- 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
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Thorsby
Welcome
Welcome to our community. We hope the information contained within this profile is useful. If additional information is required, please contact our representative from the "Key Contacts" section.
Area Overview
The Village of Thorsby is a community of approximately 799 residents in 2001. The village is surrounded by a large farming community and supplies the growing needs for goods and services to the immediate population.
The village's logo, "Best of Both Worlds," is very appropriate and describes the attributes of the village fairly accurately. It truly describes the pleasure of "country living" in a small rural community while still being close to the large centres to accommodate services not available within the village.
Being close to larger centres keeps the cost of living very competitive, which may be the main reason that business thrives in Thorsby.
Community Services
Municipal
Village of Thorsby
Box 297
Thorsby, Alberta
T0C 2P0
Tel: 780-789-3935
Fax: 780-789-3779
The Village Office
Public Works
Municipal Library
Provincial
N/A
Federal
Canada Post Office
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Community Lifestyle
Recreation
The Village of Thorsby owns and operates a $3.5 million recreation complex, which houses a regulation size ice arena and viewing area, four bowling lanes, racquet ball court, weight room, library, playschool and large concession area. Other amenities include big screen t.v. with satellite and weight room with sauna. Internet Services are located in the library.1 meeting room is available to the public for a small fee. The indoor ramp park is one of only a few in Alberta and was built in January 2001. The ramp park is open for use to BMX's, Inline skateboards. The recreation centre also offers two baseball diamonds, 1 tennis court and a playground
The Haymaker Centre, owned and operated by the Thorsby Agricultural Society, is one of the finest centres in Alberta. Numerous activities take place there during the year. The facility features rodeos, roping competitions, livestock shows, agricultural shows as well as numerous other activities. 1 craft room.
Thorsby features a large campground with hook-up for RV vehicles. A large camp kitchen was installed in 1994. The campground is situated in the south bank of Weed Creek and is completely surrounded by trees.
Family and Community Support Service [FCSS] are looked after by the FACE Board with a coordinator in charge of the programs. The FACE Coordinator's office is situated in the Thorsby Village Office.
Community Organizations
Chamber of Commerce (Thorsby Chamber of Commerce)
Religious Facilities
- Lutheran Church
- United Church
- Roman Catholic Church
- Greek Orthodox Church
- Greek Catholic Church
- Pentecostal Church.
Special Annual Events/Attractions
Annual events include the Town's rodeo and roping competition. The September long week-end sports the Demo Derby. Farmers Day in May brings out the good humour in everyone.Thorsby hosts a Rodeo and parade-May long weekend,and also hosts Customer Appreciation in December.
Hospitality
Accommodation
Thorsby Hotel
Restaurants
Thorsby has 3 local restaurants and a bakery.
Economic Base
Agriculture plays a major role in the local economy. In addition, oil & gas exploration in the surrounding area has contributed to the economy.
Economic Facts
Thorsby has two large farm implement dealerships. Services, repairs and resale as well as new sales contribute to the economy.
Thorsby's business sector covers the following: Home Hardware Store, two garages, 1 gasoline sales outlets, 2 major grocery stores, 3 restaurants, a hotel, 1 insurance agencies, a clothing store, 2 hair salons, a bottle depot, a real estate service, auto and equipment parts store and a bakery.
Major Businesses Products/Services
- Large Hot Tub Manufacturing Shop, employeeing approx. 125 employees
- Welding Fabrication Shop, employeeing approx. 80 people
Financial Institutions
- Alberta Treasury Branch
- Bank of Montreal
Emergency Services
Fire Protection
Thorsby is served by a local volunteer fire department that has 25 members, 11 reservists and 4 trucks [Tel: 780-789-3611]. The Department is operated jointly with the Thorsby Rural Fire Protection Association.
Police Services
Thorsby is served by a local detachment of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police [RCMP) [Tel: 780-789-3950]or 911. A crime watch program is being set up for the Village.
STARS (Air) and ground Ambulance Services
Ambulance service is provided from Leduc [Tel: 780-986-2885]or 911. STARS
Health Care
Thorsby residents are served by several area hospitals such as Breton Hospital, Devon Hospital, Leduc Hospital, as well as Edmonton-based hospitals.
Nursing home facilities are available in Warburg. Also, the Leduc-Strathcona Health Unit have a clinic and office in Thorsby.
A Chiropractor's office is located in Thorsby.
Key Contacts for Business Development
Municipal
Village of Thorsby
Box 297
Thorsby, Alberta
T0C 2P0
Tel: 780-789-3935
Fax: 780-789-3779
Rick Hart
Mayor
James Squire
Chief Administrative Officer
jsquire@village.thorsby.ab.ca
Provincial (Updated December 2004)
David Pattison
Director, Edmonton Region
Regional Development Branch
Alberta Economic Development
5th Floor, Commerce Place
10155 - 102 Street
Edmonton, AB T5J 4L6
Tel: 780-427-6648
Fax: 780-422-5804
E-Mail: david.pattison@gov.ab.ca
(updated May 10, 2004)
Jan Couper, Client Services Representative
Tel: 780-427-6291
E-Mail: jan.couper@gov.ab.ca
Tony Abbott
Member of the Legislative Assembly [MLA]
Drayton Valley-Calmar Constituency
#503 Legislature Building
10800 - 97 Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta
T5K 2B6
Tel: 780-415-9466
Fax: 780-422-0351
Constituency Office:
Box 7272
Drayton Valley AB
T7A 1S5
Tel: 780-542-3355
Toll Free: 1-800-542-7307
Fax: 780-542-3331
Federal (Updated June 2001)
Blaine Calkins
Member of Parliament [MP]
Wetaskiwin Constituency
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6
Location
The Village of Thorsby is located on a major transportation route. Highway 39 connects the village to the City of Leduc to the east, followed by Highway 2 north to the City of Edmonton and south to the Cities of Wetaskiwin and Calgary.
Thirty minutes of excellent highway driving brings you to the City of Leduc. The City of Edmonton can be reached in 45 minutes by way of two alternative routes: South Edmonton by way of the City of Leduc or North-West Edmonton by way of the Town of Devon.
Post Secondary Education
Thorsby is within easy commuting distance to Edmonton-based post-secondary institutions such as the University of Alberta, Alberta College, Grant MacEwan Community College, and the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology [NAIT]. Also, Athabasca University offers courses by correspondence.
Taxation
| Residential/Farmland | Non-Residential | |
| 2005 | ||
| Municipal Tax Rate | 15.2450 | 20.2450 |
| Education - Alberta School Foundation Fund Tax Rate | 3.3340 | 6.0230 |
| Seniors Lodge Accommodation Tax Rate | .0590 | .0590 |
Mill Rates [2001)
Residential-Public 23.146
Residential-Separate N/A
Non-Residential - Public 30.623
Non-Residential - Separate N/A
Transportation
Air Service
Thorsby is located 35 minutes southwest of Edmonton International Airport.
Rail Service
Canadian Pacific Railways does not have passenger service to Thorsby, but the line runs through town and commercial stops are made.
Highways
Thorsby is located 1/4 mile south off Highway 39. Highway 39 services the communities west of the City of Leduc [located on Highway 2 North to Edmonton and South to Calgary).
Trucking Firms
Thorsby has one major trucking firm with same-day service being supplied.
Bus Services
There is daily bus service to Leduc and Edmonton.
Couriers and Taxis
Loomis and Purolator Couriers, Rocket Express
Utilities
Electrical Power
Epcor Energy
1-800-667-2345
Natural Gas
ATCO Gas
(780) 310-5678
Telephone
TELUS
(780) 310-2255
Water Supply
The source of water is the North Saskatchewan River, by way of a water line owned by Imperial Oil. Thorsby owns and operates its own water treatment plant. The operations are monitored on a regular basis by the Department of Environment. Water usage rates are $30.00 for 12m3 [for a 2 month period), with an extra charge of $1.30 per m3 over the 12m3 used.
Waste Management
Thorsby owns and operates its own lagoon, which is located 3 km east of the Village. The usage rate is $26.00 for a period of 2 months.
Solid waste disposal is $18 for a period of 2 months.
Population
| Total Population | |
| Population 2004* | 799 |
| Population 2003* | 799 |
| Population 2002* | 799 |
| Population 2001** | 800 |
| Population 2000* | 725 |
| Population 1996** | 725 |
| Population 1991** | 708 |
| Population % change 1991-1996 | 2.34% |
| Population % change 1996-2001 | 9.26% |
| * 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 | 25 | 25 | 50 | 25 | 20 | 45 |
| Age 5 - 14 | 50 | 45 | 95 | 70 | 50 | 120 |
| Age 15 - 19 | 20 | 20 | 40 | 30 | 30 | 60 |
| Age 20 - 24 | 20 | 15 | 35 | 20 | 20 | 40 |
| Age 25 - 34 | 50 | 45 | 95 | 50 | 45 | 95 |
| Age 35 - 44 | 50 | 40 | 90 | 70 | 55 | 125 |
| Age 45 - 54 | 50 | 40 | 90 | 60 | 50 | 110 |
| Age 55 - 64 | 30 | 35 | 65 | 35 | 50 | 85 |
| Age 65 - 74 | 40 | 45 | 85 | 45 | 35 | 80 |
| Age 75 and older | 25 | 30 | 55 | 25 | 35 | 60 |
| Total All Persons | 370 | 360 | 730 | 420 | 385 | 805 |
| Source: Statistics Canada 1996 & 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding) | ||||||
Thorsby Population by Age Group (2001)
Education Statistics
| Highest level of schooling for Population 20yrs and older | 2001 | % | ||
| People without high school certificates | 260 | 46.85% | ||
| People with high school certificates | 50 | 9.01% | ||
| People with trades or non-university certificate or diploma | 130 | 23.42% | ||
| People with post-secondary education (not completed) | 40 | 7.21% | ||
| People with university diploma/certificate | 35 | 6.31% | ||
| People with university degree | 25 | 4.50% | ||
| Total Population 20 years and older | 555 | 100.00% | ||
| Source: Statistics Canada 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding) | ||||
Thorsby Highest Level of Schooling 2001
| Population with Post Secondary Qualifications | 1996 | % | 2001 | % |
| Agriculture and biological sciences | 0 | 0.00% | 20 | 10.26% |
| Commerce, management and business administration | 35 | 23.33% | 0 | 0.00% |
| Educational, recreational and counseling services | 30 | 20.00% | 60 | 30.77% |
| Engineering and applied science tech. and trades | 50 | 33.33% | 90 | 46.15% |
| Engineering and applied sciences | 0 | 0.00% | 10 | 5.13% |
| Fine and applied arts | 15 | 10.00% | 10 | 5.13% |
| Health professionals, science and technologies | 15 | 10.00% | 20 | 10.26% |
| 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 | 0 | 0.00% | 0 | 0.00% |
| Other and/or no specialization | 0 | 0.00% | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total people with post secondary qualifications | 150 | 100.00% | 195 | 100.00% |
| Females with post-secondary qualifications | 75 | 50.00% | 70 | 35.90% |
| Males with post-secondary qualifications | 75 | 50.00% | 125 | 64.10% |
| 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 | 295 | 385 |
| Not in the labour force, both sexes | 265 | 240 |
| Total population 15 and over | 565 | 625 |
| Employed, both sexes | 280 | 365 |
| Unemployed, both sexes | 20 | 20 |
| Participation rate, both sexes | 52.00% | 62.00% |
| Unemployment rate, both sexes | 6.00% | 5.00% |
| 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% | 10 | 2.60% |
| Mining | 25 | 8.62% | 35 | 9.09% |
| Manufacturing | 10 | 3.45% | 40 | 10.39% |
| Construction | 40 | 13.79% | 45 | 11.69% |
| Transportation. & Utilities | 20 | 6.90% | 45 | 11.69% |
| Retail and Wholesale | 70 | 24.14% | 40 | 10.39% |
| Finance | 15 | 5.17% | 25 | 6.49% |
| Business & Community Services | 90 | 31.03% | 120 | 31.17% |
| Public Administration | 10 | 3.45% | 25 | 6.49% |
| Total All Industries | 290 | 100.00% | 385 | 100.00% |
| Source: Statistics Canada 1996 & 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding) | ||||
Thorsby Labour Force By Industry - 2001
| Labour Force by Major Occupational Groups | 1996 | % | 2001 | % |
| Management occupations | 20 | 6.90% | 15 | 3.95% |
| Business, Finances and administrative occupations | 55 | 18.97% | 45 | 11.84% |
| Natural and applied sciences and related occupations | 10 | 3.45% | 10 | 2.63% |
| Health occupations | 10 | 3.45% | 15 | 3.95% |
| Occupations in social science; education; government and religion | 15 | 5.17% | 10 | 2.63% |
| Occupations in art; culture; recreation and sport | 10 | 3.45% | 0 | 0.00% |
| Sales and service occupations | 95 | 32.76% | 120 | 31.58% |
| Trades; transport; equipment operators and related occupations | 70 | 24.14% | 115 | 30.26% |
| Occupations unique to primary industry | 15 | 5.17% | 45 | 11.84% |
| Occupations unique to processing; manufacturing and utilities | 0 | 0.00% | 10 | 2.63% |
| Occupations not elsewhere classified | 0 | 0.00% | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total - All Occupations (major groups) | 290 | 100.00% | 380 | 100.00% |
| Females - All Occupations | 125 | 43.10% | 145 | 38.16% |
| Males - All Occupations | 165 | 56.90% | 240 | 63.16% |
| 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 | 20 | 12.12% | 25 | 14.29% |
| $20,000 - $39,999 | 65 | 39.39% | 90 | 51.43% |
| $40,000 - $59,999 | 45 | 27.27% | 40 | 22.86% |
| $60,000 and over | 35 | 21.21% | 35 | 20.00% |
| Total number of families | 165 | 100.00% | 190 | 108.57% |
| Average family income | $41,751 | $50,419 | ||
| Median family income | $40,224 | $41,401 | ||
| 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 | 125 | 40.32% | 70 | 21.21% |
| $20,000 - $39,999 | 90 | 29.03% | 140 | 42.42% |
| $40,000 - $59,999 | 55 | 17.74% | 40 | 12.12% |
| $60,000 and over | 0 | 0.00% | 90 | 27.27% |
| Total number of households | 310 | 100.00% | 330 | 100.00% |
| Average household income | $32,067 | $41,877 | ||
| Median household income | $23,317 | $33,637 | ||
| 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 | $15,000 | $212,000 | $762,000 | $366,000 | $1,403,000 |
| Building Permits Value, Industrial | $0 | $900,000 | $730,000 | $0 | $0 |
| Building Permits Value, Institutional | $25,000 | $0 | $0 | $761,000 | $0 |
| Building Permits Value, Residential | $469,000 | $1,104,000 | $1,401,000 | $1,445,000 | $394,000 |
| Building Permits Value, Total | $509,000 | $2,216,000 | $2,893,000 | $2,572,000 | $1,797,000 |
| Total Housing Starts | 4 | 11 | 12 | 10 | 2 |
| 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 | 25 | 8.06% | 20 | 5.97% | |
| Detached Duplexes | 0 | 0.00% | 0 | 0.00% | |
| Movable Dwellings | 10 | 3.23% | 35 | 10.45% | |
| Other single attached house | 10 | 3.23% | 5 | 1.49% | |
| Row and semi-detached house | 10 | 3.23% | 5 | 1.49% | |
| Single-detached house | 265 | 85.48% | 265 | 79.10% | |
| Total number of occupied private dwellings | 310 | 100.00% | 335 | 100.00% | |
| Private dwellings, owned | 215 | 69.35% | 245 | 73.13% | |
| Private Dwellings, rented | 100 | 32.26% | 85 | 25.37% | |
| 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 | 4.55% | |||
| Period of construction, 1946 - 1960 | 120 | 36.36% | |||
| Period of construction, 1961 - 1970 | 65 | 19.70% | |||
| Period of construction, 1971 - 1980 | 65 | 19.70% | |||
| Period of construction, 1981 - 1990 | 50 | 15.15% | |||
| Period of construction, 1991 - 2001 | 15 | 4.55% | |||
| Total number of private dwellings constructed | 330 | 100.00% | |||
| Source: Statistics Canada 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding) | |||||
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