Irricana

Welcome

On behalf of the Town of Irricana, we cordially extend an invitation to visit and consider relocating to our hospitable and friendly community.

Irricana is well known for its quiet small town atmosphere, strong family values, and its safe and friendly community spirit. Our community theme is "Open the Gateway to the Country" and depicts a white picket fence as an identifying symbol. This symbol appears on most of the publications being produced by the Town of Irricana.

Irricana is a clean, fast growing Town where community spirit abounds and has great potential for entrepreneurs. Our prime location offers sightseeing, in any direction, within an hour or less. Within 35 minutes or less you can take advantage of the services offered in the cities of Airdrie and Calgary.

We welcome you to Irricana where you can enjoy affordable housing, small town atmosphere and country lifestyle.

Area Overview

The Town of Irricana, located 35 minutes northeast of Calgary, is a satellite community for the City of Calgary, with some significant differences.

Irricana is located in the middle of some of Alberta's most fertile farming and agricultural land, where the city comes face to face with the country. Ostrich and goat farming, as well as purebred cattle markets, flourish in the area.

It is not unusual to see thousands of tourists camped out in local pastures while attending the renown annual Pioneer Acres Historical Farm Equipment Show held every August.

One of the more significant attributes of the Village is its community spirit. Volunteer committees organize the numerous functions held throughout the year, such as sporting events, parades, craft sales, a ride-for-stars, dances, flea markets, etc.

The relative safety of Irricana makes the Town one of the best places to raise a family. Newcomers to the area will soon experience the town's dedication to being a strong family based community, working together to enhance the quality of life for present and future generations to come.

Some key advantages to living in Irricana include: the Town has affordable housing prices and is within a reasonable commuting distance to both Calgary and Airdrie; it has a strong community based population which is also an asset for young families with affordable pre-school and ECS facilities close at hand; it has numerous organizations for children and adults to participate in and Founder's Park, located on the north side of town, is complete with ball diamonds, bike paths, a playground, rodeo grounds, and complete camping facilities; and most essential goods can be obtained through Irricana's local businesses, and opportunities for new business ventures are always welcome.

WHAT'S IN A NAME?

The Town of Irricana honors some of our founders and leaders of our community.
Enter here for a History of Street and Venue Names in Irricana.


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

Climate

Average Temperatures for the Month of January

• Maximum temperature: -2.8°C or +27.0°F
  
  
• Minimum temperature: -15.1°C or +4.8°F
  
  
• Daily Average Temperature: -8.9°C or +16.0°F

Average Temperatures for the Month of July

• Maximum temperature: +22.9°C or +73.2°F
  
  
• Minimum temperature: +9.4°C or +48.9°F
  
  
• Daily Average Temperature: +16.2°C or +61.2°F

Average precipitation per year: 412.6 mm or 16.2 inches



Measurable bright sunshine:
332.9 days per year

Total hours of bright sunshine:
2,294.6 hours per year

Average wind speed: 14.8 kilometers per hour, from the West and Northwest

Source: Environment Canada

Community Services

BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS

Wild Rose Economic Development Corporation
Box 2159
2nd Floor, 203 3rd Avenue
Hilton Plaza, Strathmore, Alberta T1P 1K2
1-888-881-9675
Tel: (403) 934-6488 ~ Fax:(403) 934-6492
Email: wildrose@wildrose.ab.ca
Website: www.gowildrose.com

Services include: career center for employers and employees, small business assistance, financing and referral. 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 & Skills Development Canada is a federal department that provides a broad range of services for employees and employers.

Beiseker & District Chamber of Commerce
Contact: Dave Dell 947-3856 Box 277 ~ Beiseker, AB TOM 0G0

Meetings are held the 2nd Tuesday of every second month in Beiseker. Location to be announced. Membership fees: Irricana, Beiseker, Acme $40.00, Members from outside these areas $45.00, annually, contact Betty Boisjoly 947-2912

Municipal
Village of Irricana
Box 100 Irricana, Alberta
T0M 1B0
Tel: 403-935-4672 ~ Fax: 403-935-4270

Administration Office
Irricana & District Library

Irricana Library
P.O. Box 299 Irricana, AB T0M 1B0 Phone: (403) 935-4818
E-mail: library@telusplanet.net

The library which is located in the Irricana Recreation Complex contains a good assortment of fiction and non-fiction books for both children and adults. At the library you will find public access to computers for Internet access and general use. There is a yearly membership fee required.
The hours of operation are: Tuesday 9:00 am to 5:00 p.m., Wednesday 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Community Lifestyle

PEACE OF MIND

Irricana is part of the Wild Rose Region. Many residents and business owners choose to locate in the Region because of the safety and security of small town living. As indicated by the below table, crime statistics are substantially lower in the region than typical of a larger metropolitan center like the City of Calgary.

Irricana offers residents rural community values and an affordable country lifestyle close to the amenities within the region and the neighboring metropolitan centers. Despite favorable economic growth, it’s still very affordable to buy a home and live in the Wild Rose Region.

The region offers the most affordable local utilities, based on comparison with Calgary and area utilities. In the Wild Rose Region, local utilities (water, sewer and garbage) are approximately 26% lower than the average of communities in and around Calgary (Benchmarks Nichols Applied Management, 2000).

REAL ESTATE- Residential

Irricana has excellent availability for traditional family housing with spacious lots, paved streets and park areas.

"Eastview" is one of Irricana's newest, fully serviced, subdivision located on the east side of the Town of Irricana. "Eastview" has spacious lots for both R1 (residential) and modular homes all with easy access to the rest of the Town and its amenities. With the overwhelming response to the new lots in the "Eastview" subdivision a third phase is now underway.

Another subdivision is at the south end of 1st Ave for R1 and multi family homes. Several realtors are available to assist you with your real estate needs.

For more information please contact the Town at 260 1 Avenue, PO Box 100, Irricana AB TOM 1BO, Phone: (403) 935-4672, Fax: (403) 935-4270 or E-mail: irricana@irricana.com.

TOWN MASCOT "SQUEAKY"

Our Loveable Town Mascot named "Squeaky"

MURALS

Seniors Mural 1995

Dedication to enhancing tourism and culture are evident in Irricana's Town Murals designed and painted by community residents. Historical significance is also important to the residents of Irricana, who hope to maintain their turn-of-the-century buildings and eventually restore them to their original glory. A map is available to locate the remains of the old "Calgary to Carbon Coal Trail", which is still visible in some locations.

RECREATION FACILITIES

Although Irricana's population is reasonably small, it offers significant recreational facilities in the area.

• The Irricana Recreation Complex houses a curling rink with four sheets of ice and viewing area, and upstairs is a lounge complete with dance floor, shuffleboard, pool tables and darts. During curling season the club hosts several bonspiels as well as regular league play. A renovated fitness studio is located on the lower level with aerobic classes being held Monday & Wednesday mornings. The Irricana and District Library, Dart League and numerous meeting rooms are also located in this complex.
• Outdoor Skating Rink is located on the south side of lrricana. This rink was recently paved allowing seasonal uses such as street hockey, roller blading and roller-skating, as well as housing some skateboard equipment. A Multi-Use Recreation Pad for basketball and tennis, soccer fields, baseball diamond and a playground are also located within this recreational area.
• Irricana Walking and Biking Trails encompass the Town providing 3.5 km of recreational natural and paved maintained trail system. The trail system is broken down into 4 separate trails: Mel Brown, Founders, Gladys Taylor Trail (newly named) and Mountain View trails. An information brochure is available at the Town Office.
• Playgrounds & Green Spaces are situated throughout Irricana providing leisure for all ages. *George Book Memorial Playground - located in Founders Park.
  *Harold Knight Park (playground) - located off of Pioneer Drive.
  *5th Street Playground - located on the corner of 5th Street & 2nd Avenue.
  *Henricks Drive Playground - located at the west end of Henricks Drive.
  *Walker Park (green space) - located at the north end of Madison Drive.
  *Off Leash Area (green space) - located along the south side of 6th Street, this large green area is the designated off leash area for dogs.
  
  
• Millennium Park - located on Main Street, adjacent to the historical "Irricana Supplies" building, the Millennium Park incorporates a public courtyard, surrounded by a naturally landscaped green area. Park benches and, a commemorative time capsule with a decorative pedestal, are also a part of Irricana's Millennium Park which was built as part of Irricana's Main Street Beautification Project.
• Founder's Park is located across the north side of Irricana, and is a wonderful treed recreational area with modern camping facilities. Covered cook houses, washroom facilities complete with shower stalls, RV waste disposal areas, and electricity are all available. Well groomed ball-diamonds, rodeo grounds, a large community hall and a playground are also located in Founder's Park. Bike paths wind around the park and are well within easy access to Irricana's main street businesses for shopping conveniences.

GOLF COURSES

Irricana is within close proximity to numerous golf courses in the area.
Golf’s popularity among old and young alike is addressed in Wild Rose Region through a variety of fun-to-challenging courses. Want to know what the weather conditions are like before you head out to play? Check the weather report online.

• Acme & Distrcit Golf Club
• Strathmore Golf Club
• Oxbo Golf
• Three Hills Golf Course

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

A strong basis for community is revealed in the many recreational groups active in Irricana.

The Lions Club	The Ladies Club	The Seniors Club	The Country Cruisers
Masons	Brownies	The Ag Society	Guides
Beavers	Scouts	Gymnastics Club	The Drum Corp
The Dart Club	The Teen Association	Historical Society	4-H

Irricana's service related organizations are just as numerous.

For a comlete list of Clubs & Organizations Enter Here.

CHURCH'S & GROUPS

• United Church Women (U.C.W.)
  Meetings are held the last Wednesday of each month at 2:00 p.m. at a member's home. Our group is open to all women of the area for devotions, fellowship and service to communities and others in need. The group maintains the Manse, hosts showers for brides, and supports a foster child overseas.
• Tri Community Baptist Church
  Worship Services are held at 11:00 a.m. on Sundays; Sunday School at 10:00 a.m. Also has the Pioneer Clubs for children aged 4-12 on Wednesday nights 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and a Youth Group for youths aged 13-18. Joy Group every third Thursday; Bible Study and Prayer Meetings.
• St. John's Anglican Church
  Sunday services at 11:00 a.m. Sunday School during service. Coffee & lunch served after service. Anglican Church Women's Group everyone welcome.
• St. Mary's Catholic Church
  Mass Times: Weekly Mass Times 9:00 a.m. Tuesday - Friday No Mass on Monday morning unless otherwise announced. Sunday 11:00 a.m.

ANNUAL EVENTS/ATTRACTIONS

• Pioneer Acres Annual Show is one of the most well-known events held near Irricana. The Pioneer Acres Museum, open May to September, hosts an elaborate antique farm machinery show and attracts tourists from around the continent and world-wide.
  
  The "Long Home" historical building has been added to the facilities at the park. Linking Pioneer Acres to the Village of Irricana is a short natural pathway leading directly into Irricana's Founder's Park. Another event coinciding with the annual show held at Pioneer Acres is Pioneer Annual Show, held annually in August.
  
  
• Sports Day is held annually each July and hosts a breakfast, parade, car club rodeo & show, kids activities, volunteer firefighters competition, ball tournament and cabaret.

Other annual events include:

• Irricana's Winter Festival (February)
• Pitch-in (May)
• The Terry Fox Run (September)
• The Community Christmas Concert (December)
• Christmas Craft Sale (November / December).

Town of Irricana lapel pins are available by contacting the Town Office.

ACCOMODATIONS

• Prairie Sky Bed and Breakfast

RESTAURANTS

• Irricana Family Restaurant
• Cafe Plus
• Full of Beans Coffee Shop

CAMPING

• Founders Park

Economic Base

ECONOMIC STRENGTHS

The Economic Base for Irricana is mainly Agriculture.

An abundance of productive farmland, clean air and water make the Wild Rose Region an attractive place to live and operate a business. The economic base in the Wild Rose area consists of agriculture (wheat, barley, oats, potatoes, canola, rye, flax, hay, beef and dairy cattle, poultry and hogs), agribusiness (feed and fertilizer production), greenhouses, oil and gas, and construction.

The following tables outline the magnitude of agricultural products in the Region:



Irricana has a young commuting population. Many people who live here are working in Airdrie, which is about an 18 minute drive away, or Calgary, which is approximately a 35 minute drive from Irricana.

Some businesses in Irricana include a local newspaper company, an oilfield contracting company and the Irricana Administration Office. Irricana also has a number of other family owned businesses, restaurants, retail stores, etc., as well as numerous home-based businesses.

IRRICANA'S BUSINESS DIRECTORY

For a complete list of Irricana's Businesses Enter Here

Economic Facts

DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE

Total Population

2005 Census Data - 1104
50% Male
50% Female

Population Age Distribution (percent of total population)

0-4 years 7%	35-44 years 22%
5-9 years 8%	45-54 years 15%
10-17 years 12%	55-64 years 11%
18-24 years 7%	65-74 years 3%
25-34 years 13%	75+ years 1%

Length of Residence in Irricana

less that 1 year 14%	2 years to less than 5 years 24%
1 year to less than 2 years 9%	5 years or more 53%

Percentage of Population

Employed 57% ~ Employed in Irricana 16%

Source: Irricana Town Office

PROPERTY VALUE ESTIMATES

Lot Only (approx)
Residential - $35,000 - $40,000

Purchase (approx)
Residential - Average - $125,000. to $150,000

WORKERS COMPENSATION

Average cost per $100 payroll in Manufacturing: $3-$4
Average cost per $100 payroll in Office Work: $.40 Maximum weekly benefit $1,176.92
For additional details on the program see: Workers Compensation Board

EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE

55% of your average insurable earnings to a maximum of $413 per week.
For additional information on the program see:
Employment Insurance Information for Employers

RESEARCH BASE

Being a close neighbor of the City of Calgary, companies located in Irricana have access to a broad range of research facilities located in an around the City. For additional information on the following research facilities, simply click on the name to access the link.

• Alberta Research Council
• Calgary Technologies Inc.
• Edmonton Economic Development Corporation
• Food Processing Development Centre
• TRLabs
• WurcNet

FURTHER IN-DEPTH INFORMAITON

• Municipal Profiles developed by Alberta's Ministry of Municipal Affairs
• Alberta - A Wealth of Opportunity developed by Alberta Economic Development
• Alberta Economic Highlights developed by Alberta Economic Development
• Alberta Economic Outlook developed by Alberta Economic Development
• Alberta Export and Trade developed by Alberta Economic Development
• Tourism Reports developed by Alberta Economic Development
• Alberta Finance Statistics also contains much information which may be useful.

Education

Irricana is part of the Rocky View School Division #41. Students are bussed to schools in either Beiseker or Kathryn. Both schools offer an excellent education program with highly qualified teaching staff.

PUBLIC SCHOOLS


Enter here for information about Kathryn School Grades 1-9



Enter here for information about Beiseker Community School Grades 1-6, 10-12

SEPERATE SCHOOLS
Separate schooling is offered by the Calgary Separate School Division, Airdrie. Bussing is offered to and from the school by the Division.

DAYCARE/NURSERY
The Village of Irricana offers a well facilitated pre-school and ECS program, located in the Irricana Community Centre. Both the pre-school classes and the ECS class have their own permanent areas complete with a kitchen facility. The ECS program is reevaluated each year by the ECS Committee and is operated depending on government subsidies.

Irricana also has a licensed, qualified day home.

Emergency Services

The Town of Irricana maintains high qualities of emergency services readily available for its residents should a situation arise. These services are available through the 911 system - POLICE, FIRE and AMBULANCE.

FIRE PROTECTION

Irricana's Fire Service (Station #56) is operated by the M.D. of Rocky View #44 Fire Service and is manned by an exceptional group of volunteers who respond to a variety of emergencies including structural and grass fires, motor vehicle accidents, hazardous materials incidents and first medical responders for Airdrie's Ambulance Service during serious medical situations. Station #56 houses the following apparatus and equipment: rescue, two pumpers, a water tanker, a bush buggy, quad and a personnel carrier. Volunteers receive ongoing in house training and attend the Alberta Fire Training School for required courses. The fire service offers public education, tours, lectures, and literature and is often recruiting for new volunteers for both firefighting and non-firefighting duties.

AMBULANCE SERVICES

Ambulance service is provided from Airdrie 911. The STARS Air Ambulance also serves the community.

POLICE SERVICES

The RCMP area detachment is based in Beiseker. An RCMP Victims Assistance Unit also serves our area from Airdrie. These trained volunteers offer support, information, and referral services to victims of crime and misfortune in conjunction with RCMP investigations.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

• AMBULANCE ~ 911
• FIRE - EMERGENCY ~ 911
  Fire Hall - M.D. of Rocky View #44 ~ 911
  935-4393 ~ 230-1401
  (further Burning Permit Information)
• POLICE (RCMP) EMERGENCY ~ 911
  Non Emergency Complaints ~ 947-3420 ~ 947-3496
• POISON CENTRE ~ 270-1414
• ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLAINT/EMERGENCY ~ 1-800-222-6514
• CRIME STOPPERS ~ 1-800-222-8477
• TELUS REPAIRS ~ 611
• ATCO GAS ~ 310-5678
• Gas Emergency 24 Hour Service ~ 1-800-511-3447
• EPCOR – EMERGENCY ~ 1-800-667-2345

Non Emergency ~ 1-800-332-1002

• BURIED UTILITY LOCATIONS ~ 1-800-242-3447
• FORTIS Power Outages ~ 310-9473

Health Care

HEALTH SERVICES

Calgary Regional Hospital District #4 offers a Community Baby immunization Clinic. Major health concerns or emergencies are routed to one of Calgary's hospital facilities or Airdrie clinics. For immediate attention or critical situations, the STARS Air Ambulance is notified.

Enter here for a complete list of IRRICANA'S HEALTH CARE SERVICES.


Calgary's Hospital Facilities

Peter Lougheed Centre

Foothills Medical Centre

Rockyview General Hospital

Alberta Children's Hospital

South Calgary Health Centre

Key Contacts for Business Development

MUNICIPAL

Town of Irricana
Box 100, Irricana, Alberta T0M 1B0
Tel: 403-935-4672 ~ Fax: 403-935-4270
Jo-Anne Lambert
Chief Administrative Officer
Email:jlambert@irricana.com

PROVINCIAL REPRESENTATIVE

Walter Valentini
Regional Manager
Alberta Regional Economic Development
#300, 639 - 5th Avenue, SW
Calgary, Alberta T2P 0M9
Tel: 403-297-8920 ~ Fax: 403-297-6168
E-Mail: walter.valentini@gov.ab.ca
E-Mail: dianne.fitzsimmons@gov.ab.ca

Member of the Legislative Assembly
(MLA)

Carol Haley
Airdrie-Rocky View Constituency
132 Legislature Building
10800 - 97 Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2B6
Tel: 780-427-1879 ~ Fax: 780-415-0968

FEDERAL REPRESENTATIVE

Kevin Sorenson
Member of Parliament (MP)

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

HIGHWAY LOCATION

Irricana is located in the Municipal District of Rockyview #44 in Southern Alberta's wide open spaces of the Canadian prairies. 35 minutes NE of Calgary, Alberta en route to the Drumheller badlands off Hwy #9 or 18 minutes east of Airdrie, Alberta off Hwy #567, Irricana is located off two separate primary highways.

The Town is located in the heart of the Canadian prairies but has the accessibility to all types of landscapes within close proximity.

The Drumheller badlands with its beautiful Horseshoe Canyon, is located 45 minutes east of Irricana.

The majestic Rocky Mountains are approximately an hour and a half west of Irricana for those interested in world class skiing, golfing and hiking.

For people who enjoy water sports there are numerous lakes located within a short drive from Irricana as well.

Directly adjacent to Irricana is a glacially formed coulee teaming with natural prairie grasses and wild flowers, low lying brush, wildlife and curious rock formations, the result of thousands of years of erosion

LONGITUDE & LATITUDE

Longitude: 113 degrees 37'W
Latitude: 51 degrees 19'N

MAP OF ALBERTA

MAP OF IRRICANA'S LOCATION


PROXIMITY TO OTHER LOCATIONS

Driving Distance from Irricana	km	miles	Time Required
Calgary (city centre)	63	39	47 minutes
Calgary International Airport	47	29	37 minutes
Edmonton, Alberta	314	195	3 hours, 13 minutes
Vancouver, British Columbia	1029	639	11 hours, 59 minutes
Toronto, Ontario	3409	2118	35 hours, 17 minutes
United States Border (Coutts, Alberta crossing)	375	233	4 hours, 5 minutes

It is important to note that time required is calculated based on 'ideal' traffic and weather conditions.

**Distance is measured from city centre to city centre**

Post Secondary Education

BUILDING FUTURES

Irricana 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 Irricana visit the school's corresponding website:

 

 

 

 

Educational Facility	Location	Telephone	Web site
University of Calgary	Calgary, AB	403-220-5110	www.ucalgary.ca
S.A.I.T.	Calgary, AB	403-284-7248	www.sait.ab.ca
Mount Royal College	Calgary, AB	403-240-6111	www.mtroyal.ab.ca
AB College of Art & Design	Calgary, AB	403-284-7600	www.acad.ab.ca
Devry Canada	Calgary, AB	403-235-3450	www.devry.ca
Olds Agricultural College	Olds, AB	1-800-661-6537	www.oldscollege.ab.ca/
Red Deer College	Red Deer, AB	403- 342-3300	www.rdc.ab.ca/

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.

Taxation

	Residential/Farmland	Non-Residential
2005
Municipal Tax Rate	8.0900	8.0900
Education - Alberta School Foundation Fund Tax Rate	3.9340	5.3570
Education Opted Out Tax Rate	3.9340	5.3570
Seniors Lodge Accommodation Tax Rate	.0640	.0640

Mill Rates (1995)

Residential-Public 41.304
Residential-Separate 41.304
Non-Residential - Public 47.090
Non-Residential - Separate 47.090

1995 residential taxes for a 1,150 square foot bungalow would be $1,350.00, while 1995 non-residential taxes for a 3,000 square foot commercial establishment would be $2,600.00.

Irricana has no business tax.

Transportation

AIR SERVICE

The nearest commercial and air freight services are at Calgary International Airport.

• 47 km from Irricana.
  
• For a listing of non-stop passenger destinations visit Passenger Non-stop Destinations.

A smaller rural airport is located just north, near Beiseker, offering an alternative for private planes.

RAIL SERVICE

The CNR railway run through Irricana to service the local grain handling needs.

HIGHWAYS
Connecting highways are Highway 9, leading north to Drumheller and south to Calgary (via Highway 1), and Secondary Highway 567, leading west to Highway 2 and Airdrie. Most commuters to Calgary/Airdrie operate their own transportation, as bus service is available but limited.

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

Ferguson Bus Lines
Ferguson Bus Lines is a contractor for Greyhound Canada. The bus depot is located at Irricana Grocery Store. They also offer parcel delivery and pickup services. For more information on schedules and ticket prices, please contact Ferguson Bus Lines at (403) 249-9607.
213 2 Street PO Box 245 Irricana, AB TOM 1BO
Phone: (403) 935-4935 Toll Free: (800) 661-8747

POSTAL & COURIERS

Canada Post, Purolator, UPS and FedEx all provide delivery services for Irricana 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.

For more information on service in Irricana contact Canada Post,Purolator,UPS & FedEx.

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

Electrical Power:

FortisAlberta
Epcor

Natural Gas:

Direct Energy Services
Atco

COMMUNICATIONS

Cable Television:
Persona Communications

Telephone:
Telus Communications

Internet Service:
E-Firehose
Telus Communications

 

Irricana also has access to all the major radio stations from Calgary and Q91 radio station, which broadcasts from Drumheller.

Irricana has access to all of the TV stations broadcasting from Calgary.

LOCAL/REGIONAL NEWSPAPERS

Name	Phone Number	Fax Number
Rocky View Weekly	(403) 935-4221	(403) 935-4981
The Calgary Sun	(403) 410-1010	(403) 250-4180
The Calgary Herald	(403) 235-7100	(403) 235-7379

WATER & WASTE MANAGEMENT

Water is supplied to the Town by the Kneehill Water Line and the Red Deer River distributed through approximately 12,000 feet of pipe. Storage of 2.27 million litres in one stand pipe (Tower) and one underground storage reservoir. Water Works is responsible for the supply of treated potable water as well as maintenance to piping and pumping facilities. The Town of Irricana encourages and implements programs to conserve water and reduce costs. Water meters are in effect in all households and water is charged using a flat rate and an additional $2.45 per cubic meter based on water consumption.

The Sewer Department maintains approximately 10,000 feet of piping and manholes. Charges for sewer are calculated using a flat rate and an additional $.34 per cubic meter based on usage. Treatment is done by a lagoon system located to the North of the Town.

A contracted company provides Garbage Services for the Town of Irricana. Residents are allowed a maximum of 4 bags of household type garbage per week. Collection day is Mondays and residents are asked to have garbage placed out by 7:00 a.m. If a holiday falls on a Monday, garbage will be collected the next day.

Alberta’s commitment to water resources is three-fold: a safe, secure drinking water supply, healthy aquatic ecosystems, and reliable, quality water supplies for a sustainable economy.

Alberta Environment has developed water programs that include studying, monitoring and testing of water sources. They have established guidelines to ensure quality standards for the many uses of water, and programs to protect ecosystems and enforce regulations.

Alberta has the most stringent drinking water program in the country and was one of the first provinces to fully adopt the Canadian Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality as a minimum standard. Alberta Environment strives for continuous improvement in its program and works closely with Alberta Health and Wellness to ensure Albertans continue to enjoy high-quality drinking water.

For information on Alberta regulations for water and waste water please visit Alberta Environment.

Town of Irricana
Type: Water / Sewer / Garbage
260 1 Avenue PO Box 100
Irricana, AB TOM 1BO Phone: (403) 935-4672 Fax: (403) 935-4270
E-mail: irricana@irricana.com
Internet Address: irricana@irricana.com

Utilities are paid bi-monthly.

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT After Hours Emergency: (403) 935-4672 (this number is for emergency messages only, on call personnel will return your call)

The Town of Irricana Public Works department has three full time employees. During summer months the department employs summer students through government grant programs to help with the mowing of parks, green spaces and recreational areas and general maintenance.

As well as parks maintenance & grounds care the public works department is in charge of water/wastewater systems, streets & roadways maintenance, general facility maintenance and the planning of capital projects and equipment. Department staff maintains and repair streets and roads, sidewalks and signs at lowest possible costs, without reduction of safety to the public. The Public Works shop and office are located at the west end of the Town Office building at 260-1st Avenue.

GARBAGE/RECYCLING

M.D. OF ROCKY VIEW WASTE TRANSFER SITE/BURN PIT The Town of Irricana shares the M.D. of Rocky View Waste Transfer Site located just north of lrricana (adjacent to Pioneer Acres). A fee is charged to use the transfer site and payment is to be made at the Town Office or directly at the transfer site. If purchased at the Town Office the receipt issued must be shown to the Transfer Site Operator. Fees are as follows:
$20.00 - per 1/2 ton or less load
$30.00 - over 1/2 ton to 1 ton load. Hours of Operation:
Tuesdays and every of the month 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Materials not accepted: Scrap metals, animal remains, batteries, toxic waste, tires, oil or antifreeze. Most important please ensure your load is secured to prevent litter of our environment. For special arrangements and information contact the Town Office at (403) 935-4672.


RECYCLING DEPOT

The recycling depot is located at the transfer site just north of lrricana. The containers are clearly designated for newspaper, glass, tin and plastics and cardboard. Become more aware of products that can and cannot be recycled. Anything with a glued binding (telephone books and catalogues) is not accepted and is garbage. Envelopes with glue and brown paper are not accepted and are garbage.
Breakdown and compress all material as much as possible so you have more room next time you visit the site.
Put only milk jugs in the milk jug bin at this time.
Remove the label, the top and bottom of tin cans and rinse. Most cans are rinsed at present. Let's keep up the good work.
Remove newspapers from grocery bags before putting them in the bin.
Become more involved in the recycling by volunteering. It only takes two hours a month.
Contact Larry Martin for more information at 935-5557. Help keep your site clean!

Population

Total Population
Population 2004*	1,043
Population 2003*	1,043
Population 2002*	1,043
Population 2001**	1,035
Population 2000*	1,016
Population 1996**	823
Population 1991**	812
Population % change 1991-1996	1.34%
Population % change 1996-2001	21.09%
* 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	30	30	60	35	40	75
Age 5 - 14	80	100	180	100	90	190
Age 15 - 19	35	30	65	35	45	80
Age 20 - 24	20	20	40	25	25	50
Age 25 - 34	65	70	135	80	85	165
Age 35 - 44	90	80	170	100	105	205
Age 45 - 54	55	45	100	80	70	150
Age 55 - 64	15	15	30	50	35	85
Age 65 - 74	15	10	25	15	15	30
Age 75 and older	0	15	15	10	10	20
Total All Persons	410	415	825	515	520	1,035
Source: Statistics Canada 1996 & 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Irricana Population by Age Group (2001)

Education Statistics

Highest level of schooling for Population 20yrs and older	2001	%
People without high school certificates	205	29.29%
People with high school certificates	95	13.57%
People with trades or non-university certificate or diploma	250	35.71%
People with post-secondary education (not completed)	80	11.43%
People with university diploma/certificate	10	1.43%
People with university degree	50	7.14%
Total Population 20 years and older	700	100.00%
Source: Statistics Canada 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Irricana Highest Level of Schooling 2001

Population with Post Secondary Qualifications	1996	%	2001	%
Agriculture and biological sciences	0	0.00%	20	6.35%
Commerce, management and business administration	60	27.91%	85	26.98%
Educational, recreational and counseling services	15	6.98%	15	4.76%
Engineering and applied science tech. and trades	80	37.21%	85	26.98%
Engineering and applied sciences	0	0.00%	0	0.00%
Fine and applied arts	10	4.65%	10	3.17%
Health professionals, science and technologies	10	4.65%	45	14.29%
Humanities and related fields	0	0.00%	0	0.00%
Mathematics and physical sciences	0	0.00%	0	0.00%
Social sciences and related fields	30	13.95%	40	12.70%
Other and/or no specialization	0	0.00%	0	0.00%
Total people with post secondary qualifications	215	100.00%	315	100.00%
Females with post-secondary qualifications	115	53.49%	175	55.56%
Males with post-secondary qualifications	100	46.51%	140	44.44%
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	425	645
Not in the labour force, both sexes	170	120
Total population 15 and over	595	765
Employed, both sexes	385	605
Unemployed, both sexes	40	40
Participation rate, both sexes	71.00%	84.00%
Unemployment rate, both sexes	9.00%	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	0	0.00%	25	4.00%
Mining	10	2.41%	10	1.60%
Manufacturing	85	20.48%	95	15.20%
Construction	60	14.46%	95	15.20%
Transportation. & Utilities	40	9.64%	45	7.20%
Retail and Wholesale	65	15.66%	100	16.00%
Finance	0	0.00%	40	6.40%
Business & Community Services	125	30.12%	165	26.40%
Public Administration	25	6.02%	35	5.60%
Total All Industries	415	100.00%	625	100.00%
Source: Statistics Canada 1996 & 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Irricana Labour Force By Industry - 2001

 

Labour Force by Major Occupational Groups	1996	%	2001	%
Management occupations	20	4.88%	100	16.00%
Business, Finances and administrative occupations	95	23.17%	160	25.60%
Natural and applied sciences and related occupations	50	12.20%	20	3.20%
Health occupations	10	2.44%	20	3.20%
Occupations in social science; education; government and religion	10	2.44%	15	2.40%
Occupations in art; culture; recreation and sport	15	3.66%	0	0.00%
Sales and service occupations	70	17.07%	100	16.00%
Trades; transport; equipment operators and related occupations	105	25.61%	135	21.60%
Occupations unique to primary industry	10	2.44%	10	1.60%
Occupations unique to processing; manufacturing and utilities	35	8.54%	55	8.80%
Occupations not elsewhere classified	10	2.44%	20	3.20%
Total - All Occupations (major groups)	410	100.00%	625	100.00%
Females - All Occupations	160	39.02%	275	44.00%
Males - All Occupations	250	60.98%	345	55.20%
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	35	20.00%	30	12.77%
$20,000 - $39,999	30	17.14%	55	23.40%
$40,000 - $59,999	55	31.43%	90	38.30%
$60,000 and over	55	31.43%	70	29.79%
Total number of families	175	100.00%	245	104.26%
Average family income	$45,657		$58,144
Median family income	$51,072		$58,111
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	80	29.63%	30	8.22%
$20,000 - $39,999	70	25.93%	80	21.92%
$40,000 - $59,999	60	22.22%	95	26.03%
$60,000 and over	25	9.26%	165	45.21%
Total number of households	270	100.00%	365	100.00%
Average household income	$37,888		$58,422
Median household income	$35,036		$57,427
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	$165,000	$26,000	$4,000	$9,000	$30,000
Building Permits Value, Industrial	$0	$0	$266,000	$0	$0
Building Permits Value, Institutional	$8,000	$0	$0	$0	$0
Building Permits Value, Residential	$1,089,000	$975,000	$988,000	$2,966,000	$1,341,000
Building Permits Value, Total	$1,262,000	$1,001,000	$1,258,000	$2,975,000	$1,371,000
Total Housing Starts	9	9	6	28	8
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%	0	0.00%
Detached Duplexes	10	3.70%	0	0.00%
Movable Dwellings	40	14.81%	20	5.48%
Other single attached house	0	0.00%	5	1.37%
Row and semi-detached house	0	0.00%	15	4.11%
Single-detached house	220	81.48%	325	89.04%
Total number of occupied private dwellings	270	100.00%	365	100.00%
Private dwellings, owned	240	88.89%	345	94.52%
Private Dwellings, rented	30	11.11%	20	5.48%
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	15	4.23%
Period of construction, 1946 - 1960	0	0.00%
Period of construction, 1961 - 1970	0	0.00%
Period of construction, 1971 - 1980	125	35.21%
Period of construction, 1981 - 1990	75	21.13%
Period of construction, 1991 - 2001	140	39.44%
Total number of private dwellings constructed	355	100.00%
Source: Statistics Canada 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)