The M.D. of Foothills No. 31 is one of the fastest growing districts in Alberta.

RISE - A Business Development Initiative of the Alberta Foothills Region
New Release - June16, 2008             www.albertafoothills.ca

The M.D. of Foothills No. 31 borders the southern boundary of the City of Calgary and is located in Southern Alberta. The City of Edmonton is approximately four hours to the north and the City of Lethbridge is one and a half hours to the south. The U.S.A. border is approximately two hours South from the M.D. of Foothills No. 31, on the North/South Trade Corridor and the Calgary International Airport is one hour to the North from the 2A Corridor in the M.D. of Foothills.

The Municipal District #31 was incorporated in January, 1954.

Latitude: North 50º 55’ N, South 50º 19’ N

Longitude: East 113º 30’E, West 114º 31’E

Time Zone: Mountain Standard Time

Incorporated Communities Within the municipal district:

Town of Okotoks 11,664 population
Town of High River 9,345 population
Town of Turner Valley 1,608 population
Town of Black Diamond 1,866 population
Village of Longview 300 population
Eden Valley Reserve 509 population
(Source: 2001 Stats Canada Census)

Hamlets within the M.D. of Foothills #31

Aldersyde
Blackie
Cayley
DeWinton
Heritage Pointe (residential development on a World Class Golf Course)
Millarville
Naphtha
Priddis
Priddis Greens (residential development on a World Class Golf Course)

The major economic base of the area is agriculture and the gas & oil industry. Like all municipalities in this province, the M.D. of Foothills benefits from the "ALBERTA ADVANTAGE".

The Province of Alberta has a strong, vibrant economy. Alberta has the fastest growing economy in Canada. The province consistently has the highest investment per capita among provinces and the lowest unemployment rate in Canada.

The Alberta Advantage - no sales tax and personal income tax is low. The Municipality does not charge a business tax for small or large business. We do however, levy a Business Licence Fee on an annual basis.

The low Canadian dollar (compared to the U.S. dollar) is appealing to “out of country” investors and business owners.

AVAILABILITY OF LABOR IN THE M.D. OF FOOTHILLS

Labour markets may be drawn on from the Municipal District of Foothills, Town of Okotoks, High River, Turner Valley, Black Diamond and the City of Calgary. Commuting distance from each of the urban centre would be a maximum of 30 minutes.

Labour market information on the current work force can be obtained through Community Futures Highwood, located in Okotoks. The CFH  can also direct employers to hiring programs suitable for new and existing businesses in the M.D. and region

ADDITIONAL STRENGTHS

Natural Resources (oil, gas, gravel and agricultural lands)
Power and Utility Corridor
Designated Direct Control District (Business Parks, Cargill, Magcan)
Community Spirit and vibrant demographics
Educated Workforce
Access to major markets
Choice of rural or urban (small and large) communities

AGRICULTURE

Opportunities to compliment and support existing Agricultural base, such as Genetics, bio-technology developments, nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals. Superior quality soil and conditions contribute to the success of specialty farming (tree farms, berries) and Nurseries.

INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT

Oilfield products, such as pipes, compressors, vessels and pumps. Oilfield operations office and equipment storage as well as warehousing. Ethanol and methanol production, equipment and substance testing (labs).

NATURAL RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

Opportunities exist with Oil and Gas, gravel and lumber. Additionally with Resource Enhancement – natural resources (mineral and renewable) Mazeppa Gas Plant and the Quirk Creek Gas Plant are located within the M.D. Opportunities exist to enhance or compliment the plants (Drilling and increased natural gas production and pipeline extensions)

TRUCKING AND TRANSPORTATION

With Calgary recognized as one of the largest warehousing and distribution centers in this part of North America combined with the excellent location of the M.D. along the North/South corridors (Highway #2), trucking and transportation companies along with value added complimentary businesses (clustering) in this sector, will find land availability and cost an attractive situation.

MANUFACTURING, WAREHOUSING AND DISTRIBUTION

Air, rail and infrastructure accessibility contribute to the ease of Manufacturing, warehousing and distribution. Larger parcels of land which are suitable for larger scale manufacturing and warehousing are available. Proximity to the City of Calgary is appealing for box store warehousing.

BUSINESS PARKS

The Business Park Developments currently exist with serviced lot vacancies varying in size from two acres (more or less). Larger parcels are available with potential to develop a business park. The business park lots are ideal for mini-storage, RV Storage, trucking companies, oilfield equipment storage, commercial and industrial development.

RETAIL

Due to superior traffic flows and growing population opportunities exist for factory and big box retailers. Existing developments and business parks provide opportunities for gas stations, restaurants, food stores, banks, security services, office supply, as well as, specialty and “unique” small operations.

TOURISM

Agri-tourism, ranch tourism, historical and outdoor adventure, as well as eco-tourism opportunities. Proximity to the foothills and rocky mountains which provide trails, green-space, lakes and rivers appeal to trail riders, fishing, camping, water rafting and numerous outdoor adventures.

Visitors and outdoor adventurists require food, accommodation (camping, bed and breakfast) and specialty shops (crafts, ethnic foods, artwork).

ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Farmers Markets
Flea Markets
Specialty or ethnic food
Craft Fairs
Guided Tours (fishing, hunting, trails)
Filming Industry
Heli-Tours (sightseeing, skiing)


INTEREST AND SUPPORT FROM THE COMMUNITY

We strongly support and encourage local business development and diversification within our region and all of Alberta.

New and expanding business stimulates the local economy in many aspects and provides additional employment opportunities and options. We are extremely supportive of a proposal that would compliment or enhance the local market for the existing agricultural community. We are prepared to assist in any way possible, providing a proposal does not infringe on the safety or quality of life for our residents and existing business.

 

Proximity to Calgary provides High Tech and Distribution capabilities to facilitate local industry, as well as providing an abundance of air, rail and infrastructure networks. Highway #2 runs directly north/south through the M.D. and has been designated Alberta’s North-South Trade corridor, which is part of the National Highway System and represents the backbone of the roadway network that provides direct access to the United States.


The Calgary International Airport is approximately 100 km north of High River on the North end of Calgary, the Okotoks Airport is just minutes East of Okotoks and the High River Regional Airport is 4 km South of High River. This region has an excellent access to markets in Western Canada and the Western United States.

Primary Highways:
Highway #2 (North American Trade Corridor)
Hwy 23, 2a, 7, 22, 22X and 66

Secondary Highways: 291 kilometers

Oiled Surface and Gravel Roads: 1,883 kilometers

Enjoy the country living experience without losing the convenience and amenities of the small town and city. The M.D. of Foothills borders the south end of the City of Calgary and has several smaller towns located within its boundaries, which only accents the high quality of life offered in this region. Additionally, the west boundary of the M.D. abuts the foothills and Rocky Mountains, making this area a perfect place to live, work and play.

The Rocky Mountains/Kananaskis Wilderness Area provides this region with one of the world’s most beautiful, spacious playgrounds for all ages. For those of you seeking adventure, there is lots to do - hiking, mountain biking, ATV’s, canoeing, camping, skiing, developed trails for horseback riding or, if you prefer to just enjoy the outdoors, there are several undeveloped areas, where you may just catch a glimpse of some wildlife.

The M.D. boasts “world class” golf courses located minutes from your home, as well as the Sheep River and Highwood River for those rafting or fishing enthusiasts.

The North American Chuckwagon Races are based out of the High River and District Agricultural Grounds, and are among other equestrian and rodeo events which complement our western heritage. Millarville is a hamlet located within the boundaries of the M.D. which hosts world class events, such as the Millarville Horse Races, where friends and family can wager a friendly bet, share a picnic, and generally “kick dust” and exchange news with all the locals. The Millarville Farmer’s Market is an exciting place to be every Saturday morning during the summer. The market is one of the largest in Alberta. Home baked goodies, chickens, pigs, sheep, quilting, woodwork and several country crafts are just a few of the items offered for sale. At least come out and enjoy a coffee and a piece of home-made pie!!

There are several equestrian arenas offering lessons, clubs and boarding of horses, as well as several unique, rustic Bed and Breakfasts located throughout the M.D. Spruce Meadows Stables is ranked as one of the top show-jumping facilities in the world, next to Aachen, Germany. It operates year round with both indoor and outdoor shows, exhbits and trade fairs.


IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT PLACE TO LIVE, WORK, PLAY OR JUST VISIT FOR THE DAY
………….THERE IS NO NEED TO LOOK ANY FURTHER.

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Foothills School Division #38
Website: www.fsd38.ab.ca
P.O. Box 5700, High River, AB T1V 1M7
120 - 5th Avenue West, High River, AB  T1V 1M7
(403) 652-3001 or (403) 938-6436
School Locations:  Cayley, High River, Blackie, Okotoks,
Black Diamond, Turner Valley, Longview,
Millarville, Red Deer Lake

SEPARATE (CATHOLIC) SCHOOLS

Christ the Redeemer Catholic Separate School Division #3
Website: www.redeemer.ab.ca
P.O. Bag 3, Okotoks, AB T1S 2A2
46 Elma Street, Okotoks, AB T1S 2A2
(403) 938-2659
 School Locations:   High River, Okotoks

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School
Web site: www.sts.ab.ca
"A co-educational country day-school, for grades 1 to 12, that incorporates the International Baccalaureate program."
RR 2, Okotoks, AB T1S 1A2
(403) 938-4431
School Location:  NE 11-21-1-W5; approximately 6 miles northwest of Okotoks at the corner of 306 Ave & 24 St W in the M.D.of Foothills.

Edison Private School
Web site:  www.edison.ca
"A non-denominational private school for Junior Kindergarten to grade 12."
Box site 11 RR 2, Okotoks T1S 1A2
(403) 938-7670

School Location: SE 5-21-29-W4; approximately ½ mile North of
Okotoks on Hwy 2A, in the M.D. of Foothills.

Continuing Education courses are offered in High River, Okotoks, and Black Diamond/Turner Valley. Proximity to Calgary's Rapid Transit System enables many post-secondary students to live at home and commute to school.

The M.D. of Foothills No. 31 is serviced by 9-1-1 for emergency response for fire, police, and ambulance vehicles. Volunteer fire departments are centred in Black Diamond, Blackie, Cayley, High River, Longview, Okotoks, Priddis, and Turner Valley. Calgary Fire Department responds to calls from a portion of the municipality.

RCMP detachments are located in High River, Okotoks, and Turner Valley.

The M.D. of Foothills offers a Family and Community Support Program (FCSS) in partnership with the Province of Alberta. The FCSS assists organizations with funding for social programs offered throughout the M.D., such as Literacy for Life, School Liaison Workers, youth programs and many more. It also offers a subsidized transportation service to those senior citizens and disabled citizens requiring assistance to attend medically-related appointments. In addition, the FCSS provides to M.D. residents, community groups, and potential business owners, staff assistance with community projects, site selections, grant applications and much, much more. The staff is dedicated to providing a high quality service to all M.D. residents.

Several community halls are located throughout the M.D., ideal for many types of events, as well as quaint country churches for that perfect private wedding.

Campgrounds are plentiful and all are in convenient, beautiful locations near rivers, mountains and the urban amenities.

The mountains cause the climate in Southern Alberta to be rather dry, though the foothills receive the most rainfall. Summers are pleasantly mild, with an average daily July temperature range from 10° to 23° C (49° to 74° F). Winters are long and cold, with an average daily January temperature range from -16° to -4° C (4° to 26° F), but are relieved by frequent warm winds called chinooks. Warm, dry "chinook" winds are produced when air funnels through the Rockies. Some warmer air enters Alberta from the south, or from the west, making temperatures in southern Alberta as much as 10° to 15° C higher than in the north.