Town of Magrath. 5 Manufacturing 0% Town of Magrath: Economic Development Community Profile ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY PROFILE

Transcription

1 Oil and Gas 0% Arts, Recreation, Accommodation 8% Other 8% 5 Manufacturing 0% Utilities, Transportation 16% Town of Magrath ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY PROFILE Education and Healthcare 39% Retail & Wholesale Trade 18% Finance, Professional, Insurancce, Real Scientific, Estate Management, 0% Waste Reduction 11% 0

2 Welcome to the Town of Magrath Magrath was established in 1898 and has been known since its founding as The Garden City. The community is also known for its excellent schools, its natural beauty and its outstanding quality of life. Historically Magrath is unique in the sense that it is based on the two model community traditions: the Plat of Zion and the British Garden City tradition. Magrath is an outlier in many ways and is continuing to reinforce and learn from these two utopian approaches to community building. Magrath is an inclusive oasis-like community at the edge of the Canadian Prairie. It also serves as a gateway along Alberta Highway 5 to one of the world s most pristine and visually stunning natural areas The Crown of the Continent Ecosystem, which includes both Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada and Glacier National Park in the United States. Magrath is one of the fastest growing communities in Southern Alberta and its environmental quality and sustainability in economic, social, and other terms is outstanding. The National Film Board of Canada is currently completing a documentary on the unique quality and history of our community which will be screened to local residents and made available in Magrath is an entrepreneurial and learning-centered community as well, and the $20,000,000 Modernization of Magrath Schools that is currently underway is catalyzing a number of new corporate ventures in the community. This includes the establishment of The Sustainable Agriculture Education Partnership in conjunction with the University of Lethbridge, major corporate, and other partners. Climate Magrath, Alberta has a continental climate with warm summers and generally dry winters. The area within 40 km of this station is covered by forests (51%), croplands (30%), and grasslands (18%). Over the course of a year, the temperature typically varies from -12 C to 26 C and is rarely below-23 C or above 31 C. Elevation: 975 m or 3199 feet 1

3 Road Travel Distances Located on the Mormon Trail, Magrath is in close proximity to first class cities and border crossings, while providing its residents with an outstanding small town lifestyle. Distance Magrath To: Kilometers Miles Lethbridge Calgary Del Bonita Border Crossing Waterton National Park Medicine Hat Economic Indicators Magrath is a satellite community of the city of Lethbridge, Alberta, and is located midway between the United States boundary and Lethbridge s thriving university, college and increasingly research oriented hub. Magrath has several new businesses as well as an existing business structure that is expanding rapidly. Ag Spectra Ltd. recently leased 35 acres of land from the Town of Magrath in order to establish a state-of-the-art greenhousing operation in our community, and Surex Direct, a local online insurance business is expanding very rapidly as well. In addition, the modernization of Magrath Schools over the next two years and the construction of a new seniors lodge facility with 40+ rooms, are also contributing to significant construction activity in our community. Current activities include the establishment in 2016 of a local business incubator; the servicing (including fiber optics) of 10 industrial lots in the Town s light industrial area in 2015; the formation of The Sustainable Agriculture Education Partnership and its focus on agriculturebased education, entrepreneurship, and economic diversification in our region; fully-serviced residential lots; the creation of the new office space in our business core; Suncor s 25 MW Magrath Wind Farm, and natural gas and oil-related activities in our wider region. Our community seems poised for significant economic growth. 2

4 Key Employers and Businesses Business Westwind School Division Town of Magrath Sash Surex Direct Diamond Willow Good Samaritans Inline Ovals Custom Windows and Doors Dahl Clinic Magrath Dental Ag Spectra Ltd. Description School Division Municipal Services Support Services Insurance Services Seniors Residence Seniors Residence Frames, Display Cases, ETC Window and Door Sales Medical Doctors Dental clinic Greenhousing Recent Investments and Projects Project Diamond Willow Terrace Magrath School Magrath Trail Public Art Program Highway 5 Land Career Technology Studies Description Expansion of Diamond Willow Terrace Lodge in 2016 to create a more sustainable sized facility The modernization of school at a cost of $20,000,000 over the next two years will improve educational resources available to Magrath In 2016 completion of the planning and design work of the Magrath Trail on an intermunicipal basis. Development of a public art program to provide sculptural and other types of public art, cultural features, and creative signage throughout the community. Sell some of the Town s recently serviced industrial lands south of Highway 5. Making a $2, into a Career and Technology Studies Program adjacent to the High School which will house the Sustainable Agriculture Education Partnership in conjunction with the University of Lethbridge and Major Agricultural Corporations. 3

5 Available Land Magrath is a quickly developing community; the residents of Magrath appreciate the small town values that life in Magrath provides. The town is in the process of subdividing and servicing 10 light industrial lots that will be available for sale in late There are numerous private sale lots/buildings/homes of varying sizes and price levels. Development Statistics Year Number Of New Houses Value of new houses Industrial/ commercial/ public/ institutional permit value Total Permit Value $2,459,000 $600,000 $3,059, $3,345,000 $1,700,000 $3,945, $1,830,000 $1,100,000 $2,930, $4,465,000 $211,000 $4,906, $3,355,000 $550,000 $3,905,000 Uniting to build the world s best community. -Magrath Vision Statement 4

6 Key Demographics Magrath has proven to be an entrepreneurial community. It was founded through a British-funded corporate joint venture and played a leading role in the settlement of Southern Alberta in the late 19 th century. It was based on a major regional irrigation project supported by the Galt family in Lethbridge. Magrath s current goal is to remain a vibrant satellite of larger university and college centered urban hub of Lethbridge and together with corporate and community partners to build the Garden City in the next years to an ideal population the size of 5,000 people. Population demographics (2015) Town of Magrath SouthGrow Region Population 2, ,239 Annual population growth 6.5% 2.0% Median age Workforce population (15-64) 1,240 93,380 School population ( age 5-17) ,290 Senior population (65 +) ,440 Average employment income $32,309 $52,819 Average family income $68,456 $87,602 Number of dwellings ,566 Workforce Statistics Statistics (2011) Town of Magrath SouthGrow Region Workforce population (age 15-64) ,380 Workforce population rate 63.3% 70% % of workforce with no diploma or post-secondary 10.18% 25% % of workforce with high school diploma or equivalent 28.14% 29% % of workforce with post secondary diploma, certificate, or degree 90.42% 46% 5

7 Employment by Industry Statistic (2014) Town of Magrath SouthGrow Region Agriculture 5% 12% Oil and Gas 0% 5% Manufacturing 0% 8% Utilities, Transportation, Construction, Warehousing 15% 15% Retail & Wholesale Trade 17% 14% Finance, Insurance, Real Estate 0% 4% Professional, Scientific, Management 10% 7% Education & Healthcare 37% 18% Arts, Recreation, Accommodation 8% 6% Other 8% 11% Employment by Industry Agriculture Oil and Gas Manufacturing Utilities, Transportation, Construction, Warehousing Retail & Wholesale Trade 6

8 Transportation Infrastructure Highways Magrath is accessible by Highway 5 from the north and Highway 62 from the Del Bonita border crossing to the United States. 20 minutes to the north is the regional hub community of the City of Lethbridge. The City of Calgary is a 2 hour and 30 minute drive north along Highways 5 and 2. The Alberta Metropolitan cities of Calgary and Edmonton, located to the north of Magrath, are within easy commuting distance on wellmaintained double-lane divided highways. Highlights of Ground Transportation in Magrath: Magrath lies 30 minutes north of the United States boundary along Highway h South East is Alberta s Major Port of Entry to the United States at Coutts and Sweetgrass, Montana. This twenty-four hour border crossing links Alberta s export highway with U.S. Interstate 15 (an integral portion of CANAMEX) and it s the 8 th busiest border crossing in Canada in terms of trade traffic by road. In 2012 an estimated 150,000 trucks and 230,000 passenger vehicles crossed at the Canada/United States border at the Coutts, Alberta/Sweetgrass Montana border crossing. Both Truck and passenger vehicle traffic at this border crossing has grown an average of 3% annually over the past decade. In 2010 the crossing saw over $9 billion in trade (Transport Canada). Highway 5 heading north connects the Town with the Lethbridge Airport and to the southwest is the corridor to the majestic peace park. Magrath has access to several delivery companies. Canada post is stationed in Magrath, and companies like Purolator and UPS deliver standard packages to the town. Air The Lethbridge Airport is located on the south end of the city and is only 20 minutes north of Magrath. The airport operates 24/7 with daily schedules flights by Air Canada and Integra Air. Calgary and Edmonton International Airports are Primary Destinations, with regular service to Fort McMurray. Charter and executive aircraft service, aircraft rentals and flight training are also available. Several rental car agents are available on sight. 7

9 Facility Highways Rail Regional Airport International airport Details Highway 5 east, west, north, south Highway 62 south Served by Canadian pacific Railway mainline. Transmark Ltd, a privately owned rail storage and siding operation is adjacent to the CPR mainline Lethbridge Airport Calgary International Airport Municipal Tax and Utility Rates Service Rate Municipal Tax: Residential Municipal Tax: Non-Residential Residential Monthly Water Rate $25.00/month plus $0.96/cubic meter consumption Commercial Monthly Water Rate $35.00/month plus $0.96/cubic meter consumption Residential Monthly Sewer $20.00/month Commercial Monthly Sewer $28.00/month Residential Monthly Solid Waste Rate $13.00/month/collection cart (automated truck pick-up system) Commercial Monthly Solid Waste Rate $20.0/month/collection cart (based on single pick-up/week) Utility providers Service Natural Gas Providers Electric Providers Water Service Suppliers Landfill Telecommunications Water Supplier Provider ATCO Gas, Direct Energy, Enmax, Epcor Direct Energy, Enmax, Epcor Taber Irrigation District; St. Mary s River Irrigation District; Bow Island River Irrigation District Chief Mountain Regional Solid Waste Authority TELUS Communications: Phone, TV, Internet Ridge Water Services Commissions Education Facility Daycare Services Elementary Schools Secondary (Middle/High school) Post-Secondary Details Several daycares are available in Raymond and Lethbridge Magrath Elementary School Magrath Junior Senior High School Lethbridge College University Of Lethbridge University of Calgary Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (Calgary) 8

10 Health Care and Emergency Services Facility Details Police RCMP Fire Magrath Fire Department Ambulance Alberta Health Services Medical Services X-ray lab Doctors, Clinics Raymond Hospital Cardston Hospital Chinook Regional Hospital Dahl Clinic Dentists, Chiropractors, Optometrists 1 Chiropractor 1 Dentist Naturopathy Clinic Seniors Housing Garden Vista Good Samaritan s Society Facility Diamond Willow Terrace Lodge Alberta Housing Corporation Garden Villa Community Organizations Minor Sports Organizations Magrath Lions Club Magrath Chamber of Commerce Magrath Cultural Arts Society Magrath & District Recreation Society Magrath & District Agricultural Society Garden City Seniors Association Friends of the Library Pals of the pool I swam the Dam Triathlon Magrath Minor Hockey Magrath Men s Hockey Magrath Minor Football Magrath Co-ed Softball Magrath Soccer Association Magrath Rod & Gun Club Magrath Swim Club 9

11 Recreation Magrath is based on the unique features of its natural environment and on the availability of both surface and subsurface water, this allows for beautiful campgrounds and swimming centers, many playgrounds and the Magrath Trail System Attraction Magrath Pool Magrath Ice Arena Magrath Golf Course Magrath Trail System Jubilee Park Covered Wagon RV Park and Cabins Baseball Diamonds Soccer fields Details The outdoor swimming pool is composed of a 5 lane, 25m pool, with diving board, kiddie pool, and open grassed area. The Magrath pool is the perfect way to enjoy the heat of the summer Magrath s full sized hockey arena operates from October to March. It facilitates many hockey organizations including Minor Hockey, Magrath Men s league, Lethbridge Minor Hockey and other pick up hockey leagues around Magrath. The Magrath Golf Club is an 18 hole facility with many spectacular views. Magrath s challenging natural layout allows golfers to enjoy a peaceful and scenic round of golf. Magrath boasts quick greens, mature trees and an outstanding practice facility. Magrath Golf Club also offers full service clubhouse facilities with a protected patio and a fully licensed clubhouse. The Magrath Trail is an intermunicipal recreational, educational, and historic corridor commemorating the unique human and natural history of the Town of Magrath and its surrounding rural region. Located behind the fish pond just off Hwy 62 to the South of Magrath, this campground has un-serviced sites. The campground has men and women outhouses and three camp kitchens with power, wood stoves, but no potable water. Campsites cannot be booked and is serviced under a first come, first served basis. Covered Wagon RV park in Magrath is the perfect choice if you are looking for a relaxed, quiet setting. The park is available for both camping in a tent, or an RV, and also comes with full service cabins. Bed and Breakfasts available for overnight guests. The town has 4 baseball diamonds that can be booked for recreational leagues or for informal games. Magrath has two soccer fields that service the local community. One is located in the centre of town off Centre Street, just north of the Pool and arena. The other one; Cole Soccer Field is located on the corner of Highway 5 and Highway

12 Area Attractions Magrath is a central location for regional tourism attractions, such as the Waterton/Glacier international Peace Park, Writing on Stone Provincial Park, Head-Smashed-in Buffalo Jump, the Devil s Coulee dinosaur fossil sites, and the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden. Attraction The Mormon Trail Stirling Agricultural Village Frank Slide Interpretive Centre Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump Interpretive Centre Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park Bellevue Mine Fort Museum of NWMP and First Nations Interpretive Centre Empress Theatre Details A 2-4 hour self-guided driving tour in Southern Alberta through the Communities of Stirling, Magrath, and Cardston. Only 1 of 3 Canadian communities designated as a National Historical Site. The village s well preserved settlement pattern follows the plat of Zion model. Also within the Village are: The Michelsen Farmstead and the Galt Historic Railway Park. Experience what it was like to be in the coal mining town of Frank before, during, and after the great rock avalanche. A UNESCO World Heritage site which attracts around 60,000 visitors per year. In 1939, Canada s Waterton National Park and Glacier National Park in the U.S. were joined to create the world s first international peace park. Known as The Crown of the Continent the combined park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Put on an authentic miner s helmet and lamp and tour the actual corridors taken by the early coal miners. A replica of the original North West Mounted Police outpost built in 1874 in Fort Macleod; view daily Musical Ride in July and August. Attracts about 20,000 visitors per year. The historic Empress Theatre in downtown Fort Macleod hosts an impressive line-up of events that often feature nationally and internationally known musicians and actors. Castle Mountain Ski Resort With two mountains, over 3500 skiable acres, 78 trails, 8 alpine bowls, 6 lifts, and 3 terrain parks Castle Mountain Ski resort offers something for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village Alberta Birds of Prey Centre Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden The Galt Museum Located in Pincher Creek. An outdoor heritage facility preserving the Western Canadian Frontier village with 22 heritage cabins and two museum buildings and artifacts. A must see attraction. Take a hawk walk and learn about Alberta s first privately licensed raptor rescue and conservation organization at Coaldale. Take an unforgettable walk through an authentic Japanese Garden in the City of Lethbridge. Located in Lethbridge, the renovated former Galt Hospital is the largest museum in Southern Alberta. 11

13 Contact Information Town of Magrath SouthGrow Regional Initiative Wade Alston, CAO Peter Lovering, Manager 55 South 1 st West, Box 520 Magrath, AB, T0K 1J0 P.O. Box Lethbridge, AB, T1K 6Z9 Ph: (403) Ph: (403) info@magrath.ca pete.lovering@southgrow.com 12