QUALITY OF LIFE #2 THE 2018

For a copy of the Quality of Life Full Reports and Snapshots for communities within the Newell Region visit: www.grasslandsregionalfcss.com For more information contact: Lynn Pye-Matheson, MSW RSW Executive Director Grasslands Regional FCSS [email protected] 403-362-4549 NINE QUALITY OF LIFE FACTORS The survey used the Nine Quality of Life Factors established by the Canadian Policy Research Net- work. These nine items provided the foundation for all questions and analysis within the sectors.

SOCIAL BUSINESS PUBLIC SECTOR Grasslands Regional FCSS SECTOR SECTOR

Board of Directors 2018 Health Economy & Government Education Employment Personal Political Rights & General Well-Being Physical Values Social Environment Programs & Social Conditions

Front Row LtoR: Cindy Wolfer, County of Newell; Councillor Yoko Fujimoto, THE QUALITY OF LIFE Community Village of Rosemary; Councillor John Petrie, City of Brooks; Back Row LtoR:  Background: A Community Mapping Project Councillor Tina Preston, Village of Duchess; Laura Kasdorf, Village of Rose- QUALITY OF LIFE SNAPSHOT mary; Bruce Snape, Village of Duchess; Councillor Clarence Amulung, County (2007) completed by Grasslands Regional FCSS  The County of Newell Quality of Life Snapshot: 2018 is a of Newell; Cathy Corbett-Schock, City of Brooks showed the unique characteristics of our region. summary of the Gap Analysis completed to compare the  In the past, there had been no established Message from the Chair Rank of Importance and the Rank of Satisfaction within means to collect and analyze data for our com- On behalf of the Grasslands Regional FCSS Board of each of the nine Quality of Life factors. munities which included the three sectors:  Directors and Staff, I am pleased to release the Second The County of Newell Snapshot is an addendum to the Business; Public and Social. Newell Region Quality of Life Report. County of Newell: Quality of Life #2 Snapshot 2018. It is our  The Quality of Life Survey (2013 and 2017) and  The snapshot is a summary of the Quality of Life for the hope that the information will help further understand our analysis provides the ability to complete a Gap County of Newell (Bow City, Cassils, Gem, Millicent, rolling communities and also prove useful for planning, funding Analysis which ranks Factors of Importance com- Hills, Tilley, Patricia, Rainier, Scandia, Resort and working together. pared to Ranks of Satisfaction. and Rural Divisions) and also contains comparisons to the Release Dates: Newell Region in which the County of Newell is located.  The analysis also includes residents feedback on  December 13, 2018—Newell Region and City of  The analysis also includes Quality of Place results which Levels of Satisfaction with services and programs Brooks Reports. measured Levels of Satisfaction with Programs, Services and and overall satisfaction with the Quality of Life in  January 16, 2019—Snapshots for all of the municipali- Conditions for County of Newell Residents. individual communities, the municipalities and ties and Newell Region. For more information refer to the Newell Region Quality the Newell Region as a whole. Copies available on www.grasslandsregionalfcss.com of Life Report. www.grasslandsregionalfcss.com 2 www.grasslandsregionalfcss.com FCSS Local People Helping Local People Community Profile

AGE RANGE COUNTY OF NEWELL NUMBER OF PERSONS/HOUSEHOLD The average number of persons per household in The median age in the County of Newell was 38 SOCIO-ECONOMIC DATA 2016 years in 2016 which is higher than the Newell the County of Newell is 2.8, which is the second The County of Newell has a population of 7,524 Region which was 37.3 years. highest in the Newell Region. Newell Region overall which is an increase from 2011 of 7,138. There are average number of persons per household is 2.7. Total 7,524 % 2,410 dwellings in the County. The population of DWELLING TYPE 0 to 4 years 520 6.91 the Hamlets and Divisions is based on the 2009 Total number of occupied 5 to 9 years 630 8.37 County of Newell municipal survey and the 2016 2,410 private dwellings 10 to 14 years 585 7.78 Federal Census. 15 to 19 years 590 7.84 Single-detached house 2,010 20 to 24 years 425 5.65 25 to 29 years 350 4.65 Movable dwellings 380 30 to 34 years 395 5.25 35 to 39 years 485 6.45 Other dwellings 20 40 to 44 years 495 6.58  Of interest is the number of movable buildings 45 to 49 years 525 6.98  The County of Newell has 11.6% of Seniors aged 65 (mobile homes) is the County. They represent 50 to 54 years 560 7.44 years and older. 15.8% of the housing stock. 55 to 59 years 595 7.91  Close to one-third of the population is aged under  These homes are often used for affordable housing 60 to 64 years 485 6.45 19 years indicating that there are many young but may not be maintained due to improvement 65 to 69 years 370 4.92 families. and repair loans not being available for these types 70 to 74 years 235 3.12  76.8% of the population is 15 years and older. of buildings. 75 to 79 years 135 1.79 11.6% 80 to 84 years 75 1.00 15.3% 85 years and over 55 0.73 0 to 9

15.6% 10 to 19 20 to 39 35.4% 40 to 64 65+ 22.0%

3 www.grasslandsregionalfcss.com FCSS Local People Helping Local People Community Profile

SAMPLE SIZE POPULATION OF HAMLETS (2016)* The sample size of 315 County of Newell Gem N/A respondents does not guarantee that the Quality of Life Scandia 146 Lake Newell Survey responses are representative of the opinions of Bow City N/A community members but it does provide a sample of the Resort N/A Rolling Hills 258 opinions of the County of Newell residents. Cassils N/A Tilley 364 Rainier N/A Patricia 101 DATA SOURCES Millicent N/A  It should be noted that due to the unreliability of the 2011 National Household Survey the di- POPULATION ETHNO-CULTURAL DIVERSITY COUNTY OF rect comparison to the 2016 Federal Census will DIVISION RURAL AREA Mother Tongue not always be possible. NEWELL  Statistics does not publish data which CENSUS (2009) English 5,605 can identify individuals so some of the data may 1 Rolling Hills Area 576 French 55 have been rounded Non-official Languages 1,795 2 Tilley Area 667  Statistics Canada. 2012. Newell County No. 4, Other languages spoken are German (Code 4802031) and Canada (Code 3 Patricia/Millicent 599 (1,550), Dutch (80). There are 95 persons who 01) (table). Census Profile. 2011 Census. Statis- Area indicated that they did not speak English or tics Canada Catalogue no. 98-316-XWE. Ottawa. 4 Scandia, Rainier, 727 French. Released October 24, 2012. Bow City Area  Statistics Canada. 2017. Newell County, MD 5 Lake Newell Resort/ 1232 [Census subdivision], Alberta and Division No. 2, Cassils There are 8 Hutterian Brethren CDR [Census division], Alberta (table). Census Colonies in rural areas of the County 6 Bassano Area 567 Profile. 2016 Census. Statistics Canada Cata- of Newell. logue no. 98-316-X2016001. Ottawa. Released 7 Rosemary Area 416 It should be noted that there are groups of November 29, 2017. 8 Duchess Area 701 County of Newell residents who maintain 9 Gem Area 525 *Due to size, Statistics Canada population data is German as their mother tongue and primary not available for some hamlets. 10 City of Brooks 1091 language for home, faith and community life. (Urban Fringe) 4 www.grasslandsregionalfcss.com FCSS Local People Helping Local People Community Profile

COMMUNITY SATISFACTION “Overall how satisfied are you with your community” 301 people responded to this question

79.4% of Respondents expressed Satisfaction with their community! (82% in 2013)

Very Very Dissatisfied Dissatisfied Satisfied Somewhat Dissatisfied

Neutral

How satisfied are you with your community? FAMILY STRUCTURE  The average number of persons per census fami- ly is 3.1, which is the same as the Newell Region.  Over 70% of persons 15 years and older are mar-  Scandia has the highest number of children per ried or living common-law. Somewhat family at 1.6 and the highest number of persons Satisfied  There are 120 lone parent families living in Satisfied per family at 3.5. County of Newell.  Tilley has the lowest number of children per √ Only 7.6% were Neutral, demonstrating a  The average number of children per census family family at 0.8 and the lowest number of persons high level of interest in their community. is 1.2, which is higher than the Newell Region at per family at 2.9. √ Only 39 respondents (13%) expressed any 1.1. level of Dissatisfaction 5 www.grasslandsregionalfcss.com FCSS Local People Helping Local People Findings from the QUALITY OF LIFE SURVEY

GAP ANALYSIS County of Newell & Newell Region COUNTY OF NEWELL GAP ANALYSIS In a perfect scenario there would be alignment Comparative Gap Analysis of responses between the perceived Rank of Rank of Rank of Gap Importance Satisfaction County of Newell Satisfaction and Rank of Importance; for example, Health 1 5 Negative Factors Newell Region Personal Well-Being would be the same level of satisfaction as is its rank of importance. When Personal Well-Being 2 2 Match Personal Well-Being Match Positive addressing these gaps, there are three possible Education System 3 3 Match Needs responses results: (i) Positive Gaps (Rank of Economy & 4 9 Negative Health Services Negative Negative Employment Satisfaction is higher than Rank of Importance); Education System Match Positive (ii) Match Gap (Rank of Satisfaction and Rank of Sense of Community 5 4 Positive Physical Environment Positive Positive Importance are equal); and (iii) Negative Gap (Rank Physical Environment 6 1 Positive of Satisfaction is lower than Rank of Importance). Political Rights & 7 6 Positive Political Rights and Positive Negative A Positive gap may arise if community General Values General Values members are more satisfied with a factor than they Social Programs/Social 8 7 Positive Sense of Community Positive Match Conditions ranked the factor’s importance. While this is a Social Programs/ Positive Positive Government 9 8 Positive positive outcome and demonstrates that the Conditions community is satisfied with the factor, it then creates When the gap is analyzed by age group rather than as a Government Positive Positive inequality, as it is impossible to have all nine factors whole, there is some variation in the Gap Analysis. responses as positive gaps. Economy and Negative Negative √ Respondents ages 20 to 39 years were more Satisfied Employment with the Economy & Employment (#7 as compared to the other age groups, which all ranked it #9). √ Respondents ages 60 to 69 years were the most Satisfied There are 4 factors that are different from the with the Physical Environment, but also ranked it #6 in Newell Region: terms of Importance.  Personal Well-Being is a Match. √ Respondents ages 10 to 19 years were the most Satisfied  Education is a Match. Age Group with Health Services, ranking it #4.  Political Rights and General Values is a Posi- √ The 70+ Age Group was the most Satisfied with Personal tive Gap. Well-Being, and considered that factor Very Important  ranking it #2. Sense of Community is a Positive Gap. Patricia Rodeo 6 www.grasslan FCSS Local People Helping Local People HEALTH NEGATIVE GAP SOCIAL SECTOR

THE FOLLOWING ARE NEGATIVE Importance of Health FINDINGS NEGATIVE GAP GAPS FOR THE COUNTY OF NEWELL: Community Suicide Rates 1. Health Rank #1 for Importance Very Important Mental Health And Rank #5 for Satisfaction 2. Economy & Employment Important Neutral Rates of Disease IMPORTANCE VARIABLES Not Important Physical Activity Not at all Important √ 90.4% thought Physical Activity was Very Important or HEALTH VARIABLES Important. Lifestyle √ QUALITY OF LIFE QUALITY OF PLACE 86.9% thought Mental Health was Very Important or Important. Importance variables Satisfaction variables Overall Satisfaction with Health √ 71.3% thought Community Suicide Rates were Very Important or Important Community Suicide Rates Addiction was 75.7% (75.5% in 2013) √ 85.4% thought Rates of Disease were Very Important or Important. Mental Health Persons with Disabilities Satisfaction with Health √ 87.5% thought Lifestyle was Very Important or Im- portant. Rates of Disease Access to Physicians Addiction SATISFACTION VARIABLES (Doctors) Persons with √ 46.2% of respondents had an overall Satisfaction with Physical Activity Disabilities services for Persons with Disabilities. 16.4% of re- Access to Physicians spondents had an overall level of Dissatisfaction and Lifestyle (Doctors) Health Services 37.5% were Neutral. √ 72.1% of respondents had an overall level of Satisfac- tion with Access to Physicians. 18% of respondents had an overall level of Dissatisfaction and 9.8% were Health still ranks #1 Neutral. for level of Importance √ 37.8% of respondents had an overall level of Satisfac- tion with Addiction services. 42.8% of respondents Very Dissatisfied Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Satisfied Very were Neutral and 19.4% had an overall level of Dis- Dissatisfied Dissatisfied Satisfied Satisfied satisfaction. 7 www.grasslandsregionalfcss.com FCSS Local People Helping Local People HEALTH NEGATIVE GAP SOCIAL SECTOR

Respondents were asked: “Do any of the following EMS in Brooks conditions negatively affect you?” 110 people responded

County of Newell residents can access Bassano Hospital Health Services, Medical Clinics and Respondents were asked: “Do any of the following 35.12% of respondents indicated that Health Conditions Dental Clinics in either Brooks or conditions negatively affect the household?” impacted them negatively. Of the 35.12% affected, Bassano. Residents travel primarily to 55.5% was by Health Problems, 34.6% by Physical Con- 100 People responded ditions, 20.9% by Hearing Problems and 24.6% by Vi- , and sion Problems. for Specialized Services.

32.2% indicated that Health Conditions impacted their household negatively. Of the 32.2% of respondents’ households, 56% were impacted by Health Problems, 31% by Physical Conditions, 28% by Emergency Entrance at Hearing Problems and 18% by Vision Problems. Brooks Hospital 8 www.grasslandsregionalfcss.com FCSS Local People Helping Local People ECONOMY & EMPLOYMENT NEGATIVE GAP BUSINESS SECTOR

NEGATIVE GAP There are no Affordable Housing units in the County of Newell but there are tenants who benefit ECONOMY & EMPLOYMENT VARIABLES Economy & Employment Satisfaction Poverty from the Provincial Government rent subsidy QUALITY OF LIFE QUALITY OF PLACE program operated by the Newell Foundation. Affordable Housing Importance variables Satisfaction variables Employment Unemployment Rate Poverty FINDINGS Economy and NEGATIVE GAP: Rank #4 for Importance Employment Rate Affordable Housing Employment and Rank #9 for Satisfaction Level of Income Employment Community Rate of IMPORTANCE Bankruptcies √ Level of Income had the most Very Important or Important re- sponses at 81.5% and the Neutral responses were 16%. Financial Effect of Crime √ 79.3% of respondents thought Financial Effects of Crime was Very Important or Important. Importance of Economy & Employment Very Dissatisfied Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Satisfied Very Dissatisfied Dissatisfied Satisfied Satisfied √ 74.9% of respondents thought Employment Rates were Im- portant or Very Important, 19% expressed a Neutral response. √ 73.2% of respondents expressed that Unemployment Rates were Community Unemployment Rates Important or Very Important, 20.8% expressed a Neutral re- sponse.. Community Employment Rates √ 62.1% of respondents expressed that Community Rate of Bank- ruptcies was Important or Very Important, 27.5% were Neutral on the variable. Level of Income SATISFACTION √ Overall Satisfaction levels were greatest for Employment at Community Rate of Bankruptcies 45.4%, 31.5% were Neutral and 23.2% expressed Dissatisfaction. √ Satisfaction levels with Poverty were 38.7%, 44.8% of respond- Financial Effects of Crime ents were Neutral on the variable and 16.5% expressed Dissatis- faction. √ 42.5% of respondents expressed a level of Satisfaction with Very Important Important Neutral Affordable Housing, 39.5% were Neutral and 18.3% expressed a Not Important Not at all Important level of Dissatisfaction.

9 www.grasslandsregionalfcss.com FCSS Local People Helping Local People ECONOMY & EMPLOYMENT NEGATIVE GAP BUSINESS SECTOR

Top 5 Industries for Employed Labour Force (2016) HOUSING  The average assessment of homes in the hamlets range from Agriculture, less $133,052 for Rainier, Scandia, Rolling Hills, Patricia Millicent Forestry, Fishing, 27.6% and Gem (combined) to over $500,000 for Lake Newell Resort. And Hunting  Acreages average assessment in the County is $347,430.  The average assessment for manufactured homes (no land) in Mining, Quarrying, the County is $64,324. and Oil and Gas Ex- 11.1% traction Overall Satisfaction with Economy & Employment was 61.6% (73.5% in Retail Trade 7.4% 2013).

Construction 7.2% Average Assessment value of residential 3 FUTURE OF WORK homes in the County of Newell 2017 Educational Services 6.6%  Top skills required for competitive employees: Strong of Lake Newell Resort $529,811 communication skill; Leadership agility; Eagerness to Hamlet of Cassils $209,458 The County of Newell has 28.9% of the total labour learn; Emotional intelligence; and Understanding ana- Hamlet of Bow City $193,575 force of the Newell Region. lytics. Hamlet of Rainier $133,052 Top 4 Industries for Employed Labour Force (2011)  Organizations need to continually adapt and anticipate change; Recruiting and retaining staff with good com- Hamlet of Scandia $133,052 Agriculture, Hamlet of Tilley $122,238 munications skills and agile to work in diverse and Forestry, Fishing, 17.5% changing global teams. Hamlet of Rolling Hills $133,052 And Hunting  The oil and gas extraction industry in the County of Hamlet of Patricia and Millicent $133,052

Newell is one of the top 10 places in Canada considered Mining, Quarrying, Hamlet of Gem $133,052 to be the most vulnerable for job loss from automation.1 and Oil and Gas Ex- 12.6% Manufactured Home (No Land) $64,324 traction  Automation in the future may mean a shift from repeti- Acreage $347,430 tive, physical labour to higher skilled positions, rather Educational Services 8.5% than absolute numbers of job losses. First Farm Residence $173,728  Canada’s technology sector accounts for $117 billion, or 7.1% 1 Healthcare and Social 7.2% of Canada’s GDP. It is estimated to employ 864,000 people Gietz, Michelle. 2018.Oil and gas extraction industry moving towards automation. Brooks Bulletin, June 20, 2017. 2 Assistance 2 across Canada and is expected to continue growing. C. Lamb & M. Seddon, (2016), The State of Canada’s Tech Sector, p. 4 -6. 3County of Newell. 2017 Assessment 10 www.grasslandsregionalfcss.com FCSS Local People Helping Local People ECONOMY & EMPLOYMENT NEGATIVE GAP BUSINESS SECTOR

Unemployment Rate in the County of AGRICULTURE IN THE NEWELL REGION With over 2,600 employees, JBS Canada is one of 4 Newell: 7.1% (2016)  Total gross farm receipts issued in the Newell Region in the largest employers in and STATE OF THE NEWELL REGION ECONOMY the 2016 Census of Agriculture showed a $523 million- one of Canada’s largest beef processors.6 dollar industry in Region. The state of the Newell Region is dependent on a few major  Total number of farms by area has also seen a decrease industries and key select areas of targeted growth by local gov- of 49 farms since the last census. ernment. Most wholesale trade is related to servicing the agri- cultural community or the Oil and Gas sector. Despite these  Since 2011, 250 farm Operators have exited the industry. large dominant industries, there are smaller more emerging This is not surprising given that the average age of the industries that are starting to embrace change as it relates to farm operator is 54.8 and most farmers are either choos- diversification. Solar Energy and growth in the tourism sector ing to look at selling their farms or planning for succes- have opened doors for businesses to diversify the economy of sion. the Region. The Newell Region has many natural tourism sites  Alfalfa and Canola are two of specialty crops that are like Dinosaur Provincial Parks, the Campgrounds, and Lake grown in Newell because of the irrigation programs in Newell and organizations such as the Newell Regional Tourism place. This combined with the unique leaf cutter pollina- Association and Canadian Badlands work toward encouraging tion and other larger apiaries in Newell, gives Newell a tourists to visit our area. competitive edge when working with unique crops.  A growth from 2011 is the number of Cattle and Calves in The JBS Meatpacking Plant in Brooks is the largest employer in Newell. This industry segment grew by 35% from last the region. This employer has significant effects on the commu- census cycle. nities in Newell. This employer targets individuals from across the world to work at the plant and, as a result, continues to DID YOU KNOW? The Brooks & District Feeders Co- increase the diversity of residents in Newell. Some of these new Operative Ltd. Is a co-operative organization that helps young residents open new business and try to create new opportuni- and established Ranchers and Feeder Operators purchase ties for themselves after having located to Newell. Entrepre- cattle at a lending rate they can afford, with little security. For neurial spirit is strong in the Newell region, but unfortunately it EASTERN IRRIGATION DISTRICT was down compared to the last census survey. more information: [email protected] or 403-362-4955  The EID has the largest land base and the second TOP INDUSTRIES largest number of irrigated acres of Alberta Irri- The three top industries for the employed labour force in gation Districts. the County of Newell in 2016 were Agriculture, Forestry,  The EID is farmer owned and operated and is Fishing and Hunting (27.9%), Mining, Quarrying and Oil situated in South Eastern Alberta’s mixed (11.1%) and Retail Trade (7.4). For Alberta, the top three grass prairie eco-system. industries were Retail Trade (10.9%), Health Care and 42016 Canadian Census (Statistics Canada) 5 Social Assistance (10.7%) and Construction (7.3%) 52016 Canadian Census (Statistics Canada) 6http://www.jbssa.com/Canada/

11 www.grasslandsregionalfcss.com FCSS Local People Helping Local People PERSONAL WELL-BEING MATCH GAP SOCIAL SECTOR

THE FOLLOWING ARE MATCH RESPONSES Alberta has had a Family Day since 1989 celebrated in Overall Satisfaction with Personal February as many believe it is important to recognize FOR THE COUNTY OF NEWELL: Well-Being was 82.4% (87% in 2013) the need for families to spend more time together. 1. Personal Well-Being 7 2. Education SELF-PERCEIVED HEALTH SOUTH ZONE PREVALENCE ALBERTA STATE OF HEALTH MATCH RESPONSE VARIABLES SOUTH ZONE RESULTS

QUALITY OF LIFE QUALITY OF PLACE Excellent or 50.34% 62.74%

Importance variables Satisfaction variables 2014 very good

Personal Health Community Gathering Places Poor, Fair 49.66% 37.26%

FINDINGS 2014 or Good Personal Safety Personal Development MATCH RESPONSE: Ranked #2 as a factor of Family Free Time Activities Importance and #2 in the Rank of Satisfaction Albertans have the lowest leisure time in the nation. Albertans average five hours of leisure compared to a Friends IMPORTANCE national average of 5.55 hours per day. Other provinc- Spiritual & Religious √ Family had 88.9% of Very Important responses with another es range up to 5.9 hours. This means that an Albertan Acceptance 9.2% of Important responses. has 182 hours less of leisure in a year than the average √ Personal Health had 96.8% Very Important and Important re- Importance of Personal Well-Being Canadian. sponses followed by Personal Safety at 96.5%. √ Friends had 90.5% Very Important and Important responses. Personal Health √ Spiritual and Religious Acceptance had 61.5% Very Important and Important responses with 27.9% Neutral responses. Family SATISFACTION Friends √ Community Gathering Places had the least Neutral responses at 20.4% and the most overall Satisfied Responses at 64.5%. Spiritual and Religious Acceptance √ Most hamlets in the County have community halls and places for the community to gather and organize suppers, concerts, com- Personal Safety munity events and fundraisers. √ Free Time Activities had the most overall Dissatisfaction re- Very Important Important Neutral sponses at 20.1%. Not Important Not at all Important 7http://www.health.alberta.ca/health-info/IHDA.html 12 www.grasslandsregionalfcss.com FCSS Local People Helping Local People EDUCATION MATCH GAP SOCIAL SECTOR

MATCH RESPONSE Importance of Education FINDINGS EDUCATION VARIABLES MATCH RESPONSE: Ranked #3 for Importance Personal Educational Achievements QUALITY OF LIFE QUALITY OF PLACE and Rank #3 for Satisfaction Importance variables Satisfaction variables Education IMPORTANCE Personal Education Post-Secondary Education √ Education encompasses the broad range of education includ- ing Pre-School, Kindergarten to Grade 12 and Adult Education Achievements Adult Literacy including Post-Secondary and Further Education. Education Adult-Continuing Education √ Most respondents felt that the Education Importance variables Community High School Dropout Rates Adult Literacy Job Training Programs were Important or Very Important . √ The Adult Literacy importance rate was 77.4%. High School Drop Out Community Literacy Rates √ The Importance of High School Dropout Rates was 68.1%. Neu- Rates tral response was 24.9%. Community Literacy Very Important Important Neutral Not Important Not at all Important SATISFACTION Rates The Newell Further Education Council offers a √ Overall Satisfaction with the Post-Secondary System was 56.2%, overall Dissatisfaction was 15.3% and Neutral was Overall Satisfaction with number of workshops/courses throughout the County of Newell. 28.6%. Education: 76.7% (74.7% in 2013) √ Overall Satisfaction with Adult/Continuing Education was 50%, Medicine Hat College at the Brooks Overall Dissatisfaction was 12.6% and 37.4% were Neutral. Education System Satisfaction Campus offers a variety of credit and non √ Overall Satisfaction with Job Training Programs was 36.1% and Post-Secondary overall Dissatisfaction was 16.1% and 47.8% were Neutral. Education -credit programming. Adult/Continuing Education Academic courses are also offered in a number of disci- Job Training Programs plines on the Brooks Campus or through Distance Edu- EDUCATION SERVICES cation. Consult www.MHC.ab.ca for more infor- Schools in the County of Newell are primarily located in the Education System Hamlets. There are Schools in: mation. Private Colleges in Newell County include: The  Rolling Hills (Kindergarten—Grade 9) Academy of Learning (www.academyoflearning.com)  Gem (Grades 1-6) and Cypress College (www.cypresscollege.ca). Infor-  Alcoma/Rainier (Kindergarten—Grade 9) mation on their program offerings can be found on  Tilley (Grades 1-9) their respective websites. There are also 7 Hutterian Brethren Colony schools (Grade 1 Very Dissatisfied Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Satisfied Very Dissatisfied Dissatisfied Satisfied Satisfied -9) that cater to Hutterite children living in the colonies.

13 www.grasslandsregionalfcss.com FCSS Local People Helping Local People SENSE OF COMMUNITY POSITIVE GAP SOCIAL SECTOR

Gem celebrated the 100th Anniversary in August POSITIVE GAP Sense of Community Satisfaction 2014! SENSE OF COMMUNITY VARIABLES QUALITY OF LIFE QUALITY OF PLACE Domestic Violence Importance variables Satisfaction variables Community Safety

Knowing Neighbors Domestic Violence Social Inclusion

Working Together Community Safety Sense of Community Overall Satisfaction Helping Others Social Inclusion Community Safety Sense of Belonging Sandra Stanway—Brooks Bulletin

Importance of Sense of Community FOSTERING A SENSE OF COMMUNITY Very Dissatisfied Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Satisfied Very Community Halls are located throughout the Dissatisfied Dissatisfied Satisfied Satisfied County of Newell; Tilley, Patricia, Gem, Rainier, Knowing Neighbors Scandia, Rolling Hills, Cassils and Bow City. Pump It Up Run at Dinosaur Provincial Park

Working Together Patricia Community Hall

Helping Others

Community Safety

Sense of Belonging

Overall Satisfaction with Very Important Important Neutral Sense of Community was 75% Not Important Not at all Important (82% in 2013)

14 www.grasslandsregionalfcss.com FCSS Local People Helping Local People SENSE OF COMMUNITY POSITIVE GAP SOCIAL SECTOR

FINDINGS NEWELL REGIONAL EXPO HONOURING A Scandia Celebrated the 100th COMMUNITY DINNERS POSITIVE GAP: Rank #5 for Importance Anniversary in August 2017! And Rank #4 for Satisfaction

IMPORTANCE BROOKS √ 71.3% respondents expressed that Knowing Neighbours HONOURING was Very Important or Important. GEM √ Community Safety received the most Very Important DINNER and Important responses at 93.3% followed by Helping (2018) Others at 90.3%. √ Important or Very Important responses were 80.4% for Vision Sense of Belonging. Sandra Stanway—Brooks Bulletin To develop strategies to encourage welcoming and SATISFACTION Dinners have been held each year since 2011: Inclusive communities within healthy √ Community Safety had a low level of Neutral responses  Scandia Honoured Rosemary (2011)  Scandia Honoured economic and social systems by promoting,  Rosemary Honoured Tilley (2012) Brooks (2017) at 17.3%, 11% overall Dissatisfaction responses and honouring and increasing community  Tilley honoured Bassano (2013)  Brooks Honoured 71.8% overall Satisfaction. This mirrors the Satisfaction involvement and awareness in all sectors in  Bassano Honoured Duchess (2014) Gem (2018) within the Newell Region. all our communities. Board Members are  Duchess Honoured Rolling Hills (2015)  Gem will Honour √ 48.1% of respondents indicated that they were Satisfied Cassils in 2019 representatives from most Newell Region  Rolling Hills Honoured Scandia (2016) with Social Inclusion, 38.7% indicated Neutral responses communities of all sizes. and 13.1% expressed a level of Dissatisfaction. For the 2016 Tax Year, 18.9% of tax filers in the City √ 40.6% of respondents indicated that they were Satisfied of Brooks declared that they had made a charitable with Domestic Violence Services, 39.6% were Neutral donation. This compares to 21.5% of Albertans and 20.5% and 19.8% expressed Dissatisfaction. of Canadians who made a charitable donations. The older Brooks residents make more in charitable donations, which is similar to Alberta and Canada. The median donation from the City of Brooks was $490 in 2016 and $450 in 2014. This compares to $300 for Canada in 2016 and $470 in Alberta. Of note is that Brooks residents had a higher median donation than Alberta and Canada even though their median income is less.

Sandra Stanway—Brooks Bulletin 15 www.grasslandsregionalfcss.com FCSS Local People Helping Local People PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT POSITIVE GAP BUSINESS SECTOR

POSITIVE GAP Bow River Overall Satisfaction with Physical PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT VARIABLES Environment was 80.1% (82.4% QUALITY OF LIFE QUALITY OF PLACE in 2013) Importance variables Satisfaction variables Quality of Water Environment FINDINGS POSITIVE GAP: Rank #6 for Importance Air Quality Recycling and Rank #1 for Satisfaction Noise Pollution Waste Greenhouse Gas IMPORTANCE √ 97.8% of County of Newell respondents thought that the Quality Land Pollution of Water was Important or Very Important. EID Rolling Hills Reservoir Campground Importance of Physical Environment √ 95.9% of respondents thought Quality of Air was Very Important and Important. √ More diverse opinions were expressed for Land Pollution (83.6%) and Noise Pollution (70.3%) and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Quality of Water (53.1%) with a number of respondents (17.7%) indicating that they thought that Greenhouse Gas Emissions were not Important Air Quality or Not at all Important. SATISFACTION √ Recycling had 19.4% of overall Dissatisfaction but also the most Noise Pollution overall Satisfied responses at 69.4%. Recycling had the lowest Neutral Response (11.2%) Hays Bridge √ Waste had 60.4% of overall Satisfaction responses, Neutral Greenhouse Gas Emissions response at 22.1% and overall Dissatisfaction rate of 17.5%. √ Overall Satisfaction with Environmental Awareness was 53.2%, Land Pollution 34.5% were Neutral and 12.4% expressed Dissatisfaction.

Very Important Important Neutral Not Important Not at all Important 16 www.grasslandsregionalfcss.com FCSS Local People Helping Local People PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT POSITIVE GAP BUSINESS SECTOR

Regional Water Satisfaction with Physical Environment Emerson Bridge Campground

Newell Regional Services Corporation (NRSC)

Environment The NRSC was formed by partnership of all Ur- Awareness ban Municipalities in the Newell Region to man- Recycling age the installation of water pipelines through- Waste Management out the region. Potable water through the pipe- lines is now available to all rural and urban resi- Physical Envirnoment dents in the region.8

For more information : http://www.nrsc.ca/ and http://www.countyofnewell.ab.ca/p/ regional-water

Very Dissatisfied Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Satisfied Very Dissatisfied Dissatisfied Satisfied Satisfied Air Quality: There is no information on Air Quality available. The closest monitoring station is in Medicine Hat. Information on the Air Quality Health Index can be found at https://weather.gc.ca/ airquality/pages/abaq-008_e.html

Water Quality: The Newell Regional Services Cor- poration monitors Water regularly. Information on water quality is available monthly from http:// www.nrsc.ca/monitoring-and-assessment-water- quality.php Eastern Irrigation District (EID) Office, Brooks https://www.eid.ca/ 8 http://www.countyofnewell.ab.ca/p/regional-water 17 www.grasslandsregionalfcss.com FCSS Local People Helping Local People POLITICAL RIGHTS & GENERAL VALUES POSITIVE GAP PUBLIC SECTOR

Importance of Political Rights & General THE FOLLOWING ARE POSITIVE GAPS FOR Overall Satisfaction with Political Rights and Values THE COUNTY OF NEWELL: General Values was 70.9% (70% in 2013). 1. Sense of Community Honesty The County of Newell has a Council elected through- 2. Physical Environment Respect out the Region. There are 10 Councillors repre- 3. Political Rights & General Values Integrity senting 10 divisions. Seven councillors were ac- 4. Social Programs/Social Conditions claimed in the 2017 election. In 2013, 6 Councillors 5. Government Freedom of Speech were acclaimed. The rate of voting for the County of Sharing Newell was 27% in 2017 and 34.5% in 2013.

POLITICAL RIGHTS AND GENERAL Very Important Important Neutral Not Important Not at all Important Political Rights & General Values VALUES VARIABLES Satisfaction English as a Second QUALITY OF LIFE QUALITY OF PLACE POSITIVE GAP: Rank #7 for Importance Language Discrimination Importance variables Satisfaction variables and Rank #6 for Satisfaction Immigration Honesty English as a Second FINDINGS Political Rights and General Language Values √ Respondents were nearly 100% in agreement that Hon- Respect Discrimination esty, Integrity and Respect were Very Important or Im- Integrity Immigration portant. √ Sharing had 22.2% Neutral responses. Freedom of Speech √ Overall Satisfaction with English as a Second Language Sharing Very Dissatisfied Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Satisfied Very services was 39.1%. 46.7% of respondents were Neutral Dissatisfied Dissatisfied Satisfied Satisfied and 14.2% were Dissatisfied. √ Overall Satisfaction with Immigration services was DID YOU KNOW…. 31.8%. Dissatisfaction was 18.1% and 50% were Neutral. GERMAN SPEAKERS √ Overall Satisfaction with lack of Discrimination was 39.1%, 38.5% of respondents were neutral and overall COUNTY OF NEWELL Dissatisfaction was 22.4%. 20.8% The County of Newell has a large proportion (20.8%) of German mother tongue speakers mostly from Hate Crimes: none reported by the RCMP in 2017 Hutterite and Mennonite Communities. 18 www.grasslandsregionalfcss.com FCSS Local People Helping Local People SOCIAL PROGRAMS & SOCIAL CONDITIONS POSITIVE GAP SOCIAL SECTOR FINDINGS POSITIVE GAP Importance of Social Programs & Conditions POSITIVE GAP: Rank #5 for Importance SOCIAL PROGRAMS & SOCIAL And Rank #4 for Satisfaction CONDITIONS VARIABLES Accessing Transportation IMPORTANCE QUALITY OF LIFE QUALITY OF PLACE √ Homelessness received the most Very Important or Im- Importance variables Satisfaction variables Availability of Public Housing portant responses at 69.8%, 24.4% were Neutral. √ Availability of Social Assistance received the second high- Accessing Transportation Public Transportation Availability of Social Assistance and Programs est Very Important and Important response rate at 68.9%, Availability of Public Homelessness 22.4% were Neutral. Housing Community Homelessness √ Availability of Public Housing received 54.3% Im- Availability of Social Access to Childcare Community Centers for Arts and portance or Very Important responses, 30.4% of respons- Assistance Cultural Events es were Neutral. Homelessness √ Accessing Transportation received 65.4% of Important or Very Important Important Neutral Very Important, 23.6% were Neutral. Community Centres for Not Important Not at all Important √ Community Centers for Arts & Culture received 55.9% of Arts & Culture Important or Very Important responses, Neutral: 30.4%. Social Programs/ Social Conditions TRANSPORTATION SATISFACTION Satisfaction √ Homelessness services had an overall Satisfaction level Public Transportation of 33.4%, 52.8% of respondents were Neutral and 13.7% The County of Newell Mini Bus provides transportation ser- Homelessness expressed a level of Dissatisfaction. vices for all residents outside the City of Brooks including Access to Childcare persons with disabilities of any age and residents who don’t √ 35.2% of respondents had a level of Satisfaction with Pub-

Social Programs/Social drive and/or lack their own forms of transportation. The lic Transportation, 38.5% were Neutral and 26.3% ex- Conditions Mini Bus also provides door-to-door service for any Newell pressed a level of Dissatisfaction. Region residents to any appointments (doctor, dentist, shop- √ 29% of respondents expressed a level of Satisfaction with ping, etc.) in Brooks. Brooks’ residents may also use the Mini Access to Childcare, 55.9% were Neutral and 15.2% ex- Bus service to visit friends or relatives that live in other areas of the Region. The City of Brooks’ Handibus primarily serves pressed a level of Dissatisfaction. City of Brooks residents living with disabilities and residents √ Childcare is often only a concern for families needing 65 years of age or older. Visitors from outside communities childcare. It is to be noted that there are no licensed that fit the ridership criteria are also able to use the Handi- group childcare spaces and very few licensed family day Very Dissatisfied Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Satisfied Very Dissatisfied Dissatisfied Satisfied Satisfied bus for transportation in Brooks. homes in the County. 19 www.grasslandsregionalfcss.com FCSS Local People Helping Local People SOCIAL PROGRAMS & SOCIAL CONDITIONS POSITIVE GAP SOCIAL SECTOR

WORKING TOGETHER TO HELP Respondents were asked “Do any of the SENIORS STAY IN THEIR HOMES following Social Conditions negatively affect Grasslands Regional FCSS, Seniors Outreach, your household?” Newell Foundation ( Lodge) and Vol- 56 people responded unteer Drivers partner in the Newell Region to offer the Wheels to Meals Seniors Program. Bassano FCSS offers Meals on Wheels to Coun- The County of Newell offers Mini Bus services to ty of Newell Residents in the Bassano area. County of Newell communities residents once weekly/bi-weekly for transportation into and around Brooks for all residents to shop, visit and attend appointments.

HOMELESSNESS IN RURAL COMMUNITIES: Research points to the hid- den nature of homelessness in rural communi- ties where persons may sleep rough, live in unsafe dwellings, seasonal cottages or recrea-

tional trailers.9 Research also indicates that 4-H Programs: There are several rural living means having the funds to pay for 4-H Programs operating in the utilities, heat, snow removal and the need to County of Newell which provide have reliable transportation to access services opportunity to develop skills in including grocery shopping. areas such as Beef, Sheep, Horse- manship, Public Speaking and Character Building. 9Waegemakers Schiff J. & Turner A. Housing First in Rural Canada May 2014

20 www.grasslandsregionalfcss.com FCSS Local People Helping Local People SOCIAL PROGRAMS & SOCIAL CONDITIONS POSITIVE GAP SOCIAL SECTOR

EDI: Government of Alberta Early Development THE COUNTY OF NEWELL’S NEED FOR 10 Overall Satisfaction with Social Index (EDI) Program Results MORE SERVICES Programs & Social Conditions was In February/March 2016, an Early Development In- Respondents were asked to indicate what kind of ser- strument (EDI) was completed by Kindergarten teach- 68.2% (66.4% in 2013) vices they thought were needed. ers for 276 five year old children living in the Brooks— There are many Service and Community Clubs Newell Region (which is then broken down into three which work diligently to organize events, beautify sub-communities; A, B and C). A total of 39 surveys were removed due to special needs status or not the County and increase the overall Quality of Life. meeting the criteria. Results (February 2018) indicate that 71.3% of children are on track in Physical Health and Wellbeing, 75.9% are on track in Social Compe- tence, 73.8% are on track in Emotional Maturity, 68.4% are on track in Language and Cognitive Devel- opment, and 53.6% are on track in Communication and General Knowledge. For more information on EDI: https://education.alberta.ca/early-childhood- education/early-development-data/everyone/the- ACCESS TO CHILDCARE is alberta-edi-20152016-summary-report/ and http:// compounded by the lack of public transportation, employ- ecdcoalitions.org/edi-results/ ment that consists of 12 hour shifts, or outside the normal op- erating hours of childcare facili- ties of 6:00am to 6:00pm Monday to Friday. Currently, there are five licensed daycares in Brooks, but there are  Respondents indicated that the most needed addi- none in the other Newell Region communities. There are, however, several licensed and private day homes in the tional services were for Families with Young Children Newell Region. Brooks has three licensed day homes and at 44.5%, Youth at 41.3% and Young Adults at 40%

eleven private day homes. Duchess has two private day  Services for Preschoolers had the most Don’t Know homes, and Cassils has one. In the smaller communities, responses at 43.3% day care is often provided through informal arrangements Duchess Days or unlicensed family day homes. 10 https://education.alberta.ca/early-childhood-education/early-development-data/ everyone/early-development-data/ 21 www.grasslandsregionalfcss.com FCSS Local People Helping Local People GOVERNMENT POSITIVE GAP PUBLIC SECTOR

Overall Satisfaction with POSITIVE GAP COUNTY OF NEWELL COUNCIL 2017-2021 Government was 69.1% (57% in 2013) GOVERNMENT VARIABLES COUNTY OF NEWELL DIVISIONS AND QUALITY OF LIFE QUALITY OF PLACE COUNCILORS Importance variables Satisfaction variables Division 1 (Rolling Hills): Clarence Amulung Level of Trust in Local Population Growth Division 2 (Tilley): Huby Kallen Government Division 3 (Patricia/Millicent): Anne Marie Philipsen Maintained Roads Emergency Services Division 4 (Scandia/Rainier/Bow City): Wayne Hammergren Division 5 (Cassils/Lake Newell Resort) Tracy Fyfe Government Water Policies Utilities Division 6 (Bassano): Kelly Christman Barriers to Entrepreneurship Division 7 (Rosemary): Ellen Unruh Community Taxes Division 8 (Duchess): Brian de Jong, Deputy Reeve Back (L to R) Anne Marie Philipsen, Deputy Reeve Brian Division 9 (Gem): Reeve Molly Douglass Importance of Government de Jong, Reeve Molly Douglass, Clarence Amulung, Division 10 (Brooks): Lionel Juss Ellen Unruh, Huby Kallen, Wayne Hammergren Front (L to R) Tracy Fyfe, Lionel Juss, Kelly Christman Level of Trust in Government Satisfaction with Govenment

Local Population Maintained Roads Growth Emergency Services

Government Water Policies Utilites

Local/Municipal Barriers to Entrepreneurship Government

Community Taxes

Very Important Important Neutral Very Dissatisfied Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Satisfied Very Dissatisfied Dissatisfied Satisfied Satisfied Not Important Not at all Important

22 www.grasslandsregionalfcss.com FCSS Local People Helping Local People GOVERNMENT POSITIVE GAP PUBLIC SECTOR

Newell Regional Solid Waste Management DID YOU KNOW: COUNTY OF NEWELL Authority provides Waste Disposal Services and Overall Satisfaction with Emergency Residential Property Taxes/Mill Rates 2017/2018 operates Transfer Stations throughout the Services was 75.3% (79.2% in 2013). Municipal (includes .5 mill 3.957% County of Newell. paving FINDINGS Provincial School Program 2.5477% URBAN* RURAL* TOTAL POSITIVE GAP: Rank #9 for Importance Newell Foundation 0.2132% and Rank #8 for Satisfaction Fire Structure 17 6 23 Recreation area: this Fire Vehicle 3 12 15 IMPORTANCE depends on the Division √ Level of Trust in Government received the most Very Im- Grass/Hay/Straw 4 81 85 Division 5—Cassils 0.0929% portant and Important responses at 91.1%. Division 2—Tilley Fire Trash 1 2 3 0.3011% √ Maintained Roads received the second highest Very Im- portant and Important responses at 90.1%. Fire Other 20 14 34 UTIITY RATES PER MONTH √ Government Water Policies received 81.2% Very Important or M.V.C. 36 61 97 Important responses. Water Rates: √ Barriers to Entrepreneurship received 60.3% Very Important Medical 94 69 163 Hamlets—$31.73 with Consumption charge of $2.11/cubic meter or Important responses. Hazardous Materials 2 1 3 SATISFACTION Rural Water Distribution System $53.30 Carbon Monoxide 11 5 16 √ Similar to other municipalities within the Newell Region, Coun- (trickle system restricted flow) ty of Newell residents expressed high levels of satisfaction with Mutual Aid 0 95 95 Sanitary Sewer Charges: Emergency Services at 75.3%. Only 10.3% expressed any Dis- Monthly Amount—$25.68 Alarm Call 167 27 194 satisfaction. Garbage Rates: √ Local Population Growth received the largest number of Neu- Miscellaneous 48 9 57 No garbage pickup apart from Tilley tral responses at 42%, 39% overall Satisfaction and 19% overall Total 403 382 785 (grandfathered from when Tilley was a Dissatisfaction. Village) √ Utilities had an overall Satisfaction level of 50.2%, Tilley - $10.00 Residential The County of Newell Fire and Emergency Ser- 21.6% were Neutral and 28.3% expressed Dissatisfaction. - $30.00 Commercial vices responded to 785 calls in 2017. There are Bassano and Brooks RCMP along with County Peace over 170 firefighters (salaried and volunteer) in *Urban signifies incidents within City, Town, Villages and Hamlets and Rural signifies incidents outside of City, Town, Villages and Officers serve the County of Newell Area. the Newell Region. Hamlets. 23 www.grasslandsregionalfcss.com FCSS Local People Helping Local People QUALITY OF PLACE

QUALITY OF PLACE SATISFACTION WITH QUALITY FINDINGS May be defined as “the physical characteristics of a OF PLACE STRUCTURES community—the way it is planned, designed, devel- √ Generally respondents indicated the most Dissatisfaction oped and maintained—that affect the quality of life with Retail & Shopping. 59.5% expressed a level of Dis- satisfaction and 24.7% expressed a level of Satisfaction. of people living and working in it, and those visiting it, √ Green Spaces had the most Satisfied responses at 69.9%, both now and into the future”.11 a 10.3% level of Dissatisfaction and 19.9% had Neutral re- sponses. √ Sports & Leisure Facilities received a 68.6% level of Satis- faction rating, 14.2% level of Dissatisfaction, and a Neutral rating of 17.2%. √ 55.7% of respondents indicated that they had some level Retail and Shopping may be challenging in rural 12 of Satisfaction with Heritage Structures, 31.4% Neutral communities due to high overhead costs for response and 12.8% expressed a level of Dissatisfaction. retailers and limited availability of choices of √ Building Maintenance received a 53% level of Satisfaction, goods for shoppers. Some rural community 13.8% level of Dissatisfaction and 33.2% of respondents residents have access to retail and shopping were Neutral. very close to home, however, residents may √ Maintained Streets received a 61.2% level of Satisfaction rating and 24.4% expressed a level of Dissatisfaction. need to /choose to do their shopping in larger √ 45.3% of respondents indicated a level of Satisfaction with centers. Accessible Public Services, 21.5% expressed Dissatisfac- tion and 33.2% were Neutral. √ Neighborhood Design received a 50.3% level of Satisfac- tion rating, 17% were Dissatisfied and 32.7% were Neutral. √ 50% of respondents expressed a level of Satisfaction with Quality of Place by Variable and Transport Routes, 13% were Dissatisfied and 37% ex- pressed a Neutral response. Age Groups √ 41.8% of respondents indicated a level of Satisfaction with √ Across all age groups Retail & Shopping had the Accessible Arts & Culture, 18.1% were Dissatisfied and most Dissatisfied responses. 40.1% were Neutral. √ Younger and middle aged respondents were the most Dissatisfied with Retail and Shopping 11UK Government: World class places: The government’s strategy for improv- (62% to 63%) ing quality of places. 12http://files.cfra.org/pdf/rural-grocery-ownership-models.pdf 24 www.grasslandsregionalfcss.com FCSS Local People Helping Local People QUALITY OF PLACE

Building Maintenance Satisfaction Crawling Valley Campground Green Spaces Satisfaction

10-19 Years 10-19 Years 20-39 Years 20-39 Years 40-59 Years 40-59 Years 60-69 Years 60-69 Years 70+ Years 70+ Years

Very Dissatisfied Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Satisfied Very Very Dissatisfied Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Satisfied Very Dissatisfied Dissatisfied Satisfied Satisfied Dissatisfied Dissatisfied Satisfied Satisfied

Retail & Shopping Satisfaction Neighbourhood Design Satisfaction 10-19 Years 20-39 Years 10-19 Years 40-59 Years 20-39 Years 60-69 Years 40-59 Years 70+ Years 60-69 Years 70+ Years

Very Dissatisfied Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Satisfied Very Very Dissatisfied Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Satisfied Very Dissatisfied Dissatisfied Satisfied Satisfied Dissatisfied Dissatisfied Satisfied Satisfied

25 www.grasslandsregionalfcss.com FCSS Local People Helping Local People QUALITY OF PLACE

Accessible Public Services Satisfaction BASSANO DAM Bassano Dam The Bassano Dam, operated by the Eastern 10-19 Years Irrigation District, is located approximately 8 20-39 Years kilometers south west of Bassano. Construc- 40-59 Years tion of the dam commenced in 1910 with the 60-69 Years official dam opening taking place on April 24, 70+ Years 1914. Building of the dam was a major un- dertaking, the embankment is 2,200 meters long and required 300,000 cubic meters of earthen fill. The concrete structure is 220 meters long and can handle a water flow of

Very Dissatisfied Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Satisfied Very 3,000 cubic meters per second. This water is Dissatisfied Dissatisfied Satisfied Satisfied critical to the Newell Region for irrigation, residential, commercial and industrial uses. Accessible Arts & Culture Facilities Heritage Structures Satisfaction Satisfaction

10-19 Years 10-19 Years 20-39 Years 20-39 Years 40-59 Years 40-59 Years 60-69 Years 60-69 Years 70+ Years 70+ Years

Very Dissatisfied Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Satisfied Very Very Dissatisfied Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Satisfied Very Dissatisfied Dissatisfied Satisfied Satisfied Dissatisfied Dissatisfied Satisfied Satisfied

26 www.grasslandsregionalfcss.com FCSS Local People Helping Local People QUALITY OF PLACE

Lake Newell Resort Lake Newell is the largest Transport Routes Satisfaction Man-Made lake in Alberta. Community Halls are the 10-19 Years 20-39 Years hubs of County of Newell 40-59 Years communities. 60-69 Years 70+ Years

Very Dissatisfied Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Satisfied Very Dissatisfied Dissatisfied Satisfied Satisfied

Maintained Streets Satisfaction Sports & Leisure Satisfaction

10-19 Years 10-19 Years 20-39 Years 20-39 Years 40-59 Years 40-59 Years 60-69 Years 60-69 Years 70+ Years 70+ Years Communities throughout the County of Newell offer many Sports and Lei- sure activities for residents! Very Dissatisfied Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Satisfied Very Very Dissatisfied Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Satisfied Very Dissatisfied Dissatisfied Satisfied Satisfied Dissatisfied Dissatisfied Satisfied Satisfied

27 www.grasslandsregionalfcss.com FCSS Local People Helping Local People KEY FINDINGS

POPULATION GROWTH YOUNG ADULTS LABOUR MARKET AND IMMIGRATION The Province of Alberta Population Projections (2017-  Youth ages 15-24 living in poverty is a growing concern.  There will be a continued need for immigration to 13 2041) estimates that Population growth will slow in  Poverty is a result of under/unemployment due to meet labour market needs. The ability of employers the near future, but will recover slightly until finally changing workforce and rising cost of living. to meet labour demands is linked in part to newcom- slowing in the latter part due to moderating net migra-  Anxiety and types of mental illness are major concerns. ers who have made their home in the County of tion, lower fertility rates and population aging. Accord- Newell communities. ing to the medium projection (three were completed),  Young adults need access to post-secondary education Population Growth will increase at an average rate and employment that offers the possibility of career  It would be beneficial to have continued considera- about 1.4% over the next 25 years, reaching six million exploration and job training programs. tion of the need for English as a Second Language by 2041 (a gain of 1.8 million). Alberta’s population in  Rural communities often find it difficult to retain young Classes and coordination of services. Research indi- 2041 will be older, with a median age of 40.2 years (an people cates that Immigrants are more likely to settle and increase from 2016’s median age of 36.3 years), and increasingly diverse; 47% of the expected growth will be  If the current trend continues the majority will settle in stay in a community if they have adequate access to arrivals from other countries (representing a gain of other communities. English as a Second Language Classes in order to ad- approximately 840,000 people). Due to the economic  The SPEC Brooks and Region Makerspace was founded vance their employment prospects, feel a sense of downturn, Alberta saw a net outflow of interprovincial to build resiliency, creativity and work skills for the fu- belonging, are recognized as part of the community migrants in 2016, and further weakening was expected ture. and have a broad range of opportunities for employ- in the first year of the projection due to continued 15 outflow of migrants. As the economy improves a return ment . to net inflow of migrants is expected; interprovincial  The Temporary Foreign Workers Program has under- migrants will account for 16% of the growth SENIORS gone recent changes. Some of the Newell Region (approximately 285,000 new residents) within the pro-  The County of Newell, as the rest of Canada will see its employers are heavily dependent on this program jection period. 14 population age. and an changes will impact them. Any changes made Alberta’s total fertility rate (TFR) has fluctuated over the  Service providers will need to plan for increased demand past two decades. In 1994, the TFR was 1.81 but de- by the federal government to the Temporary Foreign 14 for access to specialized services including accessible trans- clined over to 1.65 by 2001. It then increased to 1.89 portation, assisted living spaces, Meals on Wheels, Home Worker Program and obtaining Canadian Permanent by 2008. From 2008 to 2013 it declined to 1.71, but Cleaning and extended health care beds and Home Care. Resident status and Industry Regulations have impli- started to increase in 2014 with 1.72. Natural increase  The communities of Bassano (25.7%), Rolling Hills (21.2%) cation for Industry, Schools, English as a Second Lan- (birth minus deaths) will continue to have a positive and Patricia (14.3%) have the highest proportion of seniors impact on Alberta’s growth over the projection period; guage Programs, community services, communities in the Newell Region. adding approximately 650,000 people by 2041. Natural as a whole and the people coming to work in the  Many seniors live on fixed pensions and this may impact increase’s contribution to Alberta’s growth is directly the need for more subsidized service in all areas. community, many of whom are hoping to stay and tied to migration, since the majority of migrants set to  Increased demand for services is evident in the Meals on become Canadian Citizens. arrive over the next 25 years will be young adults aged Wheels Program Statistics for the Newell Region: 13 18-34. However, natural increase’s impact on Alberta’s Government of Alberta. Treasury Board and Finance. Population Projection: growth will diminish overtime due to advanced aging of Alberta and Census Divisions, 2017-2041. June 30, 2017 14 https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/11-402-x/2010000/chap/pop/pop02 the baby boom generation. 2016 2017 -eng.htm 15http://www.ceris.metropolis.net/wp-content/uploads/events/Characteristics Meals Served 5,350 Meals Served 5,608 -of-a-Welcoming-Community-Symposium.pdf 28 www.grasslandsregionalfcss.com FCSS Local People Helping Local People KEY FINDINGS important to building a Sense of Community. YOUNG FAMILIES tation to appointments or wait times for appointments.  Physical Environment ranked #6 for Importance and  Personal Well-Being ranked #2 for Importance and #2 for  Young families are attracted to rural communities #1 for Satisfaction with an Overall Satisfaction rating of Rank of Satisfaction. Overall Satisfaction with Personal that provide easy access to schools, safe environ- 80.1%. The Recycling variable had the highest level of Well-Being was 82.4%. ments and reasonably priced housing. Satisfaction at 69.4%, the lowest Neutral response of  The Community Gathering Places variable received a 64.5%  However parents need access to stable employ- Physical Environment variables and also the highest Satisfaction rating which coincides with most communities level of Dissatisfaction responses at 19.4%, indicating ment with long-term prospects to encourage having Community Halls and/or other gathering places such there may still be some issues with Recycling despite settlement in rural communities. as sports & leisure facilities, libraries, schools or seniors an increase in Overall satisfaction (61.5% in 2013) and  Duchess is one such community that has attracted centers. decrease in Overall dissatisfaction (28.6% in 2013). young families with 34.1% of the residents aged  Free Time Activities had the most overall Dissatisfaction at Waste had a 60.4% Satisfaction response with a Dis- 19 years and under. Duchess also has the second 20.1% which may be related to the lack of leisure time satisfaction rate of 17.5%, which may or may not be lowest median age in the Region at 32.6 years. available to some respondents or the lack of available activ- related to Recycling. ities. Duchess’ relative closeness to Brooks makes it  Information on Quality of Air is not easily available for  The Education System ranked #3 for Importance. Overall attractive to young families seeking a small com- County of Newell residents. Satisfaction with the Education System was 76.7%. The munity and easy access to an urban-rural centre  Economy and Employment was ranked #4 for Im- Post-Secondary System, Adult/Continuing Education and such as Brooks (a bedroom community). portance and #9 for Satisfaction with an Overall Satis- Job Training Programs Satisfaction variables all had re- faction rating of 61.6%. This is a significant decrease in sponses with Dissatisfaction between 12% an 16%. Further FINDINGS Overall Satisfaction from 73.5% in 2013. With the in- exploration would be required to determine the reasons for  Overall, 79.4% of the 315 County of Newell respond- crease of job loss from the economic slowdown in 2015 the Dissatisfaction. ents are satisfied with their Community. and a relatively higher unemployment rate, this would  Sense of Community was Ranked #5 for Importance and  Health ranked #1 for Importance. Overall Satisfaction suggest the rationale for decrease in satisfaction with #4 for Satisfaction with Overall Satisfaction at 75% with Health Services was 75.7% which contradicts the the economic situation of the Region.  Community Safety was the most Important variable to ranking of Health #5 for Rank of Satisfaction. Satisfac-  Overall Satisfaction levels were highest with the Em- respondents Sense of Community at 93.3% followed by tion ratings for the Health Satisfaction variables of Ser- ployment variable at 45.4% with a 23.2% level of Dis- Helping Others at 90.8% and Working Together at 85.7% vices for Persons with Disabilities (46.2%), Access to satisfaction. High Neutral responses were recorded  Overall Satisfaction with Community Safety was 71.8% Physicians (72.1%) and Addiction Services (37.8%). with all three Economy and Employment variables: which is significant as research tells us that feeling safe is a  Access to Physicians Dissatisfaction was higher at 18% Employment (31.5%), Affordable Housing (39.2%) and critical component to satisfaction and happiness living in a than Brooks respondents who expressed a 10.9% Dis- Poverty (44.8%). particular community. satisfaction level. Further research could be done to  There was very little variation among the Age Groups on ascertain the reasons why respondents ranked Overall Sense of Community which suggests there is a common satisfaction with Health Services at #5. For example, is understanding of community and agreement on what is it due to the challenges in accessing services, transpor-

29 www.grasslandsregionalfcss.com FCSS Local People Helping Local People KEY FINDINGS  18.3% of respondents expressed a level of Dissatisfac-  Overall Satisfaction with Social Programs & Social Condi- ever, there were high levels of Satisfaction with Mu- tion with Affordable Housing. Average Assessment Val- tions was 68.2%. The Homelessness variable received nicipal Services provided by the County of Newell as ues vary greatly throughout the County with the highest the highest Importance response at 69.8%, Availability evidenced in results throughout the survey. 75.3% of values at Lake Newell Resort and lower average assess- of Public Housing received 54.3% Importance response respondents expressed Satisfaction with Emergency ment values in other hamlets throughout the area. It and Accessing Transportation received a 65.4% re- Services with only 10.3% expressing any Dissatisfac- should be noted that there are no Affordable Housing sponse. This would indicate that over 60% of respond- tion. Local Population Growth and Utilities (power units in the County but some tenants access the Provin- ents saw the importance of persons having access to and gas) are policy and service areas which are largely cial Government rent subsidy program. There are 380 services to meet their basic needs. Public Transporta- the responsibility of provincial and federal govern- Movable Dwellings in the County which is often a more tion (26.3%) and Access to Childcare (15.2%) registered ments. 39% were Satisfied with Local Population affordable option for home buyers although purchase levels of Dissatisfaction which were significant enough Growth and 50.2% were Satisfied with Utilities. Local of a Modular home without land does not qualify for a to indicate potential issues with access to Transporta- Population Growth and Utilities had high Neutral regular mortgage. tion and Childcare in the County of Newell. Currently, responses although the level of Dissatisfaction with  There were 2,410 households in the County of Newell in there are five licensed daycares in Brooks, but there are Local Population Growth was 19% and the Dissatis- 2016; 1,985 were owned and 430 were rented. Per- none in the other Newell Region communities. Brooks faction with Utilities was 28.3%. centage of households spending 30% or more of 2015 has 3 licensed day homes and 11 private day homes.  Overall, most respondents were Satisfied with the total income on shelter costs were 15.6% for Owners Duchess has 2 private day homes, and Cassils has 1. In Quality of Place variables. The highest levels of and 15% for Renters. These figures may help indicate the smaller communities, daycare is often provided Overall Satisfaction were with Green Spaces (69.9%), potential levels of Poverty within the County of Newell. through informal arrangements or unlicensed family day Sports & Leisure Facilities (68.6%) and Maintained  Respondents of all age groups were almost 100% in homes. In 2016, 23.1% (1,735) of the County of Newell Streets (61.2%). Levels of Dissatisfaction were most agreement that the Political Rights & General Values population were under the age of 14 years, 520 children noted for Retail and Shopping (59.5%) although most variable and Honesty, Respect and Integrity were Very were ages 0-4 years and 630 were ages 5 to 9 years of these responses were Somewhat Dissatisfied re- Important or Important. Overall Satisfaction was which raises the question of the need for additional li- sponses. 70.9%, likely helped by the focused efforts by many to censed childcare spaces. In 2011, 11.6% (870) County of  Retail and Shopping received an overall Dissatisfac- build welcoming and inclusive communities. Although Newell residents were seniors. Although the level of tion rating of 51.2% but the highest rating of Dissatis- Neutral responses were high for the Satisfaction varia- Dissatisfaction with Public Transportation has de- faction when analyzed through the Age Groups. bles or English as a Second Language (46.7%), Discrimi- creased, the current high level indicates concern raised  19.7% of respondents expressed some Dissatisfaction nation (38.5%) and Immigration (50.2%), the levels of by respondents. Public Transportation options have in- with Maintained Streets with the highest dissatisfied Dissatisfaction were significant enough to suggest some creased in the Region, which helps explain the de- Age Group being the 40-59 years. It should be noted residents may be experiencing some level of difficulty in creased Dissatisfaction. that Maintained Streets, Accessible Public Services their communities. English as a Second Language was  There are a substantial number of persons and house- and Retail and Shopping are the responsibility of more 14.2% Dissatisfaction, Immigration 18.1% and Discrimi- holds impacted negatively by one or more of both than one level of government or one sector. nation 22%.4 meaning approximately 50 respondents Health Conditions and Social Conditions.  There are some variations in the Gap Analysis and were Dissatisfied with one or more of these variables.  Overall Satisfaction with Government was 69.1%, how- Quality of Life Ranking of Importance and Satisfaction 30 www.grasslandsregionalfcss.com FCSS Local People Helping Local People KEY FINDINGS and levels of Satisfaction responses between the Age priorities. portant or Very Important responses with at total Groups. This is a consideration when planning for the  Overall respondents expressed Satisfaction with most level of 85.7%. This is reflected in communities and future. Services, Programs and Conditions important to the residents working together in multiple ways for the  When Need for More Services responses are analyzed by Quality of Life for residents in the County of Newell. betterment of their families, communities and the the age of the respondent, respondents who were affect-  59.5% of respondents expressed Dissatisfaction with region as a whole. ed directly by the perceived lack of services more fre- Retail and Shopping. This is a service area which may  72.1% of respondents felt some level of Satisfaction quently indicated that they would like more services. This be challenging with rural communities due to high with Access to Physicians, which is a substantial in- reinforces the importance of ensuring that all age groups overhead costs for retailers and limited availability of crease from 59.7% in 2013. The City of Brooks and are consulted when community needs are established. choices of goods for shoppers. Some community resi- County of Newell Physician Attraction and Retention  Due to the unreliability of the 2011 National Household dents have access to retail and shopping very close to Program helps explain this substantial increase in Survey and Federal Census it is difficult to do a proper home, however, residents may need to/choose to do Satisfaction. comparison with 2016 data. Statistics and Population in- their shopping in larger centers. formation is not available for all of the hamlets, but is for  The County of Newell has a wide range of industry and See Newell Region Full Report the County as a whole. This creates limitations to having thriving agriculture and oil and gas sectors with emerg- accurate current information for planning, development ing economic diversity. www.grasslandsregionalfcss.com and funding.  Working Together received a high amount of Im-  As the population ages in the County, access to services and support for seniors may become a concern for seniors  Newbrook Lodge living in rural areas. There may be the need for more Acknowledgements  Ecole Le Ruisseau affordable senior housing, in a variety of dwelling types, in Primary and Secondary Research: Snapshot:  Alcoma School County communities and Brooks as the main service cen-  Kyle Peterson, PhD  Kyle Peterson, PhD  Brooks Composite High School ter for the County.  Lynn Pye-Matheson, MSW RSW  Lynn Pye-Matheson, MSW RSW  Rosemary Academy  Duchess High School  Employment and access to post secondary education is  William Slenders, BMgmt.  Tammy Johnson  Bassano High School Quality of Life Survey Creation: Reports: important to keep young persons living in rural areas.  St. Josephs Academy  William Slenders, BMgmt.  Kyle Peterson. PhD  Within the County of Newell, there are similarities and  Patricia Hotel differences between communities in what residents con-  Lynn Pye-Matheson, MSW RSW  Lynn Pye-Matheson, MSW RSW  Rolling Hills Golf Course sider to be important and levels of satisfaction with ser- Analysis:  William Slenders, BMgt  Bassano Municipal Office  Kyle Peterson, PhD Survey Distribution and/or  vices and programs. Awareness of demographics within Tilley ATB  William Slenders, BMgmt. Collection 2017:  Duchess Municipal Office communities would be helpful to municipal councils, non-  Lynn Pye-Matheson, MSW RSW  City of Brooks Municipal Office  Rosemary Municipal Office profits and businesses to adapt programs, services, and Research Assistants  SPEC Association for Children and  County of Newell Municipal Office activities to match the needs and interests of the resi- Families  Brooks Public Library  Fatima Ahmad dents. Competing interests are often present in  Newell Housing  Seniors Outreach.

Communities because of the differing interests or Photo Credits: Sandra Stanway, Brooks Bulletin; Municipal Offices; Lynn Pye-Matheson; Fatima Ahmad

31 www.grasslandsregionalfcss.com FCSS Local People Helping Local People