- 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
Champion
Welcome
Welcome!
Champion is a peaceful, thriving community, located south of Vulcan on Highway 23. Champion offers great recreational opportunities due to its proximity to Little Bow Reservoir and Twin Valley Reservoir.
A progressive community with something for everyone, Champion offers a warm, friendly, small-town atmosphere you just can't beat!
Area Overview
In 1906, the community of Cleverville was formed approximately four miles east of what is now Highway 23 on Secondary Road 529. Cleverville was named in honor of Martin G. Clever who gave free sites to anyone wishing to build and conduct business in the new hamlet.
In 1910, the Canadian Pacific Railway decided to build a track next to what is now highway 23, bypassing Cleverville. The decision was made to move Cleverville and in 1910 the new townsite began developing.
In 1911, the community received its charter and the first grain was hauled by rail. In 1915, one million bushels of wheat were shipped from Champion and thus Champion became known as "the Million Bushel Town". The Coal Mines were also operational during this time.
Community Lifestyle
RECREATION
Skating Rink - natural ice
Swimming Pool - outdoor and operational from June to August.
Track - great for running or walking laps on well kept shale surface
Ball Diamonds
Riding Club
RELIGION
Evangelical Free Church
St. Mary's Catholic Church
Congregational Church
Latter Day Saints
LIBRARY
Member of the Chinook Arch Library System
www.chinookarch.ab.ca
PIONEER DROP IN CENTRE
Active over 50 crowd which holds potlucks, pool, shuffleboard, card games and takes an active interest in the community.
ORGANIZATIONS
Champion Lions Club
Champion Legion
Economic Base
Agriculture is the main industry, although the oil and gas sector is gaining momentum in our area.
Economic Facts
Services
NI Upholstery
Hillcrest Seed Cleaning Plant
Bank
Alberta Treasury Branch - Satellite office
Retail
Grocery Store
Liquor Store
Restaurant
A & P Restaurant
Education
Champion Community School offers and grade 1-9 program and within the facility, a privately run kindergarten prepares the children for their education. The school offers a band program, the only one in Vulcan County, as well as a Marine Biology program. Upon completion of their grade 9 year, they are transported to County Central High School in Vulcan for grades 10 - 12.
www.pallisersd.ab.ca
Hope Christian School offers grade 1-12.
Emergency Services
911 Service
Champion has a volunteer fire department of 15 members.
They have just purchased a new response truck and a compressed air foam system.
Vulcan Hospital is located 21 km (15 miles) North.
Health Care
Vulcan Health Center is 21 km (15 miles) north and is an 8 bed active facility with 15 long term beds, D level radiology, fully equipped modern lab and a modern emergency area. Other services at the Hospital include occupational therapy, mental health worker, social worker and palliative care.
Other medical services in Vulcan include: Vulcan Medical Clinic, Dentists, Chiropractors, Optomotrist, Podiatrist and Hearing Aid services.
Key Contacts for Business Development
Municipal:
Village of Champion
Box 367
Champion Ab. T0L 0R0
Vulcan Business Development Society
Box 360
Vulcan Ab. T0L 2B0
403-485-4100
Provincial:
Honourable Barry McFarland
Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA)
#410 Legislature Building
10800 - 97 Avenue
Edmonton AB T5K 2B6
Tel: 780-427-0879
Fax: 780-422-0351
Constituency Office:
P.O. Box 231
111 Carman Street
Carmangay AB T0L 0N0
Tel: 403-643-2077
Toll Free: 1-800-563-0917
Fax: 403-643-2024
Federal:
Ted Menzies
Member of Parliament (MP)
Macleod Constituency
Ottawa, Ontario
Location
Champion is between Calgary and Lethbridge on Highway 23 and is close to the water resources in the County.
Champion is central to many locations.
County Map and Distances
Post Secondary Education
Lethbridge Community College and the University of Lethbridge are located 65 km (40 miles) South of Champion.
Mount Royal College, University of Calgary, and Southern Alberta Institute of Technology are located 119 km (74 miles) North of Champion.
Transportation
RAILWAY
Champion is located on the Canadaian Pacific main line.
HIGHWAY
Champion lies on Highway 23 with links the Village to Highway 3 to Lethbridge (South) and Highways 1 or 2 (North). Secondary Highway 529 links Champion to Little Bow Provincial Park (East) and Highway 2 (West).
BUS
There is daily Greyhound Bus Service.
AIR
Commercial and freight services are located in Lethbridge. The nearest International facility is the Calgary International Airport.
Population
| Total Population | |
| Population 2004* | 355 |
| Population 2003* | 355 |
| Population 2002* | 355 |
| Population 2001** | 355 |
| Population 2000* | 384 |
| Population 1996** | 362 |
| Population 1991** | 351 |
| Population % change 1991-1996 | 3.04% |
| Population % change 1996-2001 | -1.97% |
| * 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 | 10 | 15 | 25 | 0 | 15 | 15 |
| Age 5 - 14 | 20 | 40 | 60 | 35 | 30 | 65 |
| Age 15 - 19 | 10 | 15 | 25 | 15 | 10 | 25 |
| Age 20 - 24 | 5 | 5 | 10 | 5 | 5 | 10 |
| Age 25 - 34 | 20 | 25 | 45 | 20 | 15 | 35 |
| Age 35 - 44 | 30 | 15 | 45 | 25 | 30 | 55 |
| Age 45 - 54 | 20 | 20 | 40 | 25 | 20 | 45 |
| Age 55 - 64 | 20 | 20 | 40 | 30 | 25 | 55 |
| Age 65 - 74 | 20 | 20 | 40 | 20 | 15 | 35 |
| Age 75 and older | 10 | 20 | 30 | 20 | 10 | 30 |
| Total All Persons | 170 | 195 | 365 | 180 | 180 | 360 |
| Source: Statistics Canada 1996 & 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding) | ||||||
Champion Population by Age Group (2001)
Education Statistics
| Highest level of schooling for Population 20yrs and older | 2001 | % | ||
| People without high school certificates | 90 | 38.30% | ||
| People with high school certificates | 20 | 8.51% | ||
| People with trades or non-university certificate or diploma | 75 | 31.91% | ||
| People with post-secondary education (not completed) | 25 | 10.64% | ||
| People with university diploma/certificate | 10 | 4.26% | ||
| People with university degree | 15 | 6.38% | ||
| Total Population 20 years and older | 235 | 100.00% | ||
| Source: Statistics Canada 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding) | ||||
Champion Highest Level of Schooling 2001
| Population with Post Secondary Qualifications | 1996 | % | 2001 | % |
| Agriculture and biological sciences | 10 | 11.76% | 0 | 0.00% |
| Commerce, management and business administration | 30 | 35.29% | 20 | 20.00% |
| Educational, recreational and counseling services | 0 | 0.00% | 15 | 15.00% |
| Engineering and applied science tech. and trades | 35 | 41.18% | 35 | 35.00% |
| Engineering and applied sciences | 0 | 0.00% | 0 | 0.00% |
| Fine and applied arts | 0 | 0.00% | 10 | 10.00% |
| Health professionals, science and technologies | 20 | 23.53% | 10 | 10.00% |
| Humanities and related fields | 0 | 0.00% | 10 | 10.00% |
| Mathematics and physical sciences | 0 | 0.00% | 0 | 0.00% |
| Social sciences and related fields | 0 | 0.00% | 10 | 10.00% |
| Other and/or no specialization | 0 | 0.00% | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total people with post secondary qualifications | 85 | 100.00% | 100 | 100.00% |
| Females with post-secondary qualifications | 40 | 47.06% | 55 | 55.00% |
| Males with post-secondary qualifications | 45 | 52.94% | 45 | 45.00% |
| 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 | 135 | 125 |
| Not in the labour force, both sexes | 125 | 125 |
| Total population 15 and over | 260 | 255 |
| Employed, both sexes | 130 | 115 |
| Unemployed, both sexes | 10 | 15 |
| Participation rate, both sexes | 52.00% | 49.00% |
| Unemployment rate, both sexes | 7.00% | 12.00% |
| 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 | 0 | 0.00% | 0 | 0.00% |
| Mining | 0 | 0.00% | 10 | 7.69% |
| Manufacturing | 0 | 0.00% | 0 | 0.00% |
| Construction | 0 | 0.00% | 10 | 7.69% |
| Transportation. & Utilities | 10 | 7.69% | 30 | 23.08% |
| Retail and Wholesale | 40 | 30.77% | 30 | 23.08% |
| Finance | 0 | 0.00% | 0 | 0.00% |
| Business & Community Services | 60 | 46.15% | 50 | 38.46% |
| Public Administration | 0 | 0.00% | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total All Industries | 130 | 100.00% | 130 | 100.00% |
| Source: Statistics Canada 1996 & 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding) | ||||
Champion Labour Force By Industry - 2001
| Labour Force by Major Occupational Groups | 1996 | % | 2001 | % |
| Management occupations | 15 | 11.54% | 15 | 12.00% |
| Business, Finances and administrative occupations | 0 | 0.00% | 10 | 8.00% |
| Natural and applied sciences and related occupations | 0 | 0.00% | 0 | 0.00% |
| Health occupations | 10 | 7.69% | 10 | 8.00% |
| Occupations in social science; education; government and religion | 10 | 7.69% | 15 | 12.00% |
| Occupations in art; culture; recreation and sport | 0 | 0.00% | 0 | 0.00% |
| Sales and service occupations | 50 | 38.46% | 50 | 40.00% |
| Trades; transport; equipment operators and related occupations | 35 | 26.92% | 40 | 32.00% |
| Occupations unique to primary industry | 0 | 0.00% | 0 | 0.00% |
| Occupations unique to processing; manufacturing and utilities | 0 | 0.00% | 0 | 0.00% |
| Occupations not elsewhere classified | 10 | 7.69% | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total - All Occupations (major groups) | 130 | 100.00% | 125 | 100.00% |
| Females - All Occupations | 65 | 50.00% | 60 | 48.00% |
| Males - All Occupations | 65 | 50.00% | 65 | 52.00% |
| 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 | 0 | 0.00% | 25 | 38.46% |
| $20,000 - $39,999 | 30 | 40.00% | 35 | 53.85% |
| $40,000 - $59,999 | 35 | 46.67% | 35 | 53.85% |
| $60,000 and over | 10 | 13.33% | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total number of families | 75 | 100.00% | 95 | 146.15% |
| Average family income | $39,379 | $32,440 | ||
| Median family income | $43,516 | $29,166 | ||
| 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 | 70 | 45.16% | 55 | 36.67% |
| $20,000 - $39,999 | 45 | 29.03% | 40 | 26.67% |
| $40,000 - $59,999 | 40 | 25.81% | 40 | 26.67% |
| $60,000 and over | 10 | 6.45% | 10 | 6.67% |
| Total number of households | 155 | 100.00% | 150 | 100.00% |
| Average household income | $26,312 | $29,196 | ||
| Median household income | $26,249 | $26,630 | ||
| 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 | $50,000 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Building Permits Value, Industrial | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Building Permits Value, Institutional | $0 | $6,000 | $0 | $45,000 | $0 |
| Building Permits Value, Residential | $467,000 | $77,000 | $9,000 | $86,000 | $0 |
| Building Permits Value, Total | $517,000 | $83,000 | $9,000 | $131,000 | $0 |
| Total Housing Starts | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 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 | 10 | 6.67% | 5 | 3.33% | |
| Detached Duplexes | 0 | 0.00% | 0 | 0.00% | |
| Movable Dwellings | 20 | 13.33% | 30 | 20.00% | |
| Other single attached house | 20 | 13.33% | 0 | 0.00% | |
| Row and semi-detached house | 0 | 0.00% | 0 | 0.00% | |
| Single-detached house | 110 | 73.33% | 110 | 73.33% | |
| Total number of occupied private dwellings | 150 | 100.00% | 150 | 100.00% | |
| Private dwellings, owned | 135 | 90.00% | 120 | 80.00% | |
| Private Dwellings, rented | 15 | 10.00% | 30 | 20.00% | |
| 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 | 45 | 30.00% | |||
| Period of construction, 1946 - 1960 | 30 | 20.00% | |||
| Period of construction, 1961 - 1970 | 15 | 10.00% | |||
| Period of construction, 1971 - 1980 | 20 | 13.33% | |||
| Period of construction, 1981 - 1990 | 15 | 10.00% | |||
| Period of construction, 1991 - 2001 | 25 | 16.67% | |||
| Total number of private dwellings constructed | 150 | 100.00% | |||
| Source: Statistics Canada 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding) | |||||
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