Town of Coalhurst ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY PROFILE

Town of Coalhurst: Economic Development Community Profile 1

Welcome to the Town of Coalhurst If you are looking for a residential town with quiet streets, good schools, caring people and lots of potential ‐ this is the place for you. Our proximity to the City of Lethbridge and access to their shopping, post‐secondary, medical, seniors and recreational facilities gives us the best of two worlds ‐ city amenities and small town living.

We have residential developments offering a choice of building lots. Owning a home in Coalhurst is a reality. Our growth is steady and without many of the problems being experienced by communities who are outgrowing their infrastructure. Combined property tax and utility rates are one of the lowest in Alberta. The servicing of our long term debt takes only 7.8% of our total operating budget! Entrepreneurs are always happy to hear we have no business tax.

Coalhurst is physically located within the boundary of Lethbridge County. It is situated only 8 kilometres from the City of Lethbridge (with more than 85,000 consumers) and 200 kilometres from the City of Calgary (with more than one million consumers). Additionally, it is conveniently located along Highway 3 ― the principal highway through southern British Columbia and Alberta, and part of the CANAMEX Corridor linking Canada to Mexico through the United States.

Road Travel Distances

Distance Coalhurst To: Kilometers Miles Calgary 207 129 Edmonton 500 310 Lethbridge 8 5 Medicine Hat 180 112 US border at Coutts 115 72 Waterton National Park 130 81

AD ASTRA PER ASPERA The Latin phrase in the Town’s logo means: “through hardships to the stars” or “To the stars through difficulties.” Town of Coalhurst: Economic Development Community Profile 2

Climate The Town of Coalhurst is in a region that has more days of bright sunshine than anywhere else in Canada. It is also one of the windiest regions in Canada. After St. John’s, nearby Lethbridge gets more days with strong winds than any city in Canada. Winters are cool but are moderated by warm chinook winds blowing from the west coast. Average: J F M A M J J A S O N D Temperature oC -6.0 -4.2 -0.1 6.0 11.1 15.2 18.2 17.7 12.6 6.6 -1.2 -5.4 High temperature 0.1 2.3 6.4 13.1 18.3 22.0 26.1 26.0 20.2 13.7 4.8 0.6 Low temperature -12.1 -10.6 -6.5 -1.1 3.9 8.3 10.3 9.5 4.9 -0.6 -7.2 -11.4 Precipitation (mm) 13.5 12.0 22.8 28.0 49.9 82.0 42.6 37.3 41.4 20.1 17.8 12.9

Key Demographics Town of SouthGrow Population Demographics (2011) Coalhurst Region Population 1,963 158,282 Annual population growth rate (2001-11 trend) 3.3% 2.0% Coalhurst has a Median age 32.6 38.3 relatively young Workforce population (age 15-64) 1,335 93,380 median age, reflective of the young families School population (age 5-17) 340 26,290 that have chosen to Senior Population (age 65+) 165 26,440 make our community Average employment income $49,746 $52,819 their home. Average family income $81,888 $87,602 Number of dwellings 785 61,566

Economic Indicators Originally established as a coal mining community, Coalhurst’s current economic base is agriculture. It is located very near to a number of food processing facilities in the City of Lethbridge and the Town of Taber.

Coalhurst has a vibrant construction sector which includes a cedar retail outlet, a cabinet manufacturer, woodworker, and roofers. Coalhurst also has a directional drilling company. Services available locally include: restaurant, gasoline/convenience stores, floral design, car wash, computer software instruction, various trades, picture framing, barber shop, beauty salons, self‐storage, taxidermy, DJs, landscaping and Legion.

Town of Coalhurst: Economic Development Community Profile 3

Key Businesses / Employers Businesses Description Agricultural seeds sales of corn, canola, alfalfa, grass, and lawn seed. AJM Seeds www.ajmseeds.com Southern Alberta’s largest supplier of cedar lumber and cedar building supplies. Prairie Cedar www.prairiecedar.com Syn Core Directional Drilling Provides directional drilling, auguring, and hydrovac. Mulder Plumbing and Heating Heating, Plumbing, A/C. www.mulderheating.com Headwater Equipment Supplies Heavy equipment supplier. www.hwequipment.com Kolk’s Roofing Asphalt and cedar roofing contractor. Palliser Regional Schools School division. www.pallisersd.ab.ca Coyote Grill & Wok Chinese & Western Restaurant.

Recent Investments and Projects Coalhurst has either completed or planned a number of projects that demonstrate the Town’s current and planned growth. Project Description Sewer pipeline to Recently completed. Lethbridge Park upgrades Recently completed. South East Access Planned. Collector Road Storm Water upgrade Planned. Coalhurst has made an application for annexation of 183.15 acres of land from Lethbridge County. The application is Annexation application required for future residential and non- residential growth as well as for the development of future transportation routes and access. Satellite Public Works Planned. Shop

Town of Coalhurst: Economic Development Community Profile 4

Available Land 438 new residential lots were created during the period 2004 – 2014, with the majority of lots created following two large residential subdivisions in 2007. Approximately 60 residential lots are still available for development.

There are many lots available for new homes in the new residential subdivisions including:  Sundance Ridge Community boasts paved back lanes, a beautiful lake, gazebo and generous amounts of green space. Lots start at $63,000. http://sundanceridgecommunity.com

The average selling price for homes in Coalhurst over the past two years has been $219,003.

Some potential commercial/industrial land is available on the east side of Town, as identified on the previous community profile. Also, two parcels, 22.7 and 9.78 acres in size, respectively, in the centre of Town, all of which are privately owned, are also available. The Town owns a parcel in the north east corner, which has some potential for business industrial and an 8 acre tax recovery parcel may be available for residential or a rezoning to commercial.

Development Statistics Number of New Approximately 379 development permits were issued between 2004 – 2014. Year Houses 2014 24 2013 11 2012 27 2011 21 2010 84

Workforce Statistics Statistic (2011) Town of Coalhurst SouthGrow Region Workforce population (age 15-64) 1,335 93,380 Workforce participation rate 75% 70% % of Workforce with no diploma or post-secondary 23% 25% % of Workforce with high school diploma or equivalent 29% 29% % of Workforce with post-secondary diploma, certificate, or degree 48% 46%

Town of Coalhurst: Economic Development Community Profile 5

Employment by Industry Town of SouthGrow Statistic (2011) Coalhurst Region Agriculture 5% 12% Oil & Gas 3% 5% Manufacturing 7% 8% Utilities, Transportation, 25% 15% Construction, Warehousing Retail & Wholesale Trade 14% 14% Finance, Insurance, Real Estate 4% 4% Professional, Scientific, Management, 7% 7% Waste Remediation Education & Healthcare 17% 18% Arts, Recreation, Accommodation 8% 6% Other 8% 11%

Employment by Industry Agriculture 5% Oil & Gas Arts, Recreation, 3% Manufacturing Other Accommodation 7% 8% 8%

Education & Healthcare Utilities, Transport, 17% Construction, Warehousing 26%

Professional, Scientific, Retail & Management, Wholesale 7% Finance, Insurance, 15% Real Estate 4%

Town of Coalhurst: Economic Development Community Profile 6

Transportation Infrastructure Coalhurst is located along the CANAMEX corridor, Highway 3, which is a four lane divided highway. Coalhurst is one hour from the U.S. border, one and a half hours from the British Columbia border along the Crowsnest Trail, and two hours from the City of Calgary. In addition to road transport, Coalhurst enjoys the convenience of the Lethbridge Airport and the town is adjacent to the CPR main marshalling yards at Kipp, just north of Coalhurst.

Facility Details Highway 3 east-west  2014 Average Annual Daily Traffic west bound: 8,160  2014 Average Annual Daily Traffic east bound: 9,750 Highways Highway 23 north  2014 Average Annual Daily Traffic north bound: 3,270 Secondary Highway 509 south Served by the Canadian Pacific Railway mainline at Kipp AB - one Rail of the largest rail yards in Southern Alberta. Regional Airport Lethbridge Airport International Airport Calgary International Airport

Municipal Tax and Utility Rates Service Rate Property Tax: Residential 9.60502 (2014 Mill rate) Property Tax: Non-Residential 13.36522 (2014 Mill rate) $39.35 / month for 24.0 m3 plus $1.25/ m3 each Residential Water (2015) additional m3 $49.90 / month for 24.0 m3 plus $1.25/ m3 each Commercial Water (2015) additional m3 Residential / Commercial Sewer $36.90 / month + $5.00 / month storm sewer Residential Garbage $18.70 / month (95 gallon bin) $18.70 / month (95 gallon bin) or Commercial Garbage $37.40 / month (300 gallon bin)

Utility Providers Service Provider Gas ATCO Gas Electricity ENMAX or Fortis Alberta Telecommunications Telephone, wireless and high speed internet are available Landfill / Waste Transfer Lethbridge Regional Landfill Locations: Recycling Facilities: 7th Street & 52 Avenue Town of Coalhurst: Economic Development Community Profile 7

Coalhurst’s schools also educate students from the Village of Monarch and

surrounding rural areas. Education Facility Details Elementary School Coalhurst Elementary School (K-6) Secondary (Middle/ High) School Coalhurst High School (grades 7-12) University of Lethbridge Lethbridge College Post-Secondary University of Calgary Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (Calgary)

Health Care and Emergency Services Medical services are available through clinics and private practices in Lethbridge. The nearest hospital is Lethbridge Regional Hospital, located at 960 – 19 Street South. Facility Details Health Units / Clinics In nearby Lethbridge Hospital Lethbridge Regional Hospital Police (911) RCMP Lethbridge Detachment 403.329.5010 Fire (911) Coalhurst Volunteer Fire Department 403.381.3633 Ambulance (911) Lethbridge Ambulance 403.327.3340

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Recreation Facility Details 23 acre multi-use, multi-season park. 4 baseball diamonds, 3 soccer fields, horseshoe pits, outdoor ice rink, over-night camping area, and playground. Also includes a social Miners Memorial Park area with a privately fenced area, covered facility including kitchen, gas grills, fireplace and picnic tables. Great for company socials, weddings and family reunions. Coalhurst & District Community Main hall and stage area, plus general meeting rooms. Can accommodate functions of Centre up to 300. Great for weddings, gift openings, meetings, family reunions. Krahn Tot Park A neighbourhood park with children’s playground equipment. Imperial Meadows Park 5 acre green space with children’s playground equipment. New neighbourhood park with a walking path, gazebo, lake, and children’s Sundance Ridge Park playground.

Clubs and Organizations  Coalhurst 55 Plus Club  Coalhurst Youth Committee  Coalhurst Shotokan Karate Club  Coalhurst Good News Centre  Coalhurst Sparks, Brownies, Guides (Girl Guides  Coulee Kickers Soccer Association of Canada)  Hilltoppers Gymkhana Club  Coalhurst Elementary School Council  Barons‐Eureka Warner FCSS  Coalhurst High School Council  County of Lethbridge Community of Learners  Coalhurst Miners Day Committee  Parent Preschool Program of Southern Alberta  Coalhurst Volunteer Fire Department  Community Futures Lethbridge Region

Town of Coalhurst: Economic Development Community Profile 9

Area Attractions Attraction Details 54 powered campsites, 18 unserviced campsites, boat launch. Park Lake Provincial Park www.albertaparks.ca/park-lake.aspx Take an unforgettable walk through an authentic Japanese garden in the city of Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden Lethbridge. www.japanesegarden.ab.ca The Galt Museum Located in Lethbridge, the renovated former Galt Hospital is the largest museum in Southern Alberta. www.galtmuseum.com Taber Irrigation Impact Museum Focuses on the impact of irrigation on Taber’s development. A replica of the original North West Mounted Police outpost built in 1874 in Fort Fort Museum of NWMP and Macleod; view daily Musical Ride in July & August. Attracts about 20,000 visitors First Nations Interpretive Centre per year. www.nwmpmuseum.com In 1939, Canada’s Waterton National Park and Glacier National Park in the U.S. Waterton-Glacier International were joined to create the world’s first international peace park. Known as “The Peace Park Crown of the Continent” the combined park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/ab/waterton/natcul/inter.aspx One of the largest areas of protected prairie in the Alberta park system. A National Writing on Stone Provincial Park Historic Site, it contains the largest concentration of rock art on the Great Plains. www.albertaparks.ca/writing-on-stone.aspx Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump A UNESCO World Heritage Site which attracts about 60,000 visitors per year. Interpretive Centre www.head-smashed-in.com A “must see” attraction. Learn about Alberta’s first privately licensed raptor rescue Alberta Birds of Prey Centre and conservation organization at Coaldale. www.burrowingowl.com Experience what it was like to be in the coal mining town of Frank before, during Frank Slide Interpretive Centre and after the great rock avalanche. www.frankslide.com Put on an authentic miner’s helmet and lamp and tour the actual corridors taken by Bellevue Mine early coal miners. www.crowsnestpass.com/Tourism/historic/bellevuemine.html A 2-4 hour self-guided driving tour in Southern Alberta through the communities of The Mormon Trail Stirling, Magrath, Cardston, and Raymond. www.themormontrail.ca View the majestic Cardston Temple, which was built in 1923. It was the first Cardston Alberta Temple Mormon temple to be built in Canada and only the second to be built outside the United States. The largest collection of horse-drawn vehicles in North America is located in Remington Carriage Museum Cardston. www.history.alberta.ca/remington Devil’s Coulee Dinosaur & Heritage Key features include: a Hadrosaur (duck-billed dinosaur) nest and embryo, ancient Museum fossils. www.devilscoulee.com

Writing on Stone Provincial Park

Contact Information Town of Coalhurst SouthGrow Regional Initiative R.K (Kim) Hauta, CAO Peter Lovering, Manager 100 – 51 Avenue P.O. Box 27068, Box 456 Coalhurst, AB T0L 0V0 Lethbridge AB, T1K 6Z9 Ph: (403) 381-3033 Phone: (403) 394-0615 Fax: (403) 381-2924 Fax: (403) 485-3143 [email protected] [email protected] www.coalhurst.c.ca www.southgrow.com June 2015