The Innisfail Advantage

Transcription

1 The Innisfail Advantage Considering all that the Town of Innisfail has to offer, it s difficult to think of reasons not to relocate here. Conveniently situated on the Calgary-Edmonton Corridor, Innisfail is a thriving mid-sized community in what some may say is the perfect location. It s just 15 minutes south of Red Deer and an hour north of Calgary, meaning whatever few amenities we don t have are available just a short drive in either direction. But let s focus on what we do have. The question is: Where do we start? Well, we ve got a robust employment sector that includes anything from major national corporations to small mom-andpop operations. We ve got schools that offer comfortable class sizes and safe learning environments. We ve got unrivalled Rocky Mountain vistas. We ve got a wide and varied talent pool with a strong rural work ethic. We ve got subdivisions that are home to some of the most luxurious new homes in the province. And we ve got some of the most visited tourist destinations in all of Central Alberta. But that s just a start. There s plenty more to this town of about 8,000. And it s all well worth exploring. So whether you re considering relocating, are thinking about setting up business here, or simply want to know what all the fuss is about, give us a call today. Here are just a few reasons investors have chosen to set up enterprise here: Highly visible sites on the Queen Elizabeth 2 Highway corridor in the heart of Central Alberta A full-service community offering smalltown amenities to attract and maintain a labour force Access to municipal water and wastewater services at competitive user rates Locally available selection of affordable housing Lower costs for serviceable land compared to sites closer to Edmonton, Calgary or Red Deer Access to a range of life experiences in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains Access to a skilled and educated labour force locally and within easy commuting distance Competitive tax rates and a council sensitive and responsive to the needs of business

2 Location The Innisfail area has long been considered one of the most practically located in the entire province. Even before the town was incorporated in 1903, the area had a long history of providing convenience to transient voyagers and long-term settlers alike. Today, the town s location still presents plenty of incentive to relocate here. Take a look at a map and you ll see why. 13 Edmonton Devon Leduc Wetaskiwin Camrose 2 Distances Ponoka Innisfail is within a short distance of several major urban centres. As well, an hour s drive can take you anywhere from mountains, badlands and forests, to lakes, rivers and plains. The town is truly at the centre of it all. Rocky Mountain House Lacombe Sylvan Lake 2 Red Deer Innisfail Stettler Sundre 27 Olds 22 Distances from Innisfail: 2 Red Deer - 31 km Calgary km Edmonton km Banff National Park km United States border km Banff Cochrane 1 Airdrie Calgary Strathmore 1 Drumheller Highways Innisfail sits immediately adjacent to the Queen Elizabeth 2 Highway (known colloquially as the QE2) and is located near the midway point of the Calgary-Edmonton corridor -- one of the most economically vibrant regions in the entire country. The QE2 provides direct access to Calgary and Edmonton, and also leads to a number of other active trade routes that traverse Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest. As well, the highway links to the CANAMEX Trade Corridor, connecting Innisfail to the United States and Mexico through one of the most important trade routes in the continent.

3 Location Innisfail lies at the heart of a 200-km radius trading area with a population of over 2.5 million people. The town is also connected by rail to millions more in the Western US market, and to the rest of the world through ports in Vancouver and along the West Coast. See Innisfail s location within CN and CP rail networks at innisfail.ca/ economicdevelopment BRITISH COLUMBIA Fort McMurray Prince George ALBERTA SASKATCHEWAN Pacific Ocean Edmonton Kamloops Innisfail Saskatoon Victoria Vancouver Calgary Medicine Hat Regina United States of America

4 Population & Demographics With just under 8,000 residents, Innisfail boasts plenty of smalltown charm while being absent of the traffic, congestion and overcrowding that s characteristic of larger urban centres. Population (2011) Age Male Female Total Percentage 0-14 years , years years years , years 1,055 1,095 2, years , Total: 3,835 4,030 7, Projected population Year Population , , , ,957 Historical population Year Population , , ,208 Annual household income (2011) Average income $95,351 Average disposable income $64,831 Nearby municipalities (within 35 km) Municipality Population Red Deer 100,807 Red Deer County 18,351 Sylvan Lake 14,310 Mountain View County 12,359 Olds 8,617 Penhold 2,842

5 History The Early Years: Henday Arrives The story of Innisfail s long and illustrious history dates back to the fall of 1754, when Hudson s Bay Company explorer Anthony Henday embarked upon an expedition to the area. Although Henday s bid to convince the Blackfoot tribe to trade at York Factory in Manitoba proved futile, the explorer s name and image have long since continued to be associated with the town s history, and can still be found in many places around town today. The Evolution: A Town is Born The area later became known as Poplar Grove -- a popular stopping point along the Calgary-Edmonton Trail for stagecoach travellers, settlers and hunters among others who used the route. What began as a collection of shacks where they could stop for an overnight rest eventually grew into a permanent settlement, and thus, a town was born. The construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1891 was accompanied by a new name for the then village: Innisfail -- a Celtic word, literally meaning Isle of Destiny. The Town of Innisfail was incorporated a short time later in The Present: Innisfail Thrives Innisfail is now home to some 8,000 residents, and continues to benefit from its prime location on the Calgary-Edmonton Corridor. Businesses small and large contribute to healthy and vibrant retail, commercial and industrial sectors, while regional tourism brings hundreds of thousands of tourists to the area every single year. In summary, the town is no longer simply a stopping point; it s a destination.

6 Labour & Employment The Central Alberta region fosters a strong rural work ethic that produces no shortage of skilled and dedicated workers. The presence of several higher education institutions contributes to an immensely diverse talent pool, which Innisfail benefits from directly. Labour force Total Male Female Population 15 yrs+ 6,395 3,075 3,320 In the labour force 4,310 2,290 2,020 Participation rate (%) Employed 4,070 2,135 1,935 Employment rate (%) Business summary Total # of businesses 470 By category: Other 82 Construction & materials 79 Legal, accounting & business services 59 Auto dealers & repair 49 Educational, health & social services 46 Food stores & dining 39 Agricultural & natural resources 36 Hotels, theatres & recreation 25 Manufacturing 24 Finance, insurance & real estate 23 General merchandise & apparel 8 Employee summary Employees # Businesses # Major employers (by # of employees) Innisfail Health Centre 250 Bilton Welding 180 Chinook s Edge School Division 177 Johns Manville 175 Country/Sunset Manor 133 NWP Industries 87

7 Taxation Innisfail s highly competitive tax rates -- which sit well below the regional average -- make the town an immensely attractive place to live, work and do business. Tax Comparisons (2015) Municipality Mill rates Residential Non-Residential Innisfail Blackfalds Lacombe Olds Red Deer Penhold Rocky Mountain House Sylvan Lake Average County Mill rates Residential Non-Residential Farmland Red Deer County Lacombe County Mountain View County Note: Rates do not include AB School Tax and Senior Fund

8 Utilities Water The Town of Innisfail receives water from the Red Deer River via the Mountain View Regional Water Commission. The Town has three pump stations, and three water storage reservoirs with a storage capacity of 2.5 million imperial gallons. Water Rate: Flat Rate: $2.15 per cubic metre of water consumed $10.00 per month Wastewater The Town of Innisfail s sewage collection system consists of a series of eight- and ten-inch gravity lines connected to 12- inch trunk lines. In 2015, the Town completed the process of connecting to the regional wastewater line, and began paying for all wastewater pumped down the line. Sewer Rate: Stabilization Rate: $2.85 per cubic metre of water consumed $15.00 per month Garbage & Recycling The Town offers contracted solid waste collection, as well as a Green Box household recycling program. Household yard waste, hazardous waste and e-waste are also collected at various times throughout the year. Residential: Residential Recycling: $17.00 per month $5.00 per month

9 Housing & Shelter The town s wide variety of housing options makes it easy for residents, workers and families to call Innisfail home. Housing by structure (2015) # % Houses 2, Apartment units Other dwelling types Housing by tenure (2015) # % Owned 2, Rented Dwelling values (2011) Average $276,264 Median $269,585 Average monthly rent (2014) Type Average Range Bachelor $761 $530-$775 1 Bedroom $730 $600-$1,000 2 Bedroom $776 $400-$1,150 3 Bedroom $858 $575-$1,200

10 Lifestyle Recreation & Culture When it comes to recreation and culture, Innisfail has it all. A state-of-the-art library, a multi-surface ice rink, and a year-round indoor aquatic centre are among the amenities enjoyed regularly by town residents and visitors alike. There are also walking trails, ball diamonds, sports fields, outdoor skating rinks, tennis courts, a ski hill, a spray park and a curling rink, and Town Council recently took the first steps toward constructing a new skatepark. Whether it s by taking advantage of one of these facilities, or by making the most of the town s diverse and scenic terrain, Innisfailians (as residents of the town are colloquially known) are always busy doing something. Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, walking and hiking are all popular cost-free activities, and there are plenty of organized sports and leagues well worth participating in. As well, the Innisfail Golf Club is an internationally-lauded course that offers a first-rate experience for even the most skilled of golfers. For sports enthusiasts who are more into spectating, the Senior AAA Innisfail Eagles hockey team provides top-notch viewing entertainment. It s some of the highest caliber of hockey around. Nearby Providing breathtaking vistas visible throughout Innisfail, the Rocky Mountains are just over an hour s drive away. World-class skiing, climbing and other year-round outdoor pursuits are always on hand. Innisfail also has the benefit of being situated between two major Canadian cities in Calgary and Edmonton, while Red Deer -- Alberta s third largest city -- is located just 15 minutes up the highway. Canada frequently ranks among the most liveable countries in the world -- a sentiment reflected strongly in Albertan culture. Living and working conditions are of the highest quality. Innisfail Public Library

11 Lifestyle Health Care The Innisfail Health Centre is a fully modern hospital and extended care facility. Built in 1984 and expanded in 1993, it s got 20 acute care beds and 80 extended care beds, as well as a 24-hour emergency department, day surgery, and X-ray and lab services. It s also one of the province s primary hubs for cataract eye surgery. Innisfail is also home to two medical clinics, three dental clinics, and various professional services in optometry, chiropractic care, reflexology, physiotherapy and massage therapy. Climate Average High Temp. C ( F) Average Low Temp. C ( F) Precipitation (mm) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun -1.5 (29.3) (9.7) -3.0 (26.6) (7.7) 7.5 (45.5) -5.2 (22.6) 12.6 (54.7) -2.7 (27.1) 17.2 (63.0) 2.0 (35.6) 21.9 (71.4) 8.4 (47.1) Average High Temp. C ( F) Average Low Temp. C ( F) Precipitation (mm) Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 24.5 (76.1) 10.8 (51.4) 22.5 (72.5) 9.6 (49.3) 18.1 (64.6) 4.6 (40.3) 13.5 (56.3) 0.2 (32.4) -1.7 (28.9) (10.9) -1.2 (29.8) (12.9) Sunny Days According to the Government of Alberta, Alberta enjoys the highest number of sunny days in Canada more than 2,300 hours of sunshine each year. Even in winter, the sky is often clear as the sun shines brightly on the sparkling snow. In June, there can be as many as 16 to 18 hours of daylight per day. Napoleon Lake

12 Education Innisfail s primary and secondary school population is served by two school districts: Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools and Chinook s Edge School Division. The presence of elementary, middle and high schools means students can complete their entire high school diploma without ever having to leave town. The town is also within a 20-minute drive of two accredited and respected post-secondary institutions. Red Deer College and Olds College are both world-class educational facilities that offer easy access to professional development, and produce no shortage of skilled workers in a variety of industries. Two of the country s highest-ranking universities -- the University of Calgary and the University of Alberta -- lie less than two hours away, in Calgary and Edmonton, respectively. Kindergarten to Grade 12 St. Marguerite Bourgeoys School (Pre-K to 9) Ave. Innisfail, AB T4G 1A7 Phone: Fax: École John Wilson Elementary School (K to 4) Ave. Innisfail, AB T4G 1A7 Phone: Fax: Chinook Centre School (K to 4) St. Innisfail, AB T4G 1W6 Phone: Fax: École Innisfail Middle School (Grade 5 to 7) Ave. Innisfail, AB T4G 1A8 Phone: Fax: École Innisfail High School (Grade 8 to 12) Ave. Innisfail, AB T4G 1A8 Phone: Fax: Innisfail Career High School (Grade 10 to 12) Ave. Innisfail, AB T4G 1P6 Phone: Fax:

13 Education School Divisions Chinook s Edge School Division St. Innisfail, AB T4G 1W4 Phone: Fax: Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools St. Red Deer, AB T4N 6N8 Phone: Fax: Post-Secondary Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools Olds College St. Olds, AB T4H 1R6 Phone: Fax: Red Deer College 100 College Boulevard Red Deer, AB T4N 5H5 Phone: Fax: Interior Heavy Equipment Operator School Range Road 284A Innisfail, Alberta T4G 1T8 Phone: Fax: Educational Attainment Qualification # % University degree University certificate College, CEGEP, other certificate/diploma 1, Apprenticeship, trades certificate/diploma 1, High school certificate (or equivalent) 2,

14 Transportation Airports The Innisfail Airport provides infrastructure for smaller aircraft, while passenger flights are available at the nearby Red Deer Airport. The Calgary International Airport, located just 45 minutes down the highway, offers direct international flights to destinations all around the world. Distances from Innisfail: Red Deer Airport - 10 km Calgary International Airport km Edmonton International Airport km Innisfail & District Handivan Trucking Innisfail is home to trucking firms that provide local, regional and continental freighting services. Rail Innisfail is served by a Canadian Pacific Railway main line connecting to major international ports and rail transloading terminals. Bus Greyhound Canada s scheduled bus service stops in Innisfail daily, linking the town with destinations all across the continent. For fees and schedules, visit greyhound.ca. Couriers & Taxi Greyhound Courier Express offers service in Innisfail, while Purolator, UPS and DHL all operate nearby. Associated Cab offers 24-hour taxi service in town. Community Busing A community handivan offers bookable transportation for seniors, while the Innisfail Community Bus operates as a monthly coach service to Red Deer.

15 Tourism & Activities The Innisfail region is home to some of the province s most enthralling tourist destinations, which every year attract thousands of visitors from all around the world. The town is perhaps best known for being home to the Discovery Wildlife Park -- an enchanting zoo renowned for its highly unique wildlife experiences. The Innisfail Golf Club -- a scenic 27-hole golf course that frequently ranks among the best in Alberta -- is also an immensely popular draw. On top of that, the town s vibrant retail district, along with its many trails and walking paths, makes for wonderful day-tourism opportunities that can be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. Innisfail truly has a little bit of something for everyone, meaning when you come here, you ll never find yourself short of something to do. Other tourism highlights: Innisfail Historical Village Skydive Big Sky RCMP Police Dog Training Facility Innisfail Pro Rodeo Family Farms/Local Growers Innisfail Ski Hill Discovery Wildlife Park Nearby The town is also within a short drive of a number of world-renowned tourist attractions. Banff National Park, the Calgary Stampede, the West Edmonton Mall and the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology are all easily accessible. For a full list of nearby attractions, visit innisfailtourism.com or travelalberta.com. Innisfail Golf Club Banff National Park Innisfail Historical Village

16 Tourism & Activities Entertainment & Activities Whether you live in town or are simply passing through, you re guaranteed to stay entertained during your time in Innisfail. Spend an evening bowling at the Innisfail Bowling Lanes, an eight-lane five-pin bowling alley in the centre of town. Catch a matinee at Century Theatre, a cinema that offers city-quality entertainment at smalltown rates. Take a dip in the pool at the Aquatic Centre, or simply relax in the steam room. Channel your inner Broadway by taking part in an Innisfail Town Theatre production -- or just watch, if that s more your thing. In short, the opportunities for things to do are endless. Events Innisfail Aquatic Centre In addition to having an endless stream of things to do, the Town of Innisfail also plays host to a number of major events every single year. From the Innisfail Pro Rodeo in June to frequent family events at local growers and farms, there s always something going on in and around innisfail. Scheduled events (2016) Discovery Wildlife opens Innisfail Pro Rodeo Canada Day fireworks Strawberry Festival Zoofest Teddy Bear Picnic Viking Days Markerville Show & Shine Innisfail Triathlon Sauerkraut Festival Scarecrow Festival Julestue Christmas Market May 1 June June 30 July 23 July 30 Aug. 11 Aug. 20 Aug. 28 Sept. 10 Sept. 17 Oct. 8 Nov. 5 Nov Innisfail Pro Rodeo