COMMUNITY PROFILE
Cover Photo Credit: KB Photography
he Town of Unity is located in West Central Saskatchewan and T is a short driving distance from both Saskatoon and Edmonton. With a population of over 3,000, Unity thrives on regional agriculture, salt mining, oil and gas development and various service industries. The industrial activity in the area combined with successful agricultural practices provide a diversified economy for the community. A long term housing plan, approved in 2015, sets the stage for continued sustainable growth. Originally founded by settlers from Unity Wisconsin, the Town was officially incorporated in 1909. Unity is proud to be a an economic leader with many firsts including the first commercial potash deposit mine in Canada, the first rural radio broadcast station, and the first natural gas transmission station. Making OpportUNITY a reality is the vision of its’ municipal leaders. In association with the Unity District Chamber of Commerce, they share a commitment to maintain and grow the regional business base and provide a competitive business environment.
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TRANSPORTATION Unity is extremely well connected with a variety of transportation services available for both business and personal needs. Rail Unity is at the intersection of CNR and CPR rail lines. Highway The Town is located at the junction of Highways 21 and 14, which run north/south and east/west. The combined daily traffic count of these highways is over 4,800 cars (Source: Government of Saskatchewan, 2014) Rail There is a VIA Rail passenger terminal located behind the Town Office, which connects the community to Canada-wide passenger rail lines. Bus Unity has a passenger and freight depot for the Saskatchewan Transportation Company (STC) Bus. Airports An active airport with a paved runway, fuel service, and courtesy car, is located at the western edge of Unity. The Saskatoon International Airport (YXE) is located less than a 2-hour drive from Unity, linking the community to a variety of international flights provided by WestJet and Air Canada. Travel Distance to Major Centers (km)
Saskatoon 195 North Battleford 90
Edmonton 360 Lloydminster 135
Calgary 492 Regina 450 Bismark ND 1027 Billings MT 879
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GOVERNMENT Mayor: Mrs. Sylvia Maljan Member of Legislature: Mr. Bill Boyd Member of Parliament: Mr. Gerry Ritz
RESIDENTIAL SERVICES Canada Post office Municipal recycling and garbage collection services Easily accessible municipal landfill Safe and affordable water. Local water treatment provided by the Town Reliable electricity and natural gas provided by SaskPower and SaskEnergy
DEVELOPMENT The Town of Unity is pleased to offer the following business development incentives: The Commercial and Industrial Incentive Policy provides support in the form of a 3-year property tax exemption on new construction and expansion to existing commercial and industrial properties. The Downtown Incentive Policy provides support for individuals who are buying a business in downtown Unity.
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DEMOGRAPHICS Town Neighbouring Rural Municipalities1 Total Population 3,033 960 Age 0 to 4 190 48 Age 5 to 9 200 48 Age 10 to 14 200 49 Age 15 to 19 174 53 Age 20 to 24 154 60 Age 25 to 29 202 67 Age 30 to 34 181 75 Age 35 to 39 197 49 Age 40 to 44 158 30 Age 45 to 49 188 38 Age 50 to 54 224 91 Age 55 to 59 219 90 Age 60 to 64 166 75 Age 65 to 69 154 66 Age 70 to 74 97 43 Age 75 to 79 97 31 Age 80 to 84 109 10 Over 84 123 13
Source: Saskatchewan Population Health 2014 Note: Includes RM’s 380, 381, 382, 410, 411 605 families and 1119 houses Average household income is higher than the Saskatchewan average Source: Statistics Canada 2011
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EDUCATION The Town of Unity has three schools serving the community: Unity Public School St. Peter’s School Unity Composite High school
HEALTHCARE Unity is the hub for health care in the region and as such has a full-range of healthcare services to offer its residents. The Unity and District Health Centre has a total of 45 beds and provides a broad range of ser- vices at the Centre including 24- hour emergency support, acute care, laboratory, x-ray, public health, addictions support, mental health support, and various family and youth support services. The Unity Medical Clinic is open five days a week and has four practicing physicians. Local complementary health care includes a chiropractor, dentist, optometrist as well as massage and reflexology practitioners. The Unity Health Care Foundation has been instrumental in supporting the delivery of healthcare services for 30 years and has raised almost $1,300,000 to date.
EMERGENCY SERVICES Emergency services include two ambulances, four emergency medical technicians and four emergency paramedics. A RCMP detachment is located in the community. The Unity Fire Hall houses volunteer urban and rural fire departments.
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AMENITIES AND ATTRACTIONS The Town of Unity offers a variety of recreational and leisure facilities for residents and visitors to enjoy: The Unity Credit Union Aquatic Centre opens every year in early June. The Centre offers swimming lessons and recreational swim times. The Unity Skating Rink’s season runs from September until mid-March. Various hockey and skating programs operate out of the facility. The Unity Curling Club boasts five sheets of ice, spectator seating, and a fully licensed lounge. The Unity Ball Diamonds consist of five shale ball diamonds, concession booth and washroom facility. The facility is home to the Unity Cardinals, who play in the North Saskatchewan Baseball League. The Town of Unity has nine public parks for the community to enjoy. These include a large regional park, an off leash dog park, parks with playground and picnic facilities, and a nature parkway. The Unity Golf Course feature a 9-hole, grass green course with a licenses clubhouse, snack bar, and golf cart rentals. The Unity & District Heritage Museum is open May to October, and complements the historic murals found throughout the community. It occupies the north part of the Regional Park and features restored schools, a church, one of the original early homes of Unity, CP Rail Station, and has two large Quonsets full of restored cars, trucks, a steam engine, and a threshing machine. The Museum is an educational outing for both residents and visitors. The Town has five churches including the Lutheran Church of Unity and Wilkie, a United Church, Unity Baptist Church, St. Peters Catholic Church and Unity Anglican Church.
ACCOMMODATIONS Harbeth House RV 306-228-2391 Armada Inn Motel 306-228-2603 Greenhead Motel and RV 306-228-2672 Leeson House Bed & Breakfast 306-228-3809 Unity Hotel 306-228-2544 Armitage House Bed & Breakfast 306-228-2864 Brentwood RV Park 306-228-2703 Prairie Moon Inn and Suites 306-228-3333
8 EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT LOCAL REGIONAL Less than High School Diploma 748 5340 High School Diploma 564 5220 Apprenticeship 264 2315 College 302 2945 University 101 1845 Population over the age of 16 years Source: Statistics Canada 2011
EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY The Town of Unity has an educated workforce of over 1,300 employed in major industries such as agriculture, mining, oil and gas, and service-based sectors. LOCAL REGIONAL All Industries 1,360 10,880 Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting 222 2680 Mining, Oil and Gas Extraction 108 1180 Utilities 10 40 Construction 91 570 Manufacturing 57 200 Wholesale Trade 46 410 Retail Trade 165 855 Transportation and Warehousing 48 1015 Information and Cultural Industries 10 30 Real Estate, Rental and Leasing 8 585 Professional, Scientific and Technical Services 27 280 Administrative Support, Waste Management and 21 290 Remediation Services Educational Services 108 730 Health Care and Social Assistance 175 925 Arts, Entertainment and Recreation 15 45 Accommodation and Food Services 69 495 Public Administration 99 495 Other Services 43 55 Source: Statistics Canada 2011
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BUSINESS COSTS The Town of Unity offers a thriving business environment with a Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Committee committed to fostering economic growth. Affordable business costs and a accessible transportation network make Unity a great place to do business.
Business License $30 to $250 Commercial Property Tax Mill Rate 14.65
Minimum Commercial Property Tax Rate $1,000
Minimum Water Charge $63
Extra Water Charge $7.25/1000 gallons
Sewer Charge $15.00
Water and Sewer Service Deposits for Renters $275 (refundable) Provincial Corporate Income Tax 2% to 12% Provincial Sales Tax 5% Federal Sales Tax 5%
MAJOR EMPLOYERS Heartland Health District Living Sky and Light of Richardson's Pioneer Christ School Divisions
Delta Coop Compass Minerals Moody’s Equipment
Northwest Terminal Tervita Northwest Bio Energy
Jay Dee Ag Tech Con Alexander Trucking Heitts Plumbing and Heating
Unity Motor Products
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BUSINESS SECTORS Visit Unity’s online Business Directory at www.townofunity.com for contact information on businesses in the following sectors: Accommodation & Housing Agriculture/Farms & Implements Arts/Culture & Entertainment Automotive Sales & Services Banks & Credit Unions Florists/Greenhouses & Nurseries Fuel & Service Stations Food & Beverage Hair Salons & Beauty Home Improvements Health Services & Fitness Professional Services Recreation & Sports Schools & Childcare Retail Transportation Services
CROP YIELDS SASKATCHEWAN AGRICULTURE 2014 Durum Canola Lentils Oats 41.1 bu/ac 34.73 bu/ac 1203.97 lbs/ac 80.1 bu/ac
Peas Flax Mustard Barley 33.76 bu/ac 29.4 bu/ac 897.8 lbs/ac 51.76 bu/ac Spring Wheat Canary Seed 42.4 bu/ac 1400 lbs/ac
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CONTACT US Town of Unity Carey Baker, Director of Economic Development Box 1030 #2 - 100 First Ave W Unity, Saskatchewan S0K 4L0 Phone: (306) 228-2621 Fax: (306) 228-4221 email: [email protected] www.townofunity.com
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