Whitecourt Economic Development Package

DOING BUSINESS IN WHITECOURT

Whitecourt is a place of opportunity. Whitecourt is a proactive and innovative community. We value partnerships and arent afraid of hard work. We want you to be part of our future.Our community is gaining a reputation as the place to do business in northern Alberta. We offer a blend of rural and urban living, with a pro-business climate and superior lifestyle opportunities. Whitecourts key business advantages include our: Central location between the urban centers of Edmonton and Grande Prairie; Modern recreational facilities; Countless outdoor and indoor leisure opportunities; Dynamic and thriving economy; Expanding health services; Affordable housing and living; Available and affordable land; Young and productive workforce; Growing professional development and training opportunities; Excellent transportation system (road, rail, and air); Established telecommunication infrastructure.Whitecourtisdefinedbyourbroadvisionforasustainablefutureandisdeeplyinvested in supporting businesses that share this vision. On behalf of the Town of Whitecourt, I look forward to meeting with you and creating a lasting partnership that will both meet and enhance your corporate needs.

Maryann ChichakMayor

LETTER FROM THE MAYOR OF WHITECOURT

177km / 110 milesNW of Edmonton

HWY 32 & HWY 43Connecting Highways through Whitecourt

50,000People in Primary Trading Area

97.6kmLength of roads

93.13kmLength of sidewalks

50kmLength of Trails

10,5742013 Municipal Census Statistic

32 yearsAverage age in Whitecourt

74%Percentage of population between the ages of 15 and 64 years

2.6Average number of people per household

5%Annual growth rate experienced between 2011 and 2013

WHITECOURT BY THE NUMBERS

WHITECOURT, ALBERTACOUNTY/DISTRICT: WOODLANDS COUNTY

SAGITAWAHThe area was originally inhabited by the Cree and the area was known as Sagitawah (the place where the rivers meet).

With a population of over 10,500, and an average

age of 32, Whitecourt is a young and vibrant

community.

Whitecourt has been honoured with a number of designationsover the years; most recentlythe title as the Forest Capital of Canada in both 2013 and 2014.

STRONG RESOURCE BASED COMMUNITY

REGIONAL HUB FOR THE OILFIELD INDUSTRY

FUELING FOR THE FUTURE

FORESTRYOIL & GAS

EMERGING TECHNOLOGY & RESOURCE DEVELOPMENTMAJOR PROJECTS & DEVELOPMENT

PROJECTS ON THE HORIZON

NEW INITIATIVESGREEN POWER GENERATION

COMMUNITY

FUELING FOR THE FUTUREFORESTRYOIL & GASOILFIELD SERVICE COMPANIESEMERGING TECHNOLOGY & RESOURCE DEVELOPMENTMAJOR PROJECTS & DEVELOPMENTPROJECTS ON THE HORIZON

DOING BUSINESS IN WHITECOURTREGIONAL HUB FOR THE OILFIELD INDUSTRY


FORESTRYOIL & GAS

MAJOR PROJECTS & DEVELOPMENT

PROJECTS ON THE HORIZON

STRONG

NEW INITIATIVES

GREEN POWER GENERATION

COMMUNITY

In 2014, Whitecourts total assessment was valued at

over $1.9 billion.

GREEN POWER GENERATION

Fort McMurrayGrande Prairie

EdmontonJasper

Red Deer

Calgary

WHITECOURT

A strong resource based community. With billions of dollars worth of announced projects scheduled to take place within the next 5 years, Whitecourts economic prosperity is assured.

FORESTRYWhitecourt credits its success to the forest industry. Three major facilities located in the Whitecourt area are:Millar Western Forest Products, which is located within municipal boundaries,

produces pulp and dimensional lumber (369 employees+ contractors).BlueRidgeLumber,whichproducesmulti-densityfibre(MDF)boardand

dimensional lumber products (352 employees+ contractors).Alberta Newsprint, the provinces only newsprint producer (226 employees+

contractors).A wide variety of forest industry service providers, including contractors for reforestation, harvesting, and hauling services, are also available locally.

OIL & GAS: EXPLORATION, DEVELOPMENT, MAINTENANCEWhitecourtistheregionalhubfortheoilfieldindustryandservestheareawestofEdmonton to south of Grande Prairie.Whitecourt is home to many service companies specializing in the provision of services to the energy sector, such as:Halliburton EnergyHSEInfratechSchlumberger Well ServicesStrad EnergyStrike Energy ServicesTrican Well ServicesTrilogyURS Flint Production ServicesWeatherford Services


Construction of the $42 million Millar Western Bio-Energy Project is underway, and slated to be complete in 2016. In the long term, the facility will strengthen the economic viability of the community.

EMERGING TECHNOLOGY & RESOURCE DEVELOPMENTWhitecourt is one of the major service centers situated in a region that is rich in energy resources; both the oil and gas, and forestry sectors provide exceptional opportunities for growth and development. There have been several new initiatives designed for green power generation including the Millar Western Bio-Energy Project, and the construction of the Alberta Newsprint Company (ANC) Powerplant. The Millar Western Bio-Energy Project (scheduled for completion in 2016) will recoverorganicmaterialfromthepulpmillseffluentstreamandconvertittoabiogas. After conditioning, the biogas will be used to fuel reciprocating engines for use by the companys pulp mill operations. The ANC Powerplant project is a joint endeavour, owned by West Fraser and Alberta Newspring Company Limited Partnership, and will produce electricity fueled by natural gas which will be consumed for ANC operations and sold into the Alberta power grid.

MAJOR PROJECTS & DEVELOPMENTSOtherprojectscompletedorrecentlyannouncedthatwillhaveasignificantimpactto the community and region include:

Pembina Pipeline Project (Mitsue & Nipisi Pipelines) $2 billionDuvernay Shale Play $300 millionAlberta Newsprint Company Powerplant $80 millionCommunity Learning Campus Project $55 millionMillar Western Bio-Energy Project $42 millionSilver Creek Project $17.5 millionIndustrial Land Sales $12.4 millionKanata Travel Centre Hotel Development $12 millionResidential Development - 63 unit apartment building $9.65 millionResidential Development - 40 unit townhouse development $6 millionDevelopment of 33 Street $6 millionUtility and Wastewater Expansion to Whitecourt Airport $5.5 million104 Unit Hotel Development $5.5 millionAthabasca Flat Servicing $2.8 millionGateway Plaza Mall Development $2.8 millionWalMart Super Centre Expansion $2.5 millionWestern Budget Motel Phase 4 $2.3 millionSpruceland Ford Expansion $2.25 millionWinter Sports Recreation Park Development $1.7 millionDahl Drive Construction and Widening $1.5 million

PROJECTS ON THE HORIZONEnbridge Pembina Pipeline Expansion $4.5 billionSimonette Pembina Pipeline Expansion $115 millionMineral Brine Project To be announced

The Whitecourt Water Treatment Plant received

Project of the Year Award in 2009 from the Alberta Public Works Association for the Water Treatment

Plant Upgrade Project. The facility is capable of serving

a population more than double the current size of

Whitecourt.

Whitecourt was honoured with the designation of

Forest Capital of Canada in both 2013 and 2014 for the communitys ongoing

commitment to sustainable forest management.

AFFORDABLE PLACES TO DO BUSINESS

KEY TO ECONOMIC BALANCE OF THE REGION

A STRONG BACKGROUND FOR NEW BUSINESS

RETAIL & COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT

INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT

WATER & SEWER RATES

MUNICIPAL TAX & SERVICES RATES

LEASE, RENTAL & REAL ESTATE RATES

WORKS COOPERATIVELY WITH WOODLANDS COUNTYUNDER CONSTRUCTION

COMMUNITY


RETAIL & COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTINDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENTMUNICIPAL TAX & SERVICE RATESLEASE, RENTAL & REAL ESTATE RATESWATER & SEWER RATES

DOING BUSINESS IN WHITECOURTKEY TO ECONOMIC BALANCE OF THE REGION

RETAIL & COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT

INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT

WATER & SEWER RATES

MUNICIPAL TAX & SERVICES RATES

WORKS COOPERATIVELY WITH WOODLANDS COUNTY


UNDER CONSTRUCTION

COMMUNITY

In 2013, Whitecourt was named one of the top 50 communities in

Canada for capital growth. (November 2013 Canadian Real

Estate Weekly Magazine)


Average family income $107,945

Median family income $96,193

Median household income $101,023

Average household income $109,911

Whitecourt offers a solid foundation for established, developing, and expanding businesses.Whitecourt is key to the economic balance of the region, and is energized with a young, well trained workforce. With a low tax rate, modern infrastructure, available land, and an extensive transportation system with air, road and rail links across North America, Whitecourt is perfect for entrepreneurs looking to begin a new venture as well as established businesses looking to relocate.The Town of Whitecourt values relationships, and works cooperatively with Woodlands County, our municipal neighbour, to support area businesses to create a positive environment for all companies.

RETAIL AND COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTWhitecourt is home to large retail developments such as Wal-Mart, Canadian Tire, Staples, Home Hardware, Tim Hortons, The Brick, and IGA, and several smaller national retailers, including Marks Work Wearhouse, Reitmans, Merle Norman, Global Pets, and The Source. Whitecourt also offers a wide variety of specialty stores. With one of the provinces highest family incomes (Stats Canada) and a young population, the opportunities for new retail development are unlimited as we continue to work towards an urban lifestyle while keeping the small town advantage.The Whitecourt Power Centre, located beside Wal-Mart on Dahl Drive, offers 50,000 square feet of retail services.An area under construction is Whitecourt South Common which consists of 25 acres of commercial, retail, and residential high density developable land. With a newlyopenedHolidayInnExpressandnewNorthernGatewaySchoolDivisionOffice($7million),thisareawillshowsignificantgrowthoverthenextfewyears.

INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENTDevelopment of the Hilltop East Industrial Area was initiated in 2011 with the Town ofWhitecourtcompletingthefirst40acres(22lots)knownasPhase6and6Bin 2012. A private developer is currently completing the next 45 acres (13 lots), known as Phase 7 and 8. The remaining 40 acres, known as Phase 9, is currenty under design, and is anticipated to be completed by a private developer in 2014. Phase 9 will bring an additional 10 to 12 industrial lots on to the market in this area.


The median age for Whitecourt is 32 years, and over the last two years the

community has experienced a growth rate of 10%

Whitecourt

Edson

Drayton Valley

Grande Prairie

Rocky Mtn. House

Peace River

Hanna

Leduc

0 2 4 6

4.9000

5.2626

5.3619

9.1939

8.2508

7.7839

10.4800

6.3850

8.2842

14.6049

11.5747

15.1079

8.7508

14.4226

13.9800

8.19308 10 12 14 16

Residential

Non-residential

18

LEASE, RENTAL & REAL ESTATE RATESAverage lease rate (Retail/Commercial) $10 - 16/sq.ft.Average lease rate in strip malls $8 - $14/sq.ft.Average lease rate on Highway 43 (Commercial) $16 - $24/sq.ft.Average lease rate (Industrial) $10 - 16/sq.ft.Cost of serviced industrial land for sale $220,000/acre

Rental rate for houses $1200 - $1800/monthRental rate for apartments & duplexes $800 - $1100/monthAverage home price $368,000

0.4%Current accommodation vacancy rate

BUILDING PERMITS ISSUED: (Residential & Commercial)2009 2010 2011 2012

# Of Permits 169 177 167 244

$ Value $30.8 million$22.6 million

$24.1 million

$79.6 million

MUNICIPAL TAXES & SERVICE RATESWHITECOURT MILL RATES: (Municipal Portion Only)

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013Residential 4.7770 5.1258 5.3037 5.4893 5.2312Non-residential 8.3296 7.8323 8.1041 8.3877 8.2227

2015 TAX RATE COMPARISON: (Municipal Portion Only)

2013

$37.2 million

2014248$70.2million

159

20145.19308.3628

20154.90008.2842Whitecourt and Woodlands

County were honoured with the Alex Metcalfe Award

from Economic Developers Alberta (EDA) for two years

in a row (2014 & 2015).

The Whitecourt Water Treatment Plant is capable

of accommodating over double our current

population.

5TH YOUNGEST COMMUNITY IN ALBERTA

WE INVITE YOU TO TAKE A CLOSER LOOK

DEMOGRAPHICS

STATISTICS

OPPORTUNITIES

TOWN ASSESSMENT

DEMOGRAPHICSCOMMUNITY


DEMOGRAPHICSSTATISTICS


STATISTICS


OPPORTUNITIES

DEMOGRAPHICSCOMMUNITY

Whitecourts Vision: To create a vibrant community with endless opportunities where all aspects of life are enjoyed.


OPPORTUNITIES

DEMOGRAPHICS

POPULATION, male 55300 to 4 years 3895 to 9 years 36710 to 14 years 36215 to 19 years 40220 to 24 years 42125 to 29 years 53930 to 34 years 55035 to 39 years 50440 to 44 years 43145 to 49 years 39050 to 54 years 40155 to 59 years 29560 to 64 years 17365 to 69 years 10870 to 74 years 6375 and over 65

POPULATION, change % Change Net Change

2001 - 2006 (5 Years) 7.6% 637

POPULATION, female 48310 to 4 years 3985 to 9 years 35410 to 14 years 31215 to 19 years 30020 to 24 years 40125 to 29 years 45130 to 34 years 44435 to 39 years 39440 to 44 years 36945 to 49 years 34950 to 54 years 31755 to 59 years 23760 to 64 years 14165 to 69 years 9770 to 74 years 7875 and over 102

2006 - 2011 (5 Years) 7.1% 634969 10.0%2011 - 2013 (2 Years)

POPULATION, total10,574

Female46.6%

Male53.4%

DEMOGRAPHICSWhitecourt is a young and growing community.

POPULATION, growth* Federal Census** Municipal Census

2001*

8,334

8,9719,202

2006* 2008** 2011*

9,605

2013**

10,574


Whitecourt is the largest community in

Woodlands County, and one of the largest towns in the

province.

STATISTICSTotal population 15 years and over by labour force activity 4945

In the labour force 5820Employed 5450Unemployed 370

Not in the labor force 1530All classes of workers 5450

Scott Safety Supply and Services

352

Self-employed (incorporated) 570

degree 58751230

29301720

1110

80

140

640Bachelors degree 445

20Degree in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine or optometry

640

Masters degree

LARGEST EMPLOYERS # of EmployeesMillar Western Forest Products 425 + contractorsNorthern Gateway Regional Public Schools 415 Blue Ridge Lumber

180Alberta Newsprint Company 225

Wal-Mart 175Town of Whitecourt 150Aspen Health Region 142Airborne Energy 138Flint Energy Services 130Whitecourt IGA

108Strike Energy125

1040

PengrowthHSE Integrated Ltd.

70 60

LABOUR FORCE, total7,577

Male15 years and over53%

Female15 years and over47%

In 2013, Whitecourtwas named one of the

top 10 highest yeildneighbourhoods in Canada.(November 2013 Canadian

Real Estate Weekly)

EASY ACCESS TO THE TRANS CANADA YELLOW HEAD

CONNECTED TO THE WORLD

MARKET ACCESS

LOCATION & TRANSPORTATION

RESOURCE HEARTLAND OF ALBERTA

HIGHWAY 43FULL AIR-SERVICE AIRPORT

COMMUNITY

CONNECTED TO THE WORLDMARKET ACCESSLOCATION & TRANSPORTATION



MARKET ACCESS

LOCATION & TRANSPORTATION


HIGHWAY 43FULL AIR-SERVICE AIRPORT

CANADA YELLOW HEAD


HIGHWAY 43

COMMUNITY

In 2012, Whitecourt was awarded the A.V. Pettigrew Award from the Alberta Recreation

For Life Association. The provincial recognition shows Whitecourts commitment toenhancing residents quality of life

through parks and recreation.

HIGHWAY 43

FORT McMURRAY

WHITECOURTGRANDE PRAIRIE

PEACE RIVER

HIGH LEVEL

EDMONTON

RED DEER

JASPER

CALGARY

LOCATION & TRANSPORTATIONWhitecourt and Woodlands County are located 170 kilometers northwest of Edmonton on Highway 43 via Highway 16. It is the largest commercial hub and is the primary trading area is over 50,000 people.

MARKET ACCESSWhitecourt and Woodlands County are strategically located in the resource heartland of Alberta.


Whitecourt is the primary trading area for over

50,000 people and it is only a 90 minute drive to access

a potential market of over one million consumers.

The annual average daily traffic on Highway

43 through Whitecourt is 31,140 vehicles.

(Alberta Transportation)

Highway 43 provides direct and easy access to the Trans Canada Yellowhead Highway which connects to eastern and western ports.Highway 43 is part of the Canamex Corridor which connects local businesses to suppliers and markets on a 2,736 kilometer (1,700 mile) highway system that links Canada, United States and Mexico. In the tourism industry, Highway 43 is known as the Gateway to the Alaska and offers direct access to the resource-rich northern regions of Canada and United States. Not only is Whitecourt a regular stopping point for visitors and goods heading north to Grande Prairie and north-eastern BC, it is also the stopping point for many traveling south.Woodlands County, in partnership with the Town of Whitecourt, is one of the only counties within the province of Alberta that owns and maintains a full air-service airport. The airport is the ninth busiest in Alberta. Approximately 20,000 aircraft use the site each year, and the facility is open 24 hours a day. The Airport features a 5800 foot by 100 foot runway and is capable of landing 747 jet planes. There arescheduledcharteredflightsthatoperate from the Whitecourt Airport, as well. Charter carriers include: Highland Helicopters, OpsMobile Inc., and Taiga Helicopters.TheprimaryusersoftheWhitecourtAirportincludeforestryandoilfieldcompanies.The airport also provides a large base for water-bombers, which are critical for forestfiresuppression.Theairportdoesnotchargelandingfees,andcompetitivelease rates are available for land at the airport.The Canadian National Railway branch line from Edmonton serves Whitecourt, Blue Ridge and travels south of Fox Creek. Industrial spurs and yards are available. Intermodal services are provided in Edmonton and Calgary.Greyhound also provides regular daily passenger services.

The Whitecourt Airport is the 9th busiest in Alberta, with approximately 20,000

aircraft using the facility each year.

Whitecourt is part of the Japan-Alberta Twinning

program, and is twinned with Yubetsu, Japan. The

partnership began in 1998, and a strong relationship

continues to flourish.

TAX ADVANTAGES

ALBERTA IS THE PLACE TO BE

THE ALBERTA ADVANTAGE

TAXATIONECONOMY

EMPLOYMENT

DIVERSIFIED ECONOMY

PUBLIC & PRIVATE INVESTMENTHIGHEST GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT

COMMUNITY

ALBERTA IS THE PLACE TO BETHE ALBERTA ADVANTAGETAXATIONECONOMYEMPLOYMENT

DOING BUSINESS IN WHITECOURTTAX ADVANTAGES


THE ALBERTA ADVANTAGE

TAXATIONECONOMY

EMPLOYMENT

DIVERSIFIED ECONOMY

PUBLIC & PRIVATE INVESTMENTHIGHEST GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT

TAX ADVANTAGES

DIVERSIFIED ECONOMY

PUBLIC & PRIVATE INVESTMENT

COMMUNITY

The region offers 400 kilometers of groomed snowmobile trails that

are maintained by the Whitecourt Trailblazers each winter. Whitecourt is

the Snowmobile Capital of Alberta.

TAX ADVANTAGES

DIVERSIFIED ECONOMY

THE ALBERTA ADVANTAGEAlbertans enjoy a very high quality of life.

TAXATIONAlbertans have the lowest overall personal taxes in Canada.Albertas personal tax advantage results from a low single rate tax system,

including the highest basic and spousal exemptions in the country, no general sales tax, the lowest gasoline tax rate among the provinces, and no health care premiums.

Alberta businesses have the lowest overall business taxes in Canada.Albertas business tax advantage results from low corporate income tax rates,

no capital tax, no general sales tax, no payroll tax, and the lowest gasoline tax among the provinces.


Gross Domestic Product $258.9 billion (2007, current dollars)$187.5 billion (2007, chained 2002 dollars)

Real Economic Growth 2006 2007 20086.1% 3.1% 1.5% (estimate)

Public & Private Investment $87 billion (2008)

ECONOMYIn 2012, Albertas economy grew by 3.9%. Alberta has led all provinces in economic growth over the past 20 years. Private sector forecasts suggest that Alberta will be one of the three top provinces in economic growth in 2013. Alberta leads the nation in employment, exports, and investment.

Alberta Economic Fast Facts:Over the last two decades, Alberta had the highest Gross Domestic Product

(GDP) growth rate in Canada, at 3.7% per year. In 2008, Albertas economy grew by an estimated 1.5%. Although slipping commodity prices and a global economic downturn are expected to negatively impact Albertas economic performance in 2009, most private sector forecasters expect the province to

Highway 43, which is the link to northwestern Albera

and carries an estimated daily traffic volume of

31,140 vehicles.

Whitecourts 2015 Capital and Operating Budgets

total $56.8 million.

continue to lead the country in economic growth over the long term.Albertas export of goods increased by one third between 2007 and 2008 to an

estimated $109 billion. This increase can be attributed to the rapid rise of energy prices.

Alberta has a rapidly growing manufacturing base. Between 2007 and 2008, manufacturing shipments increased 6.9% to $70.1 billion.

The province consistently has the highest investment per capita among provinces. In 2008, Alberta investment per capita was $24,262, more than double the national average. A total of $87 billion was invested in 2008, more than double the 2002 level.

Average annual employment in the province in 2008 increased by 53,900 over 2007. Between 1998 and 2008, employment increased by 503,400.

Albertas average unemployment rate in 2008 was the lowest in Canada at 3.6%.(Facts on Doing Business in Alberta April 2009)

EMPLOYMENTAlberta HighlightsAlbertas seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.6% in August 2013. This

was the second lowest rate in the country behind Saskatchewans 4.2%. The national average was 7.1%, down 0.1 percentage points from the previous month.

(Statistics Canada August 2013)

Whitecourt provides a positive environment that

supports local business, creates new opportunities,

and enhances the quality of life.

Whitecourts superior lifestyle opportunities and

vibrant community offers a range of things to do and see for you, your family,

and your employees.

BEAUTIFUL PARKS & PLAYGROUNDS

OUTDOOR PARADISE

WHITECOURT...COME SEE WHY WE LOVE IT!LIFESTYLE & AMENITIES

PROTECTIVE, HEALTH & EDUCATION SERVICES

OUTDOOR PLAYGROUND

CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL, SERVICE GROUPSFAMILY & FRIENDS

SAFE COMMUNITY

WHITECOURT...COME SEE WHY WE LOVE IT!

LIFESTYLE & AMENITIESPROTECTIVE, HEALTH & EDUCATION SERVICESOUTDOOR PLAYGROUND


LIFESTYLE & AMENITIES

OUTDOOR PLAYGROUND

CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL, SERVICE GROUPSFAMILY & FRIENDS

BEAUTIFUL PARKS & PLAYGROUNDS

FAMILY & FRIENDSSAFE COMMUNITY

CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL,

In 2015, the Town of Whitecourt allocated over $200,000 in grants

to local groups and societies in their endeavors to enhance

opportunities and the quality of life in our community.

OUTDOOR PARADISE

FAMILY & FRIENDS

CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL,

LIFESTYLE & AMENITIESResidents of Whitecourt enjoy a high quality of life made possible through various opportunities for recreation, business, and family lifestyles. The community boasts several cultural, recreational and service groups, making it the ideal place to call home. Residents of our community love spending time outdoors, and the Town continues to invest in its extensive park system to provide great outdoor experiences to residents of all ages, in any season. Whitecourt is home to several beautiful parks and playgrounds.Rotary Park isafamilyfavouriteandisgreatforpicnics,walks,fishing,and

skating. It is also home to the Whitecourt River Slides (one of Whitecourts most popular family attractions), the Whitecourt Splash Park and newly constructed Rotary Park Playground (which is the tallest playground structure in Alberta). The Park also features a local Off Leash Dog Park and access to the communitys trail system.

Centennial Park is located on the south boundary of town, and connects to the 50 kilometers of walking trails throughout all of Whitecourt.

Memorial Point, located in the hilltop area and visible from Highway 43, was built to recognize and honour residents who have lost their lives while serving in the CanadianArmedForces,policeforce,fire,andambulanceservices.

Riverboat Park located on the edge of town along the Athabasca River and isgreatforpicnics,fishingand,ofcourse, boating.

Whitecourt is made up of a large number of community groups (recreation, service, youth, and culture), which enrich the town and provide residents and visitors with a wide range of activities. Several large events are put on throughout the year with the help of a dedicated group of volunteers, such as Party In The Park, the Trailblazers Annual Snowmobile Rally, Canada Day celebrations, Fallen 4 Marathon, Whitecourt Hometown Heroes Air Show, National and International Jet Boat Races and much more.

WHITECOURT...COME SEE WHY WE LOVE IT!

Whitecourt has over 50 kilometers of paved

walking trails throughout the community taking you

from the hilltop area to the valley and back again.

The Allan & Jean Millar Centre, which recently celebrated its 5th anniversary, features a multi sport area for soccer, basketball, volleyball, badminton, etc; a state oftheartfitnesscentre;arunning/walkingtrack;squashandracquetcourts;anaquatic centre with a steam room, lap pool, lazy river, hot tub, waterslide, leisure pool with childrens play toy and spray areas. This facility markets itself as a place to have fun with family and friends and has become a central meeting point for the community. This facility houses the Community Services Department for the Town of Whitecourt, as well as the Early Childhood and Development Centre.

PROTECTIVE, HEALTH & EDUCATION SERVICESA high quality of life is created when a community is inclusive, healthy, and safe. It is a priority to keep our community safe, and the Town of Whitecourt is proud of the protective services provided to our residents. Members of our local RCMP detachment, Whitecourt Fire Department, and bylaw enforcement provide high quality and innovative services to the citizens of Whitecourt. Whitecourt boasts several health care facilities, including the Whitecourt Healthcare Centre(hospital),AssociateMedical/SurgicalClinic,andLifeMedicalClinic.Dental, optometry, physiotherapy, and other health services are also available locally to ensure the well being of our community. Public educational services are provided by the Northern Gateway Regional Division, and Living Waters Regional Division operates separate schools in the community. Hilltop High School recently underwent a $15 million renovation to ensure the quality of education for our youth. Norquest Community College - Whitecourt campus offers adult education programs as well as distance learning. A range of childcare programs are available throughout town.

OUTDOOR PLAYGROUNDWhenyouvisitWhitecourtitsneveraquestionofwhattodobutwhattodofirst.Whitecourt is an outdoor enthusiasts paradise with lush forests and scenic rivers acting as the backdrop for year round adventures. Summer months bring out avid fishermen,mountainbikers,hikersandall-terrainvehicleoperators.Whitecourtisawinterplaygroundforthosewhohunt,icefish,cross-countryskiandwealsoofferasnowboard hill and toboggan hill within Town limits.Whitecourt is the Snowmobile Capital of Alberta, and the area is home to hundreds of kilometers of designated trails for everyone to enjoy. For 30 years the Whitecourt Trailblazers Snowmobile Club has been working hard to ensure trails are maintained and promoted throughout the region. The Golden Triangle Trail s 350 kilometers starting in Whitecourt and going to the communitys of Swan Hills and Fox Creek and returning to Whitecourt at the end of the 2nd day.Throughout the region there are various places and activities to satisfy the need for adventure. Carson Pegasus Provincial Park and the Huestis Demonstration Forest will just give you a taste of our unlimited opportunities to experience the areas natural untamed beauty. One of the most popular local summer activities is tubing on the McLeod River, a relaxing way to take in the beauty of the river, and spend time with friends and family.

You can take the plunge down the Whitecourt

River Slides! Whitecourts popular family facility

attracts thousands throughout the summer

season.

SNOWMOBILE CAPITAL OF ALBERTA

OUR DOORS ARE OPEN...COME ON IN

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT

TOWN OF WHITECOURTINFRASTRUCTURE

COMMUNITY

MAYOR MARYANN CHICHAKPhone 780-778-2273Fax 780-778-4166Email [email protected]

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER PETER SMYLPhone 780-778-2273Fax 780-778-4166Email [email protected]

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COORDINATORRHONDA CARTERPhone 780-778-2273Fax 780-778-2062Email [email protected]



MUNICIPAL CONTACTS

SNOWMOBILE CAPITAL OF ALBERTA


ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT

TOWN OF WHITECOURTINFRASTRUCTURE

OF ALBERTAPLANNING & DEVELOPMENT

TOWN OF WHITECOURT

INFRASTRUCTURE

COMMUNITY

Whitecourts Water Treatment Plant has an average daily flow rate of 5,000m in the winter, and up to 8,000m per day in the summer! The 8,000m per

day during the summer is equivalent to 16 seconds of the 500m per second

that flows past on a summer day.

Whitecourt Economic Development Package

Documents

Transcript of Whitecourt Economic Development Package