M. D. o f G r e e n v i e w a n D T o w n o f v a l l e y v i e w OPPORTUNITY

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1 M. D. o f G r e e n v i e w a n D T o w n o f v a l l e y v i e w at the CROSSROADS OPPORTUNITY to Your guide to the living, working, and recreational choices of the Town of valleyview and M.D. of Greenview working Here diversity of economic activity is a significant contributor to alberta s prosperity living Here discover what the region has to offer, from small-town charm to big-city services

2 About the region ABOUT THIS PUBLICATION At the Crossroads to Opportunity was produced for the Municipal District of Greenview and the Town of Valleyview by JuneWarren- Nickle s Energy Group. CONTRIBUTORS Rebecca Dika, Heather Hogan for photography, M.D. of Greenview, and the Town of Valleyview For further information, check out: TOWN OF VALLEYVIEW Population: 1,884 Strategically located at an important crossroads leading to the Far North. There are excellent paved highways, including Highway 49 leading to Peace River, as well as the Mackenzie Highway that will take you to the Northwest Territories, and Highway 43 leading to Dawson Creek, the Alaska Highway, northeastern British Columbia, the Yukon, and Alaska. The Town is 350 kilometres north of Edmonton and 115 kilometres east of Grande Prairie. M.D. OF GREENVIEW NO. 16 Population: 5,464 The third-largest rural municipality in Alberta includes the Hamlets of Little Smoky, Ridgevalley, DeBolt, and Grovedale. The borders encompass the Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation and the Towns of Fox Creek, Grande Cache, and Valleyview. 2

3 Contents 04 Welcome! Strategic location. Plenty of space. Lots of work and recreation opportunities. What more could you ask for? 06 Town of Valleyview At the crossroads to opportunity 09 M.D. of Greenview NO. 16 From meadows to mountains and manufacturing to forestry, diversity abounds 12 Hamlets The comfort of the country awaits 13 Education Region offers multitude of school choices 14 Tourism Plenty of pursuits await in this picturesque region 16 Agriculture When it comes to growing, look no further 18 Forestry Area s forestry sector a key contributor to province s economic fortunes 20 Oil & Gas and Mining Richness of natural resources attracts big-name players 22 Medical & Emergency Services/PREDA & CRI A broad network of services is available 23 Fox Creek, Grande Cache & Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation 3

4 Welcome! Strategic location. Plenty of space. Lots of work and recreation opportunities. What more could you ask for? Welcome to the land of opportunity. Spanning a massive 32,000 square kilometres, the M.D. of Greenview offers a wonderful mix of communities, business opportunities, and activities. The Town of Valleyview an important service, supply, and retail centre has all the amenities one needs while still retaining a hospitable, small-town atmosphere. These include a broad scope of health care, culture, education, infrastructure, housing, and recreational opportunities, as well as a reasonable cost of living, Town officials point out. As a regional service centre, the Town supports a comprehensive scope of goods and services for the industrial sector. The Valleyview airport just south of Town offers a 3,500- foot paved runway and all-weather facilities. This is a district rich in history, and the Town of Valleyview, as well as hamlets across the municipal district, offers superlative retirement living options. Four regional public school divisions are in operation in the M.D., with a common goal to provide quality education for all residents. ECONOMIC PILLARS Traditional cattle spreads and grain farming operations are found across the M.D. of Greenview. Here, agriculture, forestry, oil and gas, coal, and tourism provide a solid economic footing for the M.D. s 5,464 residents. They appreciate the plethora of lakes, rivers, and forested areas found in the region. Two of the jewels in the crown have to be Williamson Provincial Park, 15 kilometres west of the Town of Valleyview, and Young s Point Provincial Park, a few minutes further down Highway 43. Both are perennial favourites for residents and visitors alike, offering private forested campgrounds and plenty of perch, walleye, and whitefish. Across this great M.D., myriad choices of campsites await in the thick of the boreal forest. They re almost matched in number by a variety of golf courses. Willmore Wilderness Park near Grande Cache boasts Mother Nature at her best: a network of trails span the 4,464-square-kilometre park that prohibits motorized vehicles. That expanse of boreal forest is a boon to industry as well: Ainsworth Lumber operates an oriented strand board plant near Grovedale and Weyerhaeuser s sphere of influence lies south of Grande Prairie. The oil and gas sector has shown consistently steady growth, and the 4

5 emerging services and supply sector continues to grow across the M.D. to support the industry. A GOOD PLACE TO BE INVOLVED One person who decided to settle in the area more than three decades ago is glad he did so. There are a great deal of good people here, he says. The commercial real-estate market is strong but not extravagant. It s a good place to run a business and be involved in the community. The Municipal District provides a wide variety of services with a dedicated Council and professional staff that welcomes comments and questions. Forward-thinking and competitive, it places a premium on the safety and well-being of its residents. For example, while the first-ever emergency response team in a community occurred in the 1980s in DeBolt, today tier-one EMS stations are located across the Municipal District. Development and planning for the future are also important for the region. The Town of Valleyview works hard to create a positive environment for the future growth and development of the community. One of its priorities is to work with the Municipal District on the planning and development of the Valleyview area on a basis of cooperation, consultation, and communication. The M.D. has a Planning and Development Department to ensure that municipal goals are reflected in planning policy documents and ultimately in the new development that occurs within the municipality. The department has an important role in providing the public, Municipal Planning Commission, and the Council with professional and technical advice on current and future land uses. That includes assistance and information to facilitate the Development, Subdivision, or Land Use Amendment process to ensure it complies with current municipal planning legislation. It also includes making recommendations on development permits, subdivision and land use amendment applications (including providing information, analyzing referrals, consulting stakeholders, negotiating alternatives, and ensuring compliance with regulations), among other things. That s important for those wishing to establish a business in the region. But the area offers other advantages as well. Commercial property is available here for half of what you d pay anywhere else, says one resident and local business person. It s a golden spot. 5

6 The Town of Valleyview, as seen from the air. Town of Valleyview At the crossroads to opportunity In real-estate jargon, it s all about location, location, location. The Town of Valleyview has it in spades. Aside from the panoramic vista the Town enjoys over the valley, the Town is situated on some very prime real estate. Situated at the junction of Highways 49 and 43 key arteries to the north and west Valleyview is smack dab in the heart of opportunity. And this Town knows what to do with it. About 350 kilometres northwest of Edmonton, Valleyview has a storied history and a bright future. Town officials estimate about 7,000 vehicles travel through the Town daily via Highway 49 (leading north to Peace River and the Mackenzie Highway and on up to the Northwest Territories) and Highway 43 on to Grande Prairie, only about an hour s drive west. From there, Highway 43 leads on to Dawson Creek, the Alaska Highway and up through northeastern British Columbia, Yukon, and Alaska. Traffic through here is phenomenal, says one official. We re forecasting nearly 10,000 vehicles a day through Valleyview in the near future. It has been estimated that more than two million travellers will pass through Valleyview annually. Not that you d have to go outside of the Town of Valleyview. The community offers all the amenities for a healthy and happy lifestyle one could want right within its boundaries. With about 1,900 residents and an additional 5,000 in the trading area, Valleyview literally offers something for everyone. There s a strong economic base that is closely tied to the agricultural, energy, and forestry sectors. As a regional service centre home to a wide range of businesses that provide goods and services in support of industry activity, Valleyview is poised for growth. The Town completed a major land annexation in 2006, and officials say that it has provided a good land base for development. There is room for expansion. The Town of Valleyview s municipal development plan provides a responsible, sustainable planning framework for 6

7 The Shepherd s Village fills an important housing need in Valleyview and surrounding area. Valleyview offers travellers and local residents a variety of dining options. future growth and development. In tandem with the M.D. of Greenview, the mandate of the development plan is to create a positive environment for the future growth and development of the Town and adopting a growth strategy that will result in the realization of the economic and social development opportunities in the Valleyview area, officials say. INDUSTRIAL PARK Industrial development is located in a large industrial park east of Highway 43, and there is land available within the existing Town boundary to accommodate short-term growth for residential, commercial, and industrial land uses. Town IS A TRANSPORTATIon HUB Valleyview is proud of the Town s heritage as a hub of transportation, which dates back to the 1880s. The Town is well-positioned to handle travellers as well as companies interested in doing business in the region. Several oilfields are serviced out of Valleyview and there s more on the way, says one Town official. Agriculture and forestry industries in the Town and surrounding region are well-established and planning for future growth. With a solid economic footing, Valleyview has much to offer everyone, from young families to seniors, who call the district home. There are four tier-one schools delivering quality education for students up to 40 kilometres away, the official notes. The reputation of the Valleyview Health Centre, a 60-bed hospital, is unmatched. Combine that with a range of good, affordable housing choices and it s easy to see why Valleyview has much to offer. Modern recreation facilities are plentiful and possible through a cooperative working arrangement with the M.D. of Greenview. And the Town has an active retirement community that offers a range of accommodations to meet a variety of needs. The Valleyview airport just south of Town offers a 3,500- foot paved runway and all-weather facilities. It s all wrapped up in a solid small-town atmosphere. The benchmarks of a good town, say officials, are factors such as health care, culture, education, infrastructure, housing and recreational activities. Quality of life is one of the key components of a happy and healthy community, and Valleyview doesn t disappoint. Plentiful, long summer days; a reasonable cost of living; and a multitude of educational, health, and recreational opportunities make Valleyview a great place to call home. Recreational and cultural facilities and opportunities are first rate, backed up by active service clubs and organizations, including a regional Chamber of Commerce, Royal Canadian Legion, Legion Ladies, Elks, Royal Purple, and the Valleyview and District Agricultural Society. Attracting and keeping young families has been a hallmark of Town leaders. Young families appreciate the scope of quality educational offerings: Public schools, the Holy Family separate school, and Northern Lakes College offer premium education for all ages. In addition, the Valleyview Further Education Council works with employers to offer a wide range of training. There is also a community daycare centre. An outdoor swimming pool and splash park, ice and curling arena, playgrounds, parks and baseball diamonds, a skateboard park, a tennis court, and ball diamonds offer opportunities for all ages and all seasons. Several churches of different denominations provide services to the community. The public library and community and regional theatre productions round out entertainment options. Real estate is affordable here, and Valleyview offers a mix of choices, from apartments to new homes and established residential neighbourhoods. Affordable lots are available for those who want to build their dream home. The Co-op has just built a new store, the IGA has been recently expanded and modernized, and a drugstore and 7

8 Valleyview Health Centre. pharmacy are enjoyed by residents. An RCMP detachment is also located in Town. Health-care services include an ambulance service, a physician s clinic, a health-care complex that includes acute-care beds and a continuing-care component, dentist, dietician, and physiotherapist. Seniors play a key role in this community, and it has evolved to serve them well, making this an attractive place for them. Well-planned and affordable retirement living opportunities include Shepherd s Village (55+), a new develop ment with condo-style units and duplex and triplex homes on an 11-acre park-like setting. Red Willow Lodge has 50 suites and Wild Rose Manor has 16 one-bedroom apartments available for functionally independent seniors; both are managed by Heart River Housing. A seniors drop-in centre, as well as home care, homenursing services, and a continuing-care component at the Valleyview Health Care Complex round out a full spectrum of amenities for seniors. After all, seniors are the cornerstone of this vibrant community. The area opened to agricultural settlement by the early 1900s. By 1916, several pioneer families settled in the vicinity of the Mighkowpower Seepesis, or Red Willow Creek. Before that, First Nations peoples have lived and hunted in the Valleyview area for centuries. In fact, the first fur fort was established near the Hudson s Bay Company post on what is now the Sturgeon Lake Indian Reserve. It s come a long way, and the Town of Valleyview is wellprepared to create successful new chapters in its story. Valleyview s outdoor pool and splash park. TO LEARN MORE For additional information, call (780) or visit Red Willow Lodge. 8

9 Nearly a fourth of the total land mass of the M.D. is prime for agricultural development. Kakwa Falls is Alberta s tallest waterfall. M.D. of Greenview no. 16 From meadows to mountains and manufacturing to forestry, diversity abounds As the third-largest rural municipality located in the northwest portion of the province, the M.D. of Greenview boasts a spectacular diversity in economic activities and an extraordinary range of landscape, making it very unique. Approximately 250 kilometres northwest of Edmonton, the M.D. marks the beginning of the storied Peace country. Known as the world s most northern major agricultural area, the Peace has some surprises in store. Urban and rural communities come together in harmony where buffalo and elk ranches intermingle with the traditional cattle spreads and grain-farming operations. About one-quarter of the total land mass of the M.D. is prime for agricultural development, officials say. Thriving business, as well as cultural and recreational pursuits are common denominators of the widespread municipality. Excellent highways will lead you through beautiful vistas to comfortable campgrounds and friendly communities. Agriculture, forestry, oil and gas, coal, and tourism form the economic foundation of a geographic area that spans more than 32,000 square kilometres. The municipality has a massive land base, from the B.C. border to the west, the Big Smoky River to the north, the M.D. of Big Lakes to the east, and the Athabasca and Berland rivers to the south. Over 5,400 people call the M.D. of Greenview home. The Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation and the Towns of Fox Creek, Grande Cache, and Valleyview, and Hamlets of Little Smoky, Ridgevalley, DeBolt, and Grovedale are within the M.D. and are important to the growth and development of the region. For the most part, municipal water and waste water servicing are available in the majority of the hamlets. Due to increased activity, there is a need for future waste water expansion, which is planned for DeBolt, Ridgevalley, and Grovedale. The M.D. has much to draw on, according to officials. There are a multitude of lakes, rivers, and forested areas, which present numerous adventures for outdoor and recreational enthusiasts. The natural setting provides a wide array of opportunities for recreational pursuits, including horseback tours, photography, canoeing, hiking trails, cross-country skiing, camping, 9

10 Wildlife abounds in the M.D. of Greenview. whitewater rafting and kayaking, downhill skiing, jet boating, mountain touring, wildlife viewing, fishing, and hunting. Several primary highways and other transportation routes, including railways and a major airport in nearby Grande Prairie provide convenient and efficient transportation. The investment climate in the area is ripe, thanks to a diverse economic foundation. ECONOMIC ASSETS The natural resource development takes place primarily in the foothills and Crown land areas in the south and west of the M.D. A large area of the M.D. is covered by forest, and companies such as Ainsworth Lumber, which operates an oriented strand board mill in the Grovedale area, are leading the charge. Foothills Forest Products also has a large sawmill operation in the Grande Cache area. A number of local and customized sawmills throughout the municipality offer employment as well as high-grade lumber. Meanwhile, the energy sector is hard at work in the M.D. on an abundance of oil and gas resources. To meet increasing demands for these resources, efficient production demands a stable and highly qualified workforce, a definite asset of which the M.D. has no shortage. In addition, thousands of miles of pipeline transport refined oil and gas, as well as raw product to larger urban centres in Alberta and the United States. Though it s a volatile sector, officials feel that the M.D. can anticipate more of the steady growth it has enjoyed in recent years. This can be achieved by continuing to supply construction equipment, supplies, and services to the oil and gas industry. The diversity of the M.D. offers opportunities in a variety of manufacturing industries: sawmills, fabricated steel, plastic recycling, cabinetry, and welding are just a few examples. A variety of retail and independent commercial shops bring convenience to residents and visitors. Provincial and private recreation campgrounds provide an opportunity for rest and relaxation for nature lovers and hunting and fishing enthusiasts. Cultural facilities abound, with a variety of museums, arenas, golf courses, parks, and community halls. The M.D. council is also launching an initiative to move forward with a new administration building that will allow the municipality to consolidate many operations, resulting in improved services to its ratepayers. The M.D. is constructing a $5-million project, with a completion date expected for the Summer of The M.D. boasts an excellent municipal infrastructure. By working with the Towns within the region, modern and secure health-care facilities have been constructed, and the M.D. is covered by social programs, recreational facilities, and protective services that make the district a safe place to live and grow. The M.D. is responsible for delivering and funding a wide range of services, including maintaining and improving the transportation infrastructure, providing agricultural services and undertaking drainage and erosion control measures. In addition, the M.D. also provides funding for fire protection and ambulance services, senior housing, and disaster services to name a few. Volunteer fire departments are active in the majority of our hamlets and Towns. Municipal personnel acquire ongoing training to respond in the event of a major disaster. Grants are available to complement existing services for senior housing. The M.D. is divided into eight electoral divisions covering Grande Cache, Little Smoky, Valleyview, Sunset House, New Fish Creek, DeBolt, Crooked Creek, and Grovedale areas. Four regional public school divisions are in operation in the M.D., with a common goal to provide quality education for all residents: Northern Gateway, Peace Wapiti, Northlands, and Grande Yellowhead. The Holy Family Catholic Division offers those students of Catholic faith to integrate their faith with their educational needs. Upcoming projects include funding for an addition to the DeBolt Fire hall, rescue vans for Valleyview and DeBolt, and base-paving projects for the Suncor and Grovedale 10

11 Beautiful autumn colours along the Waskahigan River. Young s Point Provincial Park is a favourite destination. connector roads, as well as work on New Fish Creek and the Sturgeon Heights Transfer Station roads. The Forestry Trunk Road Phase 2A is nearly complete and the Grovedale Connector has been finished. NEW MEDICAL FACILITY Construction of the new $3.15-million Valleyview & District Medical Clinic began in August 2009, a joint venture between the M.D. and the Town of Valleyview. The clinic, expected to be open in August 2010, will accommodate four doctors offices, an optometrist office (which could be converted to a fifth doctor s office), and dental clinic with a flex area to accommodate expansion for a second dentist. There continues to be many employment opportunities available for workers to fill a variety of positions because of the diversity of existing businesses located throughout the municipality. This allows individuals a great place to raise their families in a rural setting with easy access to outdoor activities. Opportunities always exist for anyone who may want to consider starting or expanding their own business. Fortunately, the M.D. has a solid tax base and it is in a strong financial position thanks to careful budgeting in the past. The challenge the M.D. faces in the future is to try to maintain its relatively low tax rate while sustaining the quality services its residences have come to expect. A drilling rig as seen from the air. TO LEARN MORE For additional information, call (780) or esecretary@mdgreenview.ab.ca. Pumpjacks at work. 11

12 A crop of canola growing near DeBolt. Hamlets The comfort of the country awaits The M.D. of Greenview is dotted with picturesque hamlets offering a rural quality of life hard to find anywhere else. DeBolt, midway between Valleyview and Grande Prairie, is home to recreational opportunities, commercial businesses, affordable housing, and senior-housing units. Located along Highway 43, about 150 residents and another 1,500 in the surrounding area enjoy diverse activities and amenities, including public services, social and cultural facilities, and manufacturing and agricultural services. Housing opportunities include the new 54-lot Creeks Crossing subdivision. A newly refurbished community centre includes a hall with kitchen and banquet facilities, a public library, a fitness centre, an indoor playground, and a curling rink/exhibition centre. Businesses include a café and general store, hotel, post office, forage seeds and turf plant, service station, hunting supply store, custom cabinetry shop, as well as others serving agriculture, road construction, and mechanics. Little Smoky, about 30 kilometres southwest of Valleyview, offers a respite to Highway 43 travellers with a motel, restaurant, and service station. Located just off Highway 43 about 40 kilometres west of Valleyview lies the growing Hamlet of Ridgevalley. About 100 residents benefit from a regional arena complex and public school (K-12). The community is home to an autobody shop, a signage business, several unique home-based businesses, and a seniors home. Ridgevalley also boasts large residential lots. Just 21 kilometres from the hustle and bustle that is Grande Prairie, is the vibrant community of Grovedale. The population for Grovedale and area is 1,106. Country residential lots, municipal sewer services, a community recreation centre, fire hall, and rodeo grounds belie the small size of the hamlet. Within the Hamlet of Grovedale are two residential subdivisions, including East Grove Estates and Ferns Grove, totalling 44 lots. Located about four kilometres southeast of Grovedale, Landry Heights is a country residential subdivision with large self-serviced lots along the banks of the Wapiti River. 12

13 St. Stephen s Catholic School. Harry Gray Elementary. Education Region offers multitude of school choices The Town of Valleyview is part of the Northern Gateway Regional School Division #10, which consists of three schools: Oscar Adolphson Primary (K 3), Harry Gray Elementary (4 6), and Hillside Junior/Senior High School (7 12), as well as the Holy Family Catholic Separate School Division #17, which has St. Stephen s (K 9). At Hillside High School, we are proud of the full range of programming we provide for our students, says Hillside s Principal. We strive to ensure we are meeting the academic, social, and physical needs of our students both in the classroom and through a wide range of extracurricular opportunities. Hillside s Grade 7 to 12 students can also earn credits via an extensive off-campus work experience program. This includes Alberta Agriculture s Green Certificate program, offering a variety of strands, including cowcalf, equine, and beekeeping. Because of the size of our school, our staff gets to know the entire student body to ensure that we are providing a caring commitment to learning, says the principal. St. Stephen s Catholic School delivers quality education to students K 9. Just four years old, the school boasts multiple access points for technology in a wireless environment where technology drives instruction and encourages students to become more engaged in the learning process, according to St. Stephen s Principal. This is also the only school in Town to offer a full-day, five-day-aweek kindergarten program, says the principal. The school, in partnership with the daycare, also offers programs for three and four-year-olds. The Sturgeon Lake Indian Band operates a modern school located on the Sturgeon Lake Reserve. The Susa Creek School is located within the Susa Creek Native Cooperative 12 kilometres from Grande Cache just off Highway 40. The school has an enrolment of 51 students with classes from Kindergarten to Grade 8. Penson Elementary School is attended by approximately 177 students from K-9 from Grovedale and Landry Heights. Northern Lakes College has campuses in over 30 communities across north-central Alberta, including one in Valleyview. Programs range from upgrading to careers, from university to apprenticeship trades via flexible learning opportunities, including full- or part-time options. For more information on Northern Lakes College, visit 13

14 Tourism & recreation Plenty of pursuits await in this picturesque region Valleyview s Visitor Information Centre, located just south of Town on Highway 43, is a great source for tourism information. Francis Peak Creek Falls is located in Kakwa Wildland Provincial Park. The possibilities are as endless as the landscapes here in this spectacular part of northern Alberta. Recreational pursuits offer something for everyone for every season across the 32,000 square kilometres that is the M.D. of Greenview. You can t go too far without coming across excellent camping choices, fishing, horseback riding, golfing, and boating opportunities. For the naturalists, an abundance of birds, flowers, and wildlife abound. Within the Town of Valleyview, plenty of pursuits await. An outdoor swimming pool complete with splash park, tennis courts, playgrounds, a trout pond, ball diamonds, volleyball play areas, and horseshoe pits are just some of the amenities enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. A municipal RV park is located right in Town, so visitors can access their choice of the summer event lineup. The Valleyview and District Agricultural Society s Annual Fair and Rodeo in August promises three days of excitement and diverse entertainment. Valleyview is home to rodeo champions that include the 1998 Rookie of the Year, 1997 Bareback Champion and four-time All-Around Cowboy, and the well-known Alberta blues. Other perennial favourites every summer in the Town of Valleyview include a festive Main Street Fair complete with an array of amusement rides, as well as Canada Day celebrations highlighted by a fireworks show that is second to none in the region. For those winter days and nights, the Town of Valleyview boasts a large arena adjacent to the very active Red Willow Curling Club. The Valleyview and District Gun Club boasts 200 members who utilize the outdoor gun range seven miles east of Town for sporting rifle, black powder, pistol, archery, and shotgun shooting events. The facility, which sports a clubhouse with gazebo and firepit, hosts several public shooting events annually as well as hunter education training. Though there s much to see and do right within the scenic Town, Valleyview boasts doorstep access to two picturesque provincial parks. A Town of Valleyview Parks and Recreation official says the parks are major attractions in the area, drawing people from far and near. They re enjoyed both in the summer and winter for perch, walleye, and whitefish fishing, the official says. Well-treed campsites ensure privacy while contributing to the natural experience. Williamson Provincial Park offers 60 campsites and a large day-use area tucked into a grove of mature spruce. Some sites are pull through, and a beach, boat launch, and large play area for the kids make this a perennial favourite. Young s Point Provincial Park (about 35 kilometres northwest of Valleyview) on the northwest shores of Sturgeon Lake is another favourite holiday 14

15 Whether you want to take advantage of the miles of snowmobile trails in the region......or you just want to relax at one of the many recreational sites, the Town of Valleyview and the M.D. of Greenview offer plenty of choices. destination. There are 124 sites, with some located right on the lakeshore. Facilities include a boat launch, hiking trails with a viewpoint, playgrounds, showers, and a swimming area. A wide range of campsite choices makes this a sought-after destination for weekend getaways or longer vacations. With the long summer days, golfing is a favoured pastime, and the choice of courses is impressive, with challenging courses dotted across the region. In the Grovedale area, the Grande Prairie Prairie Motocross Association has 120 members and hosts two races a year on their track located between the Wapiti River and Highway 40. They are a member of the Peace Motocross Association, which has over 300 riders. A slower pace of life awaits visitors to Willmore Wilderness Park near Grande Cache. Motorized vehicles are not allowed in the park, and visitors wishing to experience the wilderness do so on foot, horseback, mountain bike, or skis in an utterly peaceful setting. The park spans 4,464 square kilometres of pure, unspoiled mountain wilderness with a network of trails. Access to the park is via Highway 40. The Town of Grande Cache ramps up the adrenaline significantly with its annual Death Race every August. This world-renowned event has put the small mountain Town on the map. Racers test their mettle over 125 kilometres of rugged mountain trails through pristine forests. About 150 kilometres southwest of Grande Prairie in the Rocky Mountain foothills are the spectacular Kakwa Falls. At 30 metres high, this is Alberta s tallest waterfall. It s part of the Kakwa Wildland Provincial Park. Roughly 100 kilometres of trails have been mapped in the park, which is about 650 square kilometres. The M.D. of Greenview is truly a sportsman s paradise in the fall with hunters from around the world coming to seek their trophy moose, elk, bear, whitetail, and mule deer. The Municipal District is part of the Peace, one of the world s largest staging areas for migratory waterfowl, attracting sportsmen and birdwatchers from all over North America. Things don t slow down much in the winter months. Cross-country skiing and some great snowmobiling trails can keep people busy. About a half-hour north of the Town of Valleyview, an affordable day on the slopes can be found at the family-friendly Little Smoky Ski Hill. Certified instructors offer professional ski and snowboard lessons. New this year, the popular Tube Park is always busy. A chalet on site is a great place to relax and enjoy home-cooked meals at reasonable prices. You won t believe it until you see it, but here tucked away on the banks of the Wapiti River just 10 minutes south of Grande Prairie is a ski hill that has become so much more. Nitehawk Recreation Area attracts more than 40,000 visitors every year to enjoy fresh air, exercise, and tons of fun. A multi-purpose recreational area and facility, Nitehawk boasts superlative downhill runs with a triple chairlift, luge track, freestyle water ramp for ski jumping, gravity mountain bike park, chalet, and full-service wilderness campground that s open year-round. The choice of pursuits is as unending as the vistas. Stop in at the Valleyview Visitor Information Centre, about two kilometres south of Valleyview on Highway 43. With easy on-off highway access, there s plenty of parking, and knowledgeable and friendly staff will help you make the most of your stay. The centre is stocked to the rafters with tourism information, travel guides, and maps. One of the biggest selections of souvenirs, crafts, and books in the North can be found at the centre. TO LEARN MORE For more information about recreation in the M.D. of Greenview, call the M.D. Administration Office at (780) or secretary@mdgreenview.ab.ca. For more information about recreation in the Town of Valleyview, call the Visitor Information Centre at (780) It s open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, from May to September. You can also call the Valleyview Town Office at (780) or valvadmn@telusplanet.net. 15

16 Agriculture When it comes to growing, look no further 16

17 Long days and pleasant temperatures during the growing season are key reasons why agriculture is a major economic contributor to the region. This may well be the final frontier. Available, affordable, productive farmland, higher moisture levels, and those famous long summer days that stretch to almost midnight are irreplaceable attributes of this piece of Alberta. For many northern Alberta producers, the business of agriculture is a bit easier here. The M.D. of Greenview is home to about 775,000 acres of arable land, according to an assistant manager of agricultural services with the M.D. In the summer, you can see miles and miles of canola, he says. This region is famous for its oats, and producers are shipping it as far away as Salt Lake City. Ranching operations are commonplace the size of the average cowherd in the Peace is larger than it is in the rest of the province. The feed situation up here is another big plus. It s cheaper to run cattle here, the assistant manager says. There are a lot of aftermath products. He cites that in the feedlot alley near Lethbridge, straw is being trucked over 100 miles. Up here, we have so much to utilize, it s cheaper, he says. Hay is usually plentiful, and pasture lease rates are lower than in other parts of Alberta. Off-farm employment availability helps too. Here, producers can work in the patch over the winter months to augment on-farm income. The agricultural sector in the M.D. of Greenview is serviced by seed-cleaning plants located at Valleyview and DeBolt. Major equipment dealers and grain elevators are close by in Grande Prairie, Falher, High Prairie, and Sexsmith. Valleyview also offers shortline distributors, fertilizer, and fuel dealerships. Viterra is building a $24-million grain terminal in Sexsmith. The facility, scheduled for completion in the summer of 2010, will have capacity for 30,000 tonnes of grain storage and 104-railcar loading capability. A family who farmed in the Edson area decided to come to the region in the late 1990s because they wanted a location that would be accessible, affordable, and expandable. Lots of farmers are finding themselves landlocked, the Combines bring in another bountiful harvest. farmer says. Land is getting very expensive and scarce. If you can find more than two-quarters together, you probably can t afford it. I didn t want to find myself in a situation where I couldn t expand the farm. So he started looking at alternatives, and the Valleyview area got his attention. In a big way. The family moved to the district about eight years ago, initially buying 12 quarters, adding more land since. Today, the family runs about 180 purebred Simmental cattle as well as doing custom and background feeding. It was important that his farm be in a good location, the farmer says. We got that, with our close proximity to Highway 43, he says. We re on the way to or from Edmonton. We re close to the cattle route; all the hauls north and west of us have to go south to market. The family s custom-feeding operations benefit is in reduced trucking costs, he says. I feel the potential is limitless here. Factor in available, affordable land only three hours from Edmonton, says the farmer, and that s pretty sweet. The Peace country is home to some of the largest bison herds in Alberta and British Columbia. Advantages of bison are the meat is very good, and the market is strong, according to those who know the market. Bison producers were able to go through the recession without a reduction in price, since the demand is greater than the supply. As the most northern agricultural region in North America, the Peace country boasts unique growing conditions and incredibly long summer days. The Peace region produces the world s second-largest turf and forage-seed production region after Oregon. Some 20 per cent of Alberta s canola is produced here, as well as wheat, barley, and other specialty crops. Research shows that oat yields are usually more than 16 per cent higher in the Peace than in other parts of Alberta. Some of the best honey in the world is Peace-produced. Its quality is world-renowned. Farms in the Peace produce more than 70 per cent of Alberta s forage seed and over 19 per cent of the province s hay and fodder crops. 17

18 Forestry Area s forestry sector a key contributor to province s economic fortunes 18

19 Forestry, which is Alberta s third-largest industry sector, is a key contributor to the regional economies. With thousands of hectares of boreal forest, it s no wonder that about 90 per cent of the province s potentially productive forests are found in Northern Alberta. Lumber, panel board, and pulp and paper production in Northern Alberta account for the lion s share of the province s forestry revenues. Still, the sector has taken a kicking in recent years because of low market prices, distances to markets, and currency fluctuations not to mention the global economic meltdown. But there are positive signs. In fact, the general manager for one of the forestry companies doing business in the region says he s noticed a change. In 2009, for example, the only oriented strand board (OSB) mill out of seven in Alberta operating at full capacity was in the M.D. of Greenview. Ainsworth Engineered Canada LP, which has a facility near Grovedale in the M.D., produces a variety of OSB panel dimensions and grades for North American and Asian markets. Its production capacity is 675,000 thousand square feet of 3/8-inch board per year. While a major expansion to the nearby Grande Prairie facility is on hold until market conditions improve, the company has invested about $250 million to date in construction costs. It s a sign, one company official says, of the industry s optimism in the sector in northwestern Alberta. And that can only mean good things for the M.D. It s important to note that forestry is Alberta s thirdlargest primary industry sector. Before the downturn in both pulp and lumber markets, the province s forestry sector generated $8.4 billion in revenues and employed more than 54,000 Albertans as well as another 15,000 in the supply and services sector. The cooperation of the provincial government has helped, forestry officials say. Another major forestry employer is Canfor Corporation s facility in nearby Grande Prairie, which produces dimension lumber with an annual capacity of approximately 200 million board feet. About 200 people are employed there, and there are another 200 contractors in the field. The Woodlands manager at the facility says though lumber market prices have improved, there are still onerous industry challenges. The Softwood Lumber Agreement, changing currency rates, and other factors are still a thorn in the side of Canadian lumber producers. The manager says Canfor is diligently exploring new markets, particularly in China and Japan. Even though U.S. housing starts remain at low levels, demand for Alberta lumber has been picking up as sales have climbed, according to the Alberta Forest Products Industry. As well, the demand for premium, visual-grade products manufactured at Canfor s facility are holding their own. The manager says the recently approved increase in Annual Allowable Cuts will allow Canfor to harvest more pine stands in its Forest Management Area before the quality of wood is reduced. Higher-grade lumber products are still in demand in the marketplace, despite the overall downturn, says the manager. Most of Canfor s Forest Management Area lies within the M.D., and the manager says M.D. council and staff have been very proactive. We have a good relationship, he says. There s a long history there. 19

20 Oil & gas and mining Richness of natural resources attracts big-name players A drilling rig at work near DeBolt. The days of supercharged oil and natural gas development may have abated at least for the time being but that s not necessarily a bad thing. Market correction brought on by currency rate changes and the rising costs of doing business have resulted in decreased levels of activity in the oil and natural gas industry, says Devon Canada s District Superintendent in Grande Prairie. Still, it s all about balance. Devon Canada, one of the largest independent oil and natural gas producers in Canada, is a subsidiary of Devon Energy. About 50 per cent of its Canadian production is natural gas, and most of it happens in Alberta. There s lots of it here in Deep Basin within the M.D. of Greenview. The borders of Devon s Grande Prairie District are aligned almost exactly to those of the M.D. of Greenview, says the district superintendent. The Deep Basin area is very prolific for oil and natural gas. Devon has substantial landholdings in the area and is considered one of the major players. Sweet gas is relatively economical to produce, making it attractive for companies investing capital dollars. The days of exorbitant levels of drilling and development brought management challenges, the district superintendent says, citing higher levels of capital investment required and difficulty filling job positions. A subsequent oversupply, dropping revenues, and a higher Canadian dollar changed industry conditions fairly quickly. By 2007, the market started to correct itself, and the pattern has continued. We re very excited about our operations within the M.D. of Greenview, the district superintendent says. This land base has huge potential, and we have the confidence that the natural gas is there and will remain economical to develop. I can t think of a better position anywhere in Alberta to be in than in the M.D. of Greenview. The M.D. of Greenview s Deep Basin play is home to a host of industry players that include Suncor Energy, Canadian 20

21 Valleyview-based Concord Well Servicing, which launched its first rig more than 30 years ago, has multiple facilities across western Canada. Grande Cache Coal Corporation produces premium, lowvolatile, metallurgical coking coal for export to the world steel industry. Natural Resources Limited, Barrick Energy, and Pembina Pipeline Corporation, to name a few. HOME-GROWN SUCCESS Concord Well Servicing, headquartered in the Town of Valleyview, is a locally grown success story. Concord launched its first rig in 1979 and, now a part of the CCS Corporation, has multiple facilities across western Canada. Concord has nine facilities but the head office is in Valleyview, and the geographic location is prime and has encouraged operations to spread out throughout Alberta mainly through other like-minded purchased companies, says a company official. The company employs about 680 people, and runs a base of rig operations out of Valleyview. The entire oil and gas industry across Canada has been aided by increased drilling activity of late. The Petroleum Services Association of Canada reports a final tally for 2009 of 8,350 wells drilled across the Canada, with the lion s share being in Alberta. But it is expected that 2010 will finish with 11,250 wells drilled (rig released) across the country, with Alberta leading the way again with 7,590 wells drilled. One of the perks of running the oil business in the Valleyview area is the balance of resources. There is an older but steady production stream complemented by more recently developed fields in the area. It s a good station for us, says one industry official. We have four directions of fairly significant distance that we can reach out to those production fields with reasonable ease. ConocoPhillips Canada (CPC) is one of the country s largest oil and natural gas exploration and production companies. Headquartered in Calgary, CPC is a top-three producer of natural gas in Canada. We ve been a proud member of the Grande Cache community since 2005, employing up to 50 contract operators and employees, says CPC s community engagement coordinator. CPC s Grande Cache operations include Narraway, Grande Cache, Solomon, and Cabin Creek. Recently, CPC increased capacity at its Grande Cache facility and a new booster compressor is being added in the West Narraway; plans for a new operator camp there are currently in the works. CPC has a core position of 617,000 net acres in the Canadian foothills and its program is focused on sweet gas production from the outer foothills and deep sour gas production in the inner foothills. CPC supports communities where its employees live and work. In 2008, CPC contributed more than $50,000 to aboriginal and community initiatives in the Grande Cache area. LOTS OF ENERGY AND OPPORTUNITY IN COAL It s not just oil and gas that makes the region so abundant in energy resources. Grande Cache Coal Corporation (GCC), an Albertabased company, was formed in 2000 to reactivate coal mining in the Grande Cache area. This sustainable, long-term mining operation produces premium, low-volatile, metallurgical coking coal for export to the world steel industry. Coal production from the Grande Cache Mine started in August GCC s coal leases cover over 22,000 hectares of the Smoky River Coalfield. The mine is located approximately 20 kilometres north of the Town of Grande Cache. Coal is one of the most abundant fossil fuels in the world. Canada is ranked in the top 10 nations for coal production, with close to 10 billion tonnes of proven coal reserves the majority of those reserves located in Alberta. Alberta s coal contains more than twice the energy of all of the province s other non-renewable energy resources, including conventional oil and pentanes, natural gas, natural gas liquids, bitumen, and synthetic crude. 21

22 Medical & emergency services A broad network of services is available The mark of a healthy community is its medical and educational infrastructure. Here in the Town of Valleyview and the M.D. of Greenview, residents are well-served by a broad network. MEDICAL The Valleyview Health Centre is a 35-bed acute care and 25-bed extended care hospital that offers the services of physicians, a dietician, an occupational therapist, a physiotherapist, a psychologist, and a dentist. Alberta Health Services, Public Health Centre operates a district office in Valleyview, offering a wide variety of services to area residents, including home care, counselling, speech therapy, immunization, and pre-school dental care. EMERGENCY SERVICES The Town of Valleyview and the M.D. region are served by a 24-member volunteer fire department and a 15-member local detachment of the RCMP. The M.D. of Greenview is serviced out of Alberta Health Services (AHS) Emergency Medical Stations in Fox Creek, Valleyview, Grande Prairie, Grande Cache, and McLennan. In addition, crews from other stations are moved into an area to provide coverage during those times when local crews are not available, such as when they are responding to another emergency call. Calls for EMS assistance are dispatched from the AHS Northern Communications Centre located in Peace River. When faced with an emergency, all residents can call for emergency medical response by dialing 911. Three levels of service are available within the M.D.: Emergency Medical Responder, Basic Life Support, and Advanced Life Support. Medivac services are coordinated through the Provincial Flight Coordination Centre provided by contracts using either fixed-wing aircraft or the STARS Air Ambulance service. Flight services for the residents of Valleyview and the M.D. of Greenview are based out of Grande Prairie. Services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year, weather permitting. Economic development help is close at hand The Peace Region Economic Development Alliance (PREDA) is a regional economic development alliance of municipalities, businesses, and business organizations across Alberta s Peace country. As a non-profit, memberdriven organization, PREDA serves its network of members with one interest: designing and managing a regional economic development strategy for the area. Growing a vibrant economy that explores, promotes, and facilitates new emerging opportunities, competitiveness, and innovation is PREDA s benchmark, officials say. As such, PREDA has supported a number of regional initiatives, including production of: A regional investment opportunity profile; A regional water supply, inventory, and assessment; A study on the use and availability of woody biomass in the Peace; A transportation logistic park (trucks and rail); and The Pipestone Creek Dinosaur Bone Bed Interpretive Facility west of Grande Prairie. PREDA has supplied financial assistance to area producers to attend workshops, seminars, and overseas opportunity identification pursuits. PREDA provides its members with a 22

23 Fox Creek, Grande Cache & Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation Fox CREEK Despite its small size, the Town of Fox Creek with a population of about 2,200 people is a community with a big heart. A major service centre for tourism, oil, gas, forestry, and environmental industries, Fox Creek has a great diversity of industrial and retail businesses that have contributed to the growing spirit of the Town. Families enjoy the range of amenities the community has to offer: an outdoor swimming pool, an arena, a public library, a golf course, a skateboard park, and ball diamonds. There are several campgrounds in the Fox Creek area. The area abounds with outdoor adventure and is the perfect natural setting for four-wheeling adventures. Smoke Lake and Iosegun Lake campgrounds are nearby, known for some of the best pickerel fishing in northwestern Alberta, as well as abundant pike, perch, and whitefish. Both lakes are excellent for canoeing, boating, and waterskiing. GRANDE CACHE On the southern end of the M.D. of Greenview is Grande Cache. Set amid the Rockies, what began as a humble coalmining Town in 1969 has evolved into a community unrecognizable from its beginnings. Today, Grande Cache, with a population of about 3,800 residents, is a vibrant community anchored by a diversified economy so that residents can live, work, and enjoy all that Mother Nature has to offer. Stunning vistas encircle this small Town built on a mountain plateau. Grande Cache boasts panoramic views of 21 mountain peaks and two river valleys. The spirit of life is always high here, in a community that has matured to carve out its unique identity in the world. Located on Highway 40, about 215 kilometres northwest of Jasper, Grande Cache is a feisty, creative community that is coming into its own. Wilderness tourism has been a key driver in shaping the Town s new identity, says one Town official. Rafting companies and outfitters offer packages for all ages. Myriad recreational pursuits are close by. Willmore Wilderness Park is appreciated by those who wish to partake of the wilderness on foot, horse, mountain bike, or skis. STURGEON LAKE CREE NATION The Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation is located on the banks of majestic Sturgeon Lake, an approximately 10-minute drive west of the Town of Valleyview along Highway 43. The Nation is home to 2,780 members, with over half residing in the community. The Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation administers its own community programs that include housing, public works, education, recreation, health, and post-secondary, to name a few. Standard curriculum (K-12) is taught at the Sturgeon Lake School with the additional support and guidance of community Elders. The Nation also operates a daycare centre and the Aboriginal Headstart Program. The Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation owns and operates a laundromat/confectionary, as well as Sturgeon Lake Resources, which provides contracting services to various industry groups via its heavy equipment inventory. Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation owns the Sturgeon Lake Campground. Amenities include a laundromat, showers, confectionary, powered camping stalls, as well as the Nation s powwow arbour. A number of privately owned enterprises operate in the community, and they include two convenience stores and gas bars, 6 Point Electric, Wolf Enterprises, Arac s Mechanical, Denny s Survey & Pipeline Services, and Moses Operations, just to name a few. A culture of innovation national and international exposure for investment and visitor attraction on its website, com. The website contains a regional profile for the Peace Country, highlighting regional statistics, reference resources and intelligence on industry development opportunities. In addition to the profile, there are documents on living and working in the Peace Country. In partnership with PREDA, Grande Prairie Regional College has developed the Centre for Research and Innovation (CRI). The Centre helps entrepreneurs in the Peace country turn ideas and innovations into commercially viable products and services. The CRI works to link regional entrepreneurs, innovators, and business leaders to researchers, scientists, business development specialists, mentors, and market development specialists in the region. Partnerships, both formal and informal, have been formed with Peace Region-applied research facilities, colleges and existing innovation resources within regional businesses. Linkages have been forged with commercialization and innovation support services and personnel throughout Alberta and beyond. 23

24 JASPER W O O D B U F F A L O N A T I O N A L P A R K Opportunity awaits FORT McMURRAY Peace River The Town of Valleyview and the M.D. of Greenview region offer the services and room to stretch to provide residents and visitors with a wide range of business, cultural, and recreational activities. M.D. OF GREENVIEW NO.16 WILLMORE WILDERNESS PARK GRANDE PRAIRIE NATIONAL PARK RED DEER EDMONTON COLD LAKE NORTH COLD LAKE SOUTH LLOYDMINSTER BANFF NATIONAL PARK CALGARY MEDICINE HAT DeBolt 43 Ridgevalley 49 LETHBRIDGE Grovedale 666 Landry Heights 734 Valleyview Little Smoky 43 Fox Creek Grande Cache 40 For more information: