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FORT MACLEOD Southwest

About Fort Macleod QUICK FACTS Fort Macleod is located 50 kilometres west of and 175 kilometres south of  Most of the employment in Fort . The town had a population of 3,021 Macleod is in the services-producing in 2011.3 industry, such as retail trade; business and other services; and Agriculture, government and tourism-related health care and social services.1 services make up a large part of Fort Macleod’s economy.  The main occupational groups in Fort Macleod are sales and service; Retailers and manufacturers cater largely to trades, transport and equipment farmers and ranchers in the region. In operators and related occupations; addition, Fort Macleod is a regional service business, finance and administration; centre for the agricultural industry and is a 2 and management. growing regional maintenance centre for wind power companies. Wind power  Visit the Fort Macleod municipal maintenance companies generally recruit government website at graduates of 's wind www.fortmacleod.com to find out energy program. more about Fort Macleod. Government service employers are the

largest employers in Fort Macleod and include Alberta Education-Livingstone Range School Division, and the Town of Fort Macleod.

The Empress Theatre, Fort Museum of the North West Mounted Police and Head- Smashed-In Buffalo Jump are some of the local tourist attractions that contribute to the economy and provide jobs to residents.

Visit the Fort Macleod municipal government website at

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FORT MACLEOD Southwest Alberta www.fortmacleod.com to find out more . restaurants about Fort Macleod. . trucking and hauling

Employment For a complete list of employment areas and individual business contacts, visit the Fort Most of the employment in Fort Macleod is Macleod business directory from the in the services-producing industry such as business tab on Fort Macleod’s web site at retail trade; business and other services; and 4 www.fortmacleod.com. health care and social services. The main occupational groups in Fort Some of the major products/services 5 Macleod are: businesses in Fort Macleod are: . sales and service . Structural Truss Systems . trades, transport and equipment (Construction) operators and related occupations . Frans Feyter Construction . business, finance and administration (Construction) . management6 . Bouvry Exports (Meat Exports) . Fort Macleod Auction Market Some employers, such as those in the retail, (Auction Services) food service and accommodation industries, . O'Sullivan Construction (Cement) hire workers without training or experience. . John's Construction (New Homes) Jobs in these industries that do not require . Falcan Industries (Trailer training or experience include sales people, Manufacturer) inventory clerks, stock clerks, servers, . Tim Hortons (Food Services) attendants, kitchen helpers, front desk clerks, housekeeping attendants and Fort Macleod’s small business employers labourers.7 provide a variety of job opportunities in many business areas. Examples include: Other Fort Macleod employers require . accommodations skilled staff with post-secondary training or . accounting and bookkeeping certification. Such jobs include: trades . art galleries workers; automotive technicians; heavy . auction services equipment mechanics; machine operators; . autobody industry specific technicians; administrative . automotive sales and service workers; automotive and equipment sales . baking people; and truck drivers.8 . banks and financials . beauty shops Some employers offer a variety of job . business services benefits to attract and retain staff, that . carpentry include flexible schedules, advancement . child care from within, comprehensive training, health . construction and related and dental, incentive and recognition . lawn and grounds maintenance programs, scholarship programs for . retails stores including groceries students, fitness memberships, volunteer . farm supplies and services grant programs and product discounts. . manufacturers

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FORT MACLEOD Southwest Alberta

Health care Occupational profiles, which include duties Most of the health care jobs in Fort Macleod and working conditions, for these are with Alberta Health Services at the occupations are available on the hospital and the community health centre, Government of Alberta’s Learning which includes a mental health and adult Information Service website at addictions facility. For information about www.alis.alberta.ca. employment opportunities with Alberta Health Services in Fort Macleod, visit Job Opportunities www.healthjobs.ab.ca.

Many of the job opportunities are generated Extendicare Fort Macleod is a 50-bed, long- by businesses that provide goods and term care facility. It employs assisted-living services to the agriculture industry, the workers/health-care aides, licensed practical residents of Fort Macleod and surrounding nurses, kitchen helpers, cooks and area, and the tourists visiting the recreational facilitators. For information community. about employment opportunities with

Extendicare Fort Macleod, visit Agriculture www.extendicarecanada.com. Many businesses supply and service the agriculture industry. Feed mill, livestock There are also jobs at private medical clinics auction and shipping, equipment sales and and dental and optometrist offices. repair, and farm implement sales businesses provide employment opportunities in Fort Education Macleod. Livingstone Range School Division employs

support staff, teachers and administrative Primary agricultural employment leaders at three schools in Fort Macleod. For opportunities within commuting distance of information about employment opportunities Fort Macleod include positions at cow-calf, with Livingstone Range School Division, swine and dairy operations, feedlots, and visit www.lrsd.ab.ca. irrigated field crop and dry land farms. Jobs

include general farm worker, pen checker, Municipal government harvesting labourer, machinery operator, The Town of Fort Macleod employs a supervisor, manager and agricultural professional staff of managers and unionized commodity truck driver. staff members. Municipal government

occupations include departmental managers, Agricultural job opportunities are often administrative support workers, equipment posted on the Service Job Bank operators, water treatment and sanitation website at www.jobbank.gc.ca and the operators, heavy equipment technicians, Agricultural Employment Alberta website at emergency medical technicians and www.agriemployalberta.com. In addition recreation managers and staff, including to providing job postings, Agricultural lifeguards. For information on how to Employment Alberta also provides resume contact the Fort Macleod municipal advice to job seekers and referrals to government office, visit employers. www.fortmacleod.com.

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FORT MACLEOD Southwest Alberta

cooks and dishwashers. For information Seasonal job opportunities about employment at the golf course, call There are dozens of summer employment the club pro shop at 403-553-4664. opportunities in tourism for local students. Employers like to re-hire previous seasonal Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump employees, but there are also new openings Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump is a every spring. The Fort Museum alone hires designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. as many as 20 students. The interpretive centre explores the culture of the plains people. Employment The Empress Theatre Society opportunities exist year-round, however, The Empress Theatre Society is a not-for- additional employees, such as interpreters, profit organization that provides dramatic interpreters, tour guides, food programming and maintains the historic service workers and gift shop clerks are Empress Theatre. The society hires hired to work during the summer. For interpreters, tour guides and projectionists to information about Head-Smashed-In Buffalo work during the summer. For information Jump, visit www.head-smashed-in.com. about the theatre, including employment opportunities, visit Town of Fort Macleod www.empresstheatre.ab.ca. The Town of Fort Macleod hires additional public works workers, labourers, office The Fort Museum of the North West clerks and lifeguards during the summer Mounted Police months. For information on how to contact The Fort Museum of the North West the Fort Macleod municipal government Mounted Police provides dramatic office, visit www.fortmacleod.com. interpretation of early culture. It is also home to the North West Mounted Police The Ideal Candidate Musical Ride. Interpreters, dramatic Employers in Fort Macleod identify the interpreters, tour guides and gift shop clerks ideal candidate as someone who has a are hired to work during the summer. For positive attitude, a minimum of Grade 12 information about the museum, including education and the basic skills for the employment opportunities, visit position applied for. www.nwmpmuseum.com.

In addition, employers in Fort Macleod Interpretive centres and museums often identify ideal candidates as those who: advertise job opportunities on the Government of Alberta Job Opportunities . Are client-focused. Employers see website at www.jobs.alberta.ca and the exceptional customer service as the key Canadian Museums Association website at way to generate loyalty in their www.museums.ca. customers. Consequently, employers are looking for workers who have the Fort Macleod Golf Course interpersonal, communication and other The golf course hires seasonal golf shop necessary skills to provide exceptional clerks, back-shop workers, food and customer service to their clients and beverage servers, food counter attendants, customers.

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FORT MACLEOD Southwest Alberta

. Have a strong work ethic. Employers Job search want their employees to have a strong sense of personal responsibility and Employers advertise job openings in a commitment to work. Ideal candidates variety of ways, including are dedicated, dependable, punctual and . ads in local newspapers, such as the responsible. Macleod Gazette . Are ambitious, self-motivated and . refer a friend programs where staff earn enthusiastic. Employers are looking for money for each successful person the workers with a desire to excel and who company hires are enthusiastic. Ideal candidates are committed to results and willing to learn . on job posting websites, such as: to achieve these results.  Service Canada Job Bank . Are team players. Employers are (www.jobbank.gc.ca) looking for workers who enjoy working  Kijiji (http://lethbridge.kijiji.ca) in a team environment. Ideal candidates are able to work well as part of a team  jobs on-line as well as able to work well (www.sajobline.com/) independently, when required. . signs posted at local business premises . Have good problem solving, systems thinking and organizational skills. . community bulletin boards, such as Employers are looking for workers who those found in post offices and grocery can identify problems and generate stores solutions. Ideal candidates are able to . word of mouth use these problem-solving skills to enable them to multi-task effectively Employers, especially small businesses, and efficiently. often have job openings that are not advertised. This is called the “hidden job . Are respectful and friendly. Employers market.” Job seekers need to be prepared to are looking for workers who work well undertake a proactive job search aimed at in a respectful and friendly environment the hidden job market. To learn more about with a diverse team. developing a proactive job search strategy, Job seekers looking for seasonal visit the How to Find Jobs in the Hidden Job employment during the summer in tourism Market link from the Job Information tab on must demonstrate excellent interpersonal the Labour Market Information Gateway and communication skills. Candidates must (www.lmigateway.ca) home page. be comfortable representing the organization and working with groups of people on an For a listing of employers in Fort Macleod, independent basis, without a staffing go to their Business Directory, which lists partner. The ideal candidate for a tourism businesses in Fort Macleod and area at position in Fort Macleod has a background www.fortmacleod.com, and select the or interest in dramatic arts or fine arts, is Business tab on the home page. energetic and has a strong desire and willingness to learn.

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FORT MACLEOD Southwest Alberta

Consult Finding Work At job search Construction and manufacturing employers resources to learn about specific report having difficulty recruiting trades occupations, requirements and application workers and qualified workers to design roof procedures for individual employers located truss and metal siding packages. in Fort Macleod. These job search resources are available electronically on the Labour Sales and service employers report Market Information Gateway web site continuing difficulties in recruiting and (www.lmigateway.ca) and in print form at retaining workers due to availability of the Rural Alberta Business Centre in Fort higher paying jobs and advancement Macleod. opportunities offered through entry-level positions available in other industries. Skill Gaps and Labour Shortages Future Trends Fort Macleod town officials and employers The town’s economic development officer is report that increased activity in the oil and dealing with the cancellation of the Alberta gas industry in the western provinces has Safety and Law Enforcement Training reduced the size of the labour pool that local Centre. The anticipated arrival of ancillary employers draw from to find qualified staff services such as a full-service hotel, for available positions. A slowdown in the restaurants and food catering, automotive oil patch may ease potential labour and retail services will no longer happen. shortages. Since the infrastructure for the site was Many Fort Macleod business owners are already developed by the town, alternative nearing retirement age. Business owners development plans are underway for the site. need to start a succession plan for their Council has already decided to move businesses.9 forward with the development of the 320- acre Southeast Business Park on the site. There is currently a shortage of youth labour The park will allow for continued business in Fort Macleod. Youth are not staying in development and should translate into the community and are citing a lack of increased economic and employment 12 opportunity as the reason.10 This has opportunities. translated into labour shortages for businesses and non-profits, which rely on Provincial budget reductions will negatively youth labour for entry-level and seasonal impact employment opportunities in Fort positions. Macleod. Government funded services, such as health and primary and secondary To address the need for long-term job education are main employers in Fort opportunities for youth, the town has Macleod. For example, the Lethbridge worked with Alberta Economic College has announced the closure of its Development and Tourism to retain and Fort Macleod campus due to reductions in 13 expand local businesses as well as attract provincial funding. new businesses to town.11 Given the current financial situation in Alberta, local employers are not anticipating

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FORT MACLEOD Southwest Alberta the realignment of Highway 3 to be downtown core. As a centrepiece to the developed any time soon.14 community’s economic development, the historic area needs to be preserved or the The town has approved the development of integrity of the buildings will be at risk.19 the Macleod Meadows residential sub- 15 division east of Extra Foods. The increased Community Resources capacity for housing development should translate into employment opportunities A variety of community resources exist for associated with home building. those seeking employment in Fort Macleod.

The town’s Economic Development Rural Alberta Business Centre committee is exploring ways to support (RABC) business development, including the The RABC provides small businesses and establishment of a business incubator co- entrepreneurs with one stop access to free operative on Main Street.16 information, advice and research services for all stages of business. To access this Fort Macleod has established a Rural information, visit www.rabc.ca. Alberta Business Centre where a small business advisor provides information and Rural Alberta Business Centre support services to small businesses, helping P.O. Box 1420 with start-up and growth. The project is a 2360 7 Ave. cooperative venture between the provincial Fort Macleod, AB government, Chamber of Commerce and the T0L OZO Town of Fort Macleod. 403-553-2201 [email protected] There are mixed sentiments about employment growth in Fort Macleod over Alberta Human Services the next five years. Prior to the cancellation Alberta Human Services provides of the Alberta Safety and Law Enforcement employment and training services, income Training Centre, in a survey of Fort Macleod and child support services, and health employers by Community Futures/Alberta benefits. Their Alberta Works Centres offer Southwest, 48 per cent of businesses job search and career information, as well as surveyed said they expect to add new access to computers and telephones. For positions over the next five years. Of the more information, visit employers surveyed, 58 per cent said they www.employment.alberta.ca. are likely or very likely to add skilled labour to their workforce.17 Since the cancellation Lethbridge of the Alberta Safety and Law Enforcement Provincial Building Training Centre, employers are re- Main Floor 18 evaluating future growth. 200 Fifth Ave. South Lethbridge, AB The Mayor of Fort Macleod wants a T1J 4L1 renewed effort to maintain and protect Fort 403-381-5751 Macleod’s provincial historic area in the

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FORT MACLEOD Southwest Alberta

Claresholm Information Collection and Provincial Building Research Methodology 190 46 Ave. West , AB Information sources for this report are many T0L 0T0 and may include websites, employers, 403-625-4457 associations, governments, and/or other sources. The information contained in this report was current as of the date shown. Provincial Building Salaries, wages, educational programs, 160 782 Main St. employment, economic and labour market Pincher Creek, AB conditions may change. Verify the T0K 1W0 information in this report with additional 403-627-1125 sources before making any career, employment, education or business Crowsnest Pass investment decisions. Provincial Building Main Floor 12501 20 Ave. Blairmore, AB T0K 0E0 403-562-3285

Town of Fort Macleod The Town of Macleod provides information about the community and economic development. To access this information as well as an on-line business directory, visit www.fortmacleod.com.

Alberta SouthWest Regional Alliance The Alberta SouthWest Regional Alliance provides information and resources on business activity, economic development and tourism in southwest Alberta. To access this information, visit www.albertasouthwest.com.

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FORT MACLEOD Southwest Alberta

1 . 2007. Fort Macleod, Alberta (Code4803019) (table). 2006 Community Profiles. 2006 Census. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 92-591-XWE. Ottawa. Released March 13, 2007. http://www12.statcan.ca/census-recensement/2006/dp-pd/prof/92- 591/index.cfm?Lang=E (accessed October 12, 2011). 2 Statistics Canada. 2007. Fort Macleod, Alberta (Code4803019) (table). 2006 Community Profiles. 2006 Census. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 92-591-XWE. Ottawa. Released March 13, 2007. http://www12.statcan.ca/census-recensement/2006/dp-pd/prof/92- 591/index.cfm?Lang=E (accessed October 12, 2011). 3 Statistics Canada. 2012. Fort Macleod, Alberta (Code 0291) and Alberta (Code 48) (table). Census Profile. 2011 Census. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 98-316-XWE. Ottawa. Released October 24, 2012. http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2011/dp- pd/prof/index.cfm?Lang=E (accessed April 4, 2013). 4 Statistics Canada. 2007. Fort Macleod, Alberta (Code4803019) (table). 2006 Community Profiles. 2006 Census. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 92-591-XWE. Ottawa. Released March 13, 2007. http://www12.statcan.ca/census-recensement/2006/dp-pd/prof/92- 591/index.cfm?Lang=E (accessed October 12, 2011). 5Alberta Community Profiles http://www.albertacommunityprofiles.com/Profile/Fort_Macleod/5 6 Statistics Canada. 2007. Fort Macleod, Alberta (Code4803019) (table). 2006 Community Profiles. 2006 Census. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 92-591-XWE. Ottawa. Released March 13, 2007. http://www12.statcan.ca/census-recensement/2006/dp-pd/prof/92- 591/index.cfm?Lang=E (accessed October 12, 2011). 7 Community Futures/Alberta Southwest, 2011 Business Visitation Report-Fort Macleod 8 Community Futures/Alberta Southwest, 2011 Business Visitation Report-Fort Macleod 9 Interview with Srecko Ponjavic, RABC, small business Advisor, Friday, January 10, 2013 10 ibid 11Fort Macleod Community Profile, http://www.albertacommunityprofiles.com/Profile/Fort_Macleod 12 Council to Spend $9.5 –M on Development in 2013, Fort Macleod Gazette, Wednesday, March 6, 2013 p. 2 13 U of L, college squeezed by Alta.budget, Lethbridge Herald, March 20, 2013, p. 1 14 Interview with Srecko Ponjavic, RABC, small business Advisor, Friday, March 8, 2013 15 Council to Spend $9.5 –M on Development in 2013, Fort Macleod Gazette, Wednesday, March 6, 2013 p. 2 16 Meeting with members of the Fort Macleod Economic Development Committee, January 10, 2013, and subsequent e-mail interaction. 17 Community Futures/Alberta Southwest, 2011 Business Visitation Report-Fort Macleod 18 Interview with Martin Ebel, Fort Macleod Economic Development Officer, January 10, 2013 19 Mayor Wants Historic Areas Discussion, Fort Macleod Gazette, Wednesday, March 6, 2013 p. 7

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