Minburn No. 27, County of

Welcome

Area Overview

The County of Minburn is situated in the parkland area east of Edmonton. It straddles the Yellowhead Trans Canada Highway 16 and is headquartered in Vegreville. Consisting of 37 townships, the main centres of activity being Vegreville, Mannville, Innisfree, Lavoy and Minburn, it spans an area of approximately 55 miles east to west, and 30 miles north to south.

The County offers residents a relaxed, yet vibrant, lifestyle as a result of both urban and rural influences. Two major centres--Vegreville in the west and Mannville in the east--and the smaller communities spread throughout the County ensure an excellent availability of supplies and services. Towns and villages are of a manageable size, with well-established education, cultural and social services. There is also affordable housing in a variety of price ranges.

The County of Minburn is THE place to establish a new business or expand an existing business. There are fully-serviced industrial parks and prime downtown office space. Transportation is never a problem, since the County is a natural centre for road, railway and air traffic. It is situated one hour from either Edmonton or the Saskatchewan border.

There are various tourist attractions throughout the County. The most notable is the "Pysanka", the world's largest Ukrainian easter egg, which is located in Vegreville. The County is also a tourist destination, given its proximity to the Yellowhead Trans Canada Highway. Part of the Kalyna Country Tourism Zone, the County has some of the finest recreational opportunities in Alberta. The County prides itself with fine recreational opportunites, including Wapasu Lake Conservancy Project and the International Rotary Peace Park. In addition, the County of Minburn's excellent leisure facilities attract major sports tournaments. The facilities encourage family participation and allow for year-round recreation programs. In addition to organized recreation, the County offers a diverse outdoor experience at its campgrounds, picnic sites and parks. Hunting and fishing attract both residents and visitors.

The Yellowhead Trans Canada Highway and the network of high-quality regional roads ensure all residents easy access to the County's two hospitals. The County is also covered by two health units: East Central Health (Vegreville) and Community Health (Minburn-Vermilion).

Along with staff at the main County office in Vegreville, public service employees are also located in Lavoy, Innisfree and Mannville. Seven elected divisional Councillors direct the provision of municipal services. The County has put an emphasis on developing an infrastructure that is poised for future growth and dedicated to providing services to all its citizens.

County residents are an energetic group dedicated to the improvement of life in their communities. They take a keen interest in politics at all levels.

The County of Minburn No. 27 moved into its Administrative Complex in 1991. This building--acquired from the provincial government [old courthouse] and renovated--preserves the historic link to the past.

Community Services

MUNICIPAL

County of Minburn No. 27
4909 - 50 Street, Box 550
Vegreville, Alberta
T9C 1R6
Tel: 780-632-2082
Fax: 780-632-6296
Email: info@minburncounty.ab.ca

Along with staff at the main County office in Vegreville, public service employees are also located in Lavoy, Innisfree and Mannville. Seven elected divisional Councillors direct the provision of municipal services.

PROVINCIAL

A number of provincial departments have offices in the County, including Medical Examiner-Coroner, Mental Health, Fish and Wildlife, and the Provincial Court.

FEDERAL

• Case Processing Centre
• Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Act (PFRA)
• Canada Post
•  Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)

Community Lifestyle

The County of Minburn is noted for its tremendous range of multicultural activities.

RECREATION

The County offers residents a relaxed, yet vibrant, lifestyle as a result of both urban and rural influences. Two major centres -- Vegreville in the west and Mannville in the east -- and the smaller communities spread throughout the County ensure an excellent availability of supplies and services.

Services are geared to all age groups, including day care for young children, clubs for boys and girls, continuing education for adults and a network of drop-in centres for seniors.

In addition, the County of Minburn's excellent leisure facilities attract major sports tournaments. The facilities encourage family participation and allow for year-round recreation programs. In addition to organized recreation, the County offers a diverse outdoor experience at its campgrounds, picnic sites and parks. Hunting and fishing attract both residents and visitors.

The County is part of the Kalyna Country Tourism Zone. Visitors will find a wide range of recreational opportunities in the area.

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

Service clubs, agricultural societies and 25 community halls are centres of activity.

Arts and cultural groups such as a community band, light theatre group and craft guilds have started up in recent years.

RELIGIOUS SERVICES

Churches also play an important role in the community life. Places of worship representing all faiths are located in the towns and rural areas.

The spiritual faith of all ethnic groups has been present since the pioneering days in the County, and is apparent in the people's willingness to lend neighbours a helping hand.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Overnight accommodation is available in Vegreville, Mannville and throughout the County.

Bed and Breakfasts

• The Beachside Bed and Breakfast on Wapasu Lake.  For more information call (780) 592-3840 or visit www.thebeachside.ca.
• Marushka's Bed & Breakfast & Tea Room located in Lavoy.  For more information call (780) 658-2503 or visit www.marushkasbb.com.
• Thistles & Lace Bed & Breakfast located south of Mannville.  For more information call (780) 763-2241. 

RESTAURANTS

Dining establishments are available in Vegreville, Mannville and throughout the County.

Economic Base

Agriculture has been the backbone of the County's economy since the turn of the century, when the first settlers were attracted to its rich black soil. These pioneers have made the district into one of the better farming areas in the West.

Of the County's 692,304 acres, 75% is cultivated land. There are over 900 farms, and 25% of the population is employed in agriculture and related activities.

Throughout the County, farmers have upgraded their facilities to improve production. County farmers have extensive knowledge of all aspects of their business and the complexities of modern farming. The farming community represents a skilled and hard-working labour force with expertise not only in farming, but also in areas such as assembly line work, welding and metal fabrication.

Wheat, canola, barley and oats are the major agricultural commodities. The County is noted for its consistently high production levels. Average Hard Red Spring Wheat production is 40 bushels per acre. The majority of grain is produced by large farms with over 1,000 or more acres.

Over the past few years, older elevators and seed cleaning plants have been modernized or replaced with expanded and highly-efficient facilities. The County's two seed cleaning plants process about 700,000 bushels per year.

Interest in specialty crops, especially peas, is growing. Fresh vegetables are available in farmers' markets throughout the County.

The County of Minburn is also a highly productive livestock area. The Minburn grazing reserve covers over 20 sections of land in the southeast portion of the County. Beef producers are mainly cow-calf operators. The availability of good land attracted three Hutterite colonies to the County, and they have prospered.

The County of Minburn's innovative and aggressive business community offers residents a wide range of employment opportunities, along with a complete selection of retail outlets and trade/professional services. About 35% of the population is employed in the industrial and commercial sector. Of particular note, the farming community is well supported by a variety of services in the towns and villages. All major lines of farm implements are available and a large farm implement manufacturer is located in the County.

Prospects for future industrial growth are encouraging. Land has already been designated for industrial use, and excellent water and sewage facilities are available throughout the County. A stable, productive labour force with a strong work ethic is one of the County's greatest assets.

County residents are also known for their skills in advanced technology research and development. There is a large pool of highly-trained technical personnel, as evidenced by the regional facilities of TransCanada Pipelines Ltd., ATCO Electric and ATCO Gas. Also, employees at the Alberta Research Council Inc. Centre and the Case Processing Centre have a broad range of expertise.

The oil and gas industry plays an important role in the local economy. Shallow low pressure gas lies underneath most of the County, and a large heavy oil field with over 400 wells is located in the southeast part of the County. TransCanada Pipelines Ltd. has its area office for East Central Alberta in the County.

Economic Facts

Area farmers have benefited from the presence of the Alberta Research Council Inc., which provides a number of diagnostic services.

As well, local office of Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration (PFRA) is located in the County. The PFRA works with producers and businesses to help them take advantage of new opportunities and expanding markets.

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

Financial institutions such as the Bank of Montreal, TD Canada Trust, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, Battle River Credit Union and the ATB Financial Branch have offices in the County.

Education

Public Schools are available throughout the County. The County is part of the:

• Elk Island Public School Regional Division No. 14,
  headquartered in Sherwood Park [Tel: 800-905-3477]
• Elk Island Catholic Regional Division No. 41,
  headquartered in Sherwood Park [Tel: 800-996-9982]
• Buffalo Trail Regional School Division No. 28,
  headquartered in Wainwright [Tel: 780-842-6144].

The education system in the County is excellent. Quality instructors, a varied curriculum with specialist programs, and modern facilities and teaching aids ensure that all students have access to a full and rewarding education.

Schools are run with the philosophy that education is a joint responsibility of the student, school and home. Parents play a vital role by participating as volunteers or by providing valued input into discussion on new programs.

The schools are used extensively by the Vegmin Learning Network, local recreation boards and the community at large. Students also take advantage of community facilities such as curling rinks and swimming pools.

The bus system provides transportation throughout the County and also enables students to participate in field trips. Trips to other provinces and countries are often arranged, and exchange students are frequent visitors to area schools.

All schools in the County are committed to developing and maintaining challenging programs which meet the needs of every student. School programs stress excellence. County students consistently score higher grades than the provincial average. An extensive award system recognizes achievement in scholarship.

All schools offer French classes. The Ukrainian bilingual program is another language option.

Special education students are integrated into the school system. There is also a Challenge Program for gifted children. Libraries and computers enrich the learning atmosphere for all students.

In addition to the academic program, there is a full range of vocational programs including food preparation, beauty culture, automotives, electronics and business.

The County's comprehensive physical education and extra-curricular programs add another dimension to the learning experience. Students participate in a variety of activities including team sports, music clubs, talent festivals and science fairs.

DAYCARE / NURSERY

The County has a thriving Early Childhood Services (ECS) program which benefits from a high degree of parent support.

Emergency Services

FIRE PROTECTION

Fire protection consists of 10 units and 72 volunteer firefighters that serve the towns and rural areas. The County of Minburn does pay toward the costs of fire protection for all residents. The onus is on the individuals to obtain protection coverage through their respective fire associations.

POLICE SERVICES

Police services are provided by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police [RCMP], with detachments in Vegreville (western portion) and Vermilion (eastern portion).

AMBULANCE SERVICES

County Council has established a Municipal Disaster Services Agency to deal with matters relating to emergencies and disasters in the County. A Director and Committee have been appointed to be in charge of the agency.

All divisions back each other up as necessary, thus ensuring adequate protection for the entire County. Mutual Aid Agreements with surrounding jurisdictions provide additional access to protection services.

Health Care

First-rate medical services include in-patient and out-patient care, chronic care, occupational and physical therapy, and dental and eye care.

The Yellowhead Highway and the network of regional roads ensure all residents easy access to the County's two hospitals--Mannville Municipal Hospital in Mannville, and St. Joseph's Hospital in Vegreville. Adjacent to St. Joseph's Hospital is the Vegreville Auxiliary Hospital and Nursing Home. The Minburn Foundation Homestead, a senior citizen's lodge, is located in Vegreville.

The County is served by two health units: Vegreville and Minburn-Vermilion.

Key Contacts for Business Development

MUNICIPAL

County of Minburn No. 27
4909 - 50 Street, Box 550
Vegreville, AB T9C 1R6
Tel: 780-632-2082
Fax: 780-632-6296
Email: info@minburncounty.ab.ca

COUNCIL

Reeve:
Orest J. Berezan, Division No. 6

Deputy Reeve:
Albert Melnyk, Division No. 3

Councillors:
Richard Wagner, Division No. 1
Eric Anderson, Division No. 2
Wilma Cherniawsky, Division No. 4
George Jamieson, Division No. 5
Ron Petruk, Division No. 7

County Manager:
David Marynowich

Director of Finance & Administration:
Susan Babyn

Superintendent of Public Works:
Graham Shell

Agricultural Fieldman:
Darwin Ullery

Development Officer:
Ryan Hall

Director of Protective Services/Fire Chief:
Ross Warren

Akasu Regional Economic Development Authority
Attention: Economic Development Office
Box 550
Vegreville, AB T9C 1R6

PROVINCIAL (Updated April 2005)

Alberta Economic Development
Box 412
Room 308, Provincial Building
5025 - 49 Avenue
St. Paul, AB T0A 3A4
Tel: 780-645-6358
Fax: 780-645-6241
Garry Krause, Regional Manager
Maryann Robinson, Client Service Representative

Ed Stelmach
Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA)
Fort Saskatchewan - Vegreville Constituency

Constituency Office
Box 451, 4945 - 51 Avenue
Vegreville, AB T9C 1R6
Phone: 780-632-6840
Fax: 780-632-6888
fortsaskatchewan.vegreville@assembly.ab.ca

Legislature Office
607 Legislature Annex
9718-107 Street
Edmonton, AB T5K 1E4
Phone: 780-422-5384
Fax: 780-415-0951

Lloyd Snelgrove
Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA)
Vermilion - Lloydminster Constituency

Constituency Office
5036 - 49 Avenue
Vermilion, AB T9X 1B7
Phone: 780-875-5792
Phone: 780-853-4202
Fax: 780-853-5770
Toll Free Number: 1-800-567-7644
Vermilion.Lloydminster@assembly.ab.ca

Legislature Office
#130, 10800 - 97 Avenue
Edmonton, AB T5K 2B6
Phone: 780-415-9425
Fax: 780-422-5385

FEDERAL (Updated June 2004)

Leon Benoit
Member of Parliament [MP]
Vegreville - Wainwright Constituency
House of Commons
Suite 613, Justice Building
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6
Tel: 613-992-4171

Constituency Office:
Box 300
Mannville, AB T0B 2W0
Tel: 780-763-6130 or 1-800-463-1194
Fax: 780-763-6132

Location

The County of Minburn straddles the Yellowhead Trans Canada Highway 16. It spans an area of approximately 55 miles east to west (commencing east of Mannville, and ending west of Vegreville) and 30 miles north to south. The County of Minburn is headquartered in Vegreville.

Post Secondary Education

There are a number of opportunities for continuing education. Portage College offers an innovative and expanding curriculum in adult education, literacy tutoring and academic upgrading. Computer instruction and tele-conferencing with other educational institutions are available at the College.

Vegmin Learning Network and other community groups also sponsor a variety of adult education courses.

Taxation

TAX RATES [2006]

• Residential - Public............................13.6703
• Residential - Separate.......................13.6703
• Farmland..........................................17.0988
• Non-Residential - Public.....................24.1515
• Non-Residential - Separate................24.1515
• Linear..............................................24.1515
• Machinery/Equipment.........................18.5809
• Lavoy Debenture.................................1.9792 (this is in addition to above rates)

Transportation

AIR SERVICES

A top-notch municipal airport serves the County. An Airport Vicinity Protection Area assures continued development of the airport and allows for compatible industrial growth.

RAIL SERVICES

The County is served by Canadian National Railways. A major east-west line bisects the County. Sidings, spur trackage and point loading areas are available.

HIGHWAYS

The County is a receiving point for north-south and east-west highway traffic. The Yellowhead Trans Canada Highway runs through the County. The secondary road system, which as now become Province Government jurisdiction, is constantly being expanded and upgraded to meet the demands of heavier traffic.

TRUCKING FIRMS

Several local and regional trucking firms serve the County.

BUS SERVICES

Greyhound Bus Lines offers regularly scheduled inter-community service in the County. Various charter companies also serve the area.

COURIERS AND TAXIS

Courier services include Loomis and Purolator Couriers.

Utilities

ELECTRICITY AND NATURAL GAS

Direct Energy Regulated Services serves the Vegreville area. As well, there are 3 Rural Gas Co-ops serving the farming areas. For inquiries and services contact Direct Energy Regulated Services. Contact the County office for information on other areas.

TELEPHONE

Telephone services are provided by Telus.
Tel: 310-2255 Toll-free - Residential Customers
Tel: 310-3100 Toll-free - Business Customers

WATER SUPPLY

The source of water varies throughout the County. Contact the County office.

WASTE MANAGEMENT

Sewage treatment and garbage collection varies throughout the County. Contact the County office.

Population

Total Population 1991-2001

Minburn No. 27, County of Population by Age Group (2001)

Education Statistics

Minburn No. 27, County of Highest Level of Schooling 2001

Labour Force

Minburn No. 27, County of Labour Force By Industry - 2001

Income

Building Permits

Total Housing Starts

Value of Building Permits

Dwellings

Farming

Minburn No. 27, County of Total Farm Area : 740 acres

# of Farms by Total Farm Area

Total Gross Farm Receipts

Farming, Continued

Age of Farm Operators