pioneer Museum and Tourist Information Centre. Open May 1st to September 30th annually.

The Three Hills Municipal Library
The Library has a wide array of books, magazines, videos, and books on tape, as well as, internet access.

Guzoo
Animal Rescue and Sanctuary. A Family owned and operated petting zoo, Guzoo provides a hand-on wildlife experience.

Aquatic Centre
Curling Rink
Three Hills Soccer Centre
Three Hills Arts Academy

ANNUAL COMMUNITY EVENTS

 

Street Freaks Cruise Night

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Town of Three Hills Annual Parade

For more information regarding up-and-coming Community Events, visit the Town Website.

RESTAURANTS

Accommodations

Education

Three Hills is part of the Golden Hills Regional Division No. 75.

Three Hills School is one of the largest schools in the Golden Hills #75 School Division, and one of a few schools that offers a continuous program of education from kindergarten to grade 12. The population of our school is approximately 550 students.

Prairie Christian Academy is a public alternate status school with an evangelical Christian program in the Golden Hills #75 School Division. The school has a K – 12 enrolment of approximately 360 students operating as two campuses: K – 7 in the elementary building and 8 – 12 in the high school building. Prairie Christian Academy also operates a dormitory for grade 10 – 12 students with a population of approximately sixty students.

 

In 2002/2003 Alberta spent $8,800 to education a student and the student to teacher ratio was just under 18.

Source: Culture, Tourism and Centre for Education Statistics, Summary Public School Indicators for the Provinces and Territories, 1996-97 – 2002-03 (Statistics Canada)

Health Care

Three Hills belongs to the David Thompson Regional Health Authority.

Hospital care is available at Three Hills Health Centre
(403) 443-2444
Box 340, 1504 - 2 St.
North Three Hills, AB T0M 2A0

There is a 48-bed hospital, several doctors, a health unit, dental clinic, optometrist and chiropractor as well as counselling services and a long-term care facility.

Key Contacts for Business Development

Mayor
Kevin Edwards

Member of the Legislative Assembly
 Mr. Richard Marz (PC)
MLA for Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills

Constituency Office
P.O. Box 3807
#3, 4530 - 49 Avenue
Olds, AB T4H 1P5
Phone: (403) 556-3132
Fax: (403) 556-3120
oldsdidsbury.threehills@assembly.ab.ca

Legislature Office
#639 Legislature Annex
9718 - 107 Street
Edmonton, AB T5K 1E4
Phone: (780) 415-0994
Fax: (780) 415-0951

Member of Parliament
Crowfoot, Alberta
SORENSON, Kevin (Conservative)

Parliamentary Address
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A6
Telephone: (613) 947-4608
Fax: (613) 947-4611
E-Mail: Sorenson.K@parl.gc.ca

Constituency Address
4945 - 50th Street
Camrose, Alberta T4V 1P9
Telephone: (780) 608-4600 1-800-665-4358
Fax: (780) 608-4603

Location

Located in just about the center of the region bounded by Airdrie, Olds, Stettler, Drumheller & Strathmore, Three Hills is the largest commercial community in the County. Although the town is in a very prosperous agricultural district, it was primarily the discovery of coal that helped get the community off its feet. Today farming is still the mainstay while the discovery of oil and gas has shed a new light on the future growth and Development of Three Hills.

Post Secondary Education

BUILDING FUTURES
 

Three Hills is part of the Wild Rose Region. With internationally recognized post-secondary institutions, the Wild Rose Region is attracting students from around the world.

For information on Educational Opportunities in close proximity to Three Hills visit the corresponding websites:

Distant Learning

Tel: 403-263-6465

OTHER EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES within close proximity are:

Prairie Bible Institute offers a wide range of programs, including ministry, aviation, drama, wilderness leadership and music, to students from over 20 countries around the world. Students can earn a one-year certificate or a four-year degree.
Covenant Bible College is an eight-month program of Christian discipleship. The Strathmore campus is one of three campuses, with the other two located in Colorado and Ecuador.

Rosebud School of the Arts offers a unique blend of practical and theoretical training in the performing arts. In addition to the arts program, Rosebud provides apprenticeship programs in the hospitality industry

The Kneehill Adult Learning Society offers a valuable assortment of courses throughout the year to help adults upgrade their skills.

Taxation

Residential/Farmland Non-Residential
2005
Municipal Tax Rate 11.1129 11.1129
Education - Alberta School Foundation Fund Tax Rate 4.4317 6.6937
Seniors Lodge Accommodation Tax Rate .0134 .0134

Transportation

AIR SERVICE

The Three Hills Municipal Airport: is located approximately one mile east of the town of Three Hills. It has a 3,000 foot paved and lighted runway, a parallel taxiway, and a paved aircraft parking area with tiedowns. Avgas is available and the cost is very competitive. The terminal has a payphone, restroom, and room to relax. Land is available for interested aircraft owners to lease for hangar construction. The airport is listed in the Canada Flight Supplement.


The airport is home to the Prairie School of Mission Aviation (PSMA), a ministry of Prairie Bible Institute. PSMA was established in 1992 to train highly skilled and responsible pilots for Christian Missions and humanitarian work around the world. Three Hills is an ideal location for the school, close to major centres for training in complex environments, the Rocky Mountains are nearby for mountain and survival training, and numerous unpaved strips in the area are employed in advanced training. Southern Alberta's typically sunny weather allows flying throughout the year. As time and resources permit, the school also occasionally trains local residents who are interested in obtaining a pilot's license. PSMA enjoys a solid reputation with Transport Canada, with flight and written test scores significantly higher than national and regional averages.

Red Deer Regional Airport: Built during World War II, The Red Deer Regional Airport was an Air Force training base until the City of Red Deer took over operation in 1965. Later, The ownership of the airport was taken over on September 1st, 1999 by the Red Deer Regional Airport Authority, which includes the City of Red Deer, Red Deer County and the Red Deer Chamber of Commerce as stakeholders.

The nearest commercial and airfreight services are at Calgary International Airport

HIGHWAYS

For manufacturers and producers who need assistance to determine the most cost-effective and efficient transportation method, AlbertaPORT provides a "virtual" gateway to assist with transportation logistics at Alberta Canada.

BUS SERVICE

Regularly scheduled bus service is provided to Three Hills by Greyhound Canada 1-800-661-8747.

Depot located at:
THREE HILLS MOTOR INN
309 MAIN STREET
Three Hills, AB T0M2A0
Telephone Numbers:
Main: 403-443-5033
Greyhound Courier Express: 403-443-5033
Hours Of Operation:
Hours of operation subject to change. Please call to verify hours before making travel arrangements.
Station:   Monday-Sunday: 8:00 am-8:30 pm
Holidays: 8:00 am-8:30 pm

Ticketing:
Monday-Sunday: 8:00 am-8:30 pm Holidays: 8:00 am-8:30 pm

POSTAL & COURIERS

Canada Post, Purolator, UPS, FeDex, DHL Courier, and A-Dash Messenger Service all provide delivery services for Three Hills. Canada Post fills a vital need in the region providing cost-effective and timely mail delivery. In its mission to provide innovative physical and electronic delivery solutions creating value for its customers, Canada Post works with its business customers to ensure their mail communication needs are achieved.

In 2001, Canada Post received an on-time, combined service performance score of 96.4% on properly prepared letter mail.

Utilities

ELECTRICITY and NATURAL GAS are deregulated in Alberta.

The Alberta government provides a Web site to provide information to assist consumers to choose the appropriate provider for their residence or business. To learn more about electrical or natural gas providers visit Customer Choice.
Regulated Rate Providers for Community of Three Hills are:

ELECTRICAL POWER
 Atco Electric

NATURAL GAS
 Alta Gas Utilities and Harvest Hills Gas Co-op, Energy Provider & Distributor, Phone: (403) 443-5590

COMMUNICATIONS
 Telephone: Telus
Internet Services: Telus, Persona, Wild Rose, SuperNet
Cable Television: Persona
Local/Regional Newspapers: The Capital

Population

Total Population    
Population 2004* 3,554
Population 2003* 3,541
Population 2002* 3,541
Population 2001** 2,900
Population 2000* 3,375
Population 1996** 3,022
Population 1991** 2,884
Population % change 1991-1996 4.57%
Population % change 1996-2001 14.66%
* 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 - 4 120 95 215 110 70 180
Age 5 - 14 235 250 485 215 225 440
Age 15 - 19 135 155 290 115 120 235
Age 20 - 24 95 85 180 80 105 185
Age 25 - 34 160 185 345 145 145 290
Age 35 - 44 200 200 400 185 210 395
Age 45 - 54 155 160 315 170 170 340
Age 55 - 64 90 120 210 95 125 220
Age 65 - 74 125 150 275 115 145 260
Age 75 and older 110 190 300 135 220 355
Total All Persons 1,430 1,595 3,025 1,370 1,535 2,905
Source: Statistics Canada 1996 & 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Three Hills Population by Age Group (2001)

Education Statistics

Highest level of schooling for Population 20yrs and older  2001  % 
People without high school certificates 385 20.10%
People with high school certificates 200 10.44%
People with trades or non-university certificate or diploma 630 32.90%
People with post-secondary education (not completed) 250 13.05%
People with university diploma/certificate 55 2.87%
People with university degree 400 20.89%
Total Population 20 years and older 1,915 100.00%
Source: Statistics Canada 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Three Hills Highest Level of Schooling 2001


Population with Post Secondary Qualifications  1996  %  2001  % 
Agriculture and biological sciences 30 2.97% 40 3.69%
Commerce, management and business administration 110 10.89% 115 10.60%
Educational, recreational and counseling services 265 26.24% 265 24.42%
Engineering and applied science tech. and trades 190 18.81% 170 15.67%
Engineering and applied sciences 0 0.00% 0 0.00%
Fine and applied arts 105 10.40% 50 4.61%
Health professionals, science and technologies 120 11.88% 95 8.76%
Humanities and related fields 160 15.84% 295 27.19%
Mathematics and physical sciences 10 0.99% 25 2.30%
Social sciences and related fields 40 3.96% 30 2.76%
Other and/or no specialization 0 0.00% 10 0.92%
Total people with post secondary qualifications 1,010 100.00% 1,085 100.00%
Females with post-secondary qualifications 525 51.98% 530 48.85%
Males with post-secondary qualifications 485 48.02% 555 51.15%
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 1,400 1,360
Not in the labour force, both sexes 835 830
Total population 15 and over 2,235 2,190
Employed, both sexes 1,325 1,325
Unemployed, both sexes 70 35
Participation rate, both sexes 63.00% 62.00%
Unemployment rate, both sexes 5.00% 3.00%
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 75 5.40% 90 6.62%
Mining 65 4.68% 25 1.84%
Manufacturing 50 3.60% 60 4.41%
Construction 95 6.83% 115 8.46%
Transportation. & Utilities 65 4.68% 60 4.41%
Retail and Wholesale 230 16.55% 190 13.97%
Finance 50 3.60% 65 4.78%
Business & Community Services 690 49.64% 705 51.84%
Public Administration 55 3.96% 45 3.31%
Total All Industries 1,390 100.00% 1,360 100.00%
Source: Statistics Canada 1996 & 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Three Hills Labour Force By Industry - 2001


 
Labour Force by Major Occupational Groups  1996  %  2001  % 
Management occupations 145 10.43% 110 8.09%
Business, Finances and administrative occupations 265 19.06% 235 17.28%
Natural and applied sciences and related occupations 50 3.60% 30 2.21%
Health occupations 75 5.40% 55 4.04%
Occupations in social science; education; government and religion 125 8.99% 235 17.28%
Occupations in art; culture; recreation and sport 25 1.80% 45 3.31%
Sales and service occupations 315 22.66% 260 19.12%
Trades; transport; equipment operators and related occupations 190 13.67% 240 17.65%
Occupations unique to primary industry 120 8.63% 115 8.46%
Occupations unique to processing; manufacturing and utilities 80 5.76% 25 1.84%
Occupations not elsewhere classified 10 0.72% 0 0.00%
Total - All Occupations (major groups) 1,390 100.00% 1,360 100.00%
Females - All Occupations 620 44.60% 615 45.22%
Males - All Occupations 770 55.40% 745 54.78%
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 70 9.66% 55 7.38%
$20,000 - $39,999 285 39.31% 250 33.56%
$40,000 - $59,999 195 26.90% 240 32.21%
$60,000 and over 175 24.14% 215 28.86%
Total number of families 725 100.00% 760 102.01%
Average family income $45,452   $53,398  
Median family income $41,727   $45,947  
Source: Statistics Canada 1996 & 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Household Income (Number of Households)  1996  %  2001  % 
less than $19,999 295 28.23% 210 19.63%
$20,000 - $39,999 355 33.97% 340 31.78%
$40,000 - $59,999 190 18.18% 250 23.36%
$60,000 and over 70 6.70% 285 26.64%
Total number of households 1,045 100.00% 1,070 100.00%
Average household income $38,534   $46,722  
Median household income $31,492   $38,386  
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 $9,584,955 37.87% $12,584,817 37.99%
Clothing $1,683,640 6.65% $2,137,362 6.45%
Education and Reading materials $482,620 1.91% $735,184 2.22%
Health and Personal care $1,622,580 6.41% $2,335,970 7.05%
Hshld. operationas and furnishings $2,757,945 10.90% $3,662,900 11.06%
Recreation $1,878,715 7.42% $2,801,887 8.46%
Transportation $5,235,600 20.69% $6,032,671 18.21%
Miscellaneous $2,051,990 8.11% $2,832,595 8.55%
Total Current Consumption $25,309,120 100.00% $33,123,386 100.00%
Total # of Households 955   1,047  
Average Consumption per Household $26,502   $31,636  
Source: Statistics Canada Family Expenditure Survey 1992 & 1996 (numbers may not add up due to rounding).

Three Hills Family Expenditures (1996)

Building Permits

Total Building Permit Values  2001  2002  2003  2004  2005 
Building Permits Value, Commercial $11,000 $282,000 $45,000 $28,000 $3,973,000
Building Permits Value, Industrial $951,000 $74,000 $9,000 $0 $550,000
Building Permits Value, Institutional $890,000 $5,475,000 $191,000 $5,900,000 $15,000
Building Permits Value, Residential $3,271,000 $3,391,000 $1,991,000 $1,846,000 $6,435,000
Building Permits Value, Total $5,123,000 $9,222,000 $2,236,000 $7,774,000 $10,973,000
Total Housing Starts 25 25 13 11 89
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 90 8.61% 115 10.75%
Detached Duplexes 70 6.70% 65 6.07%
Movable Dwellings 120 11.48% 50 4.67%
Other single attached house 0 0.00% 5 0.47%
Row and semi-detached house 65 6.22% 85 7.94%
Single-detached house 695 66.51% 755 70.56%
Total number of occupied private dwellings 1,045 100.00% 1,070 100.00%
Private dwellings, owned 775 74.16% 755 70.56%
Private Dwellings, rented 275 26.32% 320 29.91%
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 150 14.15%
Period of construction, 1946 - 1960 185 17.45%
Period of construction, 1961 - 1970 100 9.43%
Period of construction, 1971 - 1980 295 27.83%
Period of construction, 1981 - 1990 120 11.32%
Period of construction, 1991 - 2001 210 19.81%
Total number of private dwellings constructed 1,060 100.00%
Source: Statistics Canada 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Projects

Summary of Projects in Three Hills as of September 2006

Project Sector  Number of Projects  Project Cost 
Infrastructure  2  $346,400 
Total 2  $346,400 
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   2  $346,400 
Total 2  $346,400 
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 Three Hills as of September 2006

Company Name  Project 
Description 		 Project 
Location 		 Project 
Cost 		 Construction 
Schedule 		 Status 
Town of Three Hills  Building Addition  Three Hills  $271,400  2006-2006  Under Construction  
Town of Three Hills  SIDEWALK REPLACEMENT  Three Hills  $75,000  2006-2007  Under Construction  

 

 

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