Village of ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY PROFILE

Village of Nobleford: Economic Development Community Profile 1

Welcome to the Village of Nobleford Nobleford is a modern vibrant growing community near the Canadian Rockies. Nobleford maintains quality city‐like infrastructure such as paved streets and concrete sidewalks complimented by a 2 km long paved walking path that wanders through its parks, recreation facilities, natural environments and numerous interpretive sites.

In 2003, The Village of Nobleford was recognized as a pleasant, comfortable Village to live in but was facing sustainability issues. Property taxes were on the rise and there was a stagnant population of 615, and generally negative growth issues. The Village, economy and business growth, along with jobs in Nobleford were on the decline.

Since 2003, Nobleford has doubled its population, geographic size, and has successfully self‐developed and sold over 200 new residential properties. With two manufacturers, one of which has expanded for the oil industry ‐ building large tanks, and many other businesses locating in Nobleford, the employed workforce is 300.

Nobleford owns and operates a high quality water treatment facility and also provides water to regional pipelines. Nobleford property taxes have been consistently reduced annually to nearly half of 2005 levels, while maintaining healthy financial reserves, infrastructure and service. In a 2014 municipal spending report, the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses rated Nobleford as the second most sustainable municipality in .

Road Travel Distances

Distance Nobleford To: Kilometers Miles 40 25 34 21 US border at Coutts 140 87 Taber 85 53 202 126 185 115 475 295

Climate Nobleford has a moderate climate with warm summers. 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

Through successful investment and business attraction, Nobleford is now a modern sustainable community. Village of Nobleford: Economic Development Community Profile 2

Key Demographics Village of SouthGrow Nobleford has Population Demographics (2011) Nobleford Region proactively self‐ Population 1,000 158,282 developed new Annual population growth rate (2001-11 trend) 6.4% 2.0% residential Median age 28.5 38.3 neighbourhoods to Workforce population (age 15-64) 590 93,380 School population (age 5-17) 235 26,290 foster the strong Senior Population (age 65+) 105 26,440 population growth Average employment income $44,707 $52,819 that is occurring Average family income $73,595 $87,602 along with its Number of dwellings 375 61,566 industrial growth.

Economic Indicators A major employer in Nobleford from the 1930s to 1998 was a cultivator factory established by Charles Noble, manufacturing variations of the Noble blade. With this history rooted in agricultural implement manufacturing, Nobleford has built on this to attract and sustain new agricultural manufacturing and service related businesses in the immediate region. The newest investment in the works for Nobleford is the King Street Retail Complex shown below:

Recent Investments and Projects Project Description Manufacturing  In 2010 Ag Growth International invested $5.4 million addition to their facility.  In 2011 Richardson Pioneer built a new $2.4 million fertilizer blending plant and office. Agriculture  Related Commercial development along adjacent Highway 519 continues to grow.  $1.7 million expansion on the Christian Reformed Church. Other  $8 million modernization of Noble Central (K-12) School.  Plans are being developed for a new retail and commercial centre on King Street consisting of a grocery Retail store, restaurant, other retail and office space.  Since 2006 Nobleford has developed 5 residential subdivisions comprising of 220 lots. Residential  Since 2011 Nobleford has self-developed an industrial subdivision with 24 lots in 1 to 3 acre sizes. Developments  Private development adjacent to Nobleford has seen strong growth in the past 5 years.  Outlook Acres, just outside of Nobleford offers country living with urban services. Recreation  Spray park, Walking paths, Skateboard Park

Village of Nobleford: Economic Development Community Profile 3

Local Businesses and Major Employers Sector Businesses  Ag Growth Industries Manufacturing  Agri-Tech Manufacturing  Jobe Sand and Gravel  Richardson Pioneer  AY Core Supply  Nieboer Farm Supplies Ltd.  Vandenberg Hay Farm Agriculture/  Noble Equipment Ltd. Mechanical Services  GFL – Green for Life  Nobleford Truck Wash Ltd.  Galimax Trading Inc.  Water Sense Irrigation Financial Services  ATB Financial and Real Estate  Palliser School Division/ Noble Education and Public Central School Sector  Village of Nobleford  Nobleford Food Market  R-Kids Fashion Retail  Hair Expressions  Eddie’s Pizza & Donairs  Jen’s Restaurant  Vercon Construction Construction/  Verrduyn Homes Nobleford’s economy is primarily Contracting  Charlton & Hill based on agricultural implement  Ashcroft Master Builder manufacturing.

Available Land 20 fully serviced residential lots in the new Centennial Subdivision are currently for sale at prices that range in price from approximately $23‐$55,000 per lot.

Village of Nobleford: Economic Development Community Profile 4

With a vibrant housing market, there are also a few new and pre‐owned houses for sale in Nobleford. Local realty companies that will have listings include:  www.point2homes.com/CA/Real‐Estate‐Listings/AB/Nobleford.html  www.royallepage.ca/en/ab/nobleford/properties  www.remax.ca/ab/nobleford‐real‐estate  www.lethbridgerealestate.com/search_map_results.php?form_LOC_SUBAREA%5B%5D=Nobleford

Houses are relatively affordable in Nobleford. For 2013 and 2014 combined, the average selling price of a home in Nobleford was $220,000.

The Nobleford Industrial Park has 5 industrial lots for sale. The lots are as follows.

Project Size Price Lot 3  1.4 Acre  $42,000 Lot 4  1.2 Acre  $36,000 Lot 9  1.2 Acre  $36,000 Lot 10  1.4 Acre  $42,000 Lot 11  1.6 Acre  $48,000

Development Statistics Industrial/ Commercial/ Number of New Value of New Other Residential Total Permit Year Public/ Institutional Houses Houses Permit Value Value Permit Value 2014 5 $1,475,000 $29,550 $474,000 $1,978,550 2013 3 $635,000 $76,000 $1,450,750 $2,161,750 2012 16 $3,455,000 $51,800 $858,000 $4,364,800 2011 12 $2,549,000 $6,500 $2,965,000 $5,520,500 2010 32 $5,978,500 $106,500 $5,430,000 $11,515,000

Village of Nobleford: Economic Development Community Profile 5

Workforce Statistics Statistic (2011) Village of Nobleford SouthGrow Region Workforce population (age 15-64) 590 93,380 Workforce participation rate 65% 70% % of Workforce with no diploma or post-secondary 38% 25% % of Workforce with high school diploma or equivalent 31% 29% % of Workforce with post-secondary diploma, certificate, or 32% 46% degree

24% of Nobleford’s

workforce works in manufacturing – three times the

regional average. Nobleford also has

double the concentration in transportation and

construction related jobs compared to the region.

Employment by Industry Statistic (2011) Village of Nobleford SouthGrow Region Agriculture 20% 12% Oil & Gas <1% 5% Manufacturing 24% 8% Utilities, Transportation, Construction, 29% 15% Warehousing Retail & Wholesale Trade 4% 14% Finance, Insurance, Real Estate <1% 4% Professional, Scientific, Management, waste <1% 7% remediation Education & Healthcare 14% 18% Arts, Recreation, Accommodation <1% 6% Public Administration, Other 9% 11%

Village of Nobleford: Economic Development Community Profile 6

Employment by Industry Arts, Recreation, Accommodation 0% Other 9% Agriculture Professional, 20% Education & Scientific, Oil & Gas Healthcare Management, 0% 14% 0% Finance, Insurance, Real Estate 0% Manufacturing Utilities, Transport, 24% Retail & Wholesale Construction, 4% Warehousing 29%

Transportation Infrastructure Facility Details 2014 Average Annual Daily Traffic (AADT) measured at the junction of highways 23 and 519  Highway 23 North bound: 1,770  Highway 23 South bound: 3,250 Highways and  Highway 519 East bound: 1,010 Traffic Counts  Highway 519 West bound: 1,510 2014 Average Annual Daily Traffic measured 4.7 km north of the junction of highway 3 and 23 (Monarch)  Highway 23 North bound: 3,325  Highway 23 South bound: 3,259 Rail Served by the mainline Regional Airport Lethbridge Airport International Calgary International Airport Airport

Nobleford is located near the CANAMEX Trade Corridor. The Corridor includes approximately 1,150 km of Alberta’s provincial highway network, including parts of Highways 4, 3, 2, 216, 16, and 43, linking the Alberta/ Montana border crossing to the Alberta ‐ British Columbia border on Highway 43. Village of Nobleford: Economic Development Community Profile 7

Municipal Tax and Utility Rates Service Rate Property Tax: Residential 3.0591 (2014 Mill rate) Nobleford’s mill Property Tax: Non- 5.9861 (2014 Mill rate) Residential rates are the Residential/ water and waste $40.00 bi-monthly plus $0.60/ m3 up to 100 m3, lowest of any water $1.17 per m3 over 100 m3 Non-residential water and 3 $40.00 bi-monthly plus $1.17 per m waste water Residential and non- municipality. In residential garbage and $26.00 bi-monthly fact, Nobleford’s recycling mill rates are less than half of the Utility Providers next lowest Service Provider municipality’s mill Gas Atco Gas rates! Electricity Fortis Telephone/ Internet Telus/ Platinum Communications, Figment

Education Facility Details Noble Central School Elementary School (Kindergarten to Grades 12) One goal of the Noble Central Secondary (Middle/ Noble Central School School modernization project is High) School (Kindergarten to Grades 12) University of Lethbridge to improve the accessibility of Lethbridge College the building. There will be a new Post-Secondary University of Calgary Southern Alberta Institute of office area, a second‐floor Technology (Calgary) County of Lethbridge Further Education library, and an elevator. Community Learning Council

Village of Nobleford: Economic Development Community Profile 8

Health Care and Emergency Services Nobleford has a volunteer fire and emergency services brigade consisting of 20 dedicated volunteers from all walks of life. Services mostly include fire, motor vehicle collision, medical, and other types of rescue responses. Our volunteer firefighters train to equivalent standards as paid career firefighters.

Doctors, hospitals and other health services are available in nearby or Lethbridge. Picture Butte, , Green Acres Foundation and Alberta Seniors have a unique agreement to provide health care in Nobleford. A wing of the Piyami Lodge is being renovated to house Urgent Care, Laboratory and X‐ray services, Community Health and doctors’ offices. A new Supportive Housing annex is being added to the Piyami Lodge to replace 15 beds of the former hospital.

Facility Details  Picture Butte Family Medical Centre Doctors, Clinics  Dr. R. Mohamed Medical Clinic  Lethbridge  Piyami Health Centre in Picture Butte Acute care, emergency, laboratory, X-ray  Lethbridge Hospital Police (911)  RCMP Fire (911)  Nobleford and District Emergency Services Ambulance (911)  Nobleford and District Emergency Services  Piyami Place in Picture Butte/ Green Acres Foundation Seniors Housing  Rosebutte Apartments Family & Community Support Services  Barons Eureka Warner Family & Community Support Services

Picture Butte also has a dental clinic, chiropractor, massage therapists, and pharmacy.

Barons‐Eureka‐Warner Family & Community Support Services FCSS assists individuals, families and communities to reach their potential through counseling, teen, parenting, senior, volunteer and children’s programs

Village of Nobleford: Economic Development Community Profile 9

Recreation For a community of its size, Nobleford has several high quality recreation amenities for its residents. Most of these amenities were financed with grants, community donations, and other innovative techniques rather than municipal tax dollars.

Facility Details  A gym is available for rent with a 478 person capacity, a licensed kitchen equipped to serve 300. Athletic equipment such as basketball, and Nobleford volleyball equipment is Community included in rental. The Complex upstairs meeting room is equipped with fridge, microwave, sink, for gatherings up to 60.  Nobleford Curling Club.  Includes a spray park, change rooms, playground, basketball Spray Park court, outside fitness equipment, and a skating rink in the winter. Skateboard  At the Community Complex. Park  Kenex Park features agricultural displays, walking paths and a gazebo. Parks,  Rubie Park features a climbing playgrounds, wall, picnic areas and a walking paths playground.  Centennial Park recently upgraded with playground and picnic areas.  Keho Park 9-hole Golf Club Golf and Campground located 5 km north of Nobleford. Sports fields  Soccer field. and walking  Walking paths in the parks and paths throughout the community.

Cultural Attractions and Events Village of Nobleford: Economic Development Community Profile 10

Facility / Event Details  Noble Central School Library allows the public to use its library.  This program, for age 5 to 11 year olds, is funded by Summer Fun the Village of Nobleford. Program Monday to Thursday, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, July 7th through August 21th.  Displays featuring Nobleford Nobleford’s history of Museum farming and farm implement manufacturing.  Nobleford Area Museum Society Clubs,  Nobleford Community Community Complex Society Groups and  Nobleford Heritage Society Organizations  Nobleford Curling Club  Nobleford Parks & Recreation Society  Nobleford Parent Association  Keho Lake Recreation Society  Nobleford Oldtimers’ Society  Nobleford Firefighters Society  2018 Centennial Committee  Christian Reformed Church Churches  Monarch Reformed Church  Zions Hope Chapel

Village of Nobleford: Economic Development Community Profile 11

Area Attractions Attraction Details Located in Lethbridge, the renovated former Galt Hospital is the largest museum The Galt Museum in Southern Alberta. www.galtmuseum.com Fort Museum of NWMP and A replica of the original North West Mounted Police outpost built in 1874 in Fort Macleod; view daily Musical Ride in July & August. Attracts about 20,000 First Nations Interpretive Centre visitors per year. www.nwmpmuseum.com Take an unforgettable walk through an authentic Japanese garden in the city of Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden Lethbridge. www.japanesegarden.ab.ca In 1939, ’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. Writing on Stone Provincial Park 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 Take a “hawk walk” and learn about Alberta’s first privately licensed raptor Alberta Birds of Prey Centre rescue and conservation organization at Coaldale, AB. www.burrowingowl.com The largest collection of horse-drawn vehicles in North America is located in Remington Carriage Museum , AB. www.history.alberta.ca/remington Put on an authentic miner’s helmet and lamp and tour the actual corridors taken Bellevue Mine by early coal miners. www.crowsnestpass.com/Tourism/historic/bellevuemine.html Experience what it was like to be in the coal mining Village of Frank before, Frank Slide Interpretive Centre during and after the great rock avalanche. www.frankslide.com

Contact Information Village of Nobleford SouthGrow Regional Initiative Kirk Hofman, CAO Peter Lovering, Manager 906 Highway Avenue, PO Box 67 P.O. Box 27068, Nobleford, AB T0L 1S0 Lethbridge AB, T1K 6Z9 Ph: (403) 824-3555 Phone: (403) 394-0615 Fax: (403) 824-3553 Fax: (403) 485-3143 [email protected] [email protected] www.nobleford.ca www.southgrow.com June 2015