- 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
Forty Mile No. 8, County of
Welcome
The County of Forty Mile No. 8 Council, Staff and Residents would like to extend an open invitation to all to come and experience a very tranquil way of life.
We believe the area has something to offer for everyone from the beauty of the natural landscape to accommodating various business interests.
Forty Mile Logo 3D
Area Overview
The County was formed through the amalgamation of the Municipal District of Bow Island, Municipal District of Forty Mile, and Municipal District of Burlington. It was gazetted effective January 1, 1958. The County was named after the Forty Mile Coulee located 14 miles north of Foremost.
Climate
The County lies mainly within the Dry Mixed Grass Region. At higher elevations in the southern part of the County and at higher elevations in the eastern part of the County, the Mixed Grass Region is present. The mean annual precipitation averaged from 3 meterological stations within the County measured 344.p millimeters based on data from 1971 to 2000. The mean annual temperature averaged 7.0C with the mean monthly temperature reaching a high of 21.1C in July and dropping to a low of -9.2C in January. The calculated annual potential evaoptranspiration is 625 millimeters.
Community Lifestyle
Recreation
A number of outdoor camping and recreation facilities have been developed in and around the County providing an excellent opportunity for everyone to enjoy the breathtaking scenery the County and surrounding area has to offer.
Attractions:
- Etzikom Museum
- Red Rock Coulee Natural Area
- Milk River Natural Area
- Kennedy Coulee Ecological Reserve
- Pakowki Lake Bird Sanctuary
- Bow Island Golf Course
- Foremost Golf Course
40-Mile Park
-Water-based recreation
-Camping -Daily, monthly, yearly and long term water front leases
Golden Sheaf Park
-Water-based recreation
-Camping
There are several stocked and natural fishing lakes in the County, providing year round activity for anglers, and for the hunting enthusiast, the natural terrain is home to a variety of wildlife.
Community Organizations
Several community organizations, sports clubs and service groups are active in the County. These include but are not limited to: 4H Clubs, Ag Society, Ambulance, Baseball, Book Club, Bow Island Trap Club, C.W.L., Cadets, Chamber of Commerce, Christian Women’s, Churches-many denominations, Cubs & Scouts’, Curling Club, Dance Club, Elks, FCSS, Figure Skating, Fire, Fish & Game Association, Flying Club, Golden Age Club, Hockey- Minor - Men’s Recreational- Old Timers’, Hospital Auxiliary, Knights of Columbus, Library, Lionesses, Lions, Masons, Men’s Basketball, Pathfinders, Play Group, Quilter’s Guild, Riding and Roping Club, Rodeo, Royal Canadian Legion, Sage Club, Senior Citizens, Theatrical Society, TOPS, Tuff Trucks, U.C.W., Women's Institute.
You can also checkout the community profiles for Bow Island and Foremost for more information.
Newspapers
Weeklies – County Commentator
Dailies - Lethbridge Herald and Medicine Hat News
Radio Stations:
The County receives the following local radio stations.
FM: CBC 91.7 & 92.1, BEE 93.3, COUNTRY 95.5, CHAT 94.5, MY 96.1, ROCK 106.7, & THE RIVER 107.7
Television Stations
The County receives Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Calgary and Great Falls stations. Cable television is also available in a number of communities.
Internet Service Providers
Shockware and Canopy Canada currently provide high-speed wireless internet services to most County residents. Also, TELUS dialup service is available to all county residents. For high speed access where wireless is not an option satellite coverage is available.
Economic Base
The County of Forty Mile No. 8 is primarily agriculture based, with oil and gas activities scattered throughout the area. The County has a diversified agricultural economy based on ranching, dryland farming, irrigated specialty crops, and intensive livestock operations. Farm numbers have remained relatively constant at 771 with a total farm area of 7,216 sq. kms.
Economic Facts
MAJOR BUSINESS PRODUCTS/SERVICES
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
Foremost
Bow Island
Pivot Irrigating Field
Education
The County of Forty Mile No. 8 is part of the Prairie Rose Regional School Division No. 8, headquartered in Dunmore and the Medicine Hat Roman Catholic School Regional Division, headquartered in
Public
Public Schooling is available in Foremost (K-12), Bow Island- Senator Gershaw (4-12), Bow Island Elementary (K-3), Burdett (K-9), and Manyberries (K-6)
Separate
Separate Schooling is available in
Emergency Services
Fires Service
Volunteer Fire Departments are located throughout the County and serve the respective community and surrounding area.
Police Service:
The County is served by a detachment of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police with members in Foremost and Bow Island.
Ambulance Service:
9-1-1 Ambulance Service is available throughout the County.
Health Care
Health care is provided by Palliser Health Region in The County of Forty Mile No. 8. Hospital care is available at the Bow Island Health Centre. The Centre also has acute care and auxiliary wings. Senior Housing/Services are available at the Pleasant View Lodge and Pleasant View Manor located in Bow Island and Senior Housing at Fairway Manor in Foremost. Medical Clinics are also located in Foremost and Bow Island.
Key Contacts for Business Development
Municipal Contacts, last updated May 31, 2006
Main Office:
County of Forty Mile No. 8
303 Main Street
Box 160
Foremost, Alberta
T0K 0X0
Tel: 403-867-3530
Fax: 403-867-2242
E-Mail:fortymi2@fortymile.ab.ca
Lynden Hutchinson, Reeve
E-Mail: reeve@fortymile.ab.ca
Tel Work:403-867-3530
Fax:403-867-2242
E-Mail: dale@fortymile.ab.ca
Tel Work: 403-867-3940
Cell: 403-647-7316
E-Mail: keith@fortymile.ab.ca
Tel Work: 403-867-3530
Cell: 403-647-7210
E-Mail: jon@fortymile.ab.ca
Tel Work: 403-867-3530
Cell: 403-647-7674
E-Mail: stewart@fortymile.ab.ca
Provincial Contacts, (Updated May 2006)
Alberta Economic Development
109 Provincial Building
346 - 3 Street, SE
Medicine Hat, Alberta
T1A 0G7
Tel: 403-529-3630
Fax: 403-529-3140
Elvira Smid, Regional Manager
E-Mail: elvira.smid@gov.ab.ca
Gloria Filgas, Information Officer
E-Mail: gloria.filgas@gov.ab.ca.
Leonard Mitzel, Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA)
Cypress-Medicine Hat Constituency
423
Tel: 780-415-9590
Fax: 780-415-0951
Toll Free: 1-866-339-2191
E-Mail: Cypress.medicinehat@assembly.ab.ca
Tel: 403-528-2191
Fax: 403-528-2278
Federal Contacts,(Updated May 2006)
Monte Solberg, Member of Parliament (MP)
House of Commons
Tel: 613-992-4516
Fax: 613-992-6181
E-Mail: Solberg.M@parl.gc.ca
Constituency Offices:
Medicine Hat,
Telephone: (403) 528-4698
Fax: (403) 528-4365
Telephone: (403) 362-7677 or 1-800-565-4694
Fax: (403) 362-7055
Location
The County of Forty Mile No. 8 is located in Southeast Alberta an equal distance (approx 1 hours drive) from the City of Medicine Hat and the City of Lethbridge. The County is a vast area containing 78 townships of land bordering the United States to the south and the South Saskatchewan River to the north, encompassing portions of Townships 1 to 13 and Ranges 5 to 14. Located within the County boundaries are the Village of Foremost and the Town of Bow Island. You’ll find that the County is less than an hours drive from two border crossings. Aden Border Crossing is located within the County’s boundaries and is open 9:00 a.m. till 5:00 p.m. Coutts Border Crossing is located 89 km (55 miles) southwest and is open 24 hours. The Village Foremost, at the center of the County is located 327 km (204 miles) from Calgary, 622 km (386 miles) from Edmonton and 2257 km (1402 miles) from Minneapolis. Also, CP Rail has a rail line crossing through the northern part of the County. The County of Forty Mile No. 8 is part of the Palliser Economic Partnership.
Post Secondary Education
The County of Forty Mile No. 8 residents have access to post-secondary institutions located in
The University of Lethbridge offers degree programs in Arts and Science, Management, Education, Fine Arts, Music and Nursing. A Master of Education and graduate programs leading to an MA or MSC are also available, as are 12 professional transfer programs in areas such as engineering, medicine and law. A Bachelor of Social Work is offered on campus by the University of Calgary.
The Lethbridge Community College offers credit and non-credit programs through four divisions: Business and Applied Arts, Community Education; Natural and Social Science; and Technology and Trades
Medicine Hat
The Medicine Hat College offers a wide variety of University transfer, diploma, certificate, trades, academic upgrading, life skills and English as a Second Language Program. Specific courses for business and industry, general interest courses and the conservatory of Music and Dance attracts a large number of participants.
Athabasca
Athabasca University Online is available to those that choose to continue their studies while pursuing a job or from the comforts of their homes.
Taxation
|
Mill Rates 2006 |
Residential |
Non residential |
|
General |
8.2297 |
8.2297 |
|
Forty Mile Foundation |
.4229 |
.4229 |
|
Recreation |
.2217 |
.2217 |
|
North Forty Mile Waste Regional Waste |
.0782 |
.0782 |
|
South Forty Waste Services Commission |
.3786 |
.3786 |
|
Education: Public |
4.9559 |
5.8311 |
|
Education: Separate |
4.9559 |
5.8311 |
Transportation
Air Service
Two airstrips are located within the County's boundaries. They are located in Foremost and Bow Island. The nearest commercial and airfreight services are located in Lethbridge and Medicine Hat.
Rail Service
CP Rail also provides rail service in the County with a line running parallel to Highway No. 3
Highways
The County is served by two primary highways with Highway 61 crossing the southern half of the County (east to west) and Highway 3 also crossing the County from east to west in the northern portion of the County. Various Provincial Highways feed into the primary system providing good access to most areas in the County. Volker Stevin is the primary maintenance contractor for the highways. They can be reached at 1-888-VSROADS.
Bus Service
Greyhound Bus Lines provides regularly scheduled service to the Town of Bow Island and the Village of Burdett.
Courier Service
Etikom Windmill Museum
Utilities
WATER SUPPLY
Domestic
Deep wells from 600 - 1600 feet into the Milk River Sandstone formation.
Irrigation
113,000 acres of irrigation in the County of which 106,000 is served by the St. Mary River Irrigation District. The remaining 7000 acres is made up of river users and spring flooding in the Orion and Manyberries area.
The Forty Mile Reservoir is off stream storage that is used during dry years to relieve pressure or canal flows for the Western Region and to supply enough water to the area north and east of the reservoir without rationing.
Forty Mile Reservoir
- Commissioned in 1988
- Length - 10.1 kms
- Maximum Depth - 25 m (83.3 ft.)
- Live Storage - 86,300,000 cu. Meters
WASTE MANAGEMENT
North Forty Regional Landfill Services
South Forty Waste Services Commission
Population
| Total Population | |
| Population 2004* | 3,432 |
| Population 2003* | 3,432 |
| Population 2002* | 3,168 |
| Population 2001** | 3,165 |
| Population 2000* | 3,230 |
| Population 1996** | 3,230 |
| Population 1991** | 3,193 |
| Population % change 1991-1996 | 1.15% |
| Population % change 1996-2001 | -1.96% |
| * 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 | 160 | 140 | 300 | 165 | 130 | 295 |
| Age 5 - 14 | 360 | 325 | 685 | 330 | 310 | 640 |
| Age 15 - 19 | 130 | 125 | 255 | 160 | 120 | 280 |
| Age 20 - 24 | 105 | 70 | 175 | 75 | 80 | 155 |
| Age 25 - 34 | 215 | 215 | 430 | 170 | 195 | 365 |
| Age 35 - 44 | 285 | 240 | 525 | 245 | 225 | 470 |
| Age 45 - 54 | 170 | 180 | 350 | 220 | 200 | 420 |
| Age 55 - 64 | 150 | 125 | 275 | 140 | 115 | 255 |
| Age 65 - 74 | 90 | 80 | 170 | 100 | 85 | 185 |
| Age 75 and older | 45 | 30 | 75 | 60 | 40 | 100 |
| Total All Persons | 1,710 | 1,520 | 3,230 | 1,650 | 1,515 | 3,165 |
| Source: Statistics Canada 1996 & 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding) | ||||||
Forty Mile No. 8, County of Population by Age Group (2001)
Education Statistics
| Highest level of schooling for Population 20yrs and older | 2001 | % | ||
| People without high school certificates | 905 | 46.53% | ||
| People with high school certificates | 310 | 15.94% | ||
| People with trades or non-university certificate or diploma | 430 | 22.11% | ||
| People with post-secondary education (not completed) | 195 | 10.03% | ||
| People with university diploma/certificate | 30 | 1.54% | ||
| People with university degree | 80 | 4.11% | ||
| Total Population 20 years and older | 1,945 | 100.00% | ||
| Source: Statistics Canada 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding) | ||||
Forty Mile No. 8, County of Highest Level of Schooling 2001
| Population with Post Secondary Qualifications | 1996 | % | 2001 | % |
| Agriculture and biological sciences | 100 | 17.09% | 105 | 19.81% |
| Commerce, management and business administration | 110 | 18.80% | 125 | 23.58% |
| Educational, recreational and counseling services | 100 | 17.09% | 65 | 12.26% |
| Engineering and applied science tech. and trades | 150 | 25.64% | 125 | 23.58% |
| Engineering and applied sciences | 0 | 0.00% | 0 | 0.00% |
| Fine and applied arts | 30 | 5.13% | 40 | 7.55% |
| Health professionals, science and technologies | 65 | 11.11% | 40 | 7.55% |
| Humanities and related fields | 25 | 4.27% | 10 | 1.89% |
| Mathematics and physical sciences | 10 | 1.71% | 10 | 1.89% |
| Social sciences and related fields | 10 | 1.71% | 30 | 5.66% |
| Other and/or no specialization | 0 | 0.00% | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total people with post secondary qualifications | 585 | 100.00% | 530 | 100.00% |
| Females with post-secondary qualifications | 295 | 50.43% | 250 | 47.17% |
| Males with post-secondary qualifications | 290 | 49.57% | 280 | 52.83% |
| Source: Statistics Canada 1996 & 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding) | ||||
Labour Force
| Labour force by activity | 1996 | 2001 |
| In the labour force, both sexes | 1,900 | 1,625 |
| Not in the labour force, both sexes | 320 | 625 |
| Total population 15 and over | 2,220 | 2,245 |
| Employed, both sexes | 1,895 | 1,570 |
| Unemployed, both sexes | 10 | 55 |
| Participation rate, both sexes | 85.00% | 72.00% |
| Unemployment rate, both sexes | 1.00% | 3.00% |
| Source: Statistics Canada 1996 & 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding) | ||
| Labour Force by Industry Division | 1996 | % of total | 2001 | % of total |
| Agriculture | 1,420 | 74.93% | 1,200 | 73.85% |
| Mining | 50 | 2.64% | 15 | 0.92% |
| Manufacturing | 10 | 0.53% | 35 | 2.15% |
| Construction | 25 | 1.32% | 45 | 2.77% |
| Transportation. & Utilities | 85 | 4.49% | 30 | 1.85% |
| Retail and Wholesale | 50 | 2.64% | 65 | 4.00% |
| Finance | 15 | 0.79% | 15 | 0.92% |
| Business & Community Services | 180 | 9.50% | 190 | 11.69% |
| Public Administration | 25 | 1.32% | 20 | 1.23% |
| Total All Industries | 1,895 | 100.00% | 1,625 | 100.00% |
| Source: Statistics Canada 1996 & 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding) | ||||
Forty Mile No. 8, County of Labour Force By Industry - 2001
| Labour Force by Major Occupational Groups | 1996 | % | 2001 | % |
| Management occupations | 45 | 2.37% | 25 | 1.54% |
| Business, Finances and administrative occupations | 120 | 6.33% | 95 | 5.86% |
| Natural and applied sciences and related occupations | 0 | 0.00% | 10 | 0.62% |
| Health occupations | 25 | 1.32% | 35 | 2.16% |
| Occupations in social science; education; government and religion | 45 | 2.37% | 35 | 2.16% |
| Occupations in art; culture; recreation and sport | 10 | 0.53% | 0 | 0.00% |
| Sales and service occupations | 285 | 15.04% | 90 | 5.56% |
| Trades; transport; equipment operators and related occupations | 135 | 7.12% | 115 | 7.10% |
| Occupations unique to primary industry | 1,180 | 62.27% | 1,190 | 73.46% |
| Occupations unique to processing; manufacturing and utilities | 40 | 2.11% | 15 | 0.93% |
| Occupations not elsewhere classified | 10 | 0.53% | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total - All Occupations (major groups) | 1,895 | 100.00% | 1,620 | 100.00% |
| Females - All Occupations | 785 | 41.42% | 630 | 38.89% |
| Males - All Occupations | 1,110 | 58.58% | 990 | 61.11% |
| 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 | 75 | 11.81% | 65 | 11.11% |
| $20,000 - $39,999 | 135 | 21.26% | 165 | 28.21% |
| $40,000 - $59,999 | 190 | 29.92% | 215 | 36.75% |
| $60,000 and over | 235 | 37.01% | 125 | 21.37% |
| Total number of families | 635 | 100.00% | 570 | 97.44% |
| Average family income | $57,147 | $56,056 | ||
| Median family income | $51,243 | $49,009 | ||
| 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 | 140 | 17.50% | 120 | 14.81% |
| $20,000 - $39,999 | 185 | 23.13% | 175 | 21.60% |
| $40,000 - $59,999 | 220 | 27.50% | 265 | 32.72% |
| $60,000 and over | 65 | 8.13% | 255 | 31.48% |
| Total number of households | 800 | 100.00% | 810 | 100.00% |
| Average household income | $51,811 | $52,900 | ||
| Median household income | $44,898 | $48,706 | ||
| Source: Statistics Canada 1996 & 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding) | ||||
Dwellings
| Occupied Private Dwellings by Type | 1996 | % of total | 2001 | % of total | |
| Apartments | 0 | 0.00% | 0 | 0.00% | |
| Detached Duplexes | 0 | 0.00% | 0 | 0.00% | |
| Movable Dwellings | 30 | 3.73% | 40 | 4.94% | |
| Other single attached house | 10 | 1.24% | 0 | 0.00% | |
| Row and semi-detached house | 0 | 0.00% | 0 | 0.00% | |
| Single-detached house | 760 | 94.41% | 770 | 95.06% | |
| Total number of occupied private dwellings | 805 | 100.00% | 810 | 100.00% | |
| Private dwellings, owned | 640 | 79.50% | 720 | 88.89% | |
| Private Dwellings, rented | 160 | 19.88% | 90 | 11.11% | |
| 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 | 120 | 14.72% | |||
| Period of construction, 1946 - 1960 | 220 | 26.99% | |||
| Period of construction, 1961 - 1970 | 145 | 17.79% | |||
| Period of construction, 1971 - 1980 | 170 | 20.86% | |||
| Period of construction, 1981 - 1990 | 80 | 9.82% | |||
| Period of construction, 1991 - 2001 | 80 | 9.82% | |||
| Total number of private dwellings constructed | 815 | 100.00% | |||
| Source: Statistics Canada 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding) | |||||
Farming
Forty Mile No. 8, County of Total Farm Area : 690 acres
| Farms by Total Farm Area (2001) | # of Farms | % of total |
| Farms - Under 129 acres | 29 | 4.22% |
| Farms - 130 to 239 acres | 47 | 6.84% |
| Farms - 240 to 559 acres | 112 | 16.30% |
| Farms - 560 to 759 acres | 43 | 6.26% |
| Farms - 760 to 1,119 acres | 61 | 8.88% |
| Farms - 1,120 to 1,599 acres | 91 | 13.25% |
| Farms - 1,600 to 2,239 acres | 91 | 13.25% |
| Farms - 2,240 acres and over | 213 | 31.00% |
| Total number of farms reporting | 687 | 100.00% |
| Source: Statistics Canada 2001 Census of Agriculture(numbers may not add up due to rounding) | ||
# of Farms by Total Farm Area
| Farms by Total Gross Farm Receipts - 2001 | # of Farms | % of total |
| Farms gross farm receipts - under $9,999 | 38 | 5.53% |
| Farms gross farm receipts - $10,000 to $49,999 | 118 | 17.18% |
| Farms gross farm receipts - $50,000 to $99,999 | 114 | 16.59% |
| Farms gross farm receipts - $100,000 to $249,999 | 239 | 34.79% |
| Farms gross farm receipts - $250,000 to $499,999 | 106 | 15.43% |
| Farms gross farm receipts - $500,000 and over | 72 | 10.48% |
| Total number of farms reporting | 687 | 100.00% |
| Source: Statistics Canada 2001 Census of Agriculture(numbers may not add up due to rounding) | ||
Total Gross Farm Receipts
Farming, Continued
| Characteristics of Farm Operators | # | % |
| Age - Under 35 years | 140 | 15.38% |
| Age - 35 to 54 years | 485 | 53.30% |
| Age - 55 years and over | 280 | 30.77% |
| Average age of operators | 49 | |
| Number of operators - Female | 175 | 19.23% |
| Number of operators - Male | 730 | 80.22% |
| Total number of operators reporting | 910 | 100.00% |
| Source: Statistics Canada 2001 Census of Agriculture(numbers may not add up due to rounding) | ||
Age of Farm Operators
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