- Welcome
- Area Overview
- Building Permits
- Climate
- Community Lifestyle
- Community Services
- Economic Base
- Economic Facts
- Education
- Education Statistics
- Emergency Services
- Family Expenditure
- Farming
- Health Care
- Housing
- Income
- Key Contacts
- Labour Force
- Location
- Population
- Post Secondary
- Project Summmary
- Statistics
- Taxation
- Transportation
- Utilities
- View All Sections
Turner Valley
Welcome
Welcome to Turner Valley. Located just 30 minutes southwest of Calgary, our community offers the best of all worlds. It is situated along the Foothills of the Rocky Mountains, providing endless recreation options. Turner Valley is a safe, affordable and well-serviced community of 1,700, growing steadily, without compromising the important small town quality we all cherish.
Please contact us directly to obtain more information - (403) 933-4944, or visit us at www.turnervalley.ca
Area Overview
Turner Valley is a picturesque community nestled in the foothills of the majestic Canadian Rocky Mountains, only 30 minutes southwest of Calgary. It was established as the birthplace of Alberta's oil and gas industry, the site of the 1914 Dingman#1 well that began Calgary's first oil boom. So key was the role played by Turner Valley in the history of oil and gas industry that the federal government declared the Turner Valley Gas Plant a National and Provincial Historic Site.
Today, Turner Valley remains a vibrant community, offering small town charm, safety and opportunity. It is an easy commuting distance to Calgary, and yet far enough away to enjoy a more relaxed, less stressful environment. It has breathtaking scenery and wildlife abound to create unforgetable adventures.
Turner Valley has become the base for many artists, painters and musicians because of the natural beauty, tranquility and serenity of the area.
Known as the birthplace of Alberta's oil boom, Turner Valley offers a beautiful setting and warm welcome
Turner Valley is located 30 minites southwest of Calgary
Climate
A unique variety of weather due to the proximity of the community to the mountains.
Community Services
Municipal
Town of Turner Valley
223 Main Street N.E.
P.O. Box 330
Turner Valley, Alberta
T0L 2A0
Tel: 403-933-4944
Fax: 403-933-5377
email: admin@turnervalley.ca
www.turnervalley.ca
Municipal Library
Public Works
Family & Community Support Services
Utilities/Property Taxes
Provincial
Provincial Court
Ranger Station
Medical Examiner-Coroner
Transportation Maintenance Garage
Federal
Canada Post
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Family fun at the outdoor pool
Community Lifestyle
Recreation
Located at the doorstep to Kananaskis Country, Turner Valley has easy access to numerous outdoor recreational pursuits, including hiking, fishing, cross-country skiing, skating, horseback riding, picnicking, wildlife photography, golfing, camping, cycling, swimming, kayaking and more.
A beautiful campground is located within the town. Others in the area include Sandy McNabb Campground 15 miles west, and Blue Rock campground 25 miles west of Turner Valley.
Community Organizations
- Foothills Lions Club
- Knights of Columbus
- Royal Canadian Legion
- Valley Neighbours Club [seniors club]
- Beavers/Cubs/Scouts
- Diamond/Valley District Boys & Girls Club
- Girl Guides
- Foothills Figure Skating Club
- High Country Minor Hockey Association
- Turner Valley Gymnastics
- Army Cadets
- Turner Valley Golf and Country Club
- High Country Old Fossils
- Beneath the Arch Concert Association
- Discovery Days Committee
- Genealogy Club
- Oilfields Historical Society
- Sheep Creek Arts Council
Religious Services
- Lewis Memorial - United Church of Canada
- St. George's Anglican Church
Special Annual Events/Attractions
Hell's Half Acre refers to a local historic area which, in the 1920's, was so studded with natural gas flares that the roar could be heard in Calgary more than 50 km away. Many people believed the sound rivalled that of hell itself. The Turner Valley Oilfield Society is proposing the development of an interpretation centre, which will provide tourists and residents alike with a unique educational insight into one of Alberta's most prolific historical developments.
Events and Attractions
Experience the unlimited recreational choices the region has to offer!
Diamond Valley Discovery Days and Parade - first weekend in June
Art in the Park - July
Diamond Valley Christmas Concert - December
Mountains, Music and Memories Fall Harvest Festival - a celebration of the season featuring talented musician, gifted artists and fabulous homemade treats.
Turner Valley Golf and Country Club - challenging fairways and a breathtaking view.
Turner Valley Gas Plant National and Provincial Historic Site - Tour the site of the famous Dingman Discovery Well where Alberta's oil and gas industry started.
Sheep River - Well known as a top fly fishing area.
The Friendship Trail - a 3 km paved trail linking the towns of Turner Valley and Black Diamond.
Kananaskis Country - Explore nature's paradise at our doorstep where a world of outdoor adventure awaits you.
Communities in Bloom - Turner Valley is proud to be a participant in the Communities in Bloom program promoting involvement and action by citizens of all ages, the municipal government, local organizations and businesses to beautify the community with flowers, plants and trees.
Bird watching - A huge variety of birds to admire in and around the community.
Accommodations:
Hotels/motels - Turner Valley Lodge
Bed and Breakfasts
Queen's Crossing
Restaurants
Downtown Turner Valley boasts a wide and varied selection of eateries, catering to every taste. Enjoy the ambiance of our unique environments.
The Frienship Trail lins the communities of Turner Valley and Black Diamond.
Economic Base
Turner Valley is located in one of southern Alberta's prime ranching and farming areas. The major economic base of the area is agriculture, oil and gas and tourism services. Controlled growth remains a priority for the community.
Mountains, music and memories is the theme used to describe Turner Valley's cultural environment. Concerts are held regularly along with music jams in the many local coffee houses and restaurants.
Economic Facts
The community is well served by a variety of commercial, home-based and professional services. A vibrant assortment of unique specialty shops, restaurants and art studios, many in heritage buildings, form the majority of retail businesses within the downtown area.
Financial Institutions
Royal Bank
Alberta Treasury Branch (located in Black Diamond - 3 km)
Education
Turner Valley is part of the Foothills School Division #38, headquartered in High River [Tel: 403-652-3001].
Daycare/Nursery
A number of outstanding day home and childcare facilities exist within the community. Contact FCSS for further information.
Schools - KL - 12
Public
Turner Valley Elementary-Junior High School provides education for Grades K to 8.
Grades 9 - 12 available at Oilfields Junior/Senior High School in Black Diamond.
Education Plus provides junior and senior high level continuing education courses.
Separate
Separate schools are located in Okotoks. Contact Christ the Redeemer School division (403) 938-2659
Private
Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School [K-12] is located in Okotoks, Alberta.
Edison School is located in Okotoks, Alberta
Other:
Sheep River Alternative Jr. High School 403-938-6116
Home School information 403-938-2477
Adult learning:
Bow Valley College 403 652 8338
Foothills Continuing Education Council 403-652-3392
Okotoks Community Resources 403-938-8955
Mount Royal College 403-240-6116
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology 403-284-8110
University of Calgary 403-220-5110
Emergency Services
Fire Protection
Professionally trained volunteer fire-fighters provide fire and rescue services to the area.
Emergency - Ambulance Services
Turner Valley is served by a 24-hour emergency response unit, professionally trained and equipped for rescue, basic and advanced life support. STARS air ambulance services are also available.
Police Services
Turner Valley is served by a local detachment of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and has a protective services department dealing with bylaw enforcement.
Health Care
Oilfields General Hospital, located in Black Diamond, has 15 active beds and 28 auxiliary beds. Other medical facilities in Black Diamond include the Foothills Health Unit, Foothills Family Medical Clinic, High Country Dental Clinic, and the Foothills Community Drug Mart. Facilities in Turner Valley include the Foothills Chiropractic Clinic and Valley Villa [seniors residence].
Key Contacts for Business Development
Municipal
Town of Turner Valley
P.O. Box 330
Turner Valley, Alberta
T0L 2A0
Tel: 403-933-4944
Fax: 403-933-5377
Marjorie Straub
Mayor
Email: admin@turnervalley.ca
Barb Savage
Administration Manager
Email: mailto:barbs@turnervalley.ca
Diamond Valley Chamber of Commerce
Box 973
Turner Valley, Alberta
T0L 2A0
www.diamondvalleychamber.com
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
Dr. Ted Morton (PC)
MLA for Foothills-Rocky View
Constituency Office
6, 160 Maclaurin Drive
Calgary
T3Z 3S4
Phone: (403) 216-2221
Toll Free: 1-866-843-4314
Fax: (403) 221-2225
foothills.rockyview@assembly.ab.ca
Legislature Office
723 Legislature Annex
9718 107 Street
Edmonton
T5K 1E4
Phone: (780) 422-2768
Fax: (780) 422-1671
Federal
Ted Menzies
Member of Parliament[MP]
Macleod Constituency
Parliamentary Address
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6
Telephone: (613) 995-8471
Fax: (613) 996-9770
E-Mail: Menzies.T@parl.gc.ca
Constituency Address
4925 1st Street West, P.O. Box 40
Claresholm, Alberta
T0L 0T0
Telephone: (403) 625-5532 1-866-636-9437
Fax: (403) 625-5592
TTY:
E-Mail:menziest@telus.net
Location
The Town of Turner Valley is located in the Municipal District of Foothills #31, approximately 60 km southwest of Calgary at the junction of Highway 7 and Highway 22. Travelling east from Turner Valley along routes 22 and 7 will take you to Okotoks [20 km] and Aldersyde [hook up to Highway 2].
Nestled into the perfect natural setting at the steps of the Rocky Mountains.
Post Secondary Education
Turner Valley residents are within easy commuting distance to post-secondary institutions in Calgary such as The University of Calgary, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology [SAIT], and Mount Royal College.
Taxation
Average residential property tax in 2003 - apprx. $2,200
| Residential/Farmland | Non-Residential | |
| 2005 | ||
| Municipal Tax Rate | 9.2400 | 9.2400 |
| Education - Alberta School Foundation Fund Tax Rate | 4.1956 | 6.6622 |
| Education Opted Out Tax Rate | 4.1956 | 6.6622 |
| Seniors Lodge Accommodation Tax Rate | .1230 | .1230 |
Transportation
Air Services
The closest scheduled passenger and freight services are available at the Calgary International Airport, located approximately 100 kilometres northeast of Turner Valley.
Rail Services
The nearest rail service is at Okotoks, 20 km east.
Highways
Connecting highways are Highway 22 to Calgary [north], and Highway 7 to Okotoks, Highway 2 [east] and Kananaskis Country [west].
Bus Services
Greyhound Bus Lines provides regularly scheduled bus services in Okotoks. A Handi-Bus is available for seniors and persons with disabilities.
Couriers and Taxis
Couriers provide regular delivery and pick-up between Turner Valley and all points e.g. Loomis and Purolator. Taxi services in Black Diamond.
Utilities
Electrical Power
Epcor
Tel: 310-4300
Natural Gas
Atco Gas - Direct Energy
Tel: 310-5678
Telephone
Telus
Tel: 403-310-2255
Internet: High speed ADSL and cable available
Water Supply
Turner Valley has a supply of water from wells from the Sheep River.
Waste Management
regular residential waste pick up
recycling
composting site
Population
| Total Population | |
| Population 2004* | 1,608 |
| Population 2003* | 1,608 |
| Population 2002* | 1,608 |
| Population 2001** | 1,605 |
| Population 2000* | 1,575 |
| Population 1996** | 1,527 |
| Population 1991** | 1,352 |
| Population % change 1991-1996 | 11.46% |
| Population % change 1996-2001 | 5.04% |
| * 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 | 50 | 45 | 95 | 35 | 35 | 70 |
| Age 5 - 14 | 145 | 115 | 260 | 140 | 115 | 255 |
| Age 15 - 19 | 60 | 65 | 125 | 55 | 60 | 115 |
| Age 20 - 24 | 25 | 30 | 55 | 45 | 40 | 85 |
| Age 25 - 34 | 80 | 105 | 185 | 70 | 80 | 150 |
| Age 35 - 44 | 155 | 150 | 305 | 150 | 155 | 305 |
| Age 45 - 54 | 100 | 85 | 185 | 145 | 145 | 290 |
| Age 55 - 64 | 65 | 60 | 125 | 80 | 70 | 150 |
| Age 65 - 74 | 60 | 55 | 115 | 50 | 65 | 115 |
| Age 75 and older | 30 | 40 | 70 | 30 | 45 | 75 |
| Total All Persons | 760 | 765 | 1,525 | 795 | 810 | 1,605 |
| Source: Statistics Canada 1996 & 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding) | ||||||
Turner Valley Population by Age Group (2001)
Education Statistics
| Highest level of schooling for Population 20yrs and older | 2001 | % | ||
| People without high school certificates | 280 | 24.03% | ||
| People with high school certificates | 175 | 15.02% | ||
| People with trades or non-university certificate or diploma | 420 | 36.05% | ||
| People with post-secondary education (not completed) | 155 | 13.30% | ||
| People with university diploma/certificate | 15 | 1.29% | ||
| People with university degree | 125 | 10.73% | ||
| Total Population 20 years and older | 1,165 | 100.00% | ||
| Source: Statistics Canada 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding) | ||||
Turner Valley Highest Level of Schooling 2001
| Population with Post Secondary Qualifications | 1996 | % | 2001 | % |
| Agriculture and biological sciences | 40 | 11.43% | 45 | 8.11% |
| Commerce, management and business administration | 50 | 14.29% | 90 | 16.22% |
| Educational, recreational and counseling services | 20 | 5.71% | 30 | 5.41% |
| Engineering and applied science tech. and trades | 125 | 35.71% | 145 | 26.13% |
| Engineering and applied sciences | 0 | 0.00% | 35 | 6.31% |
| Fine and applied arts | 25 | 7.14% | 50 | 9.01% |
| Health professionals, science and technologies | 50 | 14.29% | 55 | 9.91% |
| Humanities and related fields | 20 | 5.71% | 10 | 1.80% |
| Mathematics and physical sciences | 0 | 0.00% | 10 | 1.80% |
| Social sciences and related fields | 10 | 2.86% | 70 | 12.61% |
| Other and/or no specialization | 0 | 0.00% | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total people with post secondary qualifications | 350 | 100.00% | 555 | 100.00% |
| Females with post-secondary qualifications | 165 | 47.14% | 275 | 49.55% |
| Males with post-secondary qualifications | 185 | 52.86% | 280 | 50.45% |
| 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 | 815 | 870 |
| Not in the labour force, both sexes | 345 | 415 |
| Total population 15 and over | 1,160 | 1,285 |
| Employed, both sexes | 755 | 855 |
| Unemployed, both sexes | 55 | 15 |
| Participation rate, both sexes | 70.00% | 68.00% |
| Unemployment rate, both sexes | 7.00% | 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 | 10 | 1.24% | 50 | 5.75% |
| Mining | 65 | 8.07% | 55 | 6.32% |
| Manufacturing | 70 | 8.70% | 75 | 8.62% |
| Construction | 90 | 11.18% | 95 | 10.92% |
| Transportation. & Utilities | 125 | 15.53% | 85 | 9.77% |
| Retail and Wholesale | 100 | 12.42% | 100 | 11.49% |
| Finance | 30 | 3.73% | 10 | 1.15% |
| Business & Community Services | 195 | 24.22% | 355 | 40.80% |
| Public Administration | 45 | 5.59% | 50 | 5.75% |
| Total All Industries | 805 | 100.00% | 870 | 100.00% |
| Source: Statistics Canada 1996 & 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding) | ||||
Turner Valley Labour Force By Industry - 2001
| Labour Force by Major Occupational Groups | 1996 | % | 2001 | % |
| Management occupations | 70 | 8.70% | 50 | 5.78% |
| Business, Finances and administrative occupations | 105 | 13.04% | 155 | 17.92% |
| Natural and applied sciences and related occupations | 30 | 3.73% | 60 | 6.94% |
| Health occupations | 30 | 3.73% | 30 | 3.47% |
| Occupations in social science; education; government and religion | 25 | 3.11% | 40 | 4.62% |
| Occupations in art; culture; recreation and sport | 25 | 3.11% | 30 | 3.47% |
| Sales and service occupations | 210 | 26.09% | 195 | 22.54% |
| Trades; transport; equipment operators and related occupations | 220 | 27.33% | 205 | 23.70% |
| Occupations unique to primary industry | 20 | 2.48% | 60 | 6.94% |
| Occupations unique to processing; manufacturing and utilities | 60 | 7.45% | 45 | 5.20% |
| Occupations not elsewhere classified | 10 | 1.24% | 10 | 1.16% |
| Total - All Occupations (major groups) | 805 | 100.00% | 865 | 100.00% |
| Females - All Occupations | 370 | 45.96% | 380 | 43.93% |
| Males - All Occupations | 435 | 54.04% | 485 | 56.07% |
| 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 | 15 | 4.05% | 45 | 12.68% |
| $20,000 - $39,999 | 115 | 31.08% | 115 | 32.39% |
| $40,000 - $59,999 | 95 | 25.68% | 135 | 38.03% |
| $60,000 and over | 145 | 39.19% | 120 | 33.80% |
| Total number of families | 370 | 100.00% | 415 | 116.90% |
| Average family income | $52,268 | $55,982 | ||
| Median family income | $50,072 | $50,850 | ||
| 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 | 115 | 20.35% | 100 | 15.87% |
| $20,000 - $39,999 | 170 | 30.09% | 160 | 25.40% |
| $40,000 - $59,999 | 110 | 19.47% | 155 | 24.60% |
| $60,000 and over | 60 | 10.62% | 220 | 34.92% |
| Total number of households | 565 | 100.00% | 630 | 100.00% |
| Average household income | $43,965 | $51,613 | ||
| Median household income | $40,194 | $47,207 | ||
| 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 | $9,000 | $7,000 | $40,000 | $3,000 | $25,000 |
| Building Permits Value, Industrial | $0 | $8,000 | $0 | $39,000 | $0 |
| Building Permits Value, Institutional | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $1,200,000 |
| Building Permits Value, Residential | $3,152,000 | $5,288,000 | $3,399,000 | $3,530,000 | $5,151,000 |
| Building Permits Value, Total | $3,161,000 | $5,303,000 | $3,439,000 | $3,572,000 | $6,376,000 |
| Total Housing Starts | 26 | 41 | 24 | 25 | 29 |
| 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 | 20 | 3.54% | 15 | 2.38% | |
| Detached Duplexes | 0 | 0.00% | 0 | 0.00% | |
| Movable Dwellings | 10 | 1.77% | 10 | 1.59% | |
| Other single attached house | 10 | 1.77% | 0 | 0.00% | |
| Row and semi-detached house | 60 | 10.62% | 75 | 11.90% | |
| Single-detached house | 475 | 84.07% | 520 | 82.54% | |
| Total number of occupied private dwellings | 565 | 100.00% | 630 | 100.00% | |
| Private dwellings, owned | 470 | 83.19% | 570 | 90.48% | |
| Private Dwellings, rented | 95 | 16.81% | 60 | 9.52% | |
| 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 | 115 | 18.25% | |||
| Period of construction, 1946 - 1960 | 80 | 12.70% | |||
| Period of construction, 1961 - 1970 | 50 | 7.94% | |||
| Period of construction, 1971 - 1980 | 100 | 15.87% | |||
| Period of construction, 1981 - 1990 | 125 | 19.84% | |||
| Period of construction, 1991 - 2001 | 160 | 25.40% | |||
| Total number of private dwellings constructed | 630 | 100.00% | |||
| Source: Statistics Canada 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding) | |||||
Projects
Summary of Projects in Turner Valley as of September 2006
| Project Sector | Number of Projects | Project Cost | |||
| Tourism/Recreation | 1 | $5,000,000 | |||
| Infrastructure | 1 | $3,700,000 | |||
| Total | 2 | $8,700,000 | |||
| 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 | 2 | $8,700,000 | |||
| Total | 2 | $8,700,000 | |||
| 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 Turner Valley as of September 2006
| Company Name | Project Description |
Project Location |
Project Cost |
Construction Schedule |
Status |
| Alberta Community Development | Hydrocarbon Containment Wall at Turner Valley Gas Plant | Turner Valley | $5,000,000 | 2006-2007 | Under Construction |
| Town of Turner Valley | Raw Water Reservoir | Turner Valley | $3,700,000 | 2006-2007 | Under Construction |
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© AlbertaFirst.com Ltd., 2006.