Newell Region 2018 Quality of Life Report

Grasslands Regional FCSS ass QUALITY OF LIFE #2

NEWELL REGION 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

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Quality of Life project began in the fall of 2011 seeking a means to increase understanding of communities within the Newell Region. The intent of the research was to determine a Quality of Life model or matrix that could be applied to the Newell Region. After conducting a literature review of existing academic research, it was discovered that other Quality of Life Survey models would not provide the detailed level of analysis required when using a multi-sector (Business; Public; Social) approach to measuring the quality of life within this blended urban and rural region. The literature review also determined the nine factors most relevant to the quality of life in the Newell Region. Frequency analysis was conducted to choose potential variables within each of the nine factors – feedback from residents was obtained through pre-testing surveys and community forums held throughout 2011 and 2012 to determine variables most relevant to the Newell Region. Thus, Grasslands Regional FCSS created a new quality of life survey with the capacity to collect information useful to a broad variety of key stakeholders. The result was the first Grasslands Regional FCSS Quality of Life Survey #1 administered throughout the Newell Region in the summer of 2013 and Survey #2 administered in the spring and summer, 2017. Survey design, data collection and analyses establish clear linkages between the business, public and social sectors.

This Quality of Life Report blends objective and subjective research to provide an analysis for decision and policy makers, funders and service providers in all sectors and as information for residents in our communities.

In 2017, 1,374 surveys were returned representing 5.57% of the population ages 14 years and older. With the sample size of 1,374 Newell Region respondents, the required sample size of 378 is more than exceeded for the current test of measurement. During the development of the program, it was hoped that a Confidence Interval of 95% with a margin of error of plus or minus 5% could be achieved. According to the calculations, a Confidence level of 99% with a margin of error at 3.38% was calculated ensuring that the plus or minus 5% confidence interval is a met requirement of this project. We are confident these statistics represent the real opinions of the residents of the Newell Region at a 99% confidence level with opinions differing as low as 95% and as high as 103% of the collected information about Quality of Life.

This compares to 1,180 surveys returned in 2013 representing 5% of the population ages 14 years and older. With the sample size of 1,180 Newell Region respondents, the required sample size of 378 was more than exceeded for the current test of measurement. During the development of the program, it was hoped that a Confidence Interval of 95% with a margin of error of plus or minus 5% could be achieved. According to the calculations, a Confidence level of 99% with a margin of error at 3.66% was calculated ensuring that the plus or minus 5% confidence interval was a met requirement of this project. In 2013, we were confident these statistics represented the real opinions of the residents of the Newell Region at a 99% confidence level with opinions differing as low as 95% and as high as 103% of the collected information about Quality of Life.

The Newell Region Quality of Life Survey provided the opportunity to determine gaps between factors of Importance and factors of Satisfaction as well as gathered information to measure levels of Satisfaction with programs, services and conditions for Newell Region residents in all sectors. External Data was derived primarily from the 2016 Federal Census and supplemented with other sources.

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Quality of Life Gap Analysis

To complete the Gap Analysis, nine Importance Factors were first identified and then ranked by residents within the three sectors: (1) Health; (2) Education; (3) Personal Well-Being; (4) Physical Environment; (5) Economy and Employment; (6) Sense of Community; (7) Political Rights and General Values; (8) Social Programs and Conditions; and (9) Government. The Rank of Importance was compared to the Rank of Satisfaction within these nine categories to form the basis of the Gap Analysis.

When conducting a Gap Analysis, in a perfect scenario there would be a Match in responses between the perceived Rank of Satisfaction and Rank of Importance - for example, Personal Well-Being would be the same ranking for both the Rank of Satisfaction and the Rank of Importance. When addressing these gaps, there are three possible responses results: (i) Positive Gaps (Rank of Satisfaction is higher than Rank of Importance); (ii) Match Gaps (Rank of Satisfaction and Rank of Importance are equal); and (iii) Negative Gaps (Rank of Satisfaction is lower than Rank of Importance).

Results of the Newell Region Quality of Life 2017 Survey identified three Negative Gaps: (i) Health; (ii) Economy and Employment; and (iii) Political Rights and General Values. The one Match scenario identified was Sense of Community. The five Positive Gaps indicated were: (i) Personal Well-being; (ii) Education system; (iii) Physical Environment; (iv) Social Program/Social Conditions; and (v) Government).

We compared this study’s Gap Analysis and the results in 2014. There are noticeable changes among categories for Rank of Importance since the last Quality of Life Study. Economy and Employment has increased in Rank of Importance (from 6th to 4th) and Physical Environment has decreased (from #4 to #6). There are also noticeable changes among categories for Rank of Satisfaction; Health has increased from 5th to 4th, Sense of Community has decreased from #4 to #5, Economy and Employment has decreased from #7 to #9, and Government has increased from #9 to #7. There have been some changes in Gaps as well. Sense of Community now has a Match Gap (it was Positive for the 2014 study), and Government has a Positive Gap (it was Match for the 2014 study). The changes in rankings may indicate more information is required to fully understand the reasons as to why there was a gap between the Rank of Importance and the Rank of Satisfaction by survey respondents in these areas.

Significantly, overall Satisfaction with the Economy and Employment Factor decreased from 71.8% in 2013 to 58.5% in 2017. Within this factor, the Satisfaction levels with Poverty and Affordable Housing remained similar to 2013 and Neutral responses continued to be high in all three categories. However, Satisfaction with Employment dropped from 54.3% in 2013 to 44.78% in 2017. This is a strong indicator that employment availability is a bigger issue than in years prior due to the most recent economic downturn.

Overall, socio-economic demographics for the Newell Region continue to be good with levels of low income and unemployment at or below the Alberta rates, however, there are questions regarding the causes for the discrepancy in the variables which indicated gaps in services including affordable housing, employment and community access to transportation for residents who do not have a private vehicle available. It should be noted, however, that overall Satisfaction with Public Transportation and accessing transportation increased, from 25.7% in 2013 to 29.9%, however, overall Dissatisfaction increased (from 27.1% in 2013 to 34% in 2017) , an indication that transportation remains a community issue.

Overall satisfaction with Heath Services increased from 75.5% in 2013 to 77.5% in 2017. Within the Health factor, Access to Physicians realized a marked increase of overall satisfaction from 57.9% in 2013 to 74.6% in 3

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region 2017. This most likely reflects the active and focused effort to recruit and retain physicians in this area which has resulted in a rise in the number of physicians available to residents. As part of the Alberta Rural Physician Action Plan (RhPaP), a joint effort by the City of Brooks and County of Newell to maintain an accessible health workforce close to home was honoured as the recipient of the 2017 RhPAP Alberta Rural Community Physician Attraction and Retention Award at a recent conference held in Brooks. The Rural Community Award, presented annually, is co-sponsored by the Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association (AWNA), and the Rural Health Professions Action Plan (RhPAP).1

There are variations in how different Age Groups responded to the Rank of Importance and Rank of Satisfaction with the nine factors. Economy and Employment was the only factor that was consistently ranked #4 for Importance and #9 for Satisfaction across all Age Groups. Health Services was ranked #1 for Importance across all Age Groups but the Rank of Satisfaction varied between #2 and #5. Overall, there was greater consistency across all Age Groups for Rank of Importance of all nine factors than for Rank of Satisfaction. The difference and similarities in ranking by the various Age Groups of the nine factors indicates the value of the public, social and business sectors being aware of the demographics and differing opinions of Age Groups within their community in order to provide programs and services which match the needs and interests of the various Age Groups.

Quality of Place Variable Analysis

Quality of Place may be defined as “the physical characteristics of a community –the way it is planned, designed, developed and maintained – that affect the quality of life of people living and working in it, and those visiting it, both now and into the future”2.

Quality of Place data was collected to further determine the Satisfaction levels within the community using the following World Class Places Quality of Place variables: (i) Building Maintenance; (ii) Retail and Shopping; (iii) Accessible Public Services; (iv) Sports and Leisure Facilities; (v) Green Spaces; (vi) Heritage Structures; (vii) Maintained Streets; (viii) Neighborhood Design; (ix) Transport Routes; and (x) Accessible Arts and Culture. Overall Satisfaction levels were higher than Overall Dissatisfaction. As in 2013, numbers of Neutral response varied.

As in 2013, Retail and Shopping received the most negative response to the Quality of Place categories with a high percentage of Dissatisfied answers and the lowest percentage of Neutral or Satisfied responses in all Age Groups. When considering age groups, ages 20-59 years were the most dissatisfied with retail and shopping consistent with the ages when households acquire most of their assets and when they are shopping for both themselves and their children.

Green Spaces and Sports and Leisure Facilities received the highest percentage of Satisfied responses. Accessible Arts & Culture Facilities and Transport Routes received the highest percentage of Neutral answers. There were different responses depending on Age Group in the Quality of Place responses. Ages 20-39 years and 60 years and older had the highest level of Satisfaction with the Sport and Leisure Facilities. The Age Groups of 40 years and older were most Satisfied with Green Spaces.

1 https://www.rhpap.ca/news 2 UK Government: World class places: The Government's strategy for improving quality of place.

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Individual and Household Heath and Social Conditions Respondents were asked if they had one or more Personal or Household Health Condition and/or a Household Social Condition which negatively impacted them. Mental Health has been identified as a priority across the sectors and local Initiatives are occurring to respond to the issue of Mental Health in our communities. Of the 476 respondents, 24.78% responded they have mental health issues; 29.58% of 463 respondents are negatively impacted by a mental health issue in their household. A significant number of the 323 respondents were negatively impacted by a Social Condition in their Household, the top three social conditions being Housing Costs (53.25%), Lack of Transportation (23.5%) and Poverty (19.19%). Local initiatives are underway to help alleviate these three social conditions which have consistently been identified as barriers to a positive quality of life for residents. Overall Satisfaction with Community

Respondents were asked the question “Overall, how satisfied are you with your community?”.

75.9% of 982 Newell Region Respondents expressed Overall Satisfaction with the Services, Programs, Conditions and Physical Spaces in their communities compared to 77% of 1,050 respondents in 2013. There were only a small percentage of Neutral responses (9.9%) which indicates a high level of interest in answering this question. 10% were Very Satisfied, 41.4% were Satisfied, and 24.3% were Somewhat Satisfied. The most Overall Satisfied Community was Duchess with 85.5% (65 respondents), followed by Rosemary with 84.4% (38 respondents). Overall Satisfaction for the County of Newell was 79.4% (239 respondents), Brooks was 73.6% (547 respondents) and Bassano was 68.3% (71 respondents).

Conclusion

The analysis of the Quality of Life Survey provides information on the Social Sector, Business Sector and Public Sector in the Newell Region. The areas in which survey residents were not satisfied cannot be easily resolved by one level of government, one business or one community agency. A multi-sector approach would be helpful when working with the community to identify and resolve outstanding issues that lead to dissatisfaction. There is a role for all sectors to continue building services and programs in the areas that are working well and to examine potential community solutions in areas of concern identified by residents.

The difference in ranking by the various Age Groups of the 9 factors demonstrates the value of governments, non-profits and businesses in being aware of the demographics and residents’ opinions within their communities in order to adapt programs, services and activities to match the needs and interest of these Age Groups. Competing interests are often present in community because various Age Groups have different interests or priorities.

We would like to acknowledge and thank the Newell Region Municipal Councils and Staff, Survey Respondents, Newell Region High Schools and the organizations and businesses who helped distribute and collect surveys and who also provided additional information contained in the report.

Lynn Pye-Matheson, MSW RSW Executive Director, Grasslands Regional FCSS.

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region

In Partnership With:

Primary and Secondary Research:  Kyle Peterson, PhD Grasslands Regional FCSS Board of Directors 2018  Lynn Pye-Matheson, MSW RSW  William Slenders, BMgt. A

Quality of Life Survey Creation: C  William Slenders, BMgt.  Lynn Pye-Matheson, MSW RSW K

Analysis: N  Kyle Peterson, PhD  William Slenders, BMgt O  Lynn Pye-Matheson, MSW RSW W Research Assistant  Fatima Ahmad L  Tammy Johnson E Final Report:  Kyle Peterson, PhD D  Lynn Pye-Matheson, MSW RSW Front Row LtoR: Cindy Wolfer, County of Newell; Councillor  William Slenders, BMgt Edit Yoko Fujimoto;G Village of Rosemary; Councilor John Petrie,

City of Brooks; Back Row LtoR: Councilor Tina Preston, Village Survey Distribution and/or Collection of Duchess;E Laura Kasdorf, Village of Rosemary; Bruce Snape, 2017: Village of Duchess; Councillor Clarence Amulung, County of  City of Brooks Municipal Office Newell; CathyM Corbett-Schock, City of Brooks.  SPEC Association for Children and Families  Newell Housing E  Newbrook Lodge Message from the Chair  Ecole Le Ruisseau N  Alcoma School On behalf of the Grasslands Regional FCSS Board  Brooks Composite High School T  Rosemary Academy of Directors and Staff, I am pleased to release the  Duchess High School 2018 NewellS Region: Quality of Life Report. It is  Bassano High School our hope that the information will help further  St. Josephs Academy  Patricia Hotel understand our communities and also prove  Rolling Hills Golf Course useful for planning, funding and working  Bassano Municipal together. FCSS will also be releasing the 2018 City Office/Bassano FCSS of Brooks: Quality of Life Report and Quality of  Tilley ATB  Duchess Municipal Office Life Snapshots for Newell Region communities  Rosemary Municipal Office including the Town of Bassano, the Village of  County of Newell Municipal Office Rosemary, the Village of Duchess, The County of  Brooks Public Library Newell, the City of Brooks and the Newell Region.  Seniors Outreach. Copies of all Reports and Snapshots will be available for download January 16, 2019 at www.grasslandsregionalfcss.com

Clarence Amulung, Chair.

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Contents

INTRODUCTION ...... 11 METHODOLOGY ...... 12 DEFINING QUALITY OF LIFE ...... 12 SOCIAL SECTOR FACTORS ...... 13 Personal Well-Being ...... 13 Social Programs and Conditions ...... 13 Sense of Community ...... 13 Health ...... 14 Education ...... 14 BUSINESS SECTOR ...... 14 BUSINESS SECTOR FACTORS ...... 14 Economy and Employment ...... 14 Physical Environment ...... 14 PUBLIC SECTOR...... 15 PUBLIC SECTOR FACTORS ...... 15 Political Rights and General Values ...... 15 Government ...... 15 THE QUALITY OF LIFE SURVEY ...... 17 RESPONDENTS AND DEMOGRAPHICS ...... 17 SURVEY RESPONDENTS ...... 19 Age Range ...... 19 Length of Residence ...... 20 Employment ...... 20 Income Distribution ...... 20 Home Ownership ...... 22 Level of Education ...... 22 Ethnic Background ...... 23 Citizenship ...... 23 HEALTH CONDITIONS ...... 24 HOUSEHOLD SOCIAL CONDITIONS ...... 26 OVERALL SATISFACTION WITH THE COMMUNITY ...... 27 SUMMARY OF COMMUNITY DEMOGRAPHICS ...... 29 GENERAL NOTE ON DATA SOURCES FOR THE NEWELL REGION ...... 29 7

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region NEWELL REGION SOCIOECONOMIC SUMMARY ...... 30 FINDINGS FROM THE QUALITY OF LIFE SURVEY ...... 34 GAP ANALYSIS ...... 34 NEWELL REGION GAP ANALYSIS ...... 34 Importance Factors and Variables ...... 36 Key Findings: Rank of Importance ...... 37 Satisfaction Factors and Variables ...... 38 Key Findings: Rank of Satisfaction ...... 39 NEGATIVE GAP ANALYSIS ...... 46 NEGATIVE GAP: HEALTH Factor ...... 46 General Health Statistics ...... 47 Addictions Services ...... 50 Access to Services for Persons with Disabilities ...... 50 Mental Health ...... 52 Access to Physicians (Doctors) ...... 54 NEGATIVE GAP: ECONOMY AND EMPLOYMENT Factor ...... 56 Level of Income ...... 57 Poverty ...... 59 Affordable Housing ...... 65 Employment ...... 69 Top Occupations for the Employed Labour Force - National Occupational Classification (NOC) ...... 71 NEGATIVE GAP: POLITICAL RIGHTS AND GENERAL VALUES Factor ...... 80 English as a Second Language Programs { Also called English Language Learning (ELL) } ...... 82 Discrimination ...... 83 Immigration ...... 84 MATCH GAP ANALYSIS ...... 87 MATCH GAP: SENSE OF COMMUNITY Factor ...... 87 Knowing Neighbours ...... 88 Helping Others ...... 89 Charitable Giving ...... 90 Sense of Belonging ...... 92 Domestic Violence ...... 93 Community Safety ...... 94 Social Inclusion ...... 97

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region POSITIVE GAP ANALYSIS ...... 100 POSITIVE GAP: PERSONAL WELL-BEING ...... 100 Personal Health ...... 101 Family ...... 102 Spiritual and Religious Acceptance ...... 102 Community Gathering Places ...... 105 Personal Development ...... 105 Free Time Activities ...... 106 POSITIVE GAP: EDUCATION SYSTEM ...... 107 Post-Secondary Education ...... 109 Adult/Continuing Education and Job Training Programs ...... 110 POSITIVE GAP: PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT ...... 113 Noise Pollution, Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Land Pollution ...... 114 Quality of Water ...... 114 Regional Water ...... 115 Newell Regional Services Corporation (NRSC) ...... 115 Environmental Awareness ...... 116 Waste Management ...... 116 Recycling ...... 117 POSITIVE GAP: SOCIAL PROGRAMS/SOCIAL CONDITIONS Factor ...... 119 Accessing Transportation ...... 122 Homelessness ...... 128 Access to Childcare ...... 130 POSITIVE GAP: GOVERNMENT Factor ...... 132 Local Population Growth ...... 135 Utilities ...... 137 Emergency Services ...... 139 NEWELL REGION GAP ANALYSIS: AGE GROUPS ...... 141 GAP COMPARISON: CITY OF BROOKS & NEWELL REGION ...... 144 QUALITY OF PLACE...... 145 QUALITY OF PLACE BY AGE GROUPS ...... 147 NEWELL REGION NEED FOR MORE SERVICES ...... 157 FUTURE TRENDS ...... 161 Population Growth: ...... 161

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Labour Market and Immigration:...... 162 Seniors: ...... 162 Housing: ...... 164 Transportation:...... 164 Young Adults: ...... 165 Young Families:...... 165 Childcare: ...... 166 Poverty: ...... 166 Regional Government: ...... 166 The Future of Work ...... 167 SUMMARY ...... 167 REFERENCES ...... 189

Appendices:

Appendix A: Newell Region: Detailed Socio-Economic Demographics

Age Demographics Age Comparison in the Newell Region Marital Status in the Newell Region Family Structure in the Newell Region Educational Attainment Ethnic Background Ethnic Origin Aboriginal Population Mother Tongue Citizenship and Immigration Visible Minorities Religion Income Levels for Different Households Employment Rate Low-Income Persons Household Income Distribution Housing Tenure Housing Affordability Housing Suitability Rental Market

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region INTRODUCTION The Quality of Life project began in the fall of 2011 seeking a means to increase understanding of communities within the Newell Region. The intent of the research was to determine a Quality of Life model or matrix that could be applied to the Newell Region. After conducting a literature review of existing academic research, it was discovered that other Quality of Life Survey models would not provide the detailed level of analysis required when using a multi-sector (Business; Public; Social) approach to measuring the quality of life within this blended urban and rural region. The literature review also determined the nine factors most important to the quality of life in the region. Pre-testing through surveys and community forums was conducted in 2011 and 2012 to determine variables most relevant to residents within the Newell Region. Thus, Grasslands Regional FCSS created a new quality of life survey with the capacity to collect information useful to a broad variety of key stakeholders. The result was the Grasslands Regional FCSS Quality of Life Survey administered throughout the Newell Region in the spring and summer of 2013 and 2017. Survey design, data collection and analyses established clear linkages between the business, public and social sectors.

1,374 surveys were returned representing 5.57% of the population ages 14 years and older. With the sample size of 1,374 Newell Region respondents, the required sample size of 378 is more than exceeded for the current test of measurement. During the development of the program, it was hoped that a Confidence Interval of 95% with a margin of error of plus or minus 5% could be achieved. According to the calculations, a Confidence level of 99% with a margin of error at 3.38% was calculated ensuring that the plus or minus 5% confidence interval is a met requirement of this project. We are confident these statistics represent the real opinions of the residents of the Newell Region at a 99% confidence level with opinions differing as low as 95% and as high as 103% of the collected information about Quality of Life.

This Quality of Life Report blends objective and subjective research to provide a holistic community analysis for decision and policy makers, funders and service providers in all sectors and as information for residents in our communities.

The Newell Region Quality of Life Report is a summary of the analysis completed to determine how residents ranked the Importance of the nine quality of life factors compared to the ranking of Satisfaction. The analysis also includes Quality of Place results which measured level of Satisfaction with programs, services and conditions for the Region of Newell residents.

The Quality of Life Report is not intended to be an academic report but is designed to provide information to a wide variety of stakeholders.

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region METHODOLOGY One of the most defining characteristics of this project was the creation of a multi-sector Quality of Life instrument designed to focus on the nature of a holistic community system, providing information to all community areas. Three sectors were identified as having a substantial impact on the Quality of Life of the Newell Region: (i) Business (ii) Public; and (iii) Social.

The Quality of Life Survey created for the Newell Region is unique in that it combines two aspects: Quality of Life and Quality of Place. While these two concepts may be similar in process, they are completely different in their function, analysis, and interpretation. The Quality of Life Survey is a combination of these two processes. The Quality of Life segment is a tool designed to test and measure residents’ opinions on factors important to the region whereas the Quality of Place segment is a tool designed to test and measure the Satisfaction with the conditions/ programs and services impacting the quality of life for residents in our communities. Knowing which factors are important to regional residents and measuring levels of Satisfaction with services and programs provides information on what is working well and changes needed to improve the quality of life for residents.

Four primary sections in the Quality of Life Survey served different and complementary functions for measuring the quality of life for residents in the Newell Region. The Quality of Life section was designed to rank the level of Importance and levels of Satisfaction residents attach to the nine primary factors detailed below. The Gap Scenarios utilized three gap scenarios (Negative; Match; and Positive) to determine which of the nine factors were issues within the community. The Quality of Place measured the levels of Satisfaction with each of the Quality of Life factors and the variables related to conditions, programs and services. The Respondent Characteristics and Household Characteristics sections painted a demographic picture of survey respondents and their households.

DEFINING QUALITY OF LIFE Quality of Life is a difficult concept to research, measure and report due to the subjective nature of the factors which individuals consider most important to their quality of life. This has proven true for the Newell Region communities. From 2011 to 2013, methodologies to determine the variables included a literature review, frequency analysis and local community identification. After determining 1,300 potential variables through the literature review, several local pre-tests were required to determine the factors within the three sectors most frequently identified by Newell Region residents.

SOCIAL SECTOR BUSINESS SECTOR PUBLIC SECTOR Health Economy & Employment Government Political Rights & General Education Physical Environment Values Personal Well-Being Social Programs & Social Conditions Sense of Community

Within each of these nine broad categories a frequency analysis identified the key important variables within each category to collect further information regarding levels of Satisfaction with services, programs and conditions within the Newell Region. Where this was inconclusive, local residents were surveyed to identify the most important variables within the broad categories; a Pilot Quality of Life Survey was administered to 200 12

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region people at the Brooks & District Trade Show (2012) and to persons attending various Grasslands Regional FCSS Community Forums held in 2013 throughout the region.

The analysis was framed within the three sectors: Social Sector, Business Sector and Public Sector.

SOCIAL SECTOR The Social Sector3is the sphere within federal transfers to provinces which support policy areas such as health care, post-secondary education, social assistance and social services, early childhood development and childcare.4 The Social Sector is the first and most extensive of the three sectors of the Newell Region Quality of Life. Social items of interest from the Canadian Policy Research Networks (CPRN) Factors of Quality of Life in Canada include: (i) Personal Wellbeing; (ii) Social Programs and Social Conditions; (iii) Community; (iv) Health, and (v) Education. Each of these categories has roots in the overall social structure of the province or community. It is important to note that the political and economic sectors have a substantial impact on the following social factors, interconnecting with the social sector to determine the quality of life for residents.

SOCIAL SECTOR FACTORS Personal Well-Being For the purposes of this report, Personal Well-Being is identified as being of active interest within the Social Sector. Personal Well-Being is recognized as being subjective, meaning different things to different people and often determines life satisfaction, happiness and life fulfillment5 According to the CPRN “In reflecting upon the quality of life in Canada, Canadians often emphasize the importance of enhancing their sense of Personal Well- Being… most people recognize these factors, which directly describe their personal circumstances as intertwined with and contributing to overall quality of life”6. The variables identified as most important to Personal Well- Being were: (i) Personal Health; (ii) Family; (iii) Friends; (iv) Personal Safety; and (v) Spiritual and Religious Acceptance. It is important to note that this factor required local community analysis, as the chosen factors of Quality of Life from academic analysis did not meet Newell Region residents’ perception of Personal Wellbeing. This factor has been custom developed for the region as a result. Social Programs and Conditions The CPRN states that Social Programs/Conditions are the “social support systems adequate to respond to and meet basic human needs”7. High frequency items selected from the CPRN Social Programs and Conditions section included: (i) Accessing Transportation, (ii) Availability of Public Housing: (iii) Availability of Social Assistance and Programs, (iv) Community Homelessness; and (v) Community Centers for Arts and Cultural Events. Sense of Community Community is a central component to the social sector. The CPRN states that “… healthy communities includes notions of social cohesion, of stable sets of relationships, where individuals had a shared sense of belonging, and where people experience a sense of security.”8 Variables identified as most important to Community were: (i) Knowing Neighbors; (ii) Working Together; (iii) Helping Others; (iv) Community Safety; and (v) Sense of Belonging. It is important to note that this factor required local community analysis, as the chosen factors of

3 The Social Sector is sometimes called the Voluntary Sector or the Non-for-Profit Sector or the Non-Profit Sector 4 http://www.fin.gc.ca/access/fedprov-eng.asp 5A Survey of Indicators of Social and Economic Well-Being, July 22, 1999 Page 1 6 Quality of Life in Canada; A Citizens’ Report Card Background Report, July 2002 Page 60 7 Indicators of Quality of Life in Canada: A citizens’ Prototype, April 2001 Page 7 8 Indicators of Quality of Life in Canada: A citizens’ Prototype, April 2001 Page 8 13

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Quality of Life from academic analysis did not meet the Newell Region residents’ perception of Community. This factor has been custom developed for the region as a result.

Health The World Health Organization (WHO) defines Health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease of infirmity”9 The five community Health variables identified were: (i) Community Suicide Rates; (ii) Mental Health; (iii) Physical Activity; (iv) Lifestyle; and (v) Rates of Disease.

Education Education is an important Factor of quality of life in a community and is acquired formally or informally. The CPRN describes Education as critical to quality of life and states “Quality of Education equals quality of life”10. Variables within the Education category included: (i) Personal Educational Attainment; (ii) Education; (iii) Adult Literacy; (iv) Community High School Dropout Rate; and (v) Community Literacy Rate.

BUSINESS SECTOR The Business sector is the part of the national economy made up of private enterprises run by private individuals or groups, usually as a means of enterprise for profit and is not controlled by the state.11

One of the more unique areas of Quality of Life is looking at how business affects quality of life. To this extent, there were two major categories that affected this category: (i) Physical Environment; and (ii) Economy and Employment.

BUSINESS SECTOR FACTORS Economy and Employment Regarding Economy and Employment, the CPRN states “Economic security was another key quality of life issue raised which included sub-themes such as job security, employment opportunities, and rates of compensation or concerns about the minimum wage”12. There was a very broad collection of research on the effects of Economy and Employment on Quality of Life. The five variables identified were: (i) Community Unemployment Rates; (ii) Community Employment Rates; (iii) Level of Income; (iv) Community Rate of Bankruptcies; and (v) Financial Effects of Crime. Physical Environment Regarding Physical Environment, the CPRN states “… A Clean environment is essential to Quality of Life…” 13. Physical Environment frequently occurs in Quality of Life research. Variables in the Physical Environment included: (i) Water Quality; (ii) Air Quality; (iii) Noise Pollution; (iv) Greenhouse Gas Emissions; and (v) Land Pollution.

9 Who.it/about/definition/en/print.html 10 Indicators of Quality of Life in Canada: A citizens’ Prototype, April 2001 Page 5 11 http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/public-sector.html#ixzz2xBtNsqBx 12 Indicators of Quality of Life in Canada: A citizens’ Prototype, April 2001 Page 9 13 Indicators of Quality of Life in Canada: A citizens’ Prototype, April 2001 Page 6 14

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region PUBLIC SECTOR The Public Sector is part of the national economy providing basic goods or services that are either not, or cannot be, provided by the private sector. It consists of national, provincial and local governments, their agencies and their chartered bodies. The public sector is one of the largest sectors of any economy.14 Items relevant to the Public Sector are: (i) Political Rights and General Values; and (ii) Government. PUBLIC SECTOR FACTORS Political Rights and General Values The CPRN defines Political Rights and General Values as “… the importance of human or civil rights, democracy, autonomy or choice, and freedom as core elements of quality of life” 15. Variables occurring in Government research and frequency analysis included: (i) Respect; (2) Honesty; (3) Integrity;( iv) Freedom of Speech; and (v) Sharing. It is important to note that this factor required local community analysis, as the chosen factors of Quality of Life from academic analysis did not meet the residents’ perception of Political Rights and General Values. This factor has been custom developed for the region as a result.

Government The CPRN states that Government must be “...viewed as integral to the Quality of Life in Canada or at least in helping to maintain important systems of protection and service delivery.”16. Government variables selected included: (i) Level of Trust in Government; (ii) Maintained Roads; (iii) Government Water Policies; (iv) Barriers to Entrepreneurship; and (v) Community Taxes.

Public Social Sector Sector

Business Sector

Quality of Life

14 http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/public-sector.html#ixzz2xBtNsqBx 15 Indicators of Quality of Life in Canada: A citizens’ Prototype, April 2001 Page 3 16 Indicators of Quality of Life in Canada: A citizens’ Prototype, April 2001 Page 10 15

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region

Brooks Crop Diversification Centre

Bow City Farming and Irrigation

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region THE QUALITY OF LIFE SURVEY

RESPONDENTS AND DEMOGRAPHICS The Quality of Life Survey (2017) was mailed to 7,959 households within the Newell Region in June and July, 2017. In addition to mail-outs, a number of organizations/municipalities/businesses assisted by distributing and collecting surveys, and/or assisted in translation. These organizations included the SPEC Association for Children and Families, Alberta Treasury Branch (ATB) Tilley branch, all municipal offices, Newbrook Lodge, Patricia Hotel, Newell Housing, Alcoma School, Brooks & District Chamber of Commerce, Brooks Toy Lending Library & Family Resource Centre, Brooks & District Seniors Outreach, Brooks Public Library, and Rolling Hills Golf Course. Paper surveys were available at various Newell Region events, such as the Canada Day celebrations in Brooks and Duchess Days. The Quality of Life Survey was also available online. Each paper survey had instructions on how to complete the survey online, and the link was posted to Grasslands Regional FCSS, Live Newell and Opportunity Newell websites. With the help of all Newell Region High Schools, students completed the survey online. 1,374 surveys were completed (664 were paper) representing 5.6% of the population aged 14 years and older. The increase from the number of surveys (1,180) returned in 2013 is largely due to the increase in the number of high school respondents. Population by Division and City of Brooks

The 2011 and 2016 Federal Censuses included population figures for municipalities within the Newell Region. At the time of the 2011 population count, Tilley was still a separate municipality. In September, 2013, the Village of Tilley was dissolved and became a hamlet within the County of Newell; the population increase in the County of Newell reflects this change. The Newell Region had a population increase of 5% (1,232 people) between 2011 and 2016.

2011 Newell Region Canada Census Population Count17 Community Population Brooks 13,676 Bassano 1,282 Duchess 992 Rosemary *421 County of Newell* **7,138 Newell Region 23,430 * Village of Rosemary population count was revised in the 2012 Rosemary Municipal Census. ** County of Newell population count has been revised to include Tilley

2016 Newell Region Canada Census Population Count18 Community Population Brooks 14,451 Bassano 1,206 Duchess 1,085 Rosemary 396 County of Newell 7,524 Newell Region 24,662

17 2011 Canadian Census (Statistics Canada) 18 2016 Canadian Census (Statistics Canada) 17

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Geographic Distribution of Respondents and Population

The Newell Region is comprised of a number of municipalities and rural areas. This report will provide relevant information on both the Newell Region as a whole and available information on the different municipal areas within the Region. Information on the Quality of Life has been compiled for the Newell Region, City of Brooks, Town of Bassano, Village of Duchess, Village of Rosemary and the County of Newell. The County of Newell includes Bow City, Cassils, Gem, Lake Newell Resort, Millicent, Patricia, Rainier, Rolling Hills, Scandia and Tilley.

Respondents were asked to identify where they lived within the Newell Region. The tables below list the numbers of returned surveys, the percentage per distinct community and population numbers according to the 2016 Federal Census. It should be noted that respondents might have identified themselves as living in a hamlet, such as Scandia, but may be actually living in the County of Newell and vice versa.

Distribution of Survey Respondents Compared to Population Number of Percentage of the Total Surveys Number of Survey Community Returned Responses Population19 Brooks 796 57.9 14,451 Bassano 107 7.8 1,206 Duchess 80 5.8 1,085 Rosemary 49 3.6 396 County of Newell20 315 22.9 7,524 Other* 3 0.2 No Community Identified 24 1.7 Newell Region TOTAL 1,374 100.0 24,662 * Respondents identified residing in Special Areas (near Wardlow), Cluny and Siksika Nation.

County of Newell Survey Respondents Compared to Total Surveys Returned and Population Number of Percentage of the Total Surveys Number of Survey Community Returned Responses Population21 Bow City 6 0.4 Not available Cassils 16 1.2 Not available Gem 14 1.0 Not available Lake Newell Resort 32 2.3 Not available Millicent 11 0.8 Not available Patricia 22 1.6 101 Rolling Hills 37 2.7 258 Rainier 12 0.9 Not available Scandia 22 1.6 146 Tilley 45 3.3 364 County of Newell 98 7.1 7,52422 Total Surveys Returned 315

19 2016 Canadian Census (Statistics Canada) 20 Includes hamlets as per table above 21 2016 Canadian Census (Statistics Canada) 22 Includes the population of all the hamlets listed in the table. 18

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region SURVEY RESPONDENTS Age Range The Newell Region census population is comparable to the age distribution of survey respondents, with the exception of responses being noticeably higher in the 15-19, 65-69, and 70-74 age ranges; the responses were lower in the 10-14 and 20-24 age ranges. Due to the concern over lack of youth survey responses in 2013, we made a concerted effort to include high school aged individuals in this study, which is why the 15-19 age range has a high percentage of respondents.23 This also explains the low percentage for the 10-14 age range; youth between the ages of 10 and 14 are not normally in high school. The high schools throughout the Newell Region were very supportive of the Quality of Life study and had their students complete the survey during class time. Like the previous Quality of Life study, the higher percentage of responses for persons aged 65 and over may be related to survey distribution and collection at Newbrook Lodge, Seniors Outreach and Newell Housing Villas.

Survey Respondents by Age Group Compared to Census Population by Age Group Percentage of Number of Percentage of Residents (2016 Age Range Respondents Respondents Federal Census) 10-14 19 1.5 7.2 15-19 286 22.0 7.0 20-24 27 2.1 5.5 25-29 53 4.1 5.8 30-34 74 5.7 7.3 35-39 115 8.9 8.1 40-44 90 6.9 7.6 45-49 83 6.4 6.7 50-54 82 6.3 6.3 55-59 99 7.6 6.2 60-64 94 7.2 5.1 65-69 92 7.1 4.1 70-74 90 6.9 2.9 75-79 27 2.1 1.8 80-84 34 2.6 1.3 85-89 16 1.2 0.9 90 and older 18 1.4 0.6

23 Grasslands Regional FCSS’ Youth Community Action Plan (2016) identified the lack of youth representation and resources in the Newell Region. 19

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region

Age of Survey Respondents Compared to 2016 Federal Census

Percentage of Respondents Percentage of Residents (2016 Federal Census)

Length of Residence 77.7% of respondents identified living in the Newell Region for six years or more, 9.3% for 4-5 years, 7.6% for 2-3 years, 2.6% for 1 year and 2.7% for less than one year. This compares to the 2016 Federal Census statistic of 76% of Newell Region residents that have not moved from their homes or community within the last five years.24 Employment Of the respondents that provided employment information on the survey, 29.3% worked full time, 22% worked part-time and 22.9% were retired. Of those not currently employed, 4.4% were looking for work while 2.7% were not looking for work. Disabled (not able to work) persons represented 1.3%, and 17.4% identified as being a student. Since the survey respondents were 14 years and older, it is not possible to complete a direct comparison with the 2016 Federal Census as the statistics are calculated for a population 15 years and older. Income Distribution It should be noted that 11.4% of respondents did not answer the question on individual income, and 13.8% did not answer for household income.25

Individual income  62.5% of respondents made less than $50,000 per year.  2.8% of respondents made more than $150,000 per year. When comparing Individual Income survey results with the 2016 Federal Census there is consistency for individuals making greater than $150,000 per year; 2.8% compared to 2.5% respectively. However, while 62.5% of survey respondents identified making less than $50,000 per year, the Federal Census identified

24 Two 2016 Federal Census statistics were used to calculate this percentage: non-movers and non-migrant movers. Non-movers refers to persons who have not moved, and non-migrant movers refers to persons who did move but remained in the same city, town, township, village, or Indian reserve. 25 Income data reported on surveys in general are recognized to have a low level of accuracy. https://www.census.gov/srd/papers/pdf/sm97-05.pdf 20

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region that 49.1% Newell Region residents make that amount. These results are likely skewed due to the number of youth who participated in the survey as youth would likely have lower incomes (see table below). Approximately 95 percent (245) of Youth (ages 10 to 19) identified making less than $50,000 per year. Seniors also have a higher proportion in the lower income categories.

Individual Income of Survey Respondents by Age (%) Income Ages 10 to 19 Ages 20 to 40 Ages 40 to 60 Ages 60 to 70 Ages 70 Plus Less than $10,000 81.2 13.8 6.7 5.2 2.5 $10,000 - $19,999 10.4 6.1 6.1 14.0 14.1 $20,000 - $29,999 1.5 6.9 8.7 13.4 27.6 $30,000 - $39,999 0.8 8.0 12.5 11.0 16.6 $40,000 - $49,999 0.4 14.6 13.7 10.5 11.0 $50,000 - $59,999 1.5 15.3 7.6 11.6 9.2 $60,000 - $69,999 0.8 11.1 6.1 7.6 3.7 $70,000 - $79,999 0.4 7.3 5.8 8.1 5.5 $80,000 - $89,999 0.0 4.2 7.3 5.2 1.8 $90,000 - $99,999 0.4 4.2 7.6 4.7 3.1 $100,000 - $149,999 0.4 6.5 13.4 5.8 3.1 More than $150,000 2.3 1.9 4.4 2.9 1.8 N 260 261 343 172 163

 Generally, there is consistency between the Quality of Life Survey and Canadian Census for income brackets in the Newell Region. Since there is a high youth representation in the Quality of Life Survey results the percentage of respondents with income that is less than $10,000 is significantly higher than the equivalent on Canadian Census.

Comparison of Individual Income for the Newell Region 2017 Quality of Life Survey 2016 Canadian Census Income Number Percentage Number Percentage Less than $10,000 285 23.4 1,985 11.0 $10,000 - $19,999 114 9.4 2,065 11.4 $20,000 - $29,999 123 10.1 2,150 11.9 $30,000 - $39,999 115 9.4 2,065 11.4 $40,000 - $49,999 123 10.1 2,655 14.7 $50,000 - $59,999 108 8.9 1,440 8.0 $60,000 - $69,999 72 5.9 1,080 6.0 $70,000 - $79,999 63 5.2 800 4.4 $80,000 - $89,999 48 3.9 640 3.5 $90,000 - $99,999 51 4.2 570 3.2 $100,000 - $149,999 81 6.7 1,135 6.3 More than $150,000 34 2.8 460 2.5 N 1,217 18,045

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Household Income  5.2% of respondents indicated that their Household Income was less than $10,000 per year  6.1% reported a Household Income between $30,000 and $39,000 per year.  44.8% reported a Household Income greater than $80,000 per year.  Household Income Distribution survey responses are relatively consistent with the 2016 Federal Census data. 1.7% households made $10,000 or less, 6.1% of households had an income between $30,000 and $39,000, and 54.1% made $80,000 and greater. Home Ownership

83.2% of survey respondents own their home, while 16.2% live in rental housing. This compares to the 2016 Federal Census statistics of 72.4% who owned their home and 27.5% who rented. 78.4% of survey respondents identified living in a detached home, however, according to the 2016 Federal Census, 65.8% of Newell Region residents reside in a detached home.

The Newell Region has a large number of modular homes, and 6.7% identified living in this type of residence. Level of Education

Education of Survey Respondents (1,282 answered out of 1,374)

Trades Certificate Graduate degree Bachelor degree Diploma or Certificate Associate degree Some college but no degree High school degree or equivalent (e.g., GED) Less than high school degree Not yet completed high school

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25%

According to the 2016 Federal Census, 33.5% of the Newell Region population (aged 15 years and older) had at least a high school diploma or equivalent, and 39.2% had at least a post-secondary certificate (diploma or degree). Close to 27% had no certificate (diploma or degree). 7.9% of the population had a Bachelor’s degree and 2.5% had an education above Bachelor level.

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Ethnic Background Survey Respondents by Population Group Population Group Percentage Caucasian 82.2 Chinese 1.0 South Asian 0.7 Black/African 3.1 Filipino 6.3 Latin American 3.3 Southeast Asian 0.8 Arab 0.3 West Asian 0.1 Korean 0.3 Japanese 0.6 Aboriginal 1.3 Other Ethnicity 1.4

82.2% of survey respondents identified themselves as Caucasians with the next highest category at 6.3% for Filipino and 3.3% for Latin American. 3.1% of respondents identified themselves as Black or from Africa. According to the 2016 Federal Census, 22.9% of the Newell Region population belong to a visible minority group. Citizenship

90.3% of respondents identified as being Canadian Citizens with 9.2% as Landed Immigrants or Permanent Residents, and 0.08% as Temporary Foreign Workers. According to the 2016 Federal Census, 86.2% of Newell Region residents were Canadian Citizens.

Citizenship Ceremony 2018, City of Books JBS Centre

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region HEALTH CONDITIONS

Negative Impact of Individual Health Conditions: 476 (34.6%) respondents stated that they had one or more personal Health Conditions which negatively impacted them.

Individual Health Conditions

Physical Conditions

Mental Conditions

Health Problems

Limited Mobility

Hearing Problems

Vision Problems

Communication Problems

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% 50%

Individual Health Conditions (n=476):

 142 persons were impacted by Physical Conditions  118 persons were impacted by Mental Conditions  217 persons were impacted by Health Problems  100 persons were impacted by Limited Mobility  90 persons were impacted by Hearing Problems  124 persons were impacted by Vision Problems  40 persons were impacted by Communication Problems

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Negative Impact of Household Health Conditions

463 (33.7%) respondents stated that they were negatively impacted by one or more Household Health Conditions.

Household Health Conditions

Physical Conditions

Mental Conditions

Health Problems

Limited Mobility

Hearing Problems

Vision Problems

Communication Problems

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% 50%

Household Health Conditions (n=463)

 138 households were impacted by Physical Conditions  137 households were impacted by Mental Conditions  211 households were impacted by Health Problems  87 households were impacted by Limited Mobility  99 households were impacted by Hearing Problems  86 households were impacted by Vision Problems  44 households were impacted by Communication Problems

There is more detailed analysis on Health later in the report.

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region HOUSEHOLD SOCIAL CONDITIONS

Negative Impact of Household Social Conditions

323 (23.5%) respondents stated that they were negatively impacted by one or more Household Social Conditions.

Impact of Social Conditions on Households

Poverty

Housing Costs

Lack of Transportation

Language Barriers

Addiction

Discrimination

Crime

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%

Social Conditions in Households (n=323)

 62 households were impacted by Poverty  172 households were impacted by Housing Costs  76 households were impacted by Lack of Transportation  41 households were impacted by Language Barriers  29 households were impacted by Addiction  50 households were impacted by Discrimination  29 households were impacted by Crime

There is a more detailed analysis on Social Conditions later in the report.

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region OVERALL SATISFACTION WITH THE COMMUNITY

Overall, how satisfied are you with your community

75.9% of 1,294 respondents expressed overall Satisfaction with their Community (2013: 77%)

Satisfaction with Community ______Very ______Dissatisfied Dissatisifed 3.1% 2.7% Very Somewhat Satisified Dissatisfied 9.9% 8.4%

Neutral 9.9%

Satisfied 41.7% Somewhat Satisfied 24.3%

Very Dissatisified Dissatisfied

Somewhat Dissatisfied Neutral

Somewhat Satisfied Satisfied

Very Satisfied

Findings

 Most respondents were Satisfied (overall) with their community (n=1,294)  9.9% of respondents were Very Satisfied (128 respondents)  41.7% of respondents were Satisfied (540)  24.3% of respondents were Somewhat Satisfied (314)  9.9% of respondents were Neutral (128)  8.4% of respondents were Somewhat Dissatisfied (109)  3.1% of respondents were Dissatisfied (40)  2.7% of respondents were Very Dissatisfied (35)

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Satisfaction with Community: Comparison across Communities

Satisfaction with Community

Very Satisfied Satisfied Somewhat Satisfied Neutral Somewhat Dissatisfied Dissatisfied Very Dissatisfied

Bassano Brooks Duchess Rosemary County of Newell Region Newell

Findings 2017 and 2013

 In 2017, Overall Satisfaction for 104 Bassano respondents was 68.3% compared to 77.4% of 24 respondents in 2013.  In 2017, Overall Satisfaction for 547 Brooks respondents was 73.6% compared to 72.8% of 596 respondents in 2013.  In 2017, Overall Satisfaction for 76 Duchess respondents was 85.5% compared to 93.75% of 83 Duchess respondents in 2013.  In 2017, Overall Satisfaction for 45 Rosemary respondents was 84.4% compared to 71.42% of 35 respondents in 2013.  In 2017, Overall Satisfaction for 301 County of Newell respondents was 79.4% compared to 82.64% of 121 respondents in 2013.  In 2017, Overall Satisfaction for 982 Newell Region residents was 75.9% compared to 77% of 1,050 respondents in 2013.

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region SUMMARY OF COMMUNITY DEMOGRAPHICS

GENERAL NOTE ON DATA SOURCES FOR THE NEWELL REGION Data was derived primarily from the 2011 and 2016 Federal Censuses and the 2011 National Household Survey (NHS). Changes to the Federal Census Legislation meant that the Census Long Form was not mandatory for the 2011 Federal Census, which resulted in a marked decrease in completed forms. This had severe negative consequences regarding the accuracy and availability of the 2011 data that is available for communities, including those within the Newell Region.26 Data availability for the 2011 Federal Census and National Household Survey for smaller communities was very limited and less accurate even though they remained the most reliable and comprehensive sources available in Canada.27 Some data, notably 2011 income data (which was based on 2010 income tax returns), was still quite accurate. The Auditor General of Canada’s Performance Audit of Statistics Canada (Spring 2014) concluded that the needs of data users from small geographic areas and subpopulations were not being met.28 The Canadian Government reinstated the mandatory Census long form in 2015. With this change back from voluntary to mandatory, it is expected that the statistical data for the 2016 Federal Census is more accurate and better data will be available for the smaller communities.

It should be noted that a direct comparison to the 2016 Federal Census will not always be possible due to the unreliability of the 2011 National Household Survey.

2011 Census and National Household Survey data was retrieved from: Statistics Canada. 2012. Focus on Geography Series, 2011 Census. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 98-310-XWE2011004. Ottawa, Ontario. Analytical products, 2011 Census. Last updated October 24, 2012. Statistics Canada. 2013. Brooks, CA, Alberta (Code 806) (table). National Household Survey (NHS) Profile. 2011 National Household Survey. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 99-004-XWE. Ottawa. Released September 11, 2013. http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/nhs-enm/2011/dp-pd/prof/index.cfm?Lang=E (accessed March 29, 2014).

2016 Census data was retrieved from: Statistics Canada. 2017. Bassano, T [Census subdivision], Alberta and Division No. 2, CDR [Census division], Alberta (table). Census Profile. 2016 Census. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 98-316-X2016001. Ottawa. Release November 29, 2017. http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2016/dp-pd/prof/index.cfm?Lang=E (accessed December 05, 2017).

Statistics Canada. 2017. Brooks, CY [Census subdivision], Alberta and Division No. 2, CDR [Census division], Alberta (table). Census Profile. 2016 Census. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 98-316-X2016001. Ottawa. Release November 29, 2017. http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2016/dp-pd/prof/index.cfm?Lang=E (accessed December 05, 2017).

Statistics Canada. 2017. Duchess, VL [Census subdivision], Alberta and Division No. 2, CDR [Census division], Alberta (table). Census Profile. 2016 Census. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 98-316-X2016001. Ottawa. Release November 29, 2017. http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2016/dp-pd/prof/index.cfm?Lang=E (accessed December 05, 2017).

Statistics Canada. 2017. Rosemary, VL [Census subdivision], Alberta and Division No. 2, CDR [Census division], Alberta (table). Census Profile. 2016 Census. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 98-316-X2016001. Ottawa. Release November 29, 2017. http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2016/dp-pd/prof/index.cfm?Lang=E (accessed December 05, 2017).

Statistics Canada. 2017. Newell County, MD [Census subdivision], Alberta and Division No. 2, CDR [Census division], Alberta (table). Census Profile. 2016 Census. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 98-316-X2016001. Ottawa. Release November 29, 2017. http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2016/dp-pd/prof/index.cfm?Lang=E (accessed December 05, 2017).

26 Response rate was 45.1% for the National Household Survey. 27 Statistics Canada. Evaluation of the Census of Population Program (2009/2010 to 2014/2015). 28 Auditor General of Canada. Statistics Canada Performance Audit, Spring 2014. 29

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region See Appendix A for Detailed Newell Region Demographics (Statistics Canada).

NEWELL REGION SOCIOECONOMIC SUMMARY

As of October,2018 the Newell Region included the City of Brooks, County of Newell, Town of Bassano, and the Villages of Duchess and Rosemary. The County of Newell includes the Hamlets of Bow City, Cassils, Gem, Lake Newell Resort, Millicent, Patricia, Rolling Hills, Rainier, Scandia and Tilley. Tilley became a hamlet of the County of Newell on September 1, 2013. Socioeconomic Summary data derived primarily from the Federal Census, 2016.

The Newell Region is 5,931.03 square kilometres with a population density of 4.2 residents per square kilometre. The table below shows the distance of the hamlets and municipalities from the City of Brooks, whose businesses, services and programs serve residents throughout the Newell Region. Duchess is the closest municipality to Brooks, while Bassano is the furthest. The map on the cover page of this report shows the geographical location of the larger communities.

Kilometres from Brooks Kilometres from Brooks To Rosemary 35 km To Scandia 42km To Tilley 26 km To Gem 66km To Duchess 19 km To Bow City 35km To Rolling Hills 39 km To Rainier 36km To Patricia 32 km To Millicent 24km To Bassano 50 km To Cassils 11.5km To Lake Newell Resort 12km

In 2016, the population of the Newell Region was 24,662, representing an increase of 5.3% from 2011. This compares a national growth of 5% and to an average growth among all Census Agglomerations of 3.5%. Overall population in the Region increased from 18,672 in 2001, to 20,682 in 200929, to 23,430 in 2011, and to 24,662 in 2016.

In total, there were 8,511 private dwellings occupied by usual residents in the Newell Region in 2016, which represents a 1% increase from 2011.30

The Newell Region still has a relatively youthful population (a median age of 37.3), but several of the communities have a higher number of seniors. The median age in Bassano increased from 44.8 years in 2011 to 49.3 in 2016.31 Rolling Hills also continues to have a higher median age than most communities, but their median age decreased from 47.5 years in 2011 to 41 in 2016.32

In the Newell Region, 39.2% of the population has a post-secondary certificate, diploma or degree, which is a slight decrease from approximately 43% in 2011.33 Approximately 27% of the Newell Region population has no High School or equivalent certification an increase from 25.6% in 2011.34 Approximately 8% of the population has a Bachelor’s Degree and 1.4% have a Masters or PhD, which was 8% and 3% respectively in 2011.35

29 Government of Alberta. Alberta Municipal Affairs 2009 Official Population List. 30 2011 National Household Survey and 2016 Federal Census 31 2011 National Household Survey and 2016 Federal Census 32 2011 National Household Survey and 2016 Federal Census 33 2011 National Household Survey and 2016 Federal Census 34 2011 National Household Survey and 2016 Federal Census 35 2011 National Household Survey and 2016 Federal Census 30

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region The majority of Newell Region’s residents are married or living common law (63.3%) compared to Brooks at 59.5%. These percentages were 64.5 and 62 respectively in 2011. About 55% of couple families have children at home, which compares to 53% in 2011. The average size of census families in the Newell Region is 3.1, which is similar to Alberta (3) and Canada (2.9). The average size of families is similar in communities throughout the Region.

The five most frequently reported ethnic origins (in order) in the Newell Region, for people reporting either one more multiple ethnic origins are Canadian (6,285), German (5,480), English (5,140), Scottish (3,725) and Irish (3,235).

According to the 2016 Federal Census, 5,245 (22.4%) of the Newell Region’s population were foreign-born (immigrants) compared to 21.2% of Alberta’s population. Both the Region and Alberta have witnessed an increase of immigration since 2011: 3,420 (15.2%) for the Region and 18.1% for Alberta. When compared to Alberta, The City of Brooks has a higher percentage of immigrants (30.1%), which is also an increase since 2011 (20.1%). In 2016, of the immigrants living in the Newell Region, 2,345 (44%) came to Canada between 2011 and 2016 (it was 24.5% for Alberta). The percentage for Brooks during the same time period was 2,205 immigrants (52.3%). The new immigrant population in Brooks accounts for 94% of all the new immigrant statistics for the Region.

The 2016 Federal Census documented that 5,355 (22.9%) individuals in the Region belonged to a visible minority group, compared to 23.5% of Alberta’s population. These percentages for 2011 were 16.3% (Region) and 18.4% (Alberta). The City of Brooks, however, has a much higher percentage of visible minorities at 36.8%, which is an increase from 26.7% in 2011. Of the visible minority group in the Region, the largest groups were Black (37.3%), Filipino (26.6%) and Latin American (11.7%). Compared to the total population, these percentages were 8.5 (Black), 6.1 (Filipino) and 2.7 (Latin American). In Alberta, the largest visible minority groups were South Asian (24.7%), Filipino (17.8%) and Chinese (17%). The 2016 Federal Census indicates that 785 (3.4%) persons of Aboriginal background live in the Newell Region.

According to the 2016 Federal Census, 70.3% of Newell Region residents speak English as their Mother Tongue while 1% speak French. These percentages in 2011 were 78% and 1.2%, respectively. The three most frequently reported non-official languages spoken as Mother Tongue in the Newell Region were German (7.7%), Tagalog (3.4%) and Spanish (2.6%).

Immigrants to Canada generally choose to obtain Canadian Citizenship as soon as they have remained in Canada for the required number of years.36 Over the past several years (until 2017), changes in Citizenship regulations increased requirements that made it more challenging for newer immigrants to obtain citizenship.37 For example, the processing fee increased from $100 to $530 (with an added $100 right of citizenship fee) in 2014- 201538, and the physical presence requirement changed (in 2015) so that all applicants must be physically present in Canada for a minimum of 1,460 days (four years) out of six years prior to the submission of the citizenship application.39 Applicants also had to be physically present 183 days for each of the four calendar years that were within that six year span time. These changes led to a significant drop in citizenship applications between the first nine months of 2016 (56,446) and the same period the year prior (111,993), which was nearly

36 DeVoretz, D.J. and S. Pivnenko. Self-selection, Immigrant Public Finance Performance and Canadian Citizenship. RIMM, January 2005. 37 https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadian-citizenship/improvements/act-changes-2017.html 38 http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canadian-citizenship-applications-decrease-1.3976140 39 https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/canadian- citizenship/grant/residence/physical-presence-intent-reside-requirements.html#s02 31

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region a 50% drop.40 Starting in 2017, new Citizenship Act rules came into effect that have made the path of citizenship less cumbersome for immigrants, although the processing and right of citizenship fees have remained ($630 in total).41 According to the 2016 Federal Census, 86.2% of Newell Region residents are Canadian Citizens. The percentage of Brooks’ residents that are Canadian Citizens is 79.1%. The recent citizenship rule changes could result in an increase in citizenship applications from immigrants living in the Newell Region.

The 2011 National Household Survey included data on religious affiliation in Canada, and this information was provided in the 2014 Quality of Life report for the Newell Region. Information on religion is collected every ten years42 therefore this data will next be available on the 2021 Federal Census.

According to the 2016 Federal Census, 11,960 people were employed and 1,175 were unemployed in the Newell Region for a total labour force of 13,135 in May 2016 (measured from May 1st to 7th). The top five industries that provide employment in the Newell Region are:

 Manufacturing (15.6%)  Agriculture; Forestry; Fishing and Hunting (11.1%)  Mining; Quarrying; and Oil and Gas Extraction (9.8%)  Retail Trade (8.8%)  Healthcare and Social Assistance (7%)  These top industries make up 52.3% of the total 2016 labour force in the County of Newell43.

This is a significant change from 2011 when the top five industries providing employment in the Newell Region were:

 Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting (17.5% of total industry)  Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction (12.6% of total industry)  Construction (8.9% of total industry)  Educational Services (8.5% of total industry)  Healthcare and Social Assistance (7.2% of total industry).  These top industries make up 54.7% of the total labour force of the County of Newell44.

Household income varies among the communities in the Newell Region. Bassano had the lowest median household income ($62,805) and Duchess had the highest ($97,707). The median household income for the Region was $82,002, which is higher than Canada ($70,336) but lower than Alberta ($93,835). The 2016 Federal Census incorporates income data from 2015, and it is the most current data available at this time.

Agriculture continues to be an important industry within the Newell Region. The expansion of one of the industries, JBS Foods Canada, has created increased employment opportunities and some social challenges due to the constantly changing demographics, particularly in the City of Brooks. Employing over 2,600 workers, JBS creates a market for local farmers and ranchers and is one of Canada’s largest beef packing and processing plants.45 Currently, the facility processes 4,200 animals daily and has the ability to process 280 animals an

40 http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canadian-citizenship-applications-decrease-1.3976140 41 https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadian-citizenship/improvements/act-changes-2017.html 42 https://www.statcan.gc.ca/eng/help/bb/info/religion 42 2011 Summary of Southeast Alberta Industry 43 Statistics Canada Brooks CA National Household Survey 2011 44 Statistics Canada Brooks CA National Household Survey 2011 45 https://jbssa.com/our-business/canada/ 32

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region hour.46 There are 66 different languages spoken at the facility and 80 dialects.47 Until 2009, the Oil & Gas Industry also continued to drive much of the economic growth with over 3000 oil and gas wells within the boundaries of the Newell Region 48 . Beginning in 2014, The Newell Region experienced the negative, far- reaching impact when the Alberta economy began to experience a dramatic downturn in the oil and gas industry.

While the economy of the Newell Region remains strong with its diversified industries (manufacturing, agriculture, oil and gas, and tourism), the Region faces some challenges in retaining staff for some of the processing plants (JBS Meat Packing, Scandia Honey), producers and hospitality businesses that require the use of Temporary Foreign Workers.49 Retaining young adults in rural areas is also dependent on their ability to obtain employment and the possibility of career advancement.50

The Newell Region offers a wide variety of residential housing including modular homes; single family houses, multiple-family housing, executive homes; apartments and farmhouses. In 2017, the average Residential Home assessment was between $64,324 (manufacture home with no land) to $529,811 (single family dwelling). Owner households in the Newell Region paid an average monthly shelter cost of $1,123, which was lower than the Alberta average of $1,531. These shelter costs represent an increase since 2011, which were $1,079 (Newell Region) and $1,252 (Alberta). Tenant households in the Newell Region paid an average monthly shelter cost of approximately $76751, which was remarkably less than the Alberta average of $1,279. Monthly shelter costs for renters in the Newell Region decreased from $907 in 2011, but the Alberta average increased from $1,129.

46 Parker, Bruce, Brooks Bulletin, October 23, 2018. 47 Parker, Bruce, Brooks Bulletin, October 23, 2018. 48 2003 County of Newell No.4 50 Years of Growth Publication. 49 Mayor Martin Shields, Brooks Bulletin, June 3, 2014. 50 2011 Federal Census 51 The average monthly shelter cost for rented dwellings is particularly low since $0 was reported for Rosemary, thus bringing down the result for the Newell Region. It cannot be determined with the data presented if this is correct, or if it should be documented as N/A. With Rosemary removed from the equation, the average monthly shelter cost for rented dwellings in the Newell Region is $959.25, which is more consistent with the other increases. 33

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region FINDINGS FROM THE QUALITY OF LIFE SURVEY

GAP ANALYSIS Comparing Rank of Importance and Satisfaction (Gap Analysis) from the Region creates an interesting set of results. In a perfect scenario there would be a match between these two subjective measurements. For example, Sense of Community would have the same Importance as Rank of Satisfaction. When addressing these gaps, there are three possible results: (i) Positive Gaps (Rank of Satisfaction is higher than Rank of Importance), (ii) Match Gap (Ranks of Satisfaction and Importance are equal), and (iii) Negative Gap (Rank of Satisfaction is lower than Rank of Importance).

A Positive Gap may arise if community members are more satisfied with a factor than they ranked the factor’s Importance. While this is a positive outcome and demonstrates that the community is satisfied with that factor, it then creates inequality, as it is impossible to have all nine factors responses as Positive Gaps.

NEWELL REGION GAP ANALYSIS

Comparison of Gap Analyses (2017 and 2013)

The tables below represent a comparison between this study’s Gap Analysis and the one conducted in 2013. There are noticeable changes among categories for Rank of Importance since the last Quality of Life Study. Economy and Employment has increased in Rank of Importance (from 6th to 4th) and Environment has decreased (from #4 to #6). There are also noticeable changes among categories for Rank of Satisfaction; Health has increased from 5th to 4th, Sense of Community has decreased from #4 to #5, Economy and Employment has decreased from #7 to #9, and Government has increased from #9 to #7. There have been some changes in Gaps as well. Sense of Community now has a Match Gap (it was Positive in 2013), and Government has a Positive Gap (it was Match in 2013).

Quality of Life Gap Analysis (2017) Rank of Rank of Importance Satisfaction Gap Health 1 4 Negative Personal Well-being 2 1 Positive Education System 3 2 Positive Economy and Employment 4 9 Negative Sense of Community 5 5 Match Physical Environment 6 3 Positive Political Rights and General Values 7 8 Negative Social Programs/Social Conditions 8 6 Positive Government 9 7 Positive

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region

Quality of Life Gap Analysis (2013) Rank of Rank of Importance Satisfaction Gap Health 1 5 Negative Personal Well-being 2 1 Positive Education System 3 2 Positive Physical Environment 4 3 Positive Sense of Community 5 4 Positive Economy and Employment 6 7 Negative Political Rights & General 7 8 Negative Values Social Programs/Social 8 6 Positive Conditions Government 9 9 Match

Canada Day in Rosemary

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Importance Factors and Variables

A number of variables were identified within each Factor of Importance to gather further information.

FACTORS OF IMPORTANCE SECTOR RANK VARIABLES OF IMPORTANCE WITHIN EACH FACTOR

1 Community Suicide Rates; Mental Health; Physical Activity; Health52 Lifestyle; Rates of Disease53

Personal Well- 2 Personal Health; Family; Friends; Personal Safety; and Spiritual SOCIAL SECTOR Being and Religious Acceptance Education 3 Personal Educational Attainment; Education; Adult Literacy; System Community High School Dropout Rate; and Community Literacy Rate

Sense of 5 Knowing Neighbors; Working Together; Helping Others; Community Community Safety; and Sense of Belonging Social 8 Accessing Transportation; Availability of Public Housing; Programs/Social Availability of Social Assistance and Programs; Community Conditions Homelessness; and Community Centers for Arts and Cultural Events

Physical 6 Water Quality, Air Quality; Noise Pollution; Greenhouse Gas Environment Emissions; and Land Pollution. BUSINESS Economy and 4 Community Unemployment Rates; Community Employment SECTOR Employment Rates; Level of Income; Community Rate of Bankruptcies; and Financial Effects of Crime. Political Rights & 7 Honesty; Respect; Integrity; Freedom of Speech; and Sharing General Values

POLITICAL

SECTOR 9 Level of Trust in Government; Maintained Roads; Government Government Water Policies; Barriers to Entrepreneurship; and Community Taxes

Note: The variables of levels of Importance and Satisfaction are interrelated components to the study of Quality of Life.

52 Two variables of Health, Community Life and Expectancy, were removed from the 2017 study due to low statistical significance in 2014. 53 Rates of Disease was added as a variable of Health for the 2017 study. 36

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Key Findings: Rank of Importance

As with the 2013 Quality of Life results, when ranking factors Important to Quality of Life in the Newell Region respondents ranked Health as #1, Personal Well-Being as #2 and Education as #3.

Respondents were asked to rate from Not At All Important to Very Important the chosen questions regarding variables that impact their Quality of Life in a number of general areas.

As with the 2013 study, there was a high rate of Important to Very Important responses for the Rate of Importance variables, and a lower percentage of Neutral Responses (approximately half when compared to the Important to Very Important responses). This also contrasted with the higher number of neutral responses for Rate of Satisfaction; much like the 2013 Quality of Life study. Generally, very few respondents answered Not Very Important or Not Important, which was somewhat lower than the number of respondents who answered Very Dissatisfied or Dissatisfied. The numbers for the latter two were generally low.

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Satisfaction Factors and Variables A number of variables of most significance were identified within each Satisfaction Factor to gather further information

FACTORS TO MEASURE VARIABLES OF SATISFACTION WITHIN EACH SECTOR SATISFACTION RANK FACTOR

1 Community Gathering Places Personal Well-Being Personal Development

Free Time Activities

2 Post-Secondary Education; SOCIAL SECTOR Education System Adult/Continuing Education

Job Training Programs Sense of Community 5 Domestic Violence Community Safety

Social Inclusion 4 Addictions Health Persons with Disabilities Access to Physicians (Doctors)

Social Programs/Social Conditions 6 Public Transportation

Homelessness

Access to Childcare 3 Environmental Awareness Physical Environment BUSINESS SECTOR Recycling

Waste Management

Economy and Employment 9 Poverty

Affordable Housing

Employment Political Rights & General Values 8 English as a Second Language

POLITICAL Discrimination SECTOR Immigration

Government 7 Local Population Growth

Emergency Services

Utilities

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Key Findings: Rank of Satisfaction Respondents from the Newell Region indicated that their five highest Rank of Satisfaction Factors were: #1 Personal Well-Being, #2 Education, #3 Environment, #4 Health and #5 Community. There was no change for the top three rankings since 2013, but Health and Community switched ranking places; in 2013, Sense of Community was #4 and Health was #5.

Most importance was placed on Health #1, while the Rank of Satisfaction with Health was #4, creating a Negative Gap. However, that gap has decreased since 2013 because Health increased by one for Rank of Satisfaction; this indicates in improvement in levels of satisfaction in the area of Health over the past few years, according to Newell Region respondents. Results indicates that while Health is still Very Important to residents, their rank of Satisfaction with the services is lower.

Another notable Negative Gap which has increased since 2013 is Economy and Employment. In 2017, Newell Region residents ranked Economy and Employment higher for Importance, #4, and gave it a Rank of Satisfaction of 9. These numbers in 2013 were 6 (Importance) and 7 (Satisfaction). The Region has been hit hard by the recent economic downturn, which helps explain the five point gap.

The Rank of Importance for Environment decreased to #6 while its Rank of Satisfaction remained the same at 3, which means it still has a Positive Gap.

Although Rank of Importance for Government of 9 has not changed since 2013, its Rank of Satisfaction has increased over that time from 9 in 2013 to 7 in 2017. While it had a Match Gap in 2013, it now has a Positive Gap.

Respondents were asked to rate from Very Satisfied to Very Dissatisfied questions on variables within nine factors of Quality of Place.

There is a wide diversity of Satisfaction levels for each variable under the nine factors. Respondents used the Neutral option a high percentage of the time (similar to 2013) except for where there were clear expressions of Satisfaction or Dissatisfaction: Public Transportation; Employment; Emergency Services and Community Safety. Variations in Rank of Importance and Satisfaction within Areas of the Newell Region

Health was the only Quality of Life Factor that ranked #1 in Importance for all communities, which is unchanged since the previous Quality of Life Study. There were variations in the Rank of Satisfaction with Bassano giving Health #1 Rank of Satisfaction, Brooks at #3, Duchess at #8, Rosemary at #6, County of Newell at #5 and Newell Region at #4.

Significantly, respondents in all areas of the Newell Region ranked Economy and Employment #4, Political Rights and General Values #7, Social Programs #8 and Government #9 in Rank of Importance. Newell Residents only ranked Government #9 across the board for Rank of Importance in 2013. The majority of Newell Communities either indicated an increased Rank of Satisfaction or the ranking remained the same for Government, except for Duchess which saw a decrease in Rank of Satisfaction.

Like the 2014 Quality of Life Study, Health, Personal Well-Being and Education generally ranked #1, #2, or #3 for Rank of Importance. In terms of Satisfaction there were more variations in ranking, but Personal Well-Being and Education all ranked in the top five in all communities. These variations were more diverse in 2013.

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region 796 (57.9%) of the 1,374 survey respondents were City of Brooks residents, which influenced the results for the Newell Region Quality of Life Findings, although this influence was slightly less than in 2013 (675 residents, or 60.2%). To further understand the differences of perception in the Quality of Life throughout the Region, it is valuable to consider the differences and similarities in responses between the communities.

Ranking of Importance and Satisfaction Across the Newell Region (2017) County of Newell Bassano Brooks Duchess Rosemary Newell Region Health Importance 1 1 1 1 1 1 Satisfaction 1 3 8 6 5 4 Personal Well- Importance 2 3 2 2 2 2 Being Satisfaction 3 1 3 1 2 1 Education Importance 3 2 3 3 3 3 System Satisfaction 5 2 2 4 3 2 Economy and Importance 4 4 4 4 4 4 Employment Satisfaction 9 9 9 9 9 9 Sense of Importance 5 5 6 5 5 5 Community Satisfaction 4 5 4 2 4 5 Physical Importance 6 6 5 6 6 6 Environment Satisfaction 2 4 1 3 1 3 Political Rights Importance 7 7 7 7 7 7 and General Satisfaction Values 7 8 7 7 6 8 Social Importance 8 8 8 8 8 8 Programs/Social Satisfaction Conditions 6 7 5 5 7 6 Government Importance 9 9 9 9 9 9 Satisfaction 8 6 6 8 8 7

Number of Positive, Match and Negative Gaps (2017) County Newell Gap Bassano Brooks Duchess Rosemary of Newell Region Positive 4 4 5 5 5 5 Match 2 2 1 1 2 1 Negative 3 3 3 3 2 3

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region

Ranking of Importance and Satisfaction Across the Newell Region (2013)

County Newell Bassano Brooks Duchess Rosemary Tilley of Newell Region Health Importance 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Satisfaction 3 6 9 5 2 5 5 Personal Well- Importance 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 Being Satisfaction 2 1 7 1 1 1 1 Education Importance 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 System Satisfaction 1 2 8 7 3 4 2 Economy and Importance 4 5 6 7 5 6 6 Employment Satisfaction 9 7 4 6 9 6 7 Sense of Importance 6 6 4 4 4 4 5 Community Satisfaction 6 4 6 4 6 3 4 Physical Importance 5 4 5 6 6 5 4 Environment Satisfaction 5 3 5 2 4 2 3 Political Rights Importance 7 7 7 5 8 7 7 and General Satisfaction 7 8 3 3 5 7 8 Values Social Importance 8 8 8 8 7 8 8 Programs/Social Satisfaction 4 5 2 8 7 8 6 Conditions Government Importance 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 Satisfaction 8 9 1 9 8 9 9

Number of Positive, Match and Negative Gaps (2013) County of Newell Gap Bassano Brooks Duchess Rosemary Tilley Newell Region Positive 4 4 4 4 4 3 5 Match 3 2 1 2 2 4 1 Negative 2 3 4 3 3 2 3

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region

Gap Analysis

Different responses to the Health Ranking for Importance and Satisfaction has resulted in variations in the Gap Analysis

 There are some consistent Positive, Match and Negative Gaps among the nine factors.

 Health was a Negative Gap for all communities, except for Bassano which was a Match Gap. Bassano was a Negative Gap in 2013.

 Personal Well-Being was a Positive Gap for Brooks, Rosemary and the Newell Region. There are Negative Gaps for Bassano and Duchess, and a Match Gap for the County of Newell. This represents a change since 2013 when all communities/areas had Positive Gaps, except for Duchess which had a Negative Gap.

 Education System was a Positive Gap for Duchess and the Newell Region. There are Negative Gaps for Bassano and Rosemary, and Match Gaps for Brooks and the County of Newell. There were three Negative Gaps, two Positive Gaps and Two Match Gaps in 2013. Brooks and the Newell Region remained unchanged since 2013.

 Economy and Employment has an equal Negative Gap for all five communities and the Newell Region. Each area’s Rank of Importance for this factor was 4 and the Rank of Satisfaction was 9. This is a change from 2013 when only three communities and the Newell Region had Negative Gaps for this factor.

 Sense of Community was a Positive Gap for Bassano, Duchess, Rosemary, and the County of Newell. There were Match Gaps for Brooks and the Newell Region. This was a change since 2013 when there were two Negative Gaps, three Positive Gaps and two Match Gaps.

 Government has the lowest Rank of Importance (#9) for all five communities and the Newell Region, which is unchanged since 2013. However, there is a Positive Gap for all geographical areas whereas there were four in 2013, and three were Match Gaps.

 Physical Environment was a Positive Gap in five geographic areas and a Match Gap in two in 2013. However, in 2017 it is a Positive Gap for all geographic areas.

 Political Rights & General Values was a Negative Gap for Brooks and the Newell Region, Positive Gap for the County of Newell, and Match Gap for Bassano, Duchess and Rosemary in 2017. There were two Negative Gaps, three Positive Gaps and two Match Gaps in 2013.

 Social Programs/Social Conditions had Positive Gaps for all of the communities in 2017. In 2013, there were four Positive Gaps and three Match Gaps (one of which was Tilley, and it is now a hamlet of the County of Newell).

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Comparisons across the Newell Region

 Bassano ranked their Level of Importance and Satisfaction with Health as #1, which is not the case for any other geographic area. It can therefore be assumed that respondents from Bassano consider health very important and they are equally Satisfied with health services in the community. Bassano residents don’t have to travel to Brooks to receive basic and emergency medical care, which likely contributes to a higher Satisfaction with Health in that community. It could be assumed that the City of Brooks would have a high Level of Satisfaction as well since the majority of Health Services for the Region are located there, but the Brooks Level of Satisfaction was #3 in 2017. However, this represents an increase in Satisfaction from #6 in 2013, indicating that Brooks’ residents have become more Satisfied with Health Services over the past four years. Given that the majority of Health Services in the Region are located in Brooks, residents from other communities must travel there to receive medical care. That may partially explain why Rosemary, Duchess and the County of Newell have a lower Level of Satisfaction with Health than the other geographic areas.

 Satisfaction with Government has increased across the Region since 2013 (except for Bassano where it remained the same and Duchess where it decreased). While it is difficult to determine factors driving this increase, potential influences may be regional water system access, continued high satisfaction with emergency services, more access to physicians and the municipal government assistance made available to those oil and gas residents negatively impacted by the economic downturn.

 It may be suggested that the economic downturn is largely responsible for the significant drop in Newell Region residents’ Satisfaction with Economy and Employment (ranked #9 for all geographic regions).

 Rank of Importance for Political Rights and General Values was #7 for all geographic areas in 2017, which was the same in 2013 (except for Rosemary, which had a #5 for Importance). Rank of Satisfaction for this factor remained the same for Bassano, Brooks and the Newell Region. Duchess and Rosemary had equal decreases (#3 to #7), and the County of Newell had an increase (#7 to #6).

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Gap Analysis across the Newell Region

Quality of Life Gaps: Since the City of Brooks represents the majority of residents in the Region it is interesting to compare the responses of the City of Brooks respondents with those of the Newell Region as a whole and the other municipalities. The Gap Analysis varies between the individual communities. Comparisons between the two study years is also of value.

Quality of Life Gaps (2017) Positive Match Negative Health Bassano Brooks, Duchess , Rosemary, County of Newell, Newell Region

Personal Well-Being Brooks, Newell Region, County of Newell Bassano, Duchess Rosemary

Education System Newell Region, Duchess Brooks, County of Bassano, Rosemary Newell Economy and Bassano, Brooks, Employment Duchess, Rosemary, County of Newell, Newell Region Sense of Community Bassano, Duchess, Brooks, Newell Rosemary, County of Region Newell

Physical Environment Bassano, Brooks, Duchess, Rosemary, County of Newell, Newell Region Political Rights and County of Newell Bassano, Duchess, Brooks, Newell Region General Values Rosemary

Social Programs/Social Bassano, Brooks, Conditions Duchess, Rosemary, County of Newell, Newell Region Government Bassano, Brooks, Duchess, Rosemary, County of Newell, Newell Region

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Quality of Life Gaps (2013) Positive Match Negative Health Bassano, Brooks, Duchess, Rosemary, Tilley, County of Newell, Newell Region Personal Well-Being Bassano, Brooks, Duchess Rosemary, Tilley, County of Newell, Newell Region

Education System Bassano, Newell Region Brooks, Tilley Duchess, Rosemary, County of Newell

Economy and Duchess, Rosemary County of Newell Bassano, Brooks, Tilley, Employment Newell Region

Sense of Community Brooks, County of Newell, Bassano, Duchess, Tilley Newell Region Rosemary

Physical Environment Brooks, Rosemary, Tilley, Bassano, Duchess County of Newell, Newell Region

Political Rights and Duchess, Rosemary, Tilley Bassano, County Brooks, Newell Region General Values of Newell

Social Programs/Social Bassano, Brooks, Rosemary, Tilley, Conditions Duchess, Newell Region County of Newell

Government Bassano, Duchess, Tilley Brooks, Rosemary, County of Newell, Newell Region

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region NEGATIVE GAP ANALYSIS The 2017 Quality of Life Survey gap analysis identified three Negative Gaps in the Newell Region. Negative Gaps occur when the Rank of Importance is higher than the Rank of Satisfaction within the nine broad categories.

1. Health 2. Economy and Employment 3. Political Rights and General Values

The 2013 Quality of Life gap analysis also identified three Negative Gaps in the Newell Region, which were for same categories.

NEGATIVE GAP: HEALTH Factor Ranked #1 for Level of Importance and #4 for Level of Satisfaction

This Factor was defined with the following variables

QUALITY OF LIFE QUALITY OF PLACE Importance Variables Satisfaction Variables Lifestyle Addictions Physical Activity Persons with Disabilities Rates of Disease Access to Physicians (Doctors) Mental Health Community Suicide Rates

Importance of Health Variables

Importance of Health

Lifestyle

Physical Activity Very Important Important

Rates of Disease Neutral Not Important

Mental Health Not at all Important

Community Suicide Rates

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region FINDINGS:

 There was a high neutral response for the Health Importance variable Community Suicide Rates (20.3%), which was a drop of 2% since 2013.  88.7% of respondents thought that Mental Health was Important to Very Important, 9.5% were Neutral and only 1.2% thought Mental Health was Not Important.  85.1% of respondents thought that Lifestyle was Important to Very Important, while 12.7% were Neutral and 1.3% were Not Important.  88.7% of respondents thought that Physical Activity was Important to Very Important (it was 90% in 2013), while 9.8% were neutral and 1% responded Not Important.  83.8% of respondents thought that Rates of Disease was Important to Very important, while 13.5% thought it was neutral and 1.6% thought it was Not Important. General Health Statistics

Note: The Newell Region is in the South Zone and is the most current available data. Where possible, data has been accessed for the South Zone.

Life Expectancy Rates

Life Expectancy at Birth and at Age 65, Canada, Provinces and Territories, 2011-201354 Region At Birth At Age 65 Males Females Males Females Canada 79.6 83.8 19.0 21.9 Alberta 79.2 83.6 18.9 21.9

Life Expectancy at Birth and at Age 65, Canada, Provinces and Territories, 2009-201155 Region At Birth At Age 65 Males Females Males Females Canada 79.3 83.6 18.8 21.7 Alberta 79.1 83.5 18.8 21.8

Life Expectancy:

The Life Expectancy for the South Zone was 81.9 for women and 77.7 for men in 2016; for 2012 these numbers were 83 and 78 respectively. 56 This compares to the Life Expectancy for Newell Region communities in 2016 which was 83.72 for women and 79.19 for men; for 2012 these numbers were 83.1 for women and 78.09 for men.

54 Statistics Canada. 2017. Life tables, Canada, provinces and territories, catalogue no. 84-537-X. 55 Statistics Canada, Demography Division. 56 Alberta Vital Statistics. Life expectancy is the number of years a person would be expected to live if the age and sex specific mortality rates for a given observation period were held constant. 47

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region

Self-Perceived Mental Health – South Zone

Year State of Health Prevalence Prevalence South Zone Alberta 2014 Excellent or Very 63.98% 72.22% Good 2014 Poor, Fair or 36.02% 27.78% Good Excellent or very 2012 70.46% 71.01% good Poor, Fair or 2012 29.54% 28.99% Good

Healthy Alberta Trend Index (HATi)57

Prevalence Prevalence Year South Zone Alberta 2014 2.34 2.14 2012 2.45 2.22

Infant Mortality Rate – South Zone

Year South Zone Infant Live birth Alberta Infant Mortality deaths South Infant Rate Zone Mortality Rate 2015 1.89 8 4,237 4.42 2012 2.45 2.22 4,087 4.16

57 The Healthy Alberta Trends Index – HATi – measures the average number of risk factors per person. 48

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Overall Satisfaction with Health Services Factor was 77.5% (2013: 75.7%)

Health Services Satisfaction Variables

Newell Region Satisfaction with Health Services

Addiction

Persons with Disabilities

Access to Physicians (Doctors) Overall Health Satisfaction

FINDINGS:

 Addictions had an overall Satisfaction level of 37.1% (478); 3.73% were Very Satisfied, 15.7% (203) were Satisfied, and 17.6% (227) were Somewhat Satisfied. Neutral responses were 42.5% (547), 10.8% (139) were Somewhat Dissatisfied, 6.5% (83) were Dissatisfied, and 3.11% (40) were Very Dissatisfied. In 2013 Overall Satisfaction was 35.9%; Satisfaction percentages were 3.2 (Very Satisfied), 17.2 (Satisfied), 15.5 (Somewhat Satisfied), 39.5 (Neutral), 11.4 (Somewhat Dissatisfied), 8.4 (Dissatisfied) and 4.8 (Very Dissatisfied).

 Persons with Disabilities had an Overall Satisfaction level of 45.4% (588), 4.6% (60) were Very Satisfied, 20.2% (261) were Satisfied, and 20.6% (267) were Somewhat Satisfied. In 2017 Neutral responses were 39.6% (513), 9.7% (135) were Somewhat Dissatisfied, 3.4% (44) were Dissatisfied, and 1.9% (24) were Very Dissatisfied. 2013 Satisfaction percentages were 42.3 (Overall Satisfaction), 5.4 (Very Satisfied), 18.3 (Satisfied), and 18.5 (Somewhat Satisfied) 40.4 (Neutral), 8.8 (Somewhat dissatisfied), 4.9 (Dissatisfied) and 3.6 (Very Dissatisfied).

 Access to Physicians (Doctors) had an Overall Satisfaction level of 74.6% (979), 19.7% (258) were Very Satisfied, 35.7% (468) were Satisfied and 19.3% (253) were Somewhat Satisfied. The percentages for 2013 were 57.8, 12.7, 28.4 and 16.8 respectively. 2017 Neutral responses were 12% (158), 7.3% (96) for Somewhat Dissatisfied, 3.4% (45) for Dissatisfied, and 2.6% (34) for Very Dissatisfied. The percentages for 2013 were 11, 13.7, 9.7 and 7.8 respectively.

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Addictions Services

According to research on Employment Assistance Programs in the Oil and Gas Industry58, the nature of employment available in the region that include long working days/weeks, namely the oil and gas sector (plus often away from family) and involve repetitive tasks at places of employment provides conditions that may lead to addictive behavior. Significantly, the oil and gas industry and the meat processing plant are two of the three primary employment industries in the Region. The Newell Region is home to a local office of Alberta Health Services (AHS), Addictions and Mental Health Community Services59 with addiction services (youth and adult) and community organizations that provide help and support to those seeking treatment. There are also a number of drug and alcohol self-help groups in the region such as Al-Anon and Alateen.60

In 2017, there was one arrest for the production of drugs, which was the same as the year prior.61 There were 29 arrests for drug possession (which was a 23.7% decrease from 2016) and 18 arrests for drug trafficking (which was a 40% decrease from 2016).

Access to Services for Persons with Disabilities

Approximately 40% of respondents were neutral regarding the Access to Services for Persons with Disabilities variable. While access to Services for Persons with Disabilities does not concern all respondents, it is a challenging issue for those seeking specialized services or diagnosis (particularly for individuals living in rural areas). The Provincial Government has prioritized access for special services for special needs individuals, such as the Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD)Program62, but wait lists exist and there could be various costs that may not be covered. Families raising children with disabilities and/or adults with disabilities must also be able to travel to Brooks, and most likely to other urban centers, such as Calgary or Medicine Hat (which are two hours and one hour, respectively, from Brooks by automobile) for assessments and services.63

Within the Newell Region, in-region transportation services for persons with disabilities are provided by the County of Newell Mini Bus, the City of Brooks Handibus and Grasslands Public School Division. The County of Newell Mini Bus provides transportation services for all residents outside the City of Brooks including persons with disabilities of any age and residents who don’t drive and/or lack their own forms of transportation.64 The County’s Mini Bus also provides door-to-door service for any Newell Region residents to any appointments (doctor, dentist, shopping, visiting relatives, etc.) in Brooks. Brooks’ residents may also use the Mini Bus service to visit friends or relatives that live in other areas of the Region. This service requires a one-time registration fee of $10, and a round trip fee of $10 each time you use the Mini Bus. The City of Brooks’ Handibus primarily serves City of Brooks residents living with disabilities and residents 65 years of age or older.65 Visitors from outside communities that fit the ridership criteria are also able to use the Handibus for transportation in Brooks. The School Divisions provides services for children and youth living with disabilities through transportation to and from school and to special activities and school- related activities.

58 Health and Wellness Trends in the Oil and Gas Sector Shepell.fgi Research Group 2009 59 https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/info/facility.aspx?id=1010258&service= 60 http://al-anon.org/al-anon-meetings/find-an-al-anon-meeting/ 61 Brooks Municipal Detachment Statistical Comparison January to December: 2013 – 2017. April 04, 2018. 62 http://www.humanservices.alberta.ca/disability-services/14855.html 63 http://216.119.96.229/business/documents/TransportationReportFinalcopywrite.pdf 64 http://www.countyofnewell.ab.ca/p/mini-bus-service 65 http://www.brooks.ca/278/Handibus 50

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region The Newell Transportation Networks Exploratory Study October 2013 outlined some of the challenges persons with disabilities face in terms of accessing community activities and services both in-region and out-of-region due to the limitation of the existing transportation services for persons with disabilities.66

There are non-municipal agencies located in Brooks that serve youth and adults with disabilities including Next Steps Residential Services Ltd67and Newell Community Action Group68. Next Steps also serves children. An individual and/or their family is able to choose which service they want to access after receiving confirmation of provincial funding through the Persons with Disabilities Program.69 Both groups have a variety of programs including:

1. Community Living Supports – staff to help in a home. Includes overnight staff residents, support homes, supported independent living, and respite care. 2. Employment Supports – staff to help a person gain and maintain employment. Includes Employment Preparation and Employment Placement. 3. Community Access Supports – staff to help a person fully participate in a community. Focusing on personal development, alternatives to employment and community inclusion.

Children as young as 2.5 years old can benefit from Early Childhood Services (ECS), which includes Preschool, Kindergarten and other education programming. A child who is at least five years old by March 1 of the school year may be provided with Base Instruction Funding (BIF), through a board or approved school authority, to attend kindergarten for 475 hours in the year prior to Grade One.70 The early learning experiences children receive seek to meet their diverse needs, which will then in turn help them to become a contributing, caring and responsible member of society.

Program Unit Funding (PUF), in addition to BIF, can be provided to approved ECS operators such as Brooks Early Learning Academy (BELA) in Brooks71, and school boards for children aged 2.5 to 6 years who have been identified as having a severe disability/delay.72 Children who fit the criteria are eligible for up three years of ECS funded programming.73 Preschool programs such as the Brooks Pre-School may receive Inclusive Support Funding through Children’s Services, Early Learning Program for qualifying children with Special Needs.

Services for Persons with Disabilities are also available through the provincial government ministries such as Alberta Health Services 74 75, Alberta Ministry of Community and Social Services76 and the Ministry of Seniors and Housing77. The federal government also has a variety of programs and services available for persons with disabilities78

Introduced in the Alberta Legislature on November 8, 2018, An Act to Combat Poverty and Fight for Albertans

66 Grasslands Regional FCSS, Transportation Networks Exploratory Study, October 2013 67 http://nextstepltd.ca/ 68 http://www.ncag.ca/ 69 https://www.alberta.ca/disability-supports.aspx 70 https://education.alberta.ca/early-childhood-education/early-childhood-services/everyone/early-childhood-services-information/ 71 http://www.brooksearlylearning.ca/ 72 https://education.alberta.ca/early-childhood-education/early-childhood-services/everyone/early-childhood-services-information/ 73 https://education.alberta.ca/early-childhood-education/early-childhood-services/everyone/early-childhood-services-information/ 74 https://www.albertahealthservices.ca 75 https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/info/page9213.aspx 76 http://www.humanservices.alberta.ca/programs-and-services.html 77 http://www.seniors-housing.alberta.ca/ 7878 https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/disability.html

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region with Disabilities proposes to index social benefits like Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) with inflation. It would also recognize increases to the cost of living by providing a one-time increase to AISH and Income Support. Nearly 250,000 Albertans receive support through AISH, Income Support or Seniors Benefits. If passed, the legislation would make Alberta one of only four jurisdictions that indexes disability and income support benefits, and one of only two that indexes senior benefits with inflation79.

Mental Health

Respondents were asked if they had one or more Personal or Household Health Condition and/or a Household Social Condition which negatively impacted them. Mental Health has been identified as a priority across the sectors and local Initiatives are occurring to respond to the issue of Mental Health in our communities. Of the 476 respondents, 24.78% responded they have mental health issues; 29.58% of 463 respondents are negatively impacted by a mental health issue in their household. A significant number of the 323 respondents were negatively impacted by a Social Condition in their Household, the top three social conditions being Housing Costs (53.25%), Lack of Transportation (23.5%) and Poverty (19.19%). Local initiatives are underway to help alleviate these three social conditions which have consistently been identified as barriers to a positive quality of life for residents.

79 https://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=61969950DFFBC-EB3E-67D5-D2020578DC9A86F8 52

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region

The above chart reflects projections of future mental illness trends in Canada to 2041

An Out of School Activities Survey and follow up discussions with 900 Junior High students in 2016 identified the biggest issues and concerns youth deal with in communities.80 The above chart reflects the responses.

80 Grasslands Regional FCSS. Newell Region Youth Community Action Plan 2016 53

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Access to Physicians (Doctors)

The Newell Region, like many other rural regions in Alberta, had struggled over the years to attract enough family doctors. Focussed efforts have been made locally and by the Province to provide incentives to doctors (newly graduated or foreign trained) to settle in rural areas. Transportation was also identified as a barrier to accessing physicians

Comparison with Access to Physicians across Communities

N = 1292 Respondents

Access to Physicians

Very Satisfied Satisfied Somewhat Satisfied Neutral Somewhat Dissatisfied Dissatisfied Very Dissatisfied

Bassano Brooks Duchess Rosemary County of Newell Newell Region

When the Quality of Life Survey responses for Access to Physicians are charted across communities, the responses provide insight into levels of Satisfaction with residents’ ability to access physicians. Most of the Health facilities and services are located in Brooks and there is also a Health Centre located in in Bassano. In 2013, these two communities had the highest level of overall dissatisfaction with Access to Physicians with Bassano at 58.8% and Brooks at 31.4%. However, overall Access to Physicians Dissatisfaction for these two communities for the 2017 study dropped significantly with Bassano at 15.4% and Brooks at 10.8%. Duchess also dropped from 25.5% in 2013 to 16.9% in 2017. Bassano (70.2%) and Brooks (77.3%) have the highest level of overall Access to Physicians Satisfaction. Rosemary has the lowest level of overall Satisfaction at 58.3% of respondents. When comparing the County of Newell Hamlets, the Hamlet of Cassils had the lowest overall Access to Physicians Satisfaction with 56.3%.

In the 2013 Grasslands Regional FCSS study on Transportation Networks81, access to medical care due to the lack of transportation and the operating hours of the medical clinics was an issue that was raised by respondents. Since then, medical clinics in the Region have expanded their operating hours, which has alleviated some of the access issues in the Region. Out of region access to physicians, particularly specialists, was identified as a major

81 Grasslands Regional FCSS, Transportation Networks Exploratory Study, October 2013 54

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region issue which continues today although three shuttle services servicing the area has somewhat mitigated out of town travel to medical appointments although people travelling to appointments often need companions.

The Joint Services Committee, representing all Newell Region municipalities, was selected as the recipient of the 2017 RhPAP Alberta Rural Community Physician Attraction and Retention Award. The joint effort began after a physician shortage in 2009-2010 left the Newell Region without access to obstetrics services. Efforts spearheaded by then Mayor Martin Shields and Reeve Molly Douglass began in 2010 to maintain an accessible health workforce close to home. The Rural Community Award, presented annually, is co-sponsored by the Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association (AWNA), and the Rural Health Professions Action Plan (RhPAP82). (https://www.rhpap.ca/news).

In the Fall of 2018, a change in policy transferred responsibility for physician recruitment from RhPAP to Alberta Health Services. This has resulted in consideration being given by the Joint Services Committee to redirecting its 2019 budget for physician recruitment to physician retention.83 Discussion has also occurred regarding the potential role of RhPAP in helping to attract mental health workers to serve residents in Brooks and surrounding areas.84

Alberta Rural Community Physician Attraction and Retention Award 2018.

City of Brooks Mayor Barry Morishita, and County of Newell Reeve Molly Douglass, accept the Alberta Rural Community Physician Attraction and Retention Award 2018. Photo: Sandra Stanway, Brooks Bulletin

82 https://www.rhpap.ca/news 83 Stanway, Sandra M, Brooks Bulletin, October 16, 2018a 84 Stanway, Sandra M. Brooks Bulletin – Weekly Regional, October 18, 2018. 55

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region NEGATIVE GAP: ECONOMY AND EMPLOYMENT Factor Ranked #4 for Level of Importance and #9 for Level of Satisfaction

This Factor was defined with the following variables:

QUALITY OF LIFE QUALITY OF PLACE Importance Variables Satisfaction Variables Community Unemployment Rate Poverty Community Employment Rate Affordable Housing Level of Income Employment Community Rate of Bankruptcies Financial Effect of Crime

Importance of Economy and Employment Variables

Importance of Economy and Employment

Financial Effects of Crime

Community Rate of Bankruptcies Very Important Important

Level of Income Neutral Not Important

Community Employment Rates Not at all Important

Community Unemployment Rates

Changes from 2013 – 2017:

There have been some significant changes between the 2013 and 2017 studies. In 2013, Economy and Employment was ranked #6 for Level of Importance and #7 for Level of Satisfaction creating a minus 1 Gap. In 2017, it is now ranked #4 for importance and #9 for satisfaction, a minus-5 Gap. This resulting Gap is minus 4 points higher than the previous study suggesting that overall the Economy and Employment within the Newell Region has decreased substantially since the last study. A more thorough analysis of these negative changes will be explored throughout the variables identified in the Quality of Life study.

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Findings:

 Level of Income Importance had the lowest number of Neutral responses at 15.51% and the highest number of Important responses at 51.47%. These findings are consistent with data from the 2013 study.  Employment Importance had a 18.6% Neutral response rate. This has substantially decreased since the 2013 Neutral response of 32.8%.  Unemployment Rates Importance obtained 75.37% of Very Important or Important responses. This is significant as Unemployment Rates in the Newell Region and Alberta in 2016 were high at 9.0% Compared to Canada at 7.7%. This compares with a lower 5.5% unemployment rate in 2011.  Importance of Community Rate of Bankruptcies received 33.04% of Neutral responses, 58% of Important or Very important responses, and 8.96% of Not at all or Not Important Responses. These findings are consistent with the 2013 Study.  76.98% of respondents found that the Financial Effects of Crime were Important or Very Important, 19.69% were Neutral and 3.33% were Not at all or Not Important Responses. These are consistent with the findings of 2013. Level of Income

 Over 80% of respondents indicated that the Level of Income was Very Important or Important. The Neutral response rate was 15.5%, and 2.9% of respondents indicated that the Level of Income was Not Important or Not at all Important.  The median after-tax income of economic families in the Newell Region in 2015 was $81,337, which is more than Canada ($76,372) but less than Alberta ($93,588).85 The median after-tax income for couple economic families without children or relatives was $73,672 and couple economic families with children was $93,269.86 Median after-tax income for lone-parent families cannot be calculated due to the unreliability of data for Rosemary. For persons not in economic families (persons living alone or with non-relatives only), the median after-tax income was $34,591, which is more than Canada ($28,959) but less than Alberta ($37,648).87

85 2016 Canadian Census (Statistics Canada) 86 2016 Canadian Census (Statistics Canada) 87 2016 Canadian Census (Statistics Canada) 57

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region

Overall Satisfaction with Economy and Employment Factor: 58.51%  This is a significant decrease from the 71.8% Satisfaction ranking in 2013.

Economy and Employment Satisfaction Variables

Economy & Employment Satisfaction

Poverty

Affordable Housing

Employment

Economy and Employment

FINDINGS:

 Poverty had an overall Satisfaction level of 40.27% (451), 3.74% (48) were Very Satisfied, 18.15% (233) were Satisfied and 18.38% (236) were Somewhat Satisfied. Neutral responses were 44.24% (568), 9.27% (119) were Somewhat Dissatisfied, 4.05% (52) were Dissatisfied and 2.18% (28) were Very Dissatisfied.  Affordable Housing had an overall Satisfaction level of 44.57% (476), 4.65 (60) were Very Satisfied, 20.54% (265) were Satisfied and 19.38% (250) were Somewhat Satisfied. Neutral responses were 37.67% (486), 10.16% (131) were Somewhat Dissatisfied, 4.73% (61) were Dissatisfied and 2.87% (37) were Very Dissatisfied.  Employment had an overall Satisfaction level of 44.78% (581), 4.32% (56) were Very Satisfied, 19.77% (256) were Satisfied and 20.69% (268) were Somewhat Satisfied. Neutral responses were 30.42% (394), 12.20% (158) were Somewhat Dissatisfied, 6.72% (87) were Dissatisfied and 4.91% (64) were Very Dissatisfied.

The most telling change between the 2013 – 2017 reports are the changes in the Employment and Economy Factor. In 2013, overall satisfaction with the Employment variable was 54.3% compared to the 44.78% it is in 2017. This is strong indicator that access to employment opportunities in the Newell Region have decreased compared to prior years, not surprising given the state of the economy from 2013 to 2017.

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region

Poverty Newell Region survey respondents were satisfied with the level of poverty and services available to them given a 40.27% satisfaction rate and a 44.24% neutral response rate. Like the previous Quality of Life study, such a high response rate for neutral satisfaction raises may indicate many respondents not impacted by poverty or unaware of programs and services in place to help those living in poverty. This could be further investigated with community groups within the Newell area to determine if a potential poverty awareness campaign might be useful to increase responsiveness to the condition of poverty within the region.

According to the 2016 Federal Census, there were 2,310 households in the Newell Region living in low income- based thresholds based on the Low-Income Measure; After Tax (LIM-AT).88,89 The age groups most likely to live in low-income thresholds are youth aged 0-5 years (16.8%) and 0-17 years, (14.4%).

In Low Income Based on the Low-Income Measure; After Tax (LIM-AT) (2016)

Newell Region Alberta Canada Age Groups Number Percentage Number Percentage Number Percentage All Ages 2310 9.9 363890 9.3 4809940 14.2 0 to 17 years 925 14.4 114215 12.8 1163830 17 0 to 5 years 360 16.8 41755 13.5 396095 17.8 18 to 64 years 1170 8.0 210870 8.2 2855290 13.2 65 years and over 225 9.5 38800 8.6 790825 14.5

The Newell Region is well off comparatively to Canada but has higher rates of low-income than Alberta (except for the 18 to 64 years age group). When comparing the above table to the 2011 data (see below), the number of households living in low-income has increased for 0 to 5 years and seniors. There is concern about youth poverty in the Region. Also, seniors are the fastest growing age group in the country and senior poverty is a looming crisis.90 At the Provincial and National level low-income rates for seniors have increased since 2011. Poverty rates for Seniors have decreased in the City of Brooks since 2011 but have increased in the Newell Region.

In Low Income Based on the Low-Income Measure; After Tax (LIM-AT) (%) (2011) Age Groups Newell Region Alberta Canada All Ages 10.7 10.7 14.9 0 to 17 years 14.6 13.4 17.3 0 to 5 years 14.5 14.1 18.1 18 to 64 years 9.5 10.2 14.4 65 years and over 7.7 7.8 13.4

88 2016 Canadian Census (Statistics Canada) 89 This report used LIM-AT to determine low-income thresholds for households and age groups. For more information on LIM-AT please see https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2016/ref/dict/fam021-eng.cfm 90 https://hoopp.com/docs/default-source/newsroom-library/research/hoopp-research-article---senior-poverty---canada-next-crises.pdf 59

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Unlike many upfront characteristics of poverty, there are many different groups who are affected by the problem. The provincial government has attempted to alleviate some of the issues facing poverty including an increase in the Alberta Minimum wage. As of October 1st, 2017, the new Alberta minimum wage is $15/hour, $598/ Week for salespersons, and $2,848/month for domestic employees (living in their employer’s home).91 Based on Alberta Government calculations of Minimum Wage of $15.00/hour x 2000hours/year, the increase will raise the annual income to $30,000 / year. This is $8,600 more than the minimum wage on September 1, 2014.

A general issue that is increasingly impacting minimum wage earners is the lack of finding full time employment and benefits. This can be compounded in regions like Newell that are dominated by large industry groups and may have ongoing challenges to diversify into new industry sectors.

The concept of a Living Wage policy has been gaining traction in many communities across Alberta. Calgary’s Living Wage Action team determined that an individual working full time (35 hours per week, 52 week a year) needs to make a minimum of $14.50/ hour without benefits or $13.00/ hour with benefits to earn a living wage in Calgary in 2014. This number has changed for the 2017 report. Now, Calgary’s Living wage is $18.15/hr without benefits and $17.00/hr with benefits92. This reflection in the living wage is not Minimum wage, but an ideal assessment of the minimum cost requirements to live in a community.

On August 21, 2018, the Government of Canada released Opportunity for All -Canada’s First Poverty Reduction Strategy. The Bill proposes to entrench into legislation: (i) concrete poverty reduction targets ( a 20 % reduction in poverty by 2020 and a 50 % reduction in poverty by 2030, relative to 2015 levels; (ii) a Canada’s Official Poverty Line; (iii) an arms-length National Advisory Council on Poverty93.

Construction to enlarge Food Bank 2018

91 Alberta Minimum Wage Guide: https://www.alberta.ca/minimum-wage.aspx Vibrant Communities Calgary Report, June 2017 - http://livingwagecanada.ca/files/2715/0718/6032/LivingWageBrief_062117.pdf 93 https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/news/2018/11/government-of-canada-introduces-legislation-to-take-concrete-action-to- reduce-poverty-in-canada.html 60

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region 2013-2017 Poverty Comparison

Overall, Poverty in a broader comparison has seemed to improve. One may credit the collaboration of community groups like the Community Response Committee (CRC) as this network of organizations meet regularly to discuss changes occurring in the community and jointly combat social issues such as the Economic Downturn. Moving forward, organizations such as St. Vincent de Paul, Alberta Supports, The Brooks & District Food Bank Foundation, the Salvation Army, churches and other organizations continue to work towards reducing the impact on residents of low/insecure income in the region. As mentioned earlier, another poverty reduction strategy which could assist would be a poverty awareness campaign including information on poverty services designed to inform residents in the Newell Region. A reduced total number of Neutral responses in the study would be an indicator of increased awareness of poverty and services available to residents in the Newell Region.

2018 County of Newell Rural Beautification Awards Tour The County of Newell Agricultural Services Department administers the Rural Beautification Awards program in which well-manicured, beautiful yards are nominated and the winners featured during an annual tour. Watch for your opportunity to nominate a yard and sign up early to participate in this popular event

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Food Insecurity

According to Proof Food Insecurity Policy Research Program, Food insecurity is a serious public health issue and may be defined as the inadequate or insecure access to food due to financial constraints which negatively impacts physical, mental, and social health, and costs our healthcare system considerably. Statistics Canada began monitoring food insecurity in 2005 through the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS). Since then, food insecurity has persisted across Canada, with over 4 million Canadians living in food insecure households94.

For more information, see the University of Toronto’s series of annual reports and factsheets, Household Food Insecurity in Canada, available at: www.proof.utoronto.ca

94 https://proof.utoronto.ca/ 62

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Brooks & District Food Bank Use:

Food Bank Usage 2010 to October, 2018 Since 2010, the Brooks & District Food Bank Foundation, which serves the Newell Region has seen a fluctuation in the number of hampers and users.95

Year Hampers Adults Children 2010 3,027 2,021 1,834 2011 2,436 2,070 1,930 2012 2,160 1,818 1,531 2013 4,607 2,698 2,155 2014 1,111 738 610 2015 939 831 367 2016 1,595 1,259 668 2017 1,779 1,278 810 2018 (Jan-Oct) 1,008 754 372

Food Bank Usage Collected for July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018

Foodbank Hamper Distribution by Household Type Household Type New Immigrant First Nations Born in Canada Seniors Total Households 92 14 214 21 Single Parent Family 23 7 49 Two-Parent Family 25 1 22 Couple, No Children 5 2 23 5 Single Person 39 4 120 16

Primary Source of Income by Household Type Primary Source of Income New Immigrant First Nations Born in Canada Seniors Employment Income 7 3 35 E.I. 3 11 Social Assistance 81 10 120 Disability Related Benefits 1 1 48 Old Age Pension 21

95 Brooks Food Bank Foundation 2018 63

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Food Bank Usage Collected for July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018 (continued)96

Primary Source of Income Summary Primary Source of Percentage of Total Income Total Households Income Sources Employment 45 13% E.I. 14 4% Social Assistance 211 62% Disability Benefits 50 15% Old Age Pension 21 6%

As seen in the tables above, a significant number of residents continue to access food bank services to help meet their basic needs:  Lack of sufficient income continues to be the main cause for individuals to request food bank services.97  The largest percentages of food bank users are residents who access the above Government Social Assistance and Disability Programs.98  It should be noted that employed persons may have difficulty meeting their basic needs.99  In the future it may be expected that there will be an increased number of seniors accessing food bank services (see Future Trends).

Access to Food in Alberta 100is developed and updated by Registered Dieticians from Alberta Health Services. It is an on-line resource of organizations in Alberta that provide emergency food, cooking programs and other community food programs. Examples of information provided include; food banks, community meals, Meals on Wheels, community gardens, group cooking and Canada Prenatal Nutrition Programs. The information is organized by community. http://www.foodsecurityalberta.org/access-food-ab-local-food-map

The Food Coalition (http://www.foodcoalitionsocietyofbrooks.ca/about-us/) has as its vision to ensure all families in Brooks and area have healthy food and to educate. They are a non-profit society that provides a number of programs to build food security in the Newell Region. They also promote buying local foods. Programs/projects include

 Fresh Food Club is a bulk-buying club with members receiving a box once a month.  Cook Up Time! Kitchen Club is when a small group of people pool their resources to make healthy, low cost, and delicious food in bulk that they take home to share with their families.  Cooking Classes  Community Dinners  Living Loving Local.

96Email from Gwen Cameron, Manager of Brooks Food Bank Foundation, November 02, 2018. 97 Email from Gwen Cameron, Manager of Brooks Food Bank Foundation, November 02, 2018. 98 Email from Gwen Cameron, Manager of Brooks Food Bank Foundation, November 02, 2018. 99 Email from Gwen Cameron, Manager of Brooks Food Bank Foundation, November 02, 2018. 100 E-mail: Rebecca Quickfall, BSc., RDCommunity Dietitian, Alberta Health Service March 24, 2014. 64

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region

Affordable Housing

17.76% of the total respondents in Newell indicated that they were Very, Somewhat, or Dissatisfied with Affordable Housing. 37.67% were Neutral or had no opinion on affordable housing while 25.19% were Satisfied, or Very Satisfied with the state of affordable housing in Newell. The major comparison to be made from 2013 – 2017 is the change in Neutral and Negative responses which were higher, but not significantly so.

Affordable housing is an issue that affects many Canadian Communities. The cost of housing is often more affordable in the rural hamlets of the County of Newell but requires use of a private vehicle to travel between the rural hamlet and an urban centre where many find employment. Affordable housing is also subject to the major industry players as the economics of rental housing often fall into a supply and demand paradox. In this case, many rental properties continue to be priced according to the Oil and Gas industry which assumes a large disposable income. Other industries such as manufacturing, retail, and agriculture, to name a few, are often not able to pay the salaries and wages needed by employees to cover the costs for basic needs such as rent. The increasing cost of living combined with living on a fixed income also leaves seniors vulnerable to insecure and inadequate housing. Thus, the requirement for more affordable housing is increasingly more important in the Newell Region. Many prospective renters and buyers are looking to other options to meet their housing requirements which can be seen in the significant growth of mobile homes within the Newell Region in the chart seen on page 66:101

Affordable Housing102 is an issue that has been discussed by community organizations in the Newell Region and is a concern in both urban areas (Brooks) and the smaller rural communities. The cost of housing is often more affordable in rural areas but requires the use of a private vehicle and less immediate access to services.

The Brooks Housing Society has explored the issues residents face in finding affordable housing. There are a number of programs that benefit residents in need of affordable housing which includes the Provincial Rental Subsidy Program that provides rental financial assistance to qualified persons, Affordable Housing Units such as those managed by the Brooks Housing Society in Brooks and subsidized units and seniors housing in Brooks, Rosemary, Duchess and Tilley which are managed by the Newell Housing Association103.

The Seniors and Family Affordable Housing subsidy is based on the assumption that housing should cost no more than 30% of a family’s gross family income including heat, water and garbage costs. The Newell Housing Association manages the Provincial subsidy programs for low-income clients that qualify (through an application process). The government pays the difference between 30% of their gross income (for rent) and the actual cost of the rent to a maximum of $500.00 per month. The organization budget is approximately one million dollars per year to assist tenants to pay their rent to private landlords in the Newell Region such as those managed by the Brooks Housing Society in Brooks104.

101 2016 Canadian Census (Statistics Canada) 102 Housing is First Meeting – Brooks Housing Society 103 http://www.newellhousingassociation.ca/ 104 104 E-mail from Evelyn Fundak, Manager, Newell Housing Foundation 65

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Habitat for Humanity A Habitat for Humanity Brooks Chapter has been re-established in Brooks. In November, 2018 there was a small duplex available appropriate for a Habitat for Humanity family. Currently there is no Habitat for Humanity housing outside of Brooks in the Newell Region. https://www.habitatsouthernab.ca/brooks

Affordable and Subsidized Housing in Newell Region105

Newell Housing Association In addition to 109 apartments subsidized for Senior’s Self Contained Housing and 41 subsidized family housing units in Brooks, there are also senior self-contained apartments located throughout the Newell Region.

Seniors’ Self-contained apartments Outside of Brooks  6 seniors self-contained apartments in Rosemary  6 seniors self-contained apartments in Tilley  4 seniors self-contained apartments in Duchess  8 seniors self-contained apartments in Bassano106

Brooks Housing Society:  Own and manages 87 units of family housing.  Rates are 1- bedroom --$550.00 per month, 2 – bedroom $660.00 per month, 3 – bedroom $770.00 per month.  Tenants may also qualify for the provincial rent subsidy107 administered by Newell Housing Association.

Housing Affordability

Households108 in the Newell Region that paid 30% or more of total household income toward shelter costs represented 20.5% of non-farm, non-reserve households with total income greater than zero. This proportion was lower than the Alberta proportion (23.7%). A lower proportion of owner households paid 30% or more compared to tenant households in Brooks (17.3% for owners versus 31.3% for renters).

Households in the Newell Region paid an average monthly shelter cost of $1,079 – which was lower than the Alberta amount of $1,252. The average monthly shelter cost for tenant households was $907; this was lower than the average monthly shelter cost for owner households of $1,129.

Residents most affected by the affordability of housing are newcomers, temporary foreign workers, seniors (especially single seniors), single parents and persons on Alberta Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) or social assistance. An increasing issue is access to affordable, subsidized, independent and assisted living spaces for seniors, the assisted living spaces which are dependent on provincial funding spaces in public or private facilities109.

105 E-mail from Evelyn Fundak, Manager, Newell Housing Foundation 106 http://www.newellhousingassociation.ca/ 107 Direct to Tenant Rent Supplement Program: A subsidy paid directly to an eligible tenant to assist with their rental costs which is delivered by local housing operators (management bodies) located in various areas throughout the province and is based on the difference between 30 percent of a household’s income and an agreed upon market rent, to a maximum subsidy established by the housing operator. 108 National Household Survey 2011 109 http://www.heu.org/sites/default/files/uploads/Eldercare_on%20auction%20block_1.pdf 66

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region The City of Brooks identified affordable housing as a priority in 2018 and spearheaded, an Affordable Housing Strategy in the fall of 2018 with the belief that “Affordable Housing is for Everyone” meaning it is important to consider housing needs affordable and accessible for all residents of all socio-economic and demographic backgrounds. The Brooks Affordable Housing Strategy 2018 is designed to identify current and future affordable housing needs in the community and to develop a strategy that directs future action and success. Results will help inform the future of housing in Brooks and offer a variety of housing options to residents.110

Type of Dwelling in the Newell Region. The Region has a diversity of dwelling type. Housing affordability is in part based on the type of dwelling available. There are no apartment buildings of five storeys or more in the Region111

% of % of % of Newell Total Alberta Total Canada Total Total - Occupied private dwellings by structural type of dwelling - 100% data 8515 1527675 14072080 Single-detached house 5610 65.88% 946225 61.94% 7541495 53.59% Apartment in a building that has five or more storeys 0 0.00% 62395 4.08% 1391040 9.89% Other attached dwelling 1980 23.25% 471090 30.84% 4949795 35.17% Semi-detached house 390 4.58% 86765 5.68% 698800 4.97% Row house 545 6.40% 116625 7.63% 891305 6.33% Apartment or flat in a duplex 255 2.99% 43090 2.82% 784300 5.57% Apartment in a building that has fewer than five storeys 795 9.34% 223360 14.62% 2539390 18.05% Other single-attached house 5 0.06% 1245 0.08% 36005 0.26% Movable dwelling 925 10.86% 47970 3.14% 189755 1.35%

The region has a diversity of dwelling types. Housing affordability is in part based on the type of dwelling available. There are no apartment buildings of five storeys or more in the Region. What is interesting in the comparisons made between the province and country are the higher proportions of moveable dwellings and single-detached houses.

Changes since 2011:

Dwelling numbers have increased by 1% or by 90 homes since 2014. Moveable dwellings seem to be the major change as it moved from 750 in 2011 to 925 in 2016.

Note: There are concerns about Federal Census data inconsistency as there are substantial fluctuations between fixed buildings such as Single Detached Houses down 100 units, and Rowhouse down 70 units since 2011.

110 Brooks Affordable Housing Strategy 2018: City of Brooks 111 2016 Canadian Census (Statistics Canada 67

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Assessment Values of Residential Housing 2014 and 2017

Assessment values vary throughout the region. The assessment is based on the value of the land and the home. The assessment value provides a guide as to the affordability of housing in various areas of the Newell Region. Generally housing in the hamlets is assessed lower than in Brooks. Modular homes are generally assessed lower in value making them a viable housing option for many residents. It is important to note that Assessments averages include mobiles on rented lots, mobiles on their own lots and single family dwellings.112 Average Assessment Value 2014 Average Bassano $164,184 Duchess $208,110 Rosemary $138,590 Hamlet of Lake Newell Resort $497,719 Hamlet of Cassils $158,067 Hamlet of Bow City $185,308 Hamlet of Rainier $150,871 Hamlet of Scandia $120,449 Hamlet of Rolling Hills $147,795 Hamlet of Patricia and Millicent $ 96,881 Hamlet of Gem $126,045 County of Newell Manufactured Home (no land) $ 70,705 County of Newell Acreage $233,048 County of Newell First Farm Residence $153,249 Brooks113 $232,920

Average Assessment Value 2017 Average Bassano $154,290 Duchess $208,834 Rosemary $126,482 Hamlet of Lake Newell Resort $529,811 Hamlet of Cassils $209,458 Hamlet of Bow City $193,575 Hamlets of Rainier, Scandia, Rolling Hills, Patricia, $133,052 Millicent and Gem (Combined) Hamlet of Tilley $122,238 County of Newell Manufactured Home (no land) $64,324 County of Newell Acreage $347,430 County of Newell First Farm Residence $173,728 Brooks (not including condominiums) 114 $253,766

Changes since 2011:

 Average Assessment geographic categories have changed since 2011. This means direct comparisons will not always be possible.  Average Assessment values have decreased in the Town of Bassano, the Village of Rosemary, County of Newell (Manufactured Home no land).  Increases of plus $20,000 occurred: County of Newell Acreage; County of Newell First Farm Residence; Brooks ( not including condominiums); Hamlet of Lake Newell Resort.

112 County of Newell. 2014 Assessments. 113 City of Brooks. 2014 Assessments 114 City of Brooks. 2017 Assessments 68

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region  An area of potential concern is revealed when the Municipal Tax Arrears are made public. as this can sometimes indicate pockets of poverty or low levels of income. While the amount of arrears may include commercial properties or property development, it is one of the indicators of financial difficulties being experienced by residents. Without obtaining more information, it is not possible to determine the exact cause of the property arrears115.

The 2014 median single residential assessment (excluding condominiums) for Calgary is $430,000 compared to $410,000 in 2013 (up 4.9%). The City of Brooks median residential assessment is $233,650, up 4% in 2014116

Employment Newell Region survey respondents were 24.09% for Satisfied or Very Satisfied, 20.69% were Somewhat Satisfied with Employment, 12.59% were Dissatisfied or Very Dissatisfied, 12.20% were somewhat dissatisfied, and 30.42% were Neutral. Dissatisfaction could derive from lack of advancement opportunity or lack of employment options due to a limited number of primary operating activities within the region. This compares to 2013

Employment capabilities of the Newell Region may be examined through the 2016 Census profile for the Newell Region117 which indicated that the unemployment rate was nearly double that of 2011 compared to the rest of Canada. Provincially, the Newell Region kept pace with the provincial unemployment rate, but the major area affected was Oil and Gas during the economic downcycle beginning in 2014.

Statistics Canada data for Alberta (March, 2018) shows that 67% of males between 15 and 24 were employed in the fall of 2014 when Alberta’s brutal, years-long recession began.118 In April, 2018, 55% of males in this age group were employed, a 12-percentage-point decline even though real GDP grew 4.5 per cent.119 Similarly, Alberta’s unemployment rate for males aged 15 to 24 was 14.6 per cent in March, 2018 which was significantly higher than the province’s overall unemployment rate (includes all age groups and genders), which fell to a three-year-low of 6.3%.120 This trend still continues. In October, 2018, Alberta’s unemployment rate (seasonally adjusted) for males aged 15 to 24 was 15%, which is still significantly higher than the province’s overall unemployment rate, which is 7.3%.121

In May, 2018, Alberta Labour released the Unemployment Rate, Alberta Regions Unadjusted, 3-Month Moving Average by Economic Region. Lethbridge-Medicine Hat Region, which includes the Newell Region had a rate of 5.2% compared to the provincial rate of 6.6%.

In October, 2018, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for all ages and genders for Alberta was 7.3% (6.5% unadjusted). These numbers are down from October, 2017; 7.5% for adjusted and 6.7% for unadjusted.122 In October, 2018, the unadjusted unemployment rate for Lethbridge-Medicine Hat Region, for which the Newell Region is part of, was 4.1%.123 The unadjusted unemployment rate for the same region in September, 2018 was 4.8% and the year prior (October, 2017) was 5.3%.124 Unemployment is on the decline provincially as well as within the region.

115 http://ww2.unhabitat.org/programmes/ifup/conf/Ian-Corker.PDF 116 City of Brooks Assessment. 2014. 117 2016 Canadian Census (Statistics Canada) 118 https://business.financialpost.com/news/economy/it-is-so-stark-young-men-arent-participating-in-albertas-recovery-amid-male-dominated-recession 119 https://business.financialpost.com/news/economy/it-is-so-stark-young-men-arent-participating-in-albertas-recovery-amid-male-dominated-recession 120 Alberta Labour Force Statistics: Seasonably Adjusted March, 2018 121 Alberta Labour Force Statistics: Seasonably Adjusted October, 2018 122 Alberta Labour Force Statistics: Seasonably Adjusted October, 2018 123 Alberta Labour Force Statistics: Seasonably Adjusted October, 2018 124 Alberta Labour Force Statistics: Seasonably Adjusted October, 2018 69

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region

125

The Future of Work

Work is changing rapidly. Research conducted by Harmonics and the Future of Work: OIGP Global Research Study released in 2017 explored the skills employees must have to be competitive today, the most significant people challenges currently facing organizations, the most effective ways to develop talent in today’s economy and jobs most at risk.126

Five top Most Valued Skills

 Strong communication skills top skills ( writing, listening, speaking and presenting).  Leadership agility  Eagerness to learn (open to learning, reading, listening and thinking ability)  Emotional intelligence (recognizing, understanding, and managing your own and others’ emotions)  Understanding analytics (reading and understanding data, projections, demographics) round out the top five most valued skills.  Managing change was the most frequently mentioned write-in. the 500 Respondents were asked “Which 3 skills are most valued in your firm right now?”

Most effective means to develop talent:

 Career conversations  Assessments  Mentoring Programs  Self-directed career learning offerings including web-based opportunities.

125 Alberta Labour Statistics May, 2018 126 https://www.harmonics.ie/future-work-global-research-study-2017/ 70

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Challenges faced by Organizations:

 Need to continually adapt and anticipate change  Recruiting and retaining staff with good communications skills and agile to work in diverse and changing global teams

Roles most at risk:

 Administrative  Manufacturing and Production  Middle-management  Non-revenue producing positions.

2013-2017 Changes

There are noticeable changes in levels of satisfaction with the Employment variable. For example, in 2013, respondents indicated they were 34.1% satisfied compared to 24.09% in 2017 – this 10% decrease is substantial. In 2017, the continued negative impact of job losses and higher unemployment rates from the economic slowdown in 2014 would suggest a correlation to the 2017 decrease in satisfaction with the economic situation in the Region.

Self-Employment

The total number of self-employed workers in the Newell Region for the 2016 Census year was 2,070 or 15.75% of the total employment pool. This is down from the 2011 self-employed persons count at 2,130. In 2016 there were also 60 fewer entrepreneurs.

Top Occupations for the Employed Labour Force - National Occupational Classification (NOC)

Within the Newell Region, the top three occupations were Sales and service occupations, Trades Transport and Equipment operators and related occupations, and Occupations in manufacturing and utilities (see table below). For Alberta the top three occupations are close to Newell at: Sales and Service Occupations, Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations, and Business; finance and administration occupations.

Top Occupations for the Employed Labour Force (2016) Newell Region Alberta NOC Type Number Percentage Rank Number Percentage Rank 6 Sales and service occupations 2440 18.90% 1 491495 21.72% 1 7 Trades; transport and equipment operators and related occupations 2280 17.66% 2 406495 17.96% 2 9 Occupations in manufacturing and utilities 1870 14.48% 3 73070 3.23% 8

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Industries for the Employed Labour Force

There hasn’t been a change to Alberta’s main labour industries since 2011. In the Newell Region, substantial industry change has occurred. In 2011, it was identified that Mining, quarrying and oil and gas extraction, manufacturing, and educational services were the top listed industries. Now, Manufacturing has moved from 2nd to 1st, Agriculture has risen to top 2 and Mining, quarrying and oil and gas extraction has fallen to 3rd. This is a substantial change in the Oil and Gas sector and the economy that was built on this industry.

As can be seen in the table below, the Newell Region has some industry groups with substantial differences in labour talent compared to the Province and Canada. Such examples in labour include:

 Manufacturing: 15.64% (10.1% higher than Alberta and 7.09% higher than Canada)  Agriculture: 11.04% (8.26% higher than Alberta and 8.66% higher than Canada)  Mining and Oil and Gas Extraction: 9.74% (3.55% higher than Alberta and 8.29% higher than Canada)  Utilities: 1.03% (.08% higher than Alberta, and 0.3% higher than Canada)

Some areas where Newell is comparative to Alberta and Canada include the industries of Educational Services and Other Services (except public administration).

Areas where Newell is less competitive compared to Alberta and Canada include:

 Information and cultural industries: 0.49% (0.94% lower than Alberta and 1.76% lower than Canada)  Finance and insurance: 1.71% (1.3% lower than Alberta and 2.52% lower than Canada)  Professional; scientific and technical services 3.35% (3.94% lower than Alberta and 3.8% lower than Canada).

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region

Newell Region Alberta Canada Number Percentage Number Percentage Number Percentage Total Labour Force population aged 15 years and over by Industry - North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) 2012 - 25% sample data 13140 2302940 18672475 Industry - NAICS2012 - not applicable 230 1.75% 40005 1.74% 404350 2.17% All industry categories 12910 2262935 18268125 11 Agriculture; forestry; fishing and hunting 1450 11.04% 64035 2.78% 444680 2.38% 21 Mining; quarrying; and oil and gas extraction 1280 9.74% 142490 6.19% 271300 1.45% 22 Utilities 135 1.03% 21940 0.95% 136350 0.73% 23 Construction 870 6.62% 236370 10.26% 1365010 7.31% 31-33 Manufacturing 2055 15.64% 127535 5.54% 1596570 8.55% 41 Wholesale trade 295 2.25% 80610 3.50% 665685 3.57% 44-45 Retail trade 1155 8.79% 249880 10.85% 2110200 11.30% 48-49 Transportation and warehousing 565 4.30% 115295 5.01% 876050 4.69% 51 Information and cultural industries 65 0.49% 33045 1.43% 420350 2.25% 52 Finance and insurance 225 1.71% 69225 3.01% 790580 4.23% 53 Real estate and rental and leasing 180 1.37% 41520 1.80% 333305 1.79% 54 Professional; scientific and technical services 440 3.35% 167800 7.29% 1335125 7.15% 55 Management of companies and enterprises 15 0.11% 5560 0.24% 28795 0.15% 56 Administrative and support; waste management and remediation services 405 3.08% 87350 3.79% 802420 4.30% 61 Educational services 815 6.20% 147270 6.39% 1346585 7.21% 62 Health care and social assistance 930 7.08% 245875 10.68% 2138025 11.45% 71 Arts; entertainment and recreation 170 1.29% 44880 1.95% 379740 2.03% 72 Accommodation and food services 770 5.86% 153790 6.68% 1283725 6.87% 81 Other services (except public administration) 625 4.76% 105865 4.60% 814695 4.36% 91 Public administration 475 3.61% 122595 5.32% 1128945 6.05%

As there have been changes to the way Statistics Canada collects and collates information, it is no longer possible to provide a Total Estimated Industry Revenue by NAICS as Data is no longer supported by Statistics Canada.

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region State of the Newell Region Economy

The state of the Newell region is dependent on a few major industries and key select areas of targeted growth by local government. Most wholesale trade is related to servicing the agricultural community or the Oil and Gas sector. Despite these large dominant industries, there are smaller emerging industries that are starting to embrace change as it relates to diversification. Growth in the tourism sector provincially and nationally has opened doors for businesses to diversify into a tourism destination. The Newell Region has many natural tourism sites such as the Dinosaur Provincial Park, Bassano Dam, Lake Newell and many other sites. Organizations such as the Newell Regional Tourism Association (NRTA) and Canadian Badlands work toward encouraging tourists to visit our area.

The JBS Meatpacking Plant in Brooks is the largest employer in the region. This employer has significant effects on the communities in Newell. This employer recruits individuals from across the world to work at the plant and, as a result, continues to increase the diversity of residents in the area, particularly the City of Brooks. Some of these new residents open new businesses to create opportunities for themselves after having moved to the region. Entrepreneurial spirit is strong in the Newell region, but the numbers of entrepreneurs was down compared to the last census survey127.

Agriculture

Agriculture is a primary industry in the Newell region and is heavily supported by many local wholesalers, professionals, and industries. Total gross farm receipts issued in Newell in the 2016 Census of Agriculture showed a $523 million-dollar industry in Newell. This is equivalent to 3% of the total Alberta Farm gross receipts128despite only having 1.6% of the total farms in Alberta129. Major differences between the sizing of farms in Newell and Alberta comes in the farm size of 3,520 acres and over. Newell is 4% higher than the Alberta average. Agriculture is big business in Newell, and this is reflective of the presented Agriculture census data. Total number of farms by area has also seen a decrease of 49 farms since the last census.

127 2070 Self Employed Worker class in the 2016 Statistics Canada Census Profile of Brooks Censu3012s Agglomeration as opposed to 2,130 in 2011. 2529 128 In the 2016 Census of Agriculture, Alberta had G1497ross Farm Receipts of $17,729,972,192 – Cansim Table 004-0233 1027 129 In the 2016 Census of Agriculture, Alberta has 40,638 Farms – Cansim Table 004-0201 74

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Farms by Total Farm Area Newell % Dist. Alberta % Dist. Total number of farms 668 40638 Farms under 10 acres 16 2.40% 1018 2.51% Farms 10 to 69 acres 56 8.38% 3702 9.11% Farms 70 to 129 acres 44 6.59% 2824 6.95% Farms 130 to 179 acres 62 9.28% 6045 14.88% Farms 180 to 239 acres 27 4.04% 1289 3.17% Farms 240 to 399 acres 93 13.92% 4918 12.10% Farms 400 to 559 acres 61 9.13% 3257 8.01% Farms 560 to 759 acres 60 8.98% 2947 7.25% Farms 760 to 1,119 acres 64 9.58% 3565 8.77% Farms 1,120 to 1,599 acres 39 5.84% 3012 7.41% Farms 1,600 to 2,239 acres 35 5.24% 2529 6.22% Farms 2,240 to 2,879 acres 20 2.99% 1497 3.68% Farms 2,880 to 3,519 acres 14 2.10% 1027 2.53% Farms 3,520 acres and over 77 11.53% 3008 7.40% 130

Farms by Total Gross Farm Receipts Newell % Dist. Alberta % Dist. Total gross farm receipts $17,729,972,192 (excluding forest products sold) (dollars) $ 523,056,397.00 Farms, under $10,000 38 5.69% 5779 14.22% Farms, $10,000 to $24,999 47 7.04% 6009 14.79% Farms, $25,000 to $49,999 69 10.33% 5165 12.71% Farms, $50,000 to $99,999 79 11.83% 5516 13.57% Farms, $100,000 to $249,999 155 23.20% 7065 17.39% Farms, $250,000 to $499,999 116 17.37% 4503 11.08% Farms, $500,000 to $999,999 87 13.02% 3356 8.26% Farms, $1,000,000 to $1,999,999 39 5.84% 1909 4.70% Farms, $2,000,000 and over 38 5.69% 1336 3.29%

Compared to Alberta, there is a much more significant percentage of farms in the assessment ranges of $100,000 to $,999 and $250,000 to $499,999 and $500,000 to $999,999 than in Alberta. This is consistent with the findings in 2011 that show that more farms in Newell are beginning to earn more on the acres that are available.

130 Taken from 2016 Census of Agriculture – Statistics Canada 75

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Characteristics of Farm Operators Age 2016 All ages 925 Under 35 years 70 7.57% 35 to 54 years 355 38.38% 55 years and over 500 54.05% Average age of farm operators 54.8 5.92% Both sexes 925 Males 645 69.73% Females 275 29.73%

There have been substantial changes in this area. Since 2011, 250 farm Operators have exited the industry. This is not surprising given that the average age of the farm operator is 54.8 and most farmers are either choosing to look at selling their farms or planning for succession. The ageing farming demographic is an area that would be of interest to many local municipalities economic development organizations around Alberta, and have many resources to work with like Farm Credit Canada, Agriculture Financing and Lending Corporation (AFSC). The Brooks & District Feeders is a Cooperative Association that helps young and established Ranchers and Feeders Operators purchase cattle at a lending rate they can afford, with little security ([email protected]) 131

Crop Area/ Livestock # of acres/ # Animals Spring wheat (excluding durum) Acres 90668 Alfalfa and alfalfa mixtures Acres 54720 Barley Acres 44051 Canola (rapeseed) Acres 53292 All other tame hay and fodder crops Acres 13875 Potatoes Acres 1130 Sugar Beets Acres 904 Sunflowers Acres 2103 Number of Total cattle and calves (20) animals 197411

This chart shows some of the more interesting agriculture crops that are grown in the Newell Region. Alfalfa and Canola are two of specialty crops that are grown in Newell because of the irrigation programs in place. This combined with the unique leaf cutter pollination and other larger apiaries in Newell, gives Newell a competitive edge when working with unique crops. Sunflowers are of interest as the Spitz factory in Bow Island will no longer be in working operation in 2019132. The future for this crop is unsure now. Other larger paying crops like Sugar Beets and Potatoes carry large capital investment to begin, but more farmers are looking to co-operatively share the cost of this equipment as they explore the options of the crop. A growth from 2011 is the number of Cattle and Calves in Newell. This industry segment grew by 35% from last census cycle.

131 E-mail from Cindy Wolfer, Manager, Brooks & District Feeders, November 22, 2018. 132 http://medicinehatnews.com/news/local-news/2017/02/16/bow-island-spitz-processing-plant-to-close/ 76

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Oil and Gas Sector

Despite the downturn in Oil and Gas activity in 2015, the industry is recovering and beginning to grow again. As with many resource-based industries, Oil and Gas is subject to extreme fluctuations in a Boom or Bust market. These can be influenced strongly by politics, resource availability, new technology, and skilled labour.

The Newell Region is home to old Oil and Gas fields. Many of these fields have been mapped out and are on low production. As identified in the Newell Regional Economic Development Initiative (NREDI) Oil and Gas Report, many of the 20,000 Active Natural Gas Wells and 1,500 Active Oil wells are in low production and had a certain lifespan remaining in the region.133134 Brooks is slowly becoming home to many more reclamation companies that use Brooks as a central hub throughout PSAC area 3 (South East Alberta). PSAC Area 3 has long been used as some of the first Oil and Gas wells in Alberta, and these companies are finding the work to reclaim to environment after the wells have been shut in.

Of interest in the Newell Region is the new exploration of Oil and Gas pockets in Southern Newell. Access to new technology allows drilling units to dig further than before allowing companies to access new oil and gas pockets. As technology continues to develop for the Oil and Gas sector, new opportunities will emerge for the Newell Region.

133 Newell Regional Economic Development Initiative. 2012. County of Newell Industrial Analysis: Conventional Oil & Gas Reserves. 134 The Newell Regional Economic Development office has been moved to the City of Brooks. https://www.brooks.ca/485/Economic-Development 77

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Economic Diversification

The Oil and Gas industry still remains a primary energy driver in the Newell Region, but renewable solar energy is emerging as a viable means to create construction jobs and diversify the economy in the region. With the downturn in Oil and Gas sector, solar energy is recognized as a sustainable means to potentially increase linear taxation.135 The largest in Western Canada, the Brooks Solar Project is a 17 MW solar power facility on 30 hectares of land adjacent to the City of Brooks (in the County of Newell).136 Brought online in 2017, the Brooks Solar Project, operated by Elemental Energy, incorporates 50,000 solar panels that can power 3,000 homes.137, 138 The project is an example of a mixed economy located in the same area with the solar project sharing space with active oil pumpjack, a sour gas well, natural gas pipelines, an internet fibre optic cable and an irrigation ditch.139 As of November, 2018, there are an additional seven solar installation projects in process in the County of Newell.140

In July, 2018 another diversification project was unveiled with the announcement of Natural Health Alliance’ plans to build a 30,000 square foot cannabis production facility in the South Industrial Park south of Brooks. Planned to grow and sell marijuana at the commercial level, the facility would also research and develop cures for different illnesses.141 Located on 28 acres, the building would have capacity for expansion to create a complex that is between 1.5 and 2 million square feet. If the project goes ahead, an estimated 70 permanent jobs would be created.142 As of November, 2018, no announcement has been made as to the start date for construction.143

Tourism

Tourism is a growing industry in the Newell Region. The Newell Region is home to Lake Newell which is the largest and windiest man-made lake in Alberta. Kinbrook Provincial Park is a well-used campground and boating recreation area located at Lake Newell. 144 Dinosaur Provincial Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is located 48km from Brooks. It is one of the richest fossil bone beds in the world. 145 The Park contains a small museum, hiking trails and a campsite. Brooks is the home to the Brooks Medieval Faire, an International Jousting Tournament and the only one in Canada. 146 It is a 2-day event and is held every year in August.The Newell Region is also home to a number of Professional and Amateur Rodeo circuits. They include the Kinsmen Pro Rodeo in Brooks, the Bassano Rodeo, and the Patricia Rodeo.There are 19 campgrounds and 3 provincial parks in the Newell Region which cater to recreational boaters, hunters, fishermen, hikers and provide a wide variety of outdoors activities. Tourism is a major driver of business growth with consumer and visitor services in the Newell Region. The Newell Regional Tourism Association (NRTA) markets, promotes and develops programs to help enhance the visitor experience in Newell. Partnering with municipalities, business and community groups, the NRTA has been growing thanks to the creation of a Destination Marketing Fund (DMF) provided from the participating hotels to

135 https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/brooks-solar-newell-elemental-energy-1.4458277 136 https://majorprojects.alberta.ca/Details/Brooks-1-Solar-Power-Plant/652 137 http://elementalenergy.ca/portfolio/brooks-solar/ 138 https://majorprojects.alberta.ca/Details/Brooks-1-Solar-Power-Plant/652 139 https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/brooks-solar-newell-elemental-energy-1.4458277 140 Email from Alyce Wickert, Manager of Planning & Development at the County of Newell, November 01, 2018. 141 https://chatnewstoday.ca/article/567710/city-brooks-curious-optimistic-about-cannabis-facility 142 https://chatnewstoday.ca/article/566676/cannabis-production-facility-coming-brooks 143 https://chatnewstoday.ca/article/566676/cannabis-production-facility-coming-brooks 144 https://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/south/kinbrook-island-pp/ 145 https://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/south/dinosaur-pp/ 146 http://brooksfaire.com/ 78

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region strengthen the ability of the region to promote tourism in Alberta and beyond. The creation of their website www.VisitNewell.com provides information on the region’s attractions, events, and things to do.147 Tourism marketing and promotion have increased the recognition of the Newell Region as a place to visit and enjoy activities. Working with larger tourism entities like Canadian Badlands and Travel Alberta have provided an edge for helping to grow tourism visitation to the region. Newell’s strong Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR) as well as their ability to target a differentiated tourist from Travel Alberta’s Free Spirts and Cultural Explorers (which are predominantly sought by Calgary, Banff and Edmonton) lends strongly to their ability to continue growing tourism.

Factors that have helped to contribute to a growing tourism economy is the increase in labour jobs in the more competitive arts and cultural sector (120 in 2011 to 170 in 2016), and a stronger retail sector (995 in 2011 to 1155 in 2016).148 While these sectors are growing and have shown an increase from 2011, like the Information and cultural industries, they are still below the provincial average. The NRTA, Canadian Badlands, municipalities and the business sector continue to work together to explore the ways and means to further promote the area and to grow tourism.

Newell Regional Economic Development Partnership149

Economic development initiatives are overseen by a Joint Services Committee that is comprised of the Chief Elected Officials of each of the Municipalities in the Region, as well representatives from the Eastern Irrigation District and Grasslands Regional Schools. The Joint Services Committee has developed a set of Strategic Focus Areas, which include Entrepreneurship, Business Retention and Expansion, Investment Readiness and Attraction, Branding and Marketing/Promotions. City of Brooks staff members are responsible for coordinating the Newell region economic development efforts and implementing activities. Working in partnership with others, the Economic Development team actively implements programs and projects which increase capacity in each of the strategic areas.

147 www.visitnewell.com 148 Taken from the 2011 NHS Profiles: http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/nhs-enm/2011/dp- pd/prof/details/page.cfm?Lang=E&Geo1=CMA&Code1=806&Data=Count&SearchText=Brooks&SearchType=Begins&SearchPR=01&A1=Labour&B1=All&Cu stom=&TABID=1 149 https://www.brooks.ca/485/Economic-Development 79

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region ks Aqueduct: https://brooksaqueduct.ca/

NEGATIVE GAP: POLITICAL RIGHTS AND GENERAL VALUES Factor Ranked #7 for Level of Importance and #8 for Level of Satisfaction

This Factor was defined with the following variables:

QUALITY OF LIFE QUALITY OF PLACE Importance Variables Satisfaction Variables Honesty English as a Second Language Respect Discrimination Integrity Immigration Freedom of Speech Sharing

Importance of Political Rights and General Values Variables

Importance of Political Rights and General Values

Honesty

Respect Very Important Important

Integrity Neutral Not Important

Freedom of Speech Not at all Important

Sharing

FINDINGS:

 Respondents were nearly 100% in agreement that Honesty (97.1%) and Respect (96.3%) were Very Important to Important.  Integrity had an overall Importance of 88.9% for this study.  The Importance of Sharing had significantly more Neutral responses (22.3%), similar to 2013.  Honesty had the most Very Important responses at 73.9%. While high, this response is a significant decrease from the 2013 response of 82.5%.  67.7% of respondents thought Respect was Very Important compared to 71.6% in 2013.  53% of respondents thought Integrity was Very Important compared to 57.5% in 2013.  55.3% of respondents thought Freedom of Speech was Very important compared to 55.1% in 2013.  26.2% of respondents thought Sharing was Very Important compared to 32% in 2013.

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region

Overall Satisfaction with Political Rights and General Values Factor was 67.3%. (2013: 67.4%).

Satisfaction with Political Rights and General Values Variables

Satisfaction with Political Rights and General Values English as a Second Language

Discrimination

Immigration

Political Rights and General Values Overal Satisfaction

FINDINGS:

 English as a Second Language had an overall Satisfaction level of 41.6% (539), which is a slight increase from 40.3% for 2013. 6.7% (87) were Very Satisfied, 19.8% (257) were Satisfied, and 15% (195) were Somewhat Satisfied. The percentages for 2013 were 7, 18.4 and 15 respectively. 42.2% (547) were Neutral, 6.5% (84) were Somewhat Dissatisfied, 4.7% (61) were Dissatisfied, and 5.1% (66) were Very Dissatisfied. The percentages for 2013 were 39, 7.2, 5.3 and 7.8 respectively.

 Discrimination had an overall Satisfaction level of 41.4% (535), which is a slight increase from 40% for the 2013. 5.3% (68) were Very Satisfied, 19.4% (250) were Satisfied, and 16.8% (217) were Somewhat Satisfied. The percentages for 2013 were 17.9, 17.9 and 17 respectively. 35.3% (456) were Neutral, 11.5% (148) were Somewhat Dissatisfied, 7.1% (91) were Dissatisfied, and 4.7% (61) were Very Dissatisfied. The percentages for 2013 were 36.8, 12.6, 5.7 and 7.8 respectively.

 Immigration had an overall Satisfaction level of 38.2% (493), which is an increase from 32.6% for 2013. 5.7% (74) were Very Satisfied, 19.5% (252) were Satisfied, and 12.9% (167) were Somewhat Satisfied. The percentages for 2013 were 5.5, 14.3 and 12.7 respectively. 46.3% (598) were Neutral, 7.2% (93) were Somewhat Dissatisfied, 3.8% (49) were Dissatisfied, and 4.5% (58) were Very Dissatisfied. The percentages for 2013 were 47.7, 7.4, 6 and 6.3 respectively.

 Although most respondents expressed some Satisfaction with English as a Second Language, Discrimination and Immigration, over 200 respondents expressed a level of Dissatisfaction (which was the same for 2013). 66 were Very Dissatisfied with English as a Second Language, 61 were Very 81

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Dissatisfied with Discrimination, and 58 were Very Dissatisfied with Immigration. The numbers for 2013 were 83, 83 and 68 respectively. Although there has been slight improvement in the Very Dissatisfied category, these results still suggest that some residents may be experiencing some difficulty in their community. English as a Second Language Programs { Also called English Language Learning (ELL) }

Respondents were generally Very Satisfied to Somewhat Satisfied (41.6%) or Neutral (42.2%) with English as a Second Language (ESL) Programs. There has been a slight increase of respondents that were general Very Satisfied to Somewhat Satisfied, which was 40.3% in 2013. Respondents that were Neutral increased from 42.2% in 2013.

The Brooks Community Adult Learning Council (BCALC) offers a variety of language programs. Their Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) is available for newcomers who are permanent residents (not Canadian citizens) who want English language instruction.150 The Canadian Level Benchmarks (CLB) levels offered by BCALC are: pre-benchmark, CLB1, CLB2, CLB3 and CLB4. Each class is offered twice a day to accommodate shift workers and focuses on a variety of themes and skills. Limited transportation assistance (taxi fare) and child-care are offered for students in the LINC programs. BCALC also provides ESL language training for Temporary Foreign Workers and Canadian Citizens.

Medicine Hat College (MHC) – Brooks Campus offers ESL training for CLB levels 5 and above, and since the courses are untied from LINC funding, enrollment is not precluded by immigration status.151 The college also has taken the lead and provides opportunity for English Language Learners (ELL) Service Providers to meet and discuss the existing services and potential needs of persons requiring access to English classes in the community. This service provider group continues to meet to ensure newcomers have access to English Classes in the community. MHC – Brooks Campus also sits on the executive of the Brooks Local Immigration Partnership (BLIP), and advocates for ESL programming on a provincial advisory council.152

Employment opportunities are very limited for immigrants who do not speak English and French (to a lesser degree) in the Newell Region. The Federal Government requires language proficiency in English or French making it necessary to take a language test or use other options, as part of the requirement for permanent residency and citizenship. The Family Sponsorship route to permanent residency (sponsoring a spouse, for example), however, does not require a language test for newcomers.153154 Eligible individuals aged 18 to 54 years applying for citizenship must also provide evidence of language proficiency in English or French (unless it is waived due to a medical condition, such as a hearing impairment), but there are a variety of avenues for which this can be completed.155 Immigrants must prove that they passed a third party language test, provide evidence that they attended or are currently attending a secondary or post-secondary English or French-speaking institution (either in Canada or abroad), or prove enrolment in a government-funded language training program and passed a CLB4 or higher. Some immigrants arrive in Canada with very little prior schooling and may be illiterate in their own language – this creates challenges for them to obtain a level of English that gives access to

150 http://www.brooksadultlearning.ca/content/courses 151 Email: Cindy Slenders, Director, Brooks Campus and Regional Stewardship, Medicine Hat College – Brooks Campus, February 27, 2017. 152 Email: Cindy Slenders, Director, Brooks Campus and Regional Stewardship, Medicine Hat College – Brooks Campus, February 26, 2017 153 https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/family-sponsorship.html 154 To be a sponsor you must be at least 18 years old and a: Canadian citizen, registered in Canada as an Indian under the Canadian Indian Act, or a permanent resident of Canada. 155 https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/application-forms-guides/guide-0002-application-canadian- citizenship-under-subsection-5-1-adults-18-years-older.html#Step1 82

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region better paying employment.156 This may help explain why the jobs available at the meat processing plant in Brooks are attractive to many immigrants due to the requirement of Basic English language skills rather than more advanced English required in other fields of employment. Others immigrants have professional degrees not recognized in Canada and they find employment at the meat processing plant as they work toward upgrading their qualifications to enable them to work in their professions in Canada.157

2017 Unemployment Rates for Immigrants aged 25 to 54 in Canada (All Education Levels): - Landed immigrants – 6.4% - Immigrants, landed 5 or less years earlier – 9.6% - Immigrants, landed more than 5 to 10 years earlier – 6.2% - Immigrants, landed more than 10 years earlier – 5.6% - Born in Canada – 5%158

Discrimination

Respondents were generally Neutral (35.3%) with Very Satisfied and Somewhat Satisfied totalling 41.4% within the Discrimination variable. The percentage for Neutral responses in the 2013 study was 36.8%, with satisfaction levels totally 40%. In 2017, the percentage of respondents who were Somewhat Dissatisfied to Dissatisfied was relatively high at 23.2%, which is only a slight decrease of 25% in 2013.

Incidents of discrimination are a challenge to quantify in any community, but one accepted measure is the number of hate crimes reported by the police. “Police-reported hate crimes refer to criminal incidents that, upon investigation by police, are found to have been motivated by hatred toward an identifiable group, as defined in subparagraph 718.2(a)(i) of the Criminal Code of Canada. An incident may be against a person or property and may target race, colour, national or ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, language, sex, age, mental or physical disability, among other factors.” 159

Hate Crime Rates in Canada (2016)

A rate of hate crime for selected groups was calculated to estimate the number of police-reported hate crime incidents per 100,000 individuals in the target population. This rate should not be interpreted as a victimization rate, as it also includes crimes where no direct victim was involved (e.g. public graffiti). Instead, it takes into account the fact that hate crimes not only affect their immediate victims, but also have an impact on the populations they target. Even a ‘victimless’ crime, such as hate graffiti written in a public place, may have a broad effect on the population it targets160.

According to the 2016 Federal Census, 21.9% of Canada’s population reported that they are currently, or were at one time, a landed immigrant or permanent resident.161 This ethnocultural diversity is near the highest level ever recorded since Confederation, which was 22.3% in 1921. With changing demographics, the potential can arise for acts of discrimination between individuals or groups. When a criminal act is motivated by hate, it is considered a hate crime. Hate crimes can be either violent or non-violent in nature, and affect not only the

156 http://wiki.secteuretablissement.org/uploads/Policy_Matters_31.doc (accessed Feb 27, 2017) 157 http://wiki.secteuretablissement.org/uploads/Policy_Matters_31.doc 158 http://www.statcan.gc.ca/tables-tableaux/sum-som/l01/cst01/labor90a-eng.htm 159 https://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/171128/dq171128d-eng.htm 160 https://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/85-002-x/2017001/article/14832-eng.htm 161 http://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/171025/dq171025b-eng.htm 83

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region individual victims of the crime but also the groups targeted. Hate crimes are a focus of social concern in Canada and around the world.162

In Canada, “there are four specific offences listed as hate propaganda offences or hate crimes in the Criminal Code of Canada: advocating genocide, public incitement of hatred, willful promotion of hatred, and mischief motivated by hate in relation to religious property. Police determine whether or not a crime was motived by hatred and indicate the type of motivation based on information gathered during the investigation and common national guidelines for record classification.”163 “In addition, subparagraph 718.2(a)(i) of the Criminal Code allows for increased penalties when sentencing any criminal offence (such as assault or mischief) where there is evidence that the offence was motivated by bias, prejudice or hatred based on various criteria as set out in that subparagraph. These are also considered hate crimes.”164

Police-Reported Hate Crimes by Motivation and Region, 2016165 Region Race or Sexual Ethnicity Religion Orientation Other166 Unknown Total Number Rate Number Rate Number Rate Number Rate Number Rate Number Rate Atlantic 23 1.0 9 0.4 10 0.4 2 0.1 0 0.0 44 1.9 Quebec 118 1.4 116 1.4 27 0.3 51 0.6 15 0.2 327 4.0 Ontario 273 2.0 242 1.8 76 0.6 19 0.1 2 0.0 612 4.6 Manitoba 17 1.3 13 1.0 4 0.3 2 0.2 0 0.0 36 2.8 Saskatchewan 16 1.5 6 0.5 4 0.4 3 0.3 0 0.0 29 2.6 Alberta 92 2.3 25 0.6 19 0.5 1 0.0 2 0.0 139 3.4 British Columbia 118 2.5 47 1.0 36 0.8 10 0.2 0 0.0 211 4.5 Territories 9 7.9 2 1.8 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 11 9.7 Canada 666 1.9 460 1.3 176 0.5 88 0.3 19 0.1 1409 4.0 Note: Rates are calculated per 100,000 population. Information in this table reflects data reported by police services covering 99.7% of the population of Canada.

Based on convictions for Hate Crimes, Alberta’s rate of Hate Crimes is 3.4 per 100,000 population, which is lower than the rate in 2012 (3.8 per 100,000 population). This compares to the overall Hate Crimes rate in Canada of 4.0. The region with the lowest Hate crime rate per 100,000 population are the Atlantic Provinces with 1.9. The Territories has the highest rate of 9.7 per 100,000 population, which is followed by Ontario with 4.6 and British Columbia with 4.5. There were no hate crimes reported in the Newell Region in 2017. Immigration

Respondents had a high level of Neutral responses at 46.3%, which is a slight decrease from the previous study (47.6%). Overall Satisfaction levels were at 38.2%, which is higher than the overall Dissatisfied responses at 15.5%. Overall Satisfaction has increased from 32.7% in 2013, and overall Dissatisfaction has decreased from 19.7%. Immigration is very important for the local labour market so it is still quite surprising that so many respondents were Neutral on the issue. Dissatisfied responses were low in the previous study and they have

162 https://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/85-002-x/2017001/article/14832-eng.htm 163 https://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/171128/dq171128d-eng.htm 164 https://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/171128/dq171128d-eng.htm 165 Statistics Canada, Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics, Incident-based Uniform Crime Reporting Survey. 166 Includes mental or physical disability, language, sex and other similar factors (for example, occupation or political beliefs). 84

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region decreased even further, which may suggest that residents have become even more comfortable with demographic changes in Brooks and the Newell Region brought about by immigration.

Immigration is a public policy preoccupation at all levels of government in terms of finding the right balance between meeting humanitarian obligations, meeting Canadian economic needs with qualified immigrants and ensuring gainful employment for Canadian citizens. Currently, municipal governments have not had a great deal of input into immigration policies. The Province of Alberta has the opportunity to choose Provincial Nominee immigrants to meet their labour needs.167 Many Temporary Foreign Workers hope that their employers will sponsor them to be Provincial Nominees and gain permanent residency in Canada. As discussed in the section on Economy and Employment, the nature of the local industries has created the need to recruit unskilled or semi-skilled workers willing to work in challenging settings. The skill requirement was appropriate for refugees from Africa in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s and more recently Filipino, Chinese and South American immigrants or Temporary Foreign Workers. The local labour market is dependent on immigration to fill positions in all businesses including agriculture.

The variables specific to Quality of Place section in the survey are relevant to the labour market demands and demographic changes the Newell Region. According to the 2016 Federal Census, visible minorities make up 22.9% of the Newell Region’s population, and 22.4% are immigrants. In 2011, 16.3% were visible minorities and 15.2% were immigrants. In 2016, Brooks had a higher proportion of visible minorities (36.8%) and immigrants (30.1%) than the Newell Region as a whole.

For the first time, the 2016 Census collected data on the admission category by which immigrants entered Canada.47% of immigrants living in Brooks entered Canada as economic immigrants, 36% came as refugees and 17% were sponsored by a family member. 168In 2015-2016, 75 Syrian refugees moved to Brooks, the vast majority of whom were government-assisted refugees169

Newcomers to the Newell Region require specialized services such as English as a Second Language classes, settlement and information programs and support as they learn to live in their new community. Many of the newcomers arrive from countries with very different cultures/traditions than Canada and both newcomers and longer-term residents have had to adapt. Local businesses have expanded their product lines and new businesses have been opened to accommodate newcomers170. The Region has been enriched with new “ethnic” restaurants, friendships across cultures and the diversity of viewpoints and cultures.

According to the 2016 Federal Census,171 5,245 (22.4%) of the population of the Newell Region were immigrants,172 17,790 (76%) are non-immigrants (Canadian citizens by birth), and 375 (1.6%) were non- permanent residents. The numbers and percentages for the last study were 3,420 (15.2%) immigrants, 18,575 (82.4%) non-immigrants, and 555 (2.5%) non-permanent residents. Of the immigrants living in the Newell Region in 2016, 2,345 came to Canada between 2011 and 2016. These recent immigrants made up 44.7% of the immigrants in the Region.

167 http://www.albertacanada.com/opportunity/programs-and-forms/ainp.aspx 168 2016 Canadian Census (Statistics Canada) 169 Wilkinson, L., Garcea, J., Bhattacharyya, P., Abdul-Karim, A.-B., & Riziki, A. (2017). Resettling in the Canadian prairies: A survey of Syrian refugees in Canada’s prairies. 170 Example; Sam's Oriental Market catering to newcomers from Asia, Africa and Latin America 171 2016 Canadian Census (Statistics Canada) 172 'Immigrants' includes persons who are or who have ever been landed immigrants or permanent residents. Such persons have been granted the right to live in Canada permanently by immigration authorities. Immigrants who have obtained Canadian citizenship by naturalization are included in this category. In the 2016 Census of Population ‘Immigrants’ includes immigrants who landed in Canada on or prior to May 10, 2016. 85

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region In 2016, the most common countries of birth of immigrants173 living in the Region was: Philippines (accounting for 23.6% of the immigrant population), Other places of birth in Africa (11.2%) and Mexico (9.8%). For 2013, Philippines accounted for 14.5% of the immigrant population in the Newell Region (which was the highest) and Mexico for 8.9% (second highest). In comparison, the top countries of birth of immigrants living in Alberta were: Philippines (accounting for 14.7% of the immigrant population), India (10.8%) and United Kingdom (7.0%). For 2013, Philippines accounted for 14.7% of the immigrant population in Alberta (which was the highest) and India for 9.2% (second highest). The majority of immigrants live in the City of Brooks (4,215 or 80.4% in 2016).

The Newell Region has benefited from the settlement of many different groups of immigrants. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) first arrived in 1887 near Taber from the United States and settled in the area developing a major irrigation system and introducing the sugar beet industry174. Mennonites and Hutterites from different parts of Europe settled and were influential in developing many of the hamlets and Villages. Japanese immigrants worked in the farms and more settled in the Region after the forceful resettlement of Canadians of Japanese ancestry during the Second World War. Immigrants from Scandinavia (Scandia), Netherland also settled in the area. In more recent times, the Region benefited from the migration of people from Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. Persons displaced by ethnic violence in their home countries have also moved to Brooks, many arriving to work at the meat processing plant. More recently economic migrants from the Philippines and various countries in Central America have come to the Region to fill vacant jobs in the Region’s major employers such as JBS175.

In February 2016, the City of Brooks was chosen by the Government of Canada as a Government Assisted Refugee (GAR) receiving community. This was done to accommodate the influx of refugees from the Syrian Refugee operation. As of March, 2018, the Newell Region had directly received 125 GAR’s and 9 Privately Sponsored Refugees (PSR) for a total of 134 individuals (55 adults and 79 children) in 22 families.176 All of these families settled in the City of Brooks, except for one settling in the County of Newell. The majority of these refugees were from Syrian, but the Newell Region also received refugees from The Congo, Sudan, Somalia and Ethiopia since the peak of the Syrian operation.

Since the arrival of refugees in 2016, as of March, 2018 several families had moved away from Brooks after spending some time in the Region; they moved for a variety of reasons including better access to services and to be closer to other family members.177 Limited access to specialized medical services in the Region has been well documented. Three families chose to leave Brooks immediately upon arriving. They had families in other regions in Canada and wished to be close to them. Two Syrian refugee families resettled in Brooks after arriving in other part of Canada, which is noteworthy. The recent refugee cohort also had two births since arriving in the Region.178

173 2016 Canadian Census (Statistics Canada) 174 https://www.mormonnewsroom.ca/facts-and-statistics/country/canada/province/alberta 175County of Newell No.4 (2003) 50 years of growth 176 Email: Mohammed Idris, Service Manager, Brooks & County Immigration Services (BCIS), March 05, 2018 177 Email: Mohammed Idris, Service Manager, Brooks & County Immigration Services (BCIS), March 05, 2018 178 Email: Mohammed Idris, Service Manager, Brooks & County Immigration Services (BCIS), March 05, 2018 86

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region MATCH GAP ANALYSIS The 2017 Quality of Life Survey gap analysis identified one Match Gap in the Newell Region; Sense of Community. Match Gaps occur when the Rank of Importance is the same as the Rank of Satisfaction within the nine broad factors.

The 2013 Quality of Life Survey gap analysis also identified one Match Gap in the Newell Region, but it was for the Government factor.

MATCH GAP: SENSE OF COMMUNITY Factor Ranked #5 for Level of Importance and #5 for Level of Satisfaction

Sense of Community had a Positive Gap in 2013.

This Factor was defined with the following variables:

QUALITY OF LIFE QUALITY OF PLACE Importance Variables Satisfaction Variables Knowing Neighbours Domestic Violence Working Together Community Safety Helping Others Social Inclusion Community Safety Sense of Belonging

Importance of Sense of Community Variables

Importance of Sense of Community

Knowing Neighbors

Working Together Very Important Important

Helping Others Neutral Not Important

Community Safety Not at all Important

Sense of Belonging

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region FINDINGS:

 The overall Importance for Knowing Neighbours was 64.7%, which is a decrease from 74.8% in 2013. This variable also had the highest rate of Neutral responses at 27.3%.  Working Together overall Importance was 85.2%, which is a decrease from the previous study (88.7%).  Helping Others overall Importance was 89.2%, which is a decrease from 92.1% for the previous study.  Community Safety overall Importance was 93.7%, which is a slight decrease from 94.6% in 2013.  Sense of Belonging overall Importance was 80.3%, and had the second highest Neutral responses at 15.8%. This variable had a Neutral response rate of 25.1% in the previous study. Knowing Neighbours

Comparison of Importance with Knowing Neighbours across Communities

N = 1345 respondents

Knowing Neighbours

Very Important Important Neutral Not Important Not at all Important

Bassano Brooks Duchess Rosemary County of Newell Newell Region

FINDINGS:

 Like the previous study, Knowing Neighbours was seen as less Important than Working Together, Helping Others, Community Safety, and Sense of Belonging. It also had a large rate of Neutral Responses.  The City of Brooks had the most Knowing Neighbours Neutral responses (31.8%). Bassano had the most Neutral responses (15.2%) in 2013.  Rosemary had the most Very Important responses (29.2%), which was followed by County of Newell (22.5%) and Bassano (21.2%). For the previous study, Duchess had the most Very Important responses (28%), which was followed by County of Newell (26.6%) and Rosemary (25%).

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region  There does not appear to be any correlation between the size of the community and the Importance that respondents attributed to Knowing Neighbours. The City of Brooks, which is the largest urban community in the Newell Region, had a lower rate of Not Important and Not at all Important responses (7.7%) than the Village of Duchess (11.3%). Brooks also had the smallest Very Important and Important responses (60.5%). Helping Others The Newell Region has a large number of volunteers who help communities, local organizations, sports clubs, faith groups, and are the backbone of ensuring that there are activities/recreational facilities and a good quality of life for residents in the communities. Volunteers often run the local Hockey, Curling and Soccer Associations, organize community festivals and events, ensure that historical artifacts are preserved and keep young people informed about the history of the Region, and raise funds for community projects. Grasslands Regional FCSS Annual Report (2017) reported their Funded Partners organizations’ volunteers contributed nearly 12,000 hours to their communities.179 A total number of volunteers and volunteer hours contributed in the Newell Region is not possible to determine locally given the breadth of volunteer hours across the sectors and lack of a centralized means to collect the data.

According to the Canada Survey of Giving, Volunteering and Participating (CSGVP) 2013, 44% of Canadians aged 15 years and older volunteered.180181 These volunteers devoted 1.96 billion hours to activities, which is equivalent to approximately one million full-time jobs. The volunteer rate in 2013, however, was lower than recorded rates for 2010 (47%), 2007 (46%) and 2004 (45%). Even though the volunteer rate for 2013 was lower than the previous years the total number of hours Canadians volunteered remained constant between 2010 and 2013. Age seems to be a determining factor for the type of volunteering. Older volunteers (aged 55 and older), for example, are more likely to sit on a committee or board than younger volunteers. Older volunteers are also less likely to volunteer than younger populations, but they contribute the most hours (39% of the 1.96 billion volunteer hours in 2013).182 The Province with the highest rate of volunteerism was Saskatchewan with 56%, then Manitoba (52%) and Nova Scotia (51%). Alberta had a volunteer rate of 50% in 2013, and the national average for volunteering was 44%. Every day

The Economic Contribution of Volunteers183 According to the Conference Board of Canada, April 5, 2018 Each day, Canadians in every region of the country contribute both their time and money to help: • Even if volunteers are unpaid, their contribution adds to economic activity through the value of services provided. • Estimated that volunteers added over two billion hours to Canada’s work effort in 2017. • This volunteer contribution is valued at $55.9 billion in 2017—equivalent to 2.6 per cent of GDP. • If volunteering were an industry, it would employ nearly as many people as those currently working in education.

179 Grasslands Regional FCSS. Annual Report 2017. 180 Turcotte, M. Volunteering and Charitable Giving in Canada. January 30, 2015. Statistics Canada. Catalogue Number 89-652-X2015001. 181 The CSGVP was conducted every three years until 2013. The next data collection will begin in September 2017 and be on a five year cycle. http://www23.statcan.gc.ca/imdb/p2SV.pl?Function=getSurvey&SDDS=4430 182 Turcotte, M. Volunteering and Charitable Giving in Canada. January 30, 2015. Statistics Canada. Catalogue Number 89-652-X2015001. 183 Conference Board of Canada, April 2018. The value of volunteering in Canada. Final Report. 89

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Charitable Giving

Charitable Giving Information is available from Statistics Canada for Canada, Provinces, Census Metropolitan Areas (CMA), and Census Agglomerations (CA), therefore data is only available for the City of Brooks.184 Although data is not available for the Newell Region, the information for Brooks still provides a perspective on how residents are involved with Helping Others. It gives an indication of the generosity of the Region’s residents and their commitment to helping their communities.

The Giving Report 2017 and 2018 published by CanadaHelps analyzes Canadian Giving and Charity Trends using Statistics Canada research and tax data from the Canada Revenue Agency. Along with the decline in charitable giving across the country over the past decade, the report predicts a looming crisis in the charitable sector. The first report in 2017 report stated: “With an aging population and a shrinking social safety net, Canada is now more reliant on the charitable sector than at any point in our country’s history. Today, many of the services that people expect from their municipal, provincial and federal governments are, in fact, performed by charities. Small charities, in particular, support an incredible diversity of issues and causes in communities across the country, doing vital work that is often left unnoticed until you or a person you care about needs help. With $9.1 billion in charitable donations reported in 2015 (most recent Canada Revenue Agency data), Canadians appear to be giving more than in previous years. But when we analyze the data and consider inflation, we see that simple numbers don’t tell the whole story. When inflation is considered, the value of charitable donations has not changed much since the 2008-2009 recession. This is why so many charities, especially the smaller ones, are struggling to deliver services and solve the social problems that affect us all.185

The Giving Report 2018 report states that donation levels have declined in all age groups. Although the 55+ age group continue to give the most of any age group, some of the largest declines in donations are in this age group. Between 2006 and 2015, the 45-54 age group experienced the largest decline in donation rates of all age groups at -6.4 percentage points. As these Canadians move into the age 55+ bracket, the gap will grow significantly. This demographic shift creates a widening ‘giving gap’.

With more than 1.4 million full-time employees, the charitable sector now accounts for one out of every ten full-time jobs in Canada, making it the nation’s largest employer. Full-time employment in the charitable sector also grew at twice the rate (2.1% vs. 1.0%) of remaining employment, from 2010 to 2016.1 In 2016, Canadian charities also reported $262 billion in revenue, the charitable sector contributing an estimated 8% of the GDP.186

The table below compares the charitable donation of tax filers in the City of Brooks to those of Alberta and the rest of Canada. The data in the table reflects only the amount of charitable donations for which a tax filer received a tax donation and claimed on an income tax return; it does not reflect charitable donations when no tax receipt was issued. For the 2014 Tax Year, 20% of tax filers in the City of Brooks declared that they made a charitable donation. This percentage dropped for the 2016 Tax Year (18.9%), which is not surprising given the economic downturn that hit the region. In 2014, the percentages were 21.4 (Canada) and 20.5 (Alberta) compared to 2016 percentages of 20.5 (Canada) and 21.1 (Alberta). The average age of donors for the City of Brooks was 51years in 2014 and 52 years in 2016. This compares to age 54 in 2014 and age 55 in 2016 for Canada. The average age of donors for Alberta in 2014 and 2016 was identical to the City of Brooks. The older City of Brooks residents make more in charitable donations, which is similar to Alberta and Canada. The median donation from the City of Brooks in 2014 was $450 and $490 in 2016. This compares to Canada ($280 in 2014 and $300 in 2016) and Alberta ($440 in 2014 and $470 in 2016). Of note is that Brooks residents had a higher median donation than Alberta and Canada even though their median income is less.

184 http://www23.statcan.gc.ca/imdb/p2SV.pl?Function=getSurvey&SDDS=4430 185 https://www.canadahelps.org/en/the-giving-report/ 186 https://www.canadahelps.org/en/the-giving-report/ 90

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Charitable Donors187 Canada Alberta Brooks

Donors and Donations 2014 2016 2014 2016 2014 2016 Number of Tax Filers 25922300 26350290 2879740 2907040 18160 17910

Number of Donors 5543740 5397060 636670 612220 3640 3390

Average age of donors (years) 54 55 51 52 51 52

Average donations, donors aged 0 to 24 years ($) 420 420 800 810 1390 800

Average donations, donors aged 25 to 34 years ($) 770 830 1220 1230 1170 1430

Average donations, donors aged 35 to 44 years ($) 1170 1220 1740 1760 1490 1570

Average donations, donors aged 45 to 54 years (4) 1510 1560 2290 2150 1960 1980

Average donations, donors aged 55 to 64 years ($) 1750 1800 3050 2890 2560 2650

Average donations, donors aged 65 years and over ($) 2230 2250 3820 3420 3280 2870

Total charitable donations ($ x 1,000) 8797115 8888325 1551765 1436145 7750 7240 Median donations ($) 280 300 440 470 450 490

Median total income of donors ($) 57930 59360 70840 69160 54700 50950

75th percentile total income of donors ($) 89340 91420 112500 108560 88390 80780

187 Statistics Canada. Table 111-0001 Summary of charitable donors, annual (number unless otherwise noted) (Accessed March 01, 2017).

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Sense of Belonging

Albertans rank among the lowest in the nation for Sense of Belonging to Local Community at 68.9 percent in 2017.188 While no Canadian Census data exists for individual communities in Alberta, respondents in the 2017 Quality of Life Survey responded that Sense of Belonging was Important (44.8%) and Very Important (35.6%). The Neutral response rate among respondents was 15.8%.

Overall Satisfaction with Sense of Community was 72.7% (2013: 75.3%)

Satisfaction with Sense of Community Variables

Newell Region Satisfaction with Sense of Community

Domestic Violence

Community Safety

Social Inclusion

Sense of Community Overall Satisfaction

FINDINGS:

 Domestic Violence had an overall Satisfaction rating of 42%, and a high Neutral Response rate of 40.1% (512 responses). In 2013, the overall Satisfaction rating was 36.6% and the Neutral response rate was 37%. 4.38% (56) of respondents were Very Satisfied, 19.7% (252) were Satisfied, and 17.9% (229) were Somewhat Satisfied. In 2013, the percentages were 4.9, 20.5 and 11.2 respectively. In 2017, 9.6% (123) were Somewhat Dissatisfied, 5.4% (69) were Dissatisfied, and 2.9% (37) were Very Dissatisfied. In 2013, the percentages were 9.3, 6.4 and 3.5 respectively.

 Community Safety had an overall Satisfaction rating of 72.2% (933), which is an increase from 2013 when it was 69.4%. In 2017, 8.7% (112) of respondents were Very Satisfied, 36% (465) were Satisfied, and 28% (356) were Somewhat Satisfied. The percentages in 2013 were 7.7, 33, and 28.7 respectively. In 2017, 17.7% (228) of respondents were Neutral, 6.4% (83) were Somewhat Dissatisfied, 2% (26) were Dissatisfied, and 1.7% (22) were Very Dissatisfied. In 2013, the percentages were 15.5, 8.9, 3.8 and 2.4 respectively.

188 Statistics Canada. Table 13-10-0096-01 Canadian health characteristics, annual estimates 92

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region

 Social Inclusion had an overall Satisfaction rating of 46.5%, and a high Neutral response rate of 41.6% (535 responses). In 2013, the overall Satisfaction rating was 45.7%, and the Neutral response rate of 42.3%. In 2017, 4.7% (60) of respondents were Very Satisfied, 22.7% (291) were Satisfied, and 19.2% (247) were Somewhat Satisfied. The percentages in 2013 were 5.6, 21.3, and 18.8 respectively. In 2017, 7.5% (96) of respondents were Somewhat Dissatisfied, 2.6% (33) were Dissatisfied, and 1.8% (23) were Very Dissatisfied. In 2013, the percentages were 7, 3.1, and 1.1 respectively.

 Similar to 2013, results suggest that respondents were satisfied with services, programs and conditions related to Community Safety, Domestic Violence and Social Inclusion but that public awareness could be an area for further exploration as indicated by the high numbers of Neutral answers in the areas of Domestic Violence and Social Inclusion. Domestic Violence Community agencies, community groups, the City of Brooks, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and provincial government departments have identified domestic violence as an issue of concern in communities. Collaborative efforts have been made to explore the issues around domestic violence in the Newell Region and to implement community solutions through education, training and a variety of programs and services. It should be noted that most services (Counselling, safe house, legal, etc.) are located in Brooks. There are outreach programs available outside of Brooks but transportation to needed services may be a problem for persons who face domestic violence situations189.

The Domestic Violence Intervention Team (DVIT) was formed in 2012 to serve the Newell region and is managed through the RCMP Brooks Detachment in partnership with Cantara Safe House and Victim’s Assistance. “This award -winning practice is led by the RCMP to ensure families have the appropriate supports required to maintain safety. By using a “swift response model”, a specialized team will engage clients, assess individual client needs, make referrals, case manage and ensure clients are following through with agreed upon service plans. This approach allows clients to receive the support on an ongoing basis and has drastically reduced the rate of repeat offences. With the intent to provide support to the entire family, support is provided to men, women and children regardless of who is identified as victim or aggressor. These services and supports are provided independently or simultaneously to involvement with the Justice System. The community provides engaged involvement and leadership by accepting referrals, engaging in a case management process and participating in the management of the team.”190 The DVIT served 272 clients in 2017.191

“The Brooks Action Against Violence Committee (BAAVC) is a network of Community Members/organizations who see the issue of Family Violence (FV) and abuse as a significant social issue and are committed to positive change, action, and results through: coordination, collaboration, networking, information sharing, support.”192 The BAAVC meets monthly to discuss and share information on domestic violence in the community.

189 Grasslands Regional FCSS, Transportation Networks Exploratory Study, October 2013 190 https://www.brooks.ca/568/Community-Safety 191 Email from Meghan Chartier, DVIT Project Coordinator, September 20, 2018. 192 Brooks Action Against Violence Committee (BAAVC) Terms of Reference. March, 2018. 93

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Community Safety Research has shown that the level of Satisfaction with Community Safety is an important component on how residents view their community.193 The Very Satisfied and Satisfied rating among Respondents for Community Safety was 44.6%,194 and given that this is a growth in Satisfaction (40.7% in 2013) it indicates an improved level of support for the efforts of Public Safety Agencies to work with the community in increasing their level of safety. Overall Dissatisfaction among respondents was 10.1%, which is a decrease from 15% in 2013. Newell Region residents, on the whole, feel safer in their community than they did in 2013.

The Brooks RCMP Detachment also serves rural areas in the Newell Region.195 There are 23 RCMP members and 3 Municipal Enforcement Officers. There are an additional 6 RCMP members that work in the Newell Region and two Peace Officers. There is a RCMP office in Bassano staffed by 4 RCMP members. This office serves the communities of Bassano, Countess, Finnegan, Gem, Granta, Hussar, Lathom, Makepeace and Rosemary.

The Police Reported Crime Severity Index (PRCSI) provides a comparison of the amount of criminal code offenses and their severity. The Index has fluctuated for Canada, Alberta, Brooks (municipal), Brooks (rural) and Bassano from 2012 to 2016.

Police Reported Crime Severity Index196,197,198 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Canada 75.4 68.8 66.7 70.1 71.0 Alberta 86.0 85.0 87.0 103.6 102.5 Bassano 34.3 46.8 55.5 45.6 36.0 Brooks (Municipal) 97.0 65.5 69.9 79.2 75.4 Brooks (Rural) 35.8 32.5 36.1 32.7 40.2

Between 2014 and 2016, Brooks (Municipal) witnessed an increase from 69.9 to 75.4 (although there was a decrease from 2015’s rate of 79.2). Brooks (Rural) dropped from 36.1 in 2014 to 32.7 in 2015, but then increased to 40.2 in 2016. Bassano’s PRCSI steadily declined between 2014 (55.5) and 2016 (36.0). The numbers for Brooks (Municipal and Rural) and Bassano compare to Canada (increasing slightly from 66.7 in 2014 to 71.0 in 2016) and Alberta (increasing from 87.0 in 2014 to 102.5 in 2016). Bassano and Brooks (Rural) have less severe crime than the averages for Canada and Alberta. Brooks (Municipal) have higher averages than Canada, but less than Alberta.

Between 2013 and 2017, total persons crime has remained largely unchanged, total property crime has increased and total criminal code violations have increased.199 It should be noted that crimes may be committed by persons who are not local residents.

193 CPRN Quality of Life in Canada: A Citizen’s Report Card Background Report, July 2002 194 Overall Satisfaction (Very Satisfied, Satisfied and Somewhat Satisfied) for Community Safety was 72.2%, which is quite high. 195 The Brooks RCMP detachment serves: Antelope Creek, Bantry, Bow City, Brooks, Cassils, Cecil, Cessford, Duchess, Howie, Iddesleigh, Jenner, Kininvie, Kitsim, Lake Newell, Millicent, One Tree, Patricia, Princess, Rainier, Rolling Hills, Scandia, Southesk, Tide Lake, Tilley and Wardlow. 196 PRCSI measures changes in the level of severity of crime in Canada from year to year. In the index, all crimes are assigned a weight based on their seriousness. The level of seriousness is based on actual sentences handed down by the courts in all provinces and territories. More serious crimes are assigned higher weights, less serious offences lower weights. As a result, more serious offences have a greater impact on changes in the index. 197 For Canada and Alberta: Statistics Canada. Table 252-0052 - Crime severity index and weighted clearance rates, annual (index unless otherwise noted) (accessed: March 06, 2017) 198 For Bassano and Brooks (Municipal and Rural): Statistics Canada. Table 252-0088 - Crime severity index and weighted clearance rates, by police service, Alberta, annual (index unless otherwise noted) (accessed: March 06, 2017). 199 Brooks Municipal Detachment Statistical Comparison January to December: 2013 – 2017. April 04, 2018. 94

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region

Brooks Municipal Detachment RCMP Statistics 2013-2017 Brooks Municipal Detachment RCMP Statistics200 Category 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Criminal Code Offenses - Persons Robbery 4 6 5 5 5 Assault 228 204 190 161 211 Criminal Code Offenses - Property Break and Enter 48 44 46 47 61 Theft of Motor Vehicle 20 16 31 33 26 Theft Over $5000 10 9 4 10 2 Theft Under $5000 177 201 244 267 192 Possession of Stolen Goods 12 19 20 38 26 Fraud 64 68 61 111 102 Drug Enforcement Production 2 0 1 1 1 Possession 26 46 40 38 31 Trafficking 25 24 30 30 21 Other 0 0 1 0 1

RCMP Detachment in Brooks

200 Brooks Municipal Detachment Statistical Comparison January to December: 2013 – 2017. April 04, 2018. 95

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Newell Region Comparisons: Satisfaction with Community Safety N = 1267 respondents

Community Safety

Very Satisfied Satisfied Somewhat Satisfied Neutral Somewhat Dissatisfied Dissatisfied Very Dissatisfied

Bassano Brooks Duchess Rosemary County of Newell Newell Region

FINDINGS:

 Overall, 70.7% (914) of respondents expressed overall Satisfaction with Community Safety, which is a slight increase from 69.5% in 2013. 8.5% (110) were Very Satisfied, 35.4% (457) were Satisfied, and 26.9% (347) were Somewhat Satisfied. The percentages in 2013 were 7.7%, 33%, and 22% respectively.  Rosemary had the highest Very Satisfied rating at 10.4% (5). Rosemary also had the highest rating in 2013 with 25%.  Duchess had the highest Neutral rating among respondents with 19.7% (15). The City of Brooks had the highest overall Dissatisfaction response rate with 10.8% (80), but an overall Satisfaction rate of 70.8% (527). The City of Brooks also had the highest overall Dissatisfaction rate in 2013 with 13.6%, so there has been a decline in Dissatisfaction. The City of Brooks Overall Satisfaction with Community Safety increased from 67.2% in 2013 to 70.8% in 2017.  Rosemary had the least overall Dissatisfied responses with 0%. Rosemary also had the least overall Dissatisfied responses in 2013, but the rating was 2.8%.

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Social Inclusion The Newell Region community has shown ongoing commitment to ensure that residents feel a sense of belonging and are welcomed into communities. It is, therefore, interesting that 41.2% of respondents indicated they were Neutral on their sense of Social Inclusion. This is just a slight decrease from 42.3% in 2013. More information may be needed to fully understand social inclusion in the Newell Region as it relates to minority groups and also pertaining to social inclusion for all residents in the Newell Region

Social inclusion is defined as “a function of active social networks and public spaces and services that support the inclusion of all residents in city life”. 201 A second dimension of social inclusion is the importance of promoting meaningful interaction among an increasingly diverse and potentially divided population. This interaction is necessary to avoid social isolation among groups like single seniors and single parents as well as social divisions between the “mainstream” population and the rapidly growing ethnic, cultural, and linguistic minorities.202

An inclusive city is one where all citizens have opportunities to participate in the life of the community, regardless of income, age, culture or ability. An inclusive city also ensures that people have access to the supports they require203

The City of Calgary Social Outlook for 2011-2016204 discussed the definition of an inclusive community and the attitude of Canadians and in particular Albertans to cultural diversity. Their findings are in the box below.

City of Calgary Social Outlook 2011-2016 (page 22) As Canada continues to grow more culturally diverse, attitudes towards multiculturalism are shifting, and support for multiculturalism may be weakening. In an Angus Reid 2010 survey205, almost one-third (30 per cent) of Canadians were found to believe that multiculturalism has been bad for Canada; while over half (54 per cent) also felt that Canada should be more of a “melting pot” as opposed to a mosaic. A joint Angus Reid and Canadian Broadcast Corporation (CBC) study in 2016 found that 68% of Canadians preferred that minorities did more to “fit in” with mainstream society.206

According to the Angus Reid 2010 Survey207, support for multiculturalism may be lowest in Alberta. Among the regions in Canada, Albertans were the most likely to feel that multiculturalism has been bad for Canada, with 39 per cent holding that view. Among Albertans, support for the melting pot ideal was also one of the highest in Canada (60 per cent), second only to Quebec (64 per cent). Albertans were also the most likely to oppose inter- racial marriage, with one- quarter stating that they would not want their child to marry someone of a different race. In the Newell Region, there have been many community initiatives to build a Sense of Community and increase social inclusion. Community residents and all sectors have made concerted efforts to welcome newcomers and provide employment and services and programs which reflect the changing demographics of the community 208

201 Highlight Report Federation of Canadian Municipalities 2004G SYST 202 Highlight Report Federation of Canadian Municipalities 2004G 203 http://www.calgary.ca/CSPS/CNS/Documents/social_outlook_2011-2016.pdf 204 http://www.calgary.ca/CSPS/CNS/Documents/social_outlook_2011-2016.pdf 205 Angus Reid Public Opinion (2010a). Canadians Endorse Multiculturalism, but Pick Melting Pot Over Mosaic. Vancouver: Angus-Reid Public Opinion. http://www.angusreidglobal.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/2010.11.08_Melting_CAN.pdf 206 Angus Reid and CBC Public Opinion (2016). What makes us Canadian? A study of values, beliefs, priorities and identity. Vancouver: Angus-Reid Public Opinion. http://angusreid.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/2016.09.29-CBC-Values.pdf 207 Angus Reid Public Opinion (2010a). Canadians Endorse Multiculturalism, but Pick Melting Pot Over Mosaic. Vancouver: Angus-Reid Public Opinion. http://www.angusreidglobal.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/2010.11.08_Melting_CAN.pdf 208 Newell Regional Expo Final Report 2012 97

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region The City of Brooks Municipal Sustainability Plan209 and Welcoming and Inclusive Communities (WIC) Partnership Plan210 are a response to efforts to attract and accommodate an increasingly diverse population. The City of Brooks works closely with both the Canadian Municipalities Against Racism and Discrimination (CMARD) and the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association (AUMA) in order to help promote Brooks as a welcoming and inclusive community. The City of Brooks has customized AUMA’s Welcoming & Inclusive toolkit and areas of focus to meet the needs of its residents, as reflected in the WIC Partnership Plan.211 The WIC Partnership Plan Action Plan is designed to bolster CMARD’s ten Common Commitments.212 While these initiatives have been led by the City of Brooks, they have had participation from residents of the Newell Region and have created opportunities for all residents to participate.

Began in September, 2015, the Brooks Local Immigration Partnership (BLIP), housed at the City of Brooks and administered by Brooks & County Immigration Services (BCIS) brings together immigrant serving organizations to ensure that Brooks is a place where newcomers are welcomed, values and are able to fully participate in the community213. Organizations share information to ensure that services and programs are coordinated, effective and responsive to the needs of the immigrant population. In 2018, the Local Immigration Partnership: Immigration & Needs Assessment was completed, to inform and support the creation of a strategic plan for the Brooks Local Immigration Partnership (LIP).214

At a regional level, the Newell Regional Expo Society began in 2008 To develop strategies to encourage welcoming and inclusive communities within healthy economic and social systems by promoting, honoring and increasing community involvement and awareness in all sectors in all our communities. Since 2009, the Newell Regional Expo Board of Directors has partnered with Newell Region communities to promote, honour and celebrate the spirit of the Newell Region by hosting events and community capacity building projects. Regional Tours, Annual Honouring a Community Dinner and the Expo Taste of Nations have shared, showcased and celebrated the cultures and histories of Newell Region residents and communities. As a result of Expo initiatives, the City of Brooks hired an Inclusion Coordinator in 2010 and took over hosting the Taste of Nations in 2016. Another Expo spin-off is the Global Village television program215 which was created and began airing in 2014, designed to showcase public figures and provide information for newcomers and community at large. Today, the Global Village Society works with newcomers at the grassroots level and partners with others to build cultural capacity, to conduct immigrant research and to build cultural bridges.216

Mayor Barry Morishita, Brooks; Reeve Molly Douglass, Gem; Joan Christiansen, Gem; MP Martin Shields, Brooks; Expo Board Chair Kyle Peterson, Brooks.

209 https://www.brooks.ca/DocumentCenter/View/238 210 https://www.brooks.ca/DocumentCenter/View/1029 211 https://www.brooks.ca/DocumentCenter/View/1029 212 http://www.brooks.ca/288/Welcoming-Inclusive-Community 213 https:www.brooksimmigration.ca 214 Brooks Local Immigration Partnership: Immigration & Needs Assessment 2018 215 http/www.shaw.ca 216 http:www.globalvillagecentre.ca 98

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region

Newell Region Comparisons: Satisfaction with Sense of Community N = 1290 respondents

Sense of Community

Very Satisfied Satisfied Somewhat Satisfied Neutral Somewhat Dissatisfied Dissatisfied Very Dissatisfied

Bassano Brooks Duchess Rosemary County of Newell Newell Region

FINDINGS:

 Each community had an overall Satisfaction rate of 70% or higher.  Rosemary had the highest Very Satisfied rate with 19.2% (9), and Duchess was second with 15.6% (12). In 2013, Duchess had the highest rate with 18.5% and the County of Newell had the second with 17.2%. The County of Newell had a Very Satisfied rate of 13.1% in 2017.  Rosemary had the highest Satisfied rate with 42.6% (20). In 2013, the County of Newell had the highest rate with 46%, and it dropped to 43.3% in 2017.  Bassano had the highest overall Dissatisfaction rate with 12.5% (13).  Duchess had the least overall Dissatisfaction rate with 5.2% (4).  Rosemary had the highest overall Satisfaction rate with 80.9%, although  The City of Brooks had the highest Neutral rate for Sense of Community Satisfaction with 20% (149). Brooks also had the highest Neutral rate in 2013, but it has declined from 29%.  Duchess had the second highest Neutral rate with 19.5% (15). Interestingly enough, Duchess had the lowest Neutral rate in the 2013 study with 9.9%.

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region POSITIVE GAP ANALYSIS The 2017 Quality of Life Survey gap analysis identified five Positive Gaps in the Newell Region. Positive Gaps occur when the Rank of Importance is lower than the Rank of Satisfaction within the nine broad categories.

1. Personal Well-Being 2. Education System 3. Physical Environment 4. Social Programs/Social Conditions 5. Government

The 2013 Quality of Life Survey gap analysis identified the same Positive Gaps in four out of the five factors. Government was a Match Gap in the previous study.

POSITIVE GAP: PERSONAL WELL-BEING Ranked #2 for Level of Importance and #1 for Level of Satisfaction

This Factor was defined with the following variables

QUALITY OF LIFE QUALITY OF PLACE Importance Variables Satisfaction Variables Personal Health Community Gathering Places Family Personal Development Friends Free Time Activities Spiritual and Religious Acceptance Personal Safety

Importance of Personal Well-Being Variables

Importance of Personal Well-Being

Personal Health

Family Very Important Important

Friends Neutral Not Important Spiritual and Religious Not at all Important Acceptance

Personal Safety

100

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region FINDINGS:

 97% of respondents rated Personal Health as Very Important or Important, 76.4 as Very Important and 20.6% as Important. In 2013, 98% of respondents rated Personal Health as Very Important or Important, 79.3% as Very Important and 18.7% as Important.  96.3% of respondents rated Family as Very Important or Important, which is a slight decrease from 97.7% in 2013. In 2017, 86.2% rated Family as Very important (which was the highest overall Very Important response of all Personal Well-being variables), and 10.1% as Important. The percentages for 2013 were 88 (which was the highest for Very Important in 2013) and 9.7 respectively. Clearly, Family is Very Important to residents.  89.5% of respondents rated Friends as Very Important or Important, which is a slight decrease from 91.1% in 2013. In 2017, 51.4% rated Friends as Very Important and 38% rated it as Important. The ratings for 2013 were 54.6% and 36.5% respectively.  95.1% rated Personal Safety as Very Important or Important, which is a slight decrease from 96.1% in 2013. In 2017, 67% rated Personal Safety as Very Important and 28.2% rated it as Important. The ratings for 2013 were 70% and 26% respectively.  64.7% of respondents rated Spiritual and Religious Acceptance as Very Important or Important, which is a decrease from 66.7% in 2013. In 2017, 32% rated Spiritual and Religious Acceptance as Very Important, and 32.7% as Important. The ratings for 2013 were 34.4% and 32.3% respectively.  Spiritual and Religious Acceptance had a high Neutral rating of 25.5% (347 persons), which is an increase from 23.3% in 2013. In 2017, 9.8% of respondents rated Spiritual and Religious Acceptance as Not Important or Not at all Important, which is a slight decrease from 10% in 2013.  The decrease in lower ratings of importance for Spiritual and Religious identity in the Newell Region is consistent with the national level; “About 7.9 million people, nearly one-quarter of the population (23.9%), had no religious affiliation. This was up from 16.5% a decade earlier, as recorded in the 2001 Census.”217 Personal Health Alberta residents were asked to answer a survey on their Perceived State of Health in 2012, 2013 and 2014. Residents of the South Zone (which includes the Newell Region) initially ranked their level of healthy very similarly to the rest of Alberta in 2012, but over the following two years they believed their health was declining (as Alberta stayed relatively the same); Ratings for Excellent or Very Good decreased (61.75 in 2012 to 50.34 in 2014) and Poor, Fair or Good increased (38.25 in 2012 to 49.66 in 2014).

Self-Perceived Health218 Year State of Health Prevalence South Zone Prevalence Alberta Excellent or Very Good 61.75 61.74 2012 Poor, Fair or Good 38.25 38.26 Excellent or Very Good 56.79 62.32 2013 Poor, Fair or Good 43.21 37.68 Excellent or Very Good 50.34 62.74 2014 Poor, Fair or Good 49.66 37.26

217 https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/91-003-x/2014001/section03/33-eng.htm 218 https://open.alberta.ca/opendata/health-indicator-self-perceived-health 101

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region

Family Alberta has celebrated Family Day in February since 1989 as many believed it is important to recognize the need for families to spend more time together219. The February 2012 Parkland Institute Fact Sheet indicates families are at risk of too much stress due to long work hours, little leisure time, and challenges in finding childcare.220

As in 2013, Most respondents indicated that Family was Very Important or Important (96.3%). It should be noted that family structures in the Region, as elsewhere, are very diverse and may include single parents (male or female), same sex couples, heterosexual couples, grandparents raising their grandchildren, blended families, and foster parents. The parents may be married or living common law. 221 Common to all family structures is the need for community family- centred activities.222 Spiritual and Religious Acceptance It is interesting there were very few Neutral responses for the Importance of the Personal Well-Being variables with the exception of Spiritual and Religious Acceptance at 25.5%, which is an increase from 23.3% in 2013. This variable was also rated as Not Important or Not at All Important by 9.8% respondents, which is a slight decrease from 10% in 2013.

The Newell Region is home to 26 formal faith congregations from various Christian denominations and followers of Islam who worship at the Mosque located in Brooks. There are also a number of faith-based institutions and organizations such as schools and social service agencies. As noted in the immigration section, the Newell Region has benefitted by the migration and immigration to the Region of a number of religious and ethnic groups who have contributed to the religious diversity of the Region. There are now over 1,200 Muslims in the Region and about 300 Buddhists.,223224 People’s spiritual and religious beliefs influence what they wear, what they eat, when they worship, what community activities they participate in and what values are important to them. At times there may be conflict in values between persons with a particular religious/spiritual conviction and others in the community225. Newell Region’ residents and institutions have worked hard to accommodate and incorporate various religious and spiritual practices; examples would be the number of more recently arrived Mennonite children in the public school system and the Hutterian Brethren Colony schools, the ability of Muslim children to wear clothing appropriate to their faith and the community celebrations of many religious holidays.

219 http://www.statutoryholidays.com/family-day.php 220 http://www.parklandinstitute.ca/family_day_on_the_treadmill 221 2016 Federal Census 222 http://www.superu.govt.nz/sites/default/files/Family-Centred-Communities.pdf 223 National Household Survey 2011 224 It should be noted that information on religion is only collected every ten years, so the next Canadian Federal Census to include religion will in 2021 (since it was last collected in 2011). https://www.statcan.gc.ca/eng/help/bb/info/religion 225 http://www.theewc.org/content/download/349/2676/file/Religious_diversity.pdf 102

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region

NEWELL REGION HUTTERIAN BRETHREN COLONIES 226

All Newell County colonies belong to the Lehrerleut branch.

• Bow City (Bow City) • Clearview (Bassano) • Fairville (Bassano) • Green Acres (Bassano) • Lathom (Bassano) • Newell (Bassano) • Spring Side (Duchess) • Spring View (Gem)

The leader of the first Lehrerleut Colony was a teacher (Lehrer), hence their name, Lehrerleut. The Lehrerleut migrated to Canada, settling in Alberta. The Lehrerleut probably wear the most conservative clothing. According to the 2001 Federal Census, there were 735 Hutterites in the Newell Region. There are seven Colony Schools within the Grasslands Public School Division.227

2018 Citizenship Ceremony at the JBS Canada Centre, Brooks

226 Michelle Geitz, Economic Development, County of Newell (2013) 227 http://www.grasslands.ab.ca/Colony%20Schools.php 103

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Overall Satisfaction with Personal Well-Being: 80% (2013: 80.9%) Satisfaction with Personal Well-Being Variables

Newell Region Satisfaction with Personal Well-Being

Community Gathering Places

Personal Development

Free Time Activities

Personal Well-Being Needs Overall Satisfaction

FINDINGS:

 Community Gathering Places had an Overall Satisfaction rating of 61.3% (798), which is an increase from 59.1% in 2013. 7.4% (96) of respondents were Very Satisfied, 30.1% (391) were Satisfied and 23.9% (311) were Somewhat Satisfied. In 2013, 8% were Very Satisfied, 27.4% were Satisfied and 23.7% were Somewhat Satisfied. In 2017, 19.8% (257) of respondents were Neutral with Community Gathering Places, 11.7% (152) were Somewhat Dissatisfied, 4.7% (61) were Dissatisfied, and 2.5% (33) were Very Dissatisfied. In 2013, 18.9% were Neutral, 12% were Somewhat Dissatisfied, 6.5% were Dissatisfied, and 3.3% were Very Dissatisfied.

 Personal Development had an Overall Satisfaction rating of 54.5% (706), which is an increase from 51.7% in 2013. It also had the most Neutral responses at 35.5% (460), which is a decrease from 36.7% in 2013. 5.4% (70) were Very Satisfied, 25.8% (334) were Satisfied, and 23.3% (302) were Somewhat Satisfied. The ratings for 2013 were 4.8%, 26.9% and 20% respectively. In 2017, 6.3% (82) were Somewhat Dissatisfied, 2.4% (31) were Dissatisfied, and 1.2% (16) were Very Dissatisfied. The ratings for 2013 were 7.1%, 2.7% and 1.6% respectively.

 Free Time Activities had an Overall Satisfaction rating of 51.7% (673), which is a slight increase from 51.4% in 2013. In 2017, 6.9% (90) of respondents were Very Satisfied, 24% (313) were Satisfied and 20.7% (270) were Somewhat Satisfied. The ratings for the 2013 study were 6.1%, 24% and 21.3% respectively. In 2017, Free Time Activities had 27% (349) Neutral responses, 11.6% (151) respondents were Somewhat Dissatisfied, 6.2% (81) were Dissatisfied and 3.8% (49) were Very Dissatisfied. The ratings for 2013 were 27%, 12%, 6.4% and 3.6% respectively.

104

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Community Gathering Places Community Gathering Places had 19.8% Neutral responses (an increase from 18.9% in 2013) and 37.4% Satisfied or Very Satisfied responses (an increase from 35.5% in 2013). This may indicate that while there are a number of options for Community Gathering Places in the Newell Region with community halls and senior centers there still may be a need for more options or better access to existing facilities (there was only a slight increase). All communities in the Newell Region have a Community Hall with the exception of the City of Brooks. Community halls serve as the hub for community gatherings, such as weddings, community dinners and fundraisers, family reunions and many other events. The JBS Canada Centre in Brooks serves some of the functions of a Community Hall, although use is limited because of lack of an industrial kitchen for the public. Personal Development

Newell Region Comparisons: Satisfaction with Personal Development N = 1292 respondents

Personal Development

Very Satisfied Satisfied Somewhat Satisfied Neutral Somewhat Dissatisfied Dissatisfied Very Dissatisfied

Bassano Brooks Duchess Rosemary County of Newell Newell Region

FINDINGS:

 The highest Overall Satisfaction rate for Personal Development was Rosemary at 62.5%. The City of Brooks was 55%. Bassano had the highest Overall Satisfaction rate in 2013 with 79%, and Duchess followed with 74.3%  Bassano had the lowest Overall Satisfaction rate with 47.1%. Tilley had the lowest Overall Satisfaction rate in 2013 with 38.7%.  Bassano had the highest Neutral rate with 43.3% which was followed by Duchess with 37.2%. Tilley had the highest Neutral rate in 2013 with 54.8%, and Bassano followed with 25.7%.  Brooks had the highest Overall Dissatisfaction rate with 10.9%. Duchess hat the highest Overall Dissatisfaction rate in 2013 with 15.1%  Rosemary had the lowest Overall Dissatisfaction rate with 4.2%, and in 2013 with 5.8%.

105

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Free Time Activities According to the Canadian Index of Wellbeing, Canadians are spending less time on leisure and culture. “The average portion of total time that Canadians spent on the previous day on social leisure activities dropped every year from 16.1% in 1998 to 13.2% in 2014.228 While an almost 3% drop in time might seem small, it represents almost three-quarters of an hour on a typical day.” Between 1994 and 2014, the overall change in leisure and culture was -9.3%

********************** According to a 2012 study conducted by the Parkland Institute, Albertans have the lowest leisure time in the nation.229 Albertans average five hours of leisure compared to a national average of 5.55 hours per day. Other provinces range up to 5.9 hours. This means that an Albertan has 182 hours less of leisure in a year than the average Canadian.

**********************

Overall Satisfaction with Free Time Activities among Quality of Life Survey respondents was 51.7%.

228 https://uwaterloo.ca/canadian-index-wellbeing/ 229 https://www.parklandinstitute.ca/family_day_on_the_treadmill 106

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region POSITIVE GAP: EDUCATION SYSTEM Ranked #3 for Level of Importance and #2 for Level of Satisfaction

This Factor was defined with the following variables

QUALITY OF LIFE QUALITY OF PLACE Importance Variables Satisfaction Variables Personal Education Achievements Post-Secondary Education Education Adult/Continuing Education Adult Literacy Job Training Programs Community High School Dropout Rates Community Literacy Rate

Importance of Education System Variables

Importance of Education System

Personal Educational Achievements

Education Very Important Important

Adult Literacy Neutral Not Important Community High School Not at all Important Dropout Rates Lake Newell Community Literacy Rates

FINDINGS:

 Personal Education Achievements received 82.6% of Very Important or Important responses, which is an increase from 80.5% in 2013. In 2017, 13.8% were Neutral, which is a decrease from 15.6% in 2013.  Education received 92.5% of Very Important or Important responses, which is a slight decrease from 93% in 2013. 6.11% were Neutral, which is a slight increase from 5.6% in 2013.  Adult Literacy received 78.2% of Very Important or Important responses, which is a decrease from 80.4% in 2013. In 2017, 17.9% were Neutral, which is an increase from 16% in 2013.  Community High School Dropout Rates received 67.1% of the Very Important or Important responses, which is a decrease from 72.1% in 2013. In 2017, 26% were Neutral, which is an increase from 21.6% in 2013.  Community Literacy Rate received 70.1% of the Very Important or Important responses, which is an increase from 62% in 2013. In 2017, 23.9% were Neutral, which is almost identical to 23.5% in 2013.

107

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Overall Satisfaction with Education System: 75% (2013: 76.4%) Satisfaction with Education System Variables

Education System Satisfaction

Post-Secondary Education Adult/Continuing Education Job Training Programs

Education System

FINDINGS:

 Post-Secondary Education had an overall Satisfaction rate of 51.3% (663), which is a decrease from 53.1% in 2013. In 2017, 4.3% (56) were Very Satisfied, 24.3% (314) were Satisfied and 22.7% (293) were Somewhat Satisfied. The ratings for 2013 were 4.8%, 24% and 24% respectively. In 2017, 29.2% (377) were Neutral, 11.1% (143) were Somewhat Dissatisfied, 5.1% (66) were Dissatisfied and 3.3% (43) were Very Dissatisfied. The ratings for 2013 were 28.3%, 10.5%, 5.1% and 2.8% respectively.  Adult/Continuing Education had an overall Satisfaction rate of 51.7% (669), which is a decrease from 61.5% in 2013. In 2017, 6% (78) were Very Satisfied, 25.1% (325) were Satisfied and 20.6% (266) were Somewhat Satisfied. The ratings for 2013 were 6%, 23.3% and 23% respectively. In 2017, 34.7% (449) were Neutral, 7.6% (98) were Somewhat Dissatisfied, 4.3% (55) were Dissatisfied and 1.7% (22) were Very Dissatisfied. The ratings for 2013 were 32.6%, 8.6%, 4% and 2.4% respectively.  Job Training had an overall Satisfaction rate of 39.4%, which is a slight increase from 39% in 2013. In 2017, 4% (51) were Very Satisfied, 17.4% were Satisfied and 18% (233) were Somewhat Satisfied. The ratings for 2013 were 4.5%, 18.6% and 16.3% respectively. In 2017, Job Training had the highest level of Neutral responses at 45%, which is a slight decrease from 45.9% in 2013 (also the highest level of Neutral responses). In 2017, 9% (111) were Somewhat Dissatisfied, 4.6% (60) were Dissatisfied and 2.4% (31) were Very Dissatisfied. The ratings for 2013 were 8%, 4.4% and 2.3% respectively.

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Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Post-Secondary Education Brooks is home to the Brooks Campus of Medicine Hat College, Brooks Community Adult Learning Council and two private colleges that offer job-training programs. According to Grasslands Public School Division reports, the High School to post-secondary transition rate of students within six years of entering grade 10 was 56.9% in 2017.230. Most local students seek post-secondary opportunities in the larger centres such as Medicine Hat, Lethbridge and Calgary. The availability of high paying oil and gas sector jobs are thought to discourage young people, particularly young males, from attending post-secondary institutions immediately following high school graduation.231.

Medicine Hat College at the Brooks Campus offers a variety of credit and non-credit programming. Some examples include: Information Technology Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) English Language Learning Bookkeeping Hospital Unit Clerk Business Trades Pre-Employment Industrial Safety Occupational Health and Safety Food Sanitation First Aid Registered Social Work Diploma Health Care Aide Pre-Employment: Welding, Plumbing and Electical Dual Credit Offerings (Varies by High School) CTS/CTF Welding and Electrical Music – Conservatory (Piano) Adult Basic Literacy Education (ABLE) Continuing Education workshops Academic courses are also offered in a number of disciplines on the Brooks Campus or through Distance Education. Consult https://www.mhc.ab.ca/brookscampus for more information. Private Colleges in Newell Region include: The Academy of Learning and Cypress College. Information on their programs can be found on their respective websites: http://www.academyoflearning.com/locations_alberta_brooks.html http://www.cypresscollege.ca/

230 Grasslands Public Schools. Combined 3 Year Education Plan 2018-2021 and Annual Education Results Report 2017-2018. 231 The Daily January 13, 2014: Study: Wages, youth employment and school enrolment, 2001 to 2008 Statistics Canada 109

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region

Adult/Continuing Education and Job Training Programs In the Newell Region, a substantial percentage of the population, 27.2% (which is an increase from 25.6% in 2011), does not have a high school diploma or its equivalent. 232,233 These demographics create the need for the delivery of Job Training Programs and Adult/Continuing Education.234

The Newell Further Education Council is one of 83 Adult Learning Councils in Alberta funded, in part, by Alberta Advanced Education – Community Programs. A variety of courses and workshops are offered throughout the Newell Region.

The ABLE (Adult Basic Literacy Education) program is a volunteer tutor program created to help adults with literacy needs at all levels. They are responsible for all the communities in the County of Newell - Bassano, Gem, Rosemary, Duchess, Patricia, Millicent, Cassils, Bow City, Tilley, Rolling Hills, Scandia and Rainier.

As well as one- on- one volunteer tutoring, Newell Further Education also offers small group tutoring if numbers allow. It offers ESL classes in those communities. Anyone interested in tutoring or receiving literacy help may contact the office at 403-641-3444 or email [email protected]. 235

Brooks Campus of Medicine Hat College236 offers the ABLE Program in Brooks which allows students to obtain a high school equivalency to pursue further education. For more information: 403-362-1677 or [email protected] YMCA Employment Centre. Employment advisors at the YMCA Employment Centre at Medicine Hat College – Brooks Campus can connect Albertans to jobs by providing services that respond to Albertan’s and employer’s current and future needs. Office hours are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm from Monday to Friday. Appointments are preferred.

Eligibility requirements: - Alberta residents who are not attending an education program - Legally entitled to work in Canada - Ready, willing and able to work - Unemployed or currently working less than 20 hrs per week

YMCA Employment Services provides a wide range of support, services and programs to Albertans who are seeking to improve their employment status – including identifying job opportunities, enhancing employability and life skills and gaining experience and confidence through placement programs.

For more information please call 403-362-1483 or visit https://medicinehatymca.ca/ 237238

232 2011 NHS Survey (Statistics Canada) 233 2016 Canadian Census (Statistics Canada) 234 Government of Alberta. Living Literacy: A Literacy Framework for Alberta’s Next Generation Economy: The Report 2009–2013. Edmonton, AB: Government of Alberta. 235 https://www.newellfurthered.net/ 236https://www.mhc.ab.ca/Services/PlanYourEducation/CommunityAdultLearningNewell 237 Email from Angela Lunn, Employment and Career Advisor at the YMCA Employment Centre, August 8, 2018 238 https://medicinehatymca.ca/ 110

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Brooks Community Adult Learning Council (BCALC) is a non-profit organization, which provides ESL instructions to immigrants, refugees and Temporary Foreign Workers as well Employability Enhancement Skills and General interest courses to the wider community. BCALC also partners in the delivery of Adult Basic Literacy program.

BCALC has 10 years of experience in delivering a high-quality English as Second Language (ESL) program which prides itself in delivering services in a warm, caring, and professional environment to a multicultural and multilingual clientele. BCALC student population number is approximately 160. Students originate from countries such as China, Columbia, Congo, El Salvador, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Mauritania, Mexico, Somalia, Sudan, Ukraine etc. BCALC offers 8 classes of Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) and 2 ESL classes each day and which are taught by capable and experienced instructors.239 For more information please call 403-362-5372 or email [email protected]

Brooks Campus, Medicine Hat College

239 http://www.brooksadultlearning.ca/ 111

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region

 Newell Region residents are highly educated with 39.2% of the population having a postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. 33.5% of the population has a high school diploma or equivalent  10.4% of the population has a university certificate, diploma or degree at bachelor level or above.

Education Level of Newell Region Residents in 2011 and 2016240,241 2011 2016 Education Level Total Population Percentage Total Population Percentage Total population aged 15 years and over 17530 100.0 18040 100.0 No certificate, diploma or degree 4,490 25.6 4915 27.2 High school diploma or equivalent 5,465 31.2 6045 33.5 Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree 7,575 43.2 7075 39.2 Apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma 2,425 13.8 1850 10.3 College, CEGEP or other non- university certificate or diploma 2,885 16.5 2940 16.3 University certificate or diploma below bachelor level 425 2.4 405 2.2 University certificate, diploma or degree at bachelor level or above 1,850 10.6 1885 10.4 Bachelor's degree 1,405 8.0 1425 7.9 University certificate or diploma above bachelor level 440 2.5 120 0.7

240 2011 NHS Survey (Statistics Canada) 241 2016 Canadian Census (Statistics Canada) 112

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region POSITIVE GAP: PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT Ranked #6 for Level of Importance and #3 for Level of Satisfaction

This Factor was defined with the following variables

QUALITY OF LIFE QUALITY OF PLACE Importance Variables Satisfaction Variables Quality of Water Environment Awareness Air Quality Recycling Noise Pollution Waste Management Greenhouse Gas Emissions Land Pollution

Importance of Physical Environment Variables

Importance of Physical Environment

Quality of Water

Air Quality Very Important Important

Noise Pollution Neutral Not Important

Greenhouse Gas Emissions Not at all Important

Land Pollution

FINDINGS:

 Quality of Water was Very Important or Important to 97.3% of respondents, which is the same as 2013.  Air Quality was Very Important or Important to 95.9% of respondents, which is a slight increase from 95.6% in 2013.  Noise Pollution was Very Important or Important to 68.8% of respondents, which is a decrease from 73.7% in 2013. Noise Pollution also had a significant Neutral rating of 23.3%.  Greenhouse Gas Emissions had the most Neutral responses with 27.1%. This variable also had the most Neutral responses in 2013 with 23.4%. As in 2013, Greenhouse Gas Emissions had the most Not Important or Not at all Important responses at 12.1% (it was 9.7% for the last study).  Greenhouse Gas Emissions was Very Important or Important to 60.8% of respondents, which is a decrease from 67% in 2013. The concern over Greenhouse Gas Emissions among Newell Region residents has declined.

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Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region  Land Pollution was Very Important or Important to 82.3% of respondents, which is a decrease from 86% in 2013. Land Pollution had 14.8% Neutral response rate, which is an increase from 11.4% in 2013. As in 2013, less than 3% of respondents thought Land Pollution was Not Important (1.8% in 2017).

Noise Pollution, Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Land Pollution As in 2013, respondents indicated much less Importance with Noise Pollution, Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Land Pollution. In fact, Importance decreased across the board for these variables. Greenhouse Gas Emissions had the highest Neutral responses for both studies, and increased to 27.1% in 2017. Greenhouse Gas Emissions also had the highest Not Important or Not at all Important responses with 12.1%, which was an increase from 9.7% in 2013 (also the highest).

Residents of the Newell Region have access to some information about their water, air, noise quality and Green House Gas Emissions. Quality of Water Quality of Water was Very Important or Important to 97.3% of respondents; 79.3% thought that it was Very Important (the rate was 79.9% in 2013).

The Eastern Irrigation District (EID) is the largest water distributor in Alberta and services the Newell Region, providing water to residents, commerce and industry throughout the Newell Region.242 Water is critical to agriculture, a major industry in the region.

Water Quality: The Newell Regional Services Corporation monitors water regularly. Information on water quality is available monthly from http://www.nrsc.ca/monitoring-and-assessment-water-quality.php

Greenhouse Gas Emissions: There is no information available for the Newell Region

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

“The Eastern Irrigation District (EID), one of thirteen irrigation districts in southern Alberta operates under the authority of the Alberta Irrigation Districts Act [RSA 2000 c. 1-11]. The administrative boundaries of the EID, bounded by the Bow River in the south and the Red Deer River in the north, encompass approximately 1.5 million acres of land.

The EID is farmer owned and operated. The District’s primary business is the management of an extensive water distribution network in support of irrigated agriculture. In addition to conveying water to approximately 300,000 acres of irrigated farmland owned by private families and corporations, the EID also conveys water through their distribution network to benefit municipal, industrial, wildlife habitat and recreational purposes. The EID also owns an expanse of native and improved grassland (approximately 600,000 acres), managed for the benefit of the irrigators and primarily supporting the local cattle industry.243

242 www.eid.ca 243 https://www.eid.ca/about.html 114

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Regional Water

Newell Regional Services Corporation (NRSC)

The NRSC was spearheaded by the County of Newell and formed by partnership of all Urban Municipalities in the Newell Region to manage the installation of water pipelines throughout the region. Potable water through the pipelines is now available to all rural and urban residents in the region.

For more Information http://www.nrsc.ca/244

Overall Satisfaction with Physical Environment: 77.9% (2013: 77.3%) Satisfaction with Physical Environment Variables

Physical Environment Satisfaction

Environmental Awareness Recycling

Waste Management

Physical Environment

FINDINGS:

 Environmental Awareness had and Overall Satisfaction rate of 53.1%, which is an increase from 52.1% in 2013. In 2017, Environmental Awareness had a 30.7% (396) Neutral response (the highest among the three variables), which is an increase from 29.8% in 2013. In 2017, 4.3% (56) were Very Satisfied, 24.6% (317) were Satisfied and 24.2% (312) were Somewhat Satisfied. The ratings in 2013 were 4.5%, 22.5% and 25% respectively. In 2017, 9.8% (126) were Somewhat Dissatisfied, 4.6% (59) were Dissatisfied and 1.8% (23) were Very Dissatisfied. The ratings for 2013 were 8.6%, 6% and 4%, respectively.  Recycling is the area in which respondents were the least Neutral (same in 2013) at 10.1% (it was 10.6% in 2013). In 2017, Recycling had an Overall Satisfaction rate of 67.6% (881), which is an increase from 59.1% in 2013. 12.2% (159) were Very Satisfied, 32.4% (422) were Satisfied and 23% (300) were Somewhat Satisfied. The ratings in 2013 were 9.6%, 28.5% and 21% respectively. In 2017, Overall Dissatisfaction with Recycling has decreased from 30.4% in 2013 to 20.6% presently. 10.1% (131) were Somewhat Dissatisfied, 6% (78) were Dissatisfied and 4.5% (59) were Very Dissatisfied. In 2013 the percentages were 13.5%, 8.3% and 8.6%, respectively.

244 http://www.countyofnewell.ab.ca/p/regional-water 115

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region  Waste Management had an Overall Satisfaction rate of 63.7% (827), which is an increase from 55.5% in 2013. Respondents were 8.7% (113) Very Satisfied, 32.7% (424) Satisfied and 22.3% (290) Somewhat Satisfied. The ratings for 2013 were 7.5%, 27.6% and 20.2% respectively. In 2017, 22.7% (295) of respondents were Neutral, which is a decrease from 23.3% in 2013. 13.6% expressed some Dissatisfaction with Waste Management, which is a decrease from 21% in 2013. In 2017, 8.4% (109) were Somewhat Dissatisfied, 2.7% (35) were Dissatisfied and 2.5% (32) were Very Dissatisfied. In 2013, the percentages were 11.4%, 6.5% and 3.4%, respectively. Environmental Awareness Approximately 53% (685) of respondents expressed some level of Satisfaction with Environmental Awareness, which is a slight increase from 52% in 2013. Waste Management Approximately 64% (827) of respondents expressed some level of Satisfaction with Waste Management, which is an increase from 55.6% in 2013.

Water and Sewer Services are provided by the County of Newell in the following communities: Lake Newell Resort, Patricia, Rainier (water service only), Tilley and Scandia.245 For anyone living in each Hamlet (except for Lake Newell Resort) not receiving water through the County of Newell there are bulk water stations available.

Newell Solid Regional Solid Waste Management Authority operates the Transfer Stations throughout the Newell Region and the Newell Regional Landfill is located outside of Brooks at the junction of Highway #1 and #36. Efforts are made to inform and encourage residents to recycle and divert waste from the landfill

Newell Regional Landfill 246

245 http://www.countyofnewell.ab.ca/p/utilities 246 http:/www.newellwastemanagement.com/ 116

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Recycling Approximately 68% (881) of respondents expressed some level of Satisfaction with Recycling, which is a significant increase from 59% in 2013. Recycling had the least amount of Neutral responses with 10.1%, which is a decrease from 10.6% in 2013 (also the least Neutral response rate).

Comparison of Satisfaction with Recycling across Communities N=1292 Recycling

Very Satisfied Satisfied Somewhat Satisfied Neutral Somewhat Dissatisfied Dissatisfied Very Dissatisfied

Bassano Brooks Duchess Rosemary County of Newell Newell Region

FINDINGS:

 The most overall Satisfied communities with Recycling were Scandia at 94.7% and Gem with 85.7%. In 2013, the most overall Satisfied communities were Bassano with 82.8% and Rosemary with 74.9%.  Gem and Millicent respondents were the least overall Dissatisfied with 0% and were followed by Scandia at 5.3%. In 2013, the least overall Dissatisfied community was Bassano with 8.6% followed by Rosemary at 14%.  Rainier respondents were the most overall Dissatisfied with Recycling at 41.7% and was followed by Lake Newell with 35.9%. In 2013, the most over Dissatisfied was Millicent with 50% followed by Brooks with 34.5%.  Compared to the results from the 2013 report, there were higher Neutral responses with Recycling in 2017. Cassils had the highest Neutral responses with 31.3%, which was followed by  and Millicent with 18.2% each. The percentages in 2013 ranged from 8.6% in Bassano to 12.5% in Tilley. The communities with the lowest Neutral responses were Scandia and Bow City at 0% each followed by Patricia at 5%.  Lake Newell Resort was the least overall Satisfied community at 48.4%. In 2013, the least overall Satisfied community was Brooks with 55%. Brooks’ overall Satisfaction rate has increased to 64.7%.  Satisfaction has increased with Recycling in the Region and it remains a service that engages residents. Some communities appear to have a moderately high rate of Dissatisfaction. Recycling efforts continue to be expanded to meet the community need and the municipal mandate to ‘go green’. Bassano and Brooks have recycling associations that are active in promoting Recycling in the communities. 117

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Newell Recycling Association:247 Operated by a local non-profit association formed in 1992, the centre oversees recycling for the City of Brooks and County of Newell which includes Duchess, Rosemary, Tilley, Patricia, Rolling Hills, Scandia, Gem and Lake Newell Resort. Newell Regional Solid Waste supports recycling throughout the County of Newell. As well as at Newell Recycling clean and sorted recyclable materials are accepted at BARRA in Bassano and throughout the County in recycling sheds (Duchess, Lake Newell Resort, Rolling Hills, Rosemary & Scandia) and recycling trailers (Gem & Patricia). These locations accept clean, sorted white & coloured paper, newsprint & magazines and cardboard. For locations and hours please visit: http://newellrecycling.ca/communities-we-serve/alternate-recycling-locations

BARRA: Bassano has its own recycling depot in Bassano that is operated by the Bassano and Area Resource Recovery Association (BARRA).248

The EcoBrooks Committee was created in Spring of 2009 as Citizen's Advisory Group steering the City of Brooks Municipal Sustainability Planning project. The mandate of the Environmental Advisory Committee is to explore policies, programs and procedures which would lead to the long and short term enhancement, preservation and protection of the environment in both local and global contexts. Focus areas of the Committee are to include: (i) Water (conservation, efficiency, protection); (ii) Energy (conservation, carbon footprint, renewable sources); (iii) Waste Management (policies and procedures to improve waste management systems); (iv) Waste Reduction (increase diversion through composting and recycling programs); (v) Municipal Sustainability (develop and implement Brooks' Municipal Sustainability Plan); (vi) Built Environment and Material Usage (procurement, environmentally friendly designs)249

Newell Recycling Depot, Brooks

247 http://newellrecycling.ca/ 248 http://www.bassano.ca/documents/Recycling%20Sorting%20Guide.pdf 249 https://www.brooks.ca/310/EcoBrooks-Committee 118

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region POSITIVE GAP: SOCIAL PROGRAMS/SOCIAL CONDITIONS Factor Ranked #8 for Level of Importance and #6 for Level of Satisfaction

This Factor was defined with the following variables:

QUALITY OF LIFE QUALITY OF PLACE Importance Variables Satisfaction Variables Accessing Transportation Public Transportation Availability of Public Housing Homelessness Availability of Social Assistance Access to Childcare Community Homelessness Community Centres for Arts and Culture

Importance of Social Programs/Social Conditions Variables

Importance of Social Programs/Social Conditions

Accessing Transportation

Availability of Public Housing Very Important Important Availability of Social Assistance Neutral and Programs Not Important

Community Homelessness Not at all Important

Community Centers for Arts and Cultural Events

FINDINGS:

 Accessing Transportation was Very Important to 25.9% of respondents, and Important to 41.4% of respondents. The ratings in 2013 were 27.5% and 35.6% respectively. In 2017, 24.3% of respondents were Neutral, 8.4% thought Accessing Transportation was Not Important or Not at all Important. The ratings in 2013 were 27.9% and 9% respectively.  Availability of Public Housing was Very Important or Important to 62.2% of respondents, which is a decrease from 63% in 2013. In 2017, 28.1% of respondents were Neutral, and 9.7% were Not Important or Not at all Important. The ratings for 2013 were 26.1% and 10.4% respectively.  Availability of Social Assistance was Very Important or Important to 72.5% of respondents, which is an increase from 70.9% in 2013. In 2017, 21.1% of respondents were Neutral, and 6.4% were Not Important or Not at all Important. The ratings for 2013 were 22% and 7.1% respectively.

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Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region  Community Homelessness was Very Important or Important to 73.5% of respondents, which is an increase from 71.8% in 2013. In 2017, 21.5% of respondents were Neutral, and 5% were Not Important or Not at all Important. The ratings for 2013 were 22.4% and 5.8% respectively.  Community Centres for Arts and Culture was Very Important or Important to 62.4% of respondents, which is a slight increase from 62.1% in 2013. In 2017, 27.8% of respondents were Neutral, and 9.8% were Not Important or Not at all Important. The ratings for 2013 were 28% and 9% respectively.  Note: Social Programs are sometimes perceived as government income assistance programs rather than the broader range of Social Services/ Programs that cater to very diverse needs (Health, Education, Low- Income Assistance, Persons with Disabilities Programs, Child Benefits, Pensions, Subsidies Assistance,  Child Care Subsidies, Government Family Benefit programs etc.).

Arts, Culture and Heritage Board, City of Brooks:

The City of Brooks Arts, Culture & Heritage Board consists of seven public members appointed by City Council, one City Councillor and six citizens at large. The board is responsible to provide advice to Council on arts, cultural and heritage items and to work with community to identify and recommend steps toward building the arts, cultural and heritage programs in Brooks and area. In 2018, the Board was provided space to build capacity regard community arts, culture and heritage.250

250 https://www.brooks.ca/598/Arts-Culture-Heritage-Board 120

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Overall Satisfaction with Social Programs/Social Conditions: 67.3% (2013: 68.9%) Satisfaction with Social Programs/Social Conditions Variables

Social Programs/ Social Conditions Satisfaction

Public Transportation

Homelessness

Access to Childcare

Social Programs/Social Conditions

FINDINGS:

 There was a high Neutral response to all of the Satisfaction variables: Public Transportation (36%) (466), Homelessness (51.2%) (659) and Access to Childcare (50.3%) (646). The ratings in 2013 were 37.1%, 53% and 53.7% respectively.  Public Transportation had an overall Satisfaction rate of 29.9% (387), which is an increase from 25.8% in 2013. In 2017, 2.9% (38) of respondents were Very Satisfied, 13.9% (180) were Satisfied and 13.1% (169) were Somewhat Satisfied. The ratings in 2013 were 4%, 22.7% and 10% respectively. 14.4% (186) were Somewhat Dissatisfied, 10.6% (137) were Dissatisfied, and 9.1% (117) were Very Dissatisfied. The ratings in 2013 were 12%, 6.5% and 13.3% respectively.  Homelessness had an overall Satisfaction rate of 35.6% (458), which is an increase from 31.6% in 2013. In 2017, 4.4% (56) of respondents were Very Satisfied, 17% (219) were Satisfied and 14.2% (183) were Somewhat Satisfied. The ratings in 2013 were 4.8%, 13.7% and 15% respectively. 7.6% (98) were Somewhat Dissatisfied, 3.3% (43) were Dissatisfied and 2.3% (30) were Very Dissatisfied. The ratings in 2013 were 8.2%, 3.5% and 3.1% respectively.  Access to Childcare had an overall Satisfaction rate of 33.5% (430), which is an increase from 28.9% in 2013. In 2017, 5.1% (65) of respondents were Very Satisfied, 15.9% (204) were Satisfied and 12.5% (161) were Somewhat Satisfied. The ratings in 2013 were 4.7%, 13.4% and 10.8% respectively. 8.3% (107) of respondents were Somewhat Dissatisfied, 4.5% (58) were Dissatisfied and 3.4% (43) were Very Dissatisfied. The ratings in 2013 were 8.6%, 5.2% and 3.5% respectively.

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Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Seniors in the Newell Region have access to Seniors Programs and Clubs, which provide a variety of opportunities for socializing, sharing knowledge and skills, and access to Alberta Health Services. Most communities have seniors’ groups which provide opportunities for socializing, learning about government services and accessing some health services. Seniors are instrumental in the sustainability of the communities through active community mentor and volunteer involvement in planning, organizing and participating in community organizations, clubs and events.

Accessing Transportation The Importance of Accessing Transportation and Satisfaction with Public Transportation is a longstanding issue that has been identified through community meetings, public forums and previous surveys.251,252 Overall Satisfaction and Dissatisfaction rates from the Quality of Life Surveys (2013 and 2017) reflect this issue. In 2017, the overall Satisfaction with Public Transportation was 29.9% and the overall Dissatisfaction was 34.0%. In 2013 these rates were 25.8% and 37.1% respectively. Accessing Transportation was Very Important or Important to 67.3% of respondents in 2017, which was an increase from 63.1% in 2013. Satisfaction levels for Public Transportation has increased slightly (albeit still low), but Importance in Accessing Transportation has also increased. Newell Region Comparisons: Satisfaction with Public Transportation by Community N=1292

Public Transportation

Very Satisfied Satisfied Somewhat Satisfied Neutral Somewhat Dissatisfied Dissatisfied Very Dissatisfied

Bassano Brooks Duchess Rosemary County of Newell Newell Region

251 http://216.119.96.229/business/documents/TransportationReportFinalcopywrite.pdf 252 http://216.119.96.229/business/documents/YCAPReportFinal-May2016_1.pdf 122

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region FINDINGS:

 The City of Brooks had the most overall Dissatisfied responses on Public Transportation with 39.7% (294) followed by Bassano with 37.9% (39). In 2013, the Newell Region had the most overall Dissatisfied responses with 37.1% followed by Bassano at 34.3%.  The most overall Satisfied respondents were in Rosemary at 37.5% (18) followed by County of Newell at 35.6% (106). Bassano had the most overall Satisfied responses in 2013 with 28.5% followed by the County of Newell with 27.6%.  Duchess and Bassano had the least overall Satisfied respondents at 21.8% (17) and 24.3% (25) respectively. In 2013, Rosemary and Brooks had the least overall Satisfied respondents at 23.5% and 24% respectively.  It should be noted that Duchess had the most Neutral responses at 60.3% (47) followed by Rosemary at 47.9% (23) and the County of Newell at 38.6% (115). In 2013, the most Neutral responses were from Rosemary at 55.9%, Duchess at 47.5% and Tilley at 45.2%.

Newell Region Comparisons: Satisfaction with Public Transportation by Age Groups N = 1290

Public Transportation

Ages 70+ Ages 60 to 69 Ages 40 to 59 Ages 20 to 39 Ages 10 to 19

FINDINGS:

 Ages 70+ had the highest Overall Satisfaction rate with Public Transportation at 49.7% (85) followed by Ages 10 to 19 at 35.5% (14).  Ages 60 to 69 had the highest Neutral at 45.1% (83) followed by Ages 40 to 59 at 40% (139).  Ages 20 to 39 had the highest Overall Dissatisfaction rate at 43.6% (116) followed by Ages 40 to 59 at 36.8% (128). Ages 10 to 19 also had a high Overall Dissatisfaction rate at 33.8 percent (101).  Ages 20 to 39 and 10 to 19 had the highest Very Dissatisfied ratings at 12.4% (33) and 11.7% (35), respectively. 123

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Newell Region Comparisons: Importance of Access to Transportation N=1345 respondents

Access to Transportation

Very Important Important Neutral Not Important Not at all Important

Bassano Brooks Duchess Rosemary County of Newell Newell Region

Importance of Access to Transportation (Percentage) (2017)

Not at all Not Very Important Important Neutral Important Important Bassano 0.0 5.7 34.3 34.3 25.7 Brooks 1.5 5.7 22.1 43.4 27.3 Duchess 2.5 6.3 35.4 41.8 13.9 Rosemary 2.0 6.1 26.5 38.8 26.5 County of Newell 2.9 8.2 23.5 40.5 24.8 Newell Region 1.8 6.3 23.9 41.0 25.4

Important of Access to Transportation (Percentage) (2013)

Not at all Not Very Important Important Neutral Important Important Bassano 6.1 0 27.3 39.4 27.3 Brooks 1.5 5.5 27.6 38 27.3 Duchess 4.9 9.8 34.1 29.3 22 Rosemary 2.8 13.9 16.7 36.1 30.6 Tilley 2.9 14.3 17.1 40 25.7 County of Newell 2.5 9.2 27.9 30.8 29.6 Newell Region 2.2 6.9 27.9 35.6 27.4 124

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region FINDINGS:

 Brooks had the most respondents that believed Access to Transportation was Very Important or Important at 70.7%. The Newell Region was the second highest with 66.4%. In 2013, Bassano and Rosemary had the most respondents at 66.7% followed by Brooks with 65%. Duchess had the least respondents that believed Access to Transportation was Very Important or Important at 55.7%, which is an increase from 51.3% in 2013 (which was also the least respondents).  Bassano respondents had the least Not Important or Not at all Important responses at 5.7%, which is a decrease from 6.1% in 2013 (which was also the least). Brooks followed Bassano with 7.3%, as well as in 2013 with 8%.  The County of Newell respondents had the highest Not Important or Not at all Important responses at 11.1% followed by Duchess at 8.9%. In 2013, Tilley had the highest Not Important or Not at all Important responses at 17.2% followed by Rosemary at 16.7%.  Duchess had the most Neutral responses at 35.4%. Duchess also had the highest Neutral responses in 2013 with 34.1%. Newell Region Comparisons: Importance of Access to Transportation (Seniors)

Note: The age categories for the two Quality of Life studies do not match. The 2017 categories were reworked to match the age cohorts used in the Canadian Census, and thus can’t be directly compared to 2013 data. The comparisons used below give a general picture of change.

Accessing Transportation (Percentage) (2017) Not at all Not Very Age Important Important Neutral Important Important 60-64 2.1 7.5 21.3 36.2 33.0 65-69 1.1 7.6 22.8 44.6 23.9 70-74 1.2 1.2 30.6 34.1 32.9 75-79 0.0 11.1 29.6 29.6 29.6 80-84 6.3 0.0 12.5 53.1 28.1 85-89 0.0 6.3 18.8 56.3 18.8 90 and older 5.9 0.0 17.7 52.9 23.5

Accessing Transportation (Percentage) (2013) Not at all Not Very Age Important Important Neutral Important Important 60-69 1.5 4.1 34.9 33.9 25.6 70-79 1.0 2.1 26.8 29.9 40.2 80 and older 0.0 4.6 15.9 52.3 27.3

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Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region FINDINGS (2017):

 69.2% (65 of 94) respondents aged 60-64 responded Very Important or Important.  68.5% (63 of 92) respondents) aged 65-69 responded Very Important or Important.  In 2013, 59.5% of respondents aged 60-69 responded Very Important or Important.  67.1% (57 of 85) of respondents aged 70-74 responded Very Important or Important.  59.3% (16 of 27) of respondents aged 75-79 responded Very Important or Important.  In 2013, 70.1% of respondents aged 70-79 responded Very Important or Important.  81.3% (26 of 32) of respondents aged 80-84 responded Very Important or Important.  75% (12 of 16) of respondents aged 85-89 responded Very Important or Important.  76.5% (13 of 17) of respondents aged 90 and older responded Very Important or Important.  In 2013, 79.5% of respondents aged 80 and older responded Very Important or Important.  21.3% (20) of respondents aged 60-64 were Neutral.  22.8% (21) of respondents aged 65-69 were Neutral.  In 2013, 34.9% of respondents aged 60-69 were Neutral.  30.6% (26) of respondents aged 70-74 were Neutral.  29.6% (8) of respondents aged 75-79 were Neutral.  In 2013, 26.8% of respondents aged 70-79 were Neutral.  12.5% (4) of respondents aged 80-84 were Neutral.  18.8% (3) of respondents aged 85-89 were Neutral.  17.7% (3) of respondents aged 90 and older were Neutral.  In 2013, 15.9% of respondents aged 80 and older were Neutral.  Most respondents thought Accessing Transportation was Very Important to Important regardless of age group, which was the case in 2013 as well.  Accessing Transportation was the most Important for respondents aged 80 and older. Newell Region Comparisons: Satisfaction with Public Transportation (Seniors)

Public Transportation (Percentage) (2017) Very Somewhat Somewhat Very Age Dissatisfied Dissatisfied Dissatisfied Neutral Satisfied Satisfied Satisfied 60-64 6.4 10.6 13.8 39.4 9.6 17.0 3.2 65-69 1.1 10.0 12.2 51.1 11.1 14.4 0.0 70-74 0.0 10.6 15.3 31.8 16.5 21.2 4.7 75-79 0.0 3.9 3.9 26.9 26.9 30.8 7.7 80-84 6.9 3.5 20.7 20.7 20.7 10.3 17.2 85-89 0.0 20.0 6.7 26.7 26.7 13.3 6.7 90 and older 0.0 0.0 6.3 25.0 31.3 37.5 0.0

Public Transportation (Percentage) (2013) Very Somewhat Somewhat Very Age Dissatisfied Dissatisfied Dissatisfied Neutral Satisfied Satisfied Satisfied 60-69 5.2 11.0 14.1 44.0 10.0 12.6 3.1 70-79 6.3 13.7 11.6 31.6 11.6 22.1 3.2 80 and older 6.5 6.5 2.2 37.0 21.7 26.1 0.0 126

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region

FINDINGS:

 29.8% (28) of respondents aged 60-64 expressed overall Satisfaction with Public Transportation while 30.9% (29) expressed a level of Dissatisfaction.  25.6% (23) of respondents aged 65-69 were overall Satisfied while 23.3% (21) were overall Dissatisfied.  In 2013, 25.7% of respondents aged 60-69 were overall Satisfied while 30.4% were overall Dissatisfied.  42.4% (36) of respondents aged 70-74 were overall Satisfied while 25.9% (22) were overall Dissatisfied.  65.4% (17) of respondents aged 75-79 were overall Satisfied while 7.7% (2) were overall Dissatisfied.  In 2013, 36.9% of respondents aged 70-79 were overall Satisfied while 31.6% were overall Dissatisfied.  48.3% (14) of respondents aged 80-84 were overall Satisfied while 31% (9) were overall Dissatisfied.  46.7% (7) of respondents aged 85-89 were overall Satisfied while 26.7% (4) were overall Dissatisfied.  68.8% (11) of respondents aged 90 and older were overall Satisfied while 6.3% (1) were overall Dissatisfied.  In 2013, 47.8% of respondents aged 80 and older were overall Satisfied while 15.2% were overall Dissatisfied.  In general, overall Satisfaction with Public Transportation has increased and overall Dissatisfaction has decreased slightly.  Neutral responses still remain elevated and relatively the same since 2013.

There is no universal access to public transportation 253 in the Newell Region. The County of Newell operates the Newell Mini Bus.254 The County of Newell Mini Bus provides transportation services for all residents outside the City of Brooks including persons with disabilities of any age and residents who don’t drive and/or lack their own forms of transportation.255 The County’s Mini Bus also provides door-to-door service for any Newell Region residents to any appointments (doctor, dentist, shopping, visiting relatives, etc.) in Brooks. Brooks’ residents may also use the Mini Bus service to visit friends or relatives that live in other areas of the Region. This service requires a one-time registration fee of $10, and a round trip fee of $10 each time you use the Mini Bus. It operates Monday through Friday with a rotating schedule to communities throughout the region.

The Brooks Handibus service was previously provided by the Newell Community Action Group society under contract by the City of Brooks, but beginning in 2015 the City began providing the transportation service directly. The City of Brooks’ Handibus primarily serves City of Brooks residents living with disabilities and residents 65 years of age or older.256 Visitors from outside communities that fit the ridership criteria are also able to use the Handibus for transportation in Brooks. This service costs $4 for each one-way trip within the City of Brooks, and there is also a group chart option for $55 per hour.257 Individual bus passes are $40 each and have 10 trips. Packs of five bus passes are sold for $180 at a 10% discount. This service runs from Monday to Friday (excluding statutory holidays).

The City’s Handibus ridership has increased. The service had 4,455 pick-ups and drop-offs between May 1, 2017 and March 31, 2018, which is an increase from 3,000 the previous year.258 The number of passes sold increased as well during this time; from 167 to 299.

253 A system of vehicles such as buses and trains that operate at regular times on fixed routes and are used by the public. 254 http://www.countyofnewell.ab.ca/p/mini-bus-service 255 http://www.countyofnewell.ab.ca/p/mini-bus-service 256 http://www.brooks.ca/278/Handibus 257 https://www.brooks.ca/DocumentCenter/View/387 258 Stanway, Sandra M, Brooks Bulletin, May 1, 2018. 127

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region The Newell Region Transportation Networks Exploratory Study Report released by Grasslands Regional FCSS in October 2013259 highlighted all current means of transportation in the area and examined community needs in terms of transportation. Seniors, new immigrants, persons with low incomes and persons with disabilities appeared to be the highest need groups regarding transportation in the region. The report also highlighted the growing need for residents to access transportation to medical, legal and other appointments in larger centres such as Calgary, Medicine Hat and Lethbridge.

In 2014, The City of Brooks successfully applied for a Regional Collaboration Grant on behalf of all Newell Region municipalities. A Newell Region Community Transportation Networks System Review and Plan was completed with recommendations for improvements to the transportation system. In 2015, the City of Brooks resumed control of the Handibus and users and rates of satisfaction have risen since that time. Most recently, a joint effort by the City of Brooks and County of Newell has been undertaken to broaden out the scope of the two bus services to include transportation to community events and activities throughout the region 260 and more recently, exploration of a pilot project to provide part-time transportation to Medicine Hat.

Results of the Quality of Life Survey (both 2013 and 2017) indicate that Satisfaction with Public Transportation varies across the Newell Region.

Graphics reprinted with permission from Positive Culture Inc.

Homelessness Homelessness did not illicit a strong response from survey respondents (51.2% of respondents were Neutral). In the Newell Region there are limited services for homeless individuals. Currently, organizations/facilities which serve persons who are homeless include Cantara Safe House and Faith-based services such as the Champion Center, the Salvation Army and other church groups who provide short term help for emergency shelter. The Medicine Hat Community Housing Society provides similar services in Medicine Hat. The local youth shelter closed in February, 2014 due to lack of funding. The Newell Housing Foundation provides rent subsidies and manages affordable housing units for residents throughout the Newell Region who qualify. The Brooks Housing Society also owns and operates affordable housing units. These services help to prevent homelessness but the recent economic downturn has led to increased need for affordable housing.

259 http://216.119.96.229/business/documents/TransportationReportFinalcopywrite.pdf 260 Stanway, Sandra M., Brooks Bulletin, March 22, 2018. 128

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Homelessness in the Newell Region is difficult to measure as there have not been specific studies on the extent of homeless in the area, creating difficulties in identifying the number of individuals or families who might be couch surfing or have inadequate shelter.261 At present, local programs and services have expressed concerns regarding insecure housing for both youth and adults.262

The Housing First in Rural Canada Report (2014)263 and the Rural Homelessness in Canada Report (2015)264 explored the dynamics of rural homelessness, which is seen as different from urban homelessness due to its more hidden nature, and the lack of infrastructure (shelters, supportive housing, addiction programs etc.) to support homeless individuals. The reports point out the challenges of rural living that makes housing for persons on limited income more difficult such as the need to have access to a reliable vehicle, and the cost of utilities and access to support services often located a distance from home.

The Rural Homelessness in Canada Report also discusses more fully the issue of affordable housing relevant to the Newell Region. However, as an indication of the conditions that may lead to homelessness, the 2016 Federal Census identified that 25% of renters pay 30% or more of their income on shelter costs which is considered to exceed what is a reasonable cost for housing.265 In 2011, the percentage was 31.4 so there has been a decrease. According to the 2016 Federal Census, 28.9% of renters in Brooks pay 30% or more of their income on shelter costs, which is a decrease from 32.2% in 2011. Although it is a decrease from 2011, the percentage of renters in Brooks paying more than 30% of their income on shelter costs still exceeds the reasonable cost for housing. Bassano and the County of Newell fell below the 25% marker for reasonable cost of housing with 18.2% and 15% respectively.266 Similar data for the Newell Region cannot be calculated due to incomplete information provided for Duchess and Rosemary in the 2016 Federal Census.

In 2018, the City of Brooks began working with an outside consultant to perform a housing study and to develop an Affordable Housing Strategy which will assess current needs and develop a strategy to help residents attain affordable housing.267 The City of Brooks identified housing as a priority in 2017 and allocated funding for the study in the 2018 budget. City residents provided their input through an online survey in September and October, 2018 and/or the Affordable Housing Open House (held on October 11, 2018).

The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) determined that the benchmark for housing to be affordable households must spend no more than 30% of its income on shelter costs. However, the residents of Brooks are concerned if this is an appropriate benchmark, particularly for low income and modest income households.268,269 For example, there is a large discrepancy in comparison between a household earning $100,000 and one earning $10,000 in reference to the 30% benchmark.270 Currently, there are 814 affordable housing units in the City of Brooks; approximately 45% (366) are near and below market housing, approximately 50% (409) are seniors housing, and just under 5% is made up of non-market units (including the Champions

261 http://homelesshub.ca/sites/default/files/COHhomelessdefinition.pdf. Homelessness describes the situation of an individual, family or community without stable, safe, permanent, appropriate housing, or the immediate prospect, means and ability of acquiring it. It is the result of systemic or societal barriers, a lack of affordable and appropriate housing, the individual/household’s financial, mental, cognitive, behavioural or physical challenges, and/or racism and discrimination. Most people do not choose to be homeless, and the experience is generally negative, unpleasant, unhealthy, unsafe, stressful and distressing. 262 Community Response Committee: XL Foods Crisis Report. Grasslands Regional FCSS. February 2013. 263 Waegemakers Schiff J. & Turner A. Housing First in Rural Canada May 2014 264 Weagemakers Schiff, J., Schiff, R., Turner, A. and Bernard, K. Rural Homelessness in Canada: Directions for Planning and Research 2015. 265 This is the measure used by CMHC and other groups to identify the percentage of a population at risk due to the high proportion of their income going to shelter. 266 The same data from the 2011 NHS is no longer available for Bassano and County of Newell so a comparison cannot be made. 267 https://www.brooks.ca/DocumentCenter/View/2064/Housing-Study-to-Be-Completed----News-Release-2018 268 Stanway, Sandra M, Brooks Bulletin, October 23, 2018a. 269 The concern includes houses that are just above the 30% benchmark to those who are on long waiting lists for affordable housing. 270 Stanway, Sandra M, Brooks Bulletin, October 23, 2018a. 129

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Centre and Cantara Safe House).271 The only two available out of the 814 units are Habitat for Humanity homes.272

62.2% of respondents felt that the Availability of Public Housing (housing supported by municipal, provincial or federal funds) was Important or Very Important. In 2013, 63.5% of respondents felt that the Availability of Public Housing was Important or Very Important. Although there was a slight decrease in Importance, there is still an understanding in the community of the vital role that Public Housing has in supporting vulnerable populations.

According to the Government of Canada, 1.7 million families do not have housing adequate to meet their basic needs. Recently, the federal government instituted a 10-year National Housing Strategy (NHS) with the goal of ensuring that Canadians across the country can access housing that meets their needs and that they can afford.273 Access to Childcare Childcare is sometimes seen as only an issue for young parents;274 however, accessible, affordable, quality childcare brings long-term returns to society.275 It is estimated that every public dollar spent on childcare programs returns $2.54 in benefits to society over the long term.276 Childcare can also be a concern for employers who may have problems in retaining employees or have employees leaving work or calling in sick and taking unplanned time off due to the difficulties in finding affordable, quality childcare.

The Satisfaction with childcare in the Newell Region as a whole may not be reflected in the Satisfaction responses, as 50.3% of respondents were Neutral on Access to Childcare. This is similar to 2013 when 53.9% of respondents were Neutral.

As discussed in other sections of this document, Access to Childcare is compounded by the lack of public transportation, employment that consists of 12 hour shifts277, or outside the normal operating hours of childcare facilities of 6:00am to 6:00pm Monday to Friday. A Newell Region Childcare and Early Childhood Education Report released by Grasslands Regional FCSS in January 2014278 detailed the number of licensed childcare spaces in the Newell Region. Since that report was released new daycares and day homes have opened in the Region. Currently, there are five licensed daycares in Brooks, but there are none in the other Newell Region communities.279 There are, however, several licensed and private day homes in the Newell Region. Brooks has three licensed day homes and eleven private day homes. 280 Duchess has two private day homes, and Cassils has one.281 In the smaller communities, day care is often provided through informal arrangements or unlicensed family day homes.

It is difficult to interpret the 16.2% Overall Dissatisfaction rate (17.3% in 2013) of Access to Childcare and 33.5% Overall Satisfaction rate (27.9% in 2013) without an understanding of whether or not the respondents were parents, grandparents, caregivers, employers or had any involvement in childcare. With that being said, overall

271 Stanway, Sandra M, Brooks Bulletin, October 23, 2018a. 272 Stanway, Sandra M, Brooks Bulletin, October 23, 2018a. 273 https://www.placetocallhome.ca/ 274 http://www.parklandinstitute.ca/family_day_on_the_treadmill 275 Vanier Institute July 2013 Issue 55 Fascinating Families It Takes a Village: A Snapshot of Child Care in Canada 276 Canadian Center for Public Policy Alternatives: A Budget for the Rest of Us: Alternative Federal Budget 2012. 277 Health and Wellness Trends in the Oil and Gas Sector Shepell.fgi Research Group 2009 278 http://www.www.grasslandsregionalfcss.com.com/bus_detail.asp?bPageID=1204 279 Child Care Providers List. SPEC. 2018 280 Child Care Providers List. SPEC. 2018 281 Child Care Providers List. SPEC. 2018 130

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Satisfaction with Access to Childcare has increased and overall Dissatisfaction has decreased in the time between the two Quality of Life Studies.

EDI: Government of Alberta Early Development Index (EDI) Program Results

Building on the earlier Early Childhood Development (ECD) Mapping Project (ECMap),282 the Alberta Government collected EDI data in 2016 using the Early Childhood Development instrument (which is a tool to assess children’s level of development in their pre-school years). The EDI questionnaire is completed by Kindergarten teachers. The results are broken down by communities and sub-communities, which are based on pre-existing local geographic boundary identified by the community; in this case, Brooks – Newell County (which is the Newell Region).

In total, 276 EDI questionnaires were collected for the region, but four were not included because they reflected children with special needs (these results are analyzed separately at the provincial level). An additional 35 were also removed because they did not meet the criteria (for example, under one month in the classroom). Six EDI questionnaires were completed for children who communicate with English as a second language. The results from the three sub-communities are divided into five categories: Physical Health and Wellbeing, Social Competence, Emotional Maturity, Language and Cognitive Development, and Communication Skills and General Knowledge.

For Newell A (northern sector), which includes Bassano, Duchess, Patricia, Rosemary, Gem and Millicent, 80% or more of the children are on track in four out of the five categories. 79.5% of children are on track for Emotional Maturity.

For Newell B, which includes the City of Brooks, 70% or more of the children are on track in three out of the five categories. 62.6% of children are on track for Language and Cognitive Development and 42.9% are on track for Communication Skills and General Knowledge. The low results for these two categories are not surprising given the high percentage of immigrant populations living in Brooks.

For Newell C, which includes Lake Newell Resort, Tilley, Rainier, Scandia and Rolling Hills, 70% of children are on track in Language & Cognitive Development. Between 63% and 67% of children are on track for Social Competence, Emotional Maturity and Communication Skills & General Knowledge. 60% of children are on track in Physical Health and Wellbeing.

For more information on EDI: https://education.alberta.ca/early-childhood-education/early-development- data/everyone/the-alberta-edi-20152016-summary-report/ and http://ecdcoalitions.org/edi-results/

The local Newell Brooks Early Childhood Coalition is promoting early childhood development through the results of the Early Childhood Development research project and other initiatives. For more information: www.brooksnewellecd.ca

282 http://www.ecmap.ca/ 131

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region POSITIVE GAP: GOVERNMENT Factor Ranked #9 for Level of Importance and #7 for Level of Satisfaction

This Factor was defined with the following variables:

QUALITY OF LIFE QUALITY OF PLACE Importance Variables Satisfaction Variables Level of Trust in Government Local Population Growth Maintained Roads Emergency Services Government Water Policies Utilities Barriers to Entrepreneurship Community Taxes

Importance of Government Variables

Importance of Government

Level of Trust in Government

Maintained Roads Very Important Important

Government Water Policies Neutral Not Important

Barriers to Entrepreneurship Not at all Important

Community Taxes

FINDINGS:

 Level of Trust in Government was Very Important or Important to 87.9% of respondents; 53.1% were Very Important and 34.8% were Important. The ratings in 2013 were 85.9%, 49.6% and 36.3% respectively. In 2017, 9.9% of respondents were Neutral, 1.25% were Not Important and 1% were Not at all Important. The ratings for 2013 were 11.4%, 2.1% and 0.5% respectively.  Level of Trust in Government received the highest percentage for Very Important responses, which was the same in 2013.  Maintained Roads was Very Important or Important to 88.6% of respondents; 40.2% were Very Important and 48.3% were Important. The ratings for 2013 were 93.3%, 44.5% and 48.7% respectively. In 2017, 10% of respondents were Neutral, 0.9% were Not Important and 0.5% were Not at all Important. The ratings for 2013 were 5.9%, 0.8% and 0.1% respectively.  Government Water Policies was Very Important or Important to 81.1% of respondents; 38.5% were Very Important and 42.6% were Important. The ratings for 2013 were 80.2%. In 2017, 40.3% and 40%

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Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region respectively. 16.14% of respondents were Neutral, 2.1% were Not Important and 0.7% were Not at all Important. The ratings for 2013 were 17%, 2.1% and 0.7% respectively.  Barriers to Entrepreneurship received the most Neutral responses at 35.4%, which is an increase from 34.6% in 2013 (also the highest). This might indicate that the role that Government(s) play in encouraging Entrepreneurship is not well known.  Barriers to Entrepreneurship was Very Important or Important to 58.2% of respondents, which is a slight decrease from 58.9% in 2013. In 2017, 20.5% were Very Important and 38.4% were Important. The ratings for 2013 were 20.5% and 38.4% respectively. In 2017, 4.8% of respondents were Not Important and 1.7% were Not at all Important. The ratings for 2013 were 4.6% and 1.9% respectively.  Community Taxes was Very Important or Important to 81.2% of respondents; 36.7% were Very Important and 44.5% were Not Important. The ratings for 2013 were 84%, 38.7% and 45.3% respectively. In 2017, 16.2% of respondents were Neutral, 1.5% were Not Important and 1.2% were Not at all Important. The ratings for 2013 were 13.6%, 1.9% and 0.5% respectively.

Election Statistics:

2017 municipal elections: .Bassano: 7 Councillors elected, 6 incumbents and 1 newly elected. 8 people ran for 7 positions. 352 voters. .Duchess: 5 Councillors were elected, 2 incumbents and 3 newly elected. 6 candidates. 182 voters. .Rosemary: 3 Councillors were acclaimed, 2 incumbents and one new to council. .Brooks: 1 Mayor incumbent acclaimed and 6 Councilors elected, 3 incumbents and 3 newly elected. 13 candidates ran for 6 positions.

The County of Newell has a Council elected throughout the Region. There are 10

Councillors representing 10 divisions. In 2017, 6 incumbents were acclaimed, one newly elected was acclaimed and 3 incumbents were elected. In 2013, 6 were acclaimed.

Rate of voting provincial election: 52.6% for Strathmore Brooks in 2012 and 49.7% in 2015.

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Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Overall Satisfaction with Local/Municipal Government was 69% (2013: 58.3%) Satisfaction with Local/Municipal Government Variables

Government Satisfaction

Local Population Growth

Emergency Services

Utilities

Local/Municipal Government

FINDINGS:

 Respondents expressed overall Satisfaction with Local Population Growth at 39.5% (508), which is a decrease from 42.6% in 2013. In 2017, 3.9% (50) of respondents were Very Satisfied, 18.2% (234) were Satisfied and 17.4% (224) were Somewhat Satisfied. The ratings in 2013 were 4%, 19.4% and 19.1% respectively. In 2017, 41.8% (537) of respondents were Neutral, 10.3% (132) were Somewhat Dissatisfied, 4.9% (63) were Dissatisfied and 3.5% (45) were Very Dissatisfied. The ratings for 2013 were 38.5%, 9%, 6% and 3.9% respectively.  Respondents do not appear to have an issue with the impact of growth or how the Newell Region has grown, which was the case in 2013 as well.  Respondents expressed overall Satisfaction with Emergency Services at 77.7% (1007), similar to 78% in 2013. In 2017, 16.1% (209) of respondents were Very Satisfied, 40.9% (530) were Satisfied and 20.7% (268) were Somewhat Satisfied. The ratings for 2013 were 16%, 43% and 19% respectively. In 2017, dissatisfaction levels were low - 4.24% (55) of respondents were Somewhat Dissatisfied, 1.5% (20) were Dissatisfied and 1.6% (21) were Very Dissatisfied. The ratings for 2013 were 9%, 6% and 3.9% respectively.  Emergency Services had the lowest Neutral response rate at 14.9% (193). It was also the lowest in 2013 with 13.4%. The high overall Satisfaction, decreased overall Dissatisfaction, and low Neutral response rate indicate that respondents were Very Satisfied with Emergency Services in the Newell Region.  Overall Satisfaction with Utilities was 52.9% (679), which is a slight decrease from 53.2% in 2013. In 2017, 5.5% (71) of respondents were Very Satisfied, 26% (334) were Satisfied and 21.4% (274) were Somewhat Satisfied. The ratings for 2013 were 7.3%, 23.7% and 22.2% respectively. In 2017, 24.5% (314) of respondents were Neutral, 12% (154) were Somewhat Dissatisfied, 6.8% (87) were Dissatisfied and 3.8% (49) were Very dissatisfied. The ratings in 2013 were 47.6%, 7.4%, 6% and 6.3% respectively.

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Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Local Population Growth According to the 2016 Federal Census, the Newell Region had a 5.3% population growth between 2011 and 2016 (the population growth between 2006 and 2011 was 4.4%) and a 1% increase in private dwellings from 2011 to 2016 (the increase between 2006 and 2011 was 3.3%).283,284

Local population growth is largely impacted by the availability of employment. Municipal Councils make decisions in terms of planning and development (i.e. what type of housing density to allow and what kind of industry to attract). Population growth in the communities means that local government must plan for services such as housing developments, recreation, EMS Services, increased traffic, infrastructure and retail needs. The local education services must plan for increased numbers of students and local non-profit organizations must plan to adapt programs and services. 41.8% of the respondents were Neutral on local population growth and the level of Dissatisfaction was 18.7%. In 2013, 38.5% of respondents were Neutral on Local Population Growth and 19 percent identified some level of Dissatisfaction.

Comparison of Population Growth (2011 to 2016) County of Newell Bassano Brooks Duchess Rosemary Newell Region Population (2011) 1282 13676 992 342 7138 23430 Population (2016) 1206 14451 1085 396 7524 24662 Percentage Population Growth (2011 to 2016) -5.9 5.7 9.4 15.8 5.4 5.3

Newell Region Comparisons: Satisfaction with Local Population Growth N=1292

Local Population Growth

Very Satisfied Satisfied Somewhat Satisfied Neutral Somewhat Dissatisfied Dissatisfied Very Dissatisfied

Bassano Brooks Duchess Rosemary County of Newell Newell Region

283 2011 Canadian Census (Statistics Canada) 284 2016 Canadian Census (Statistics Canada) 135

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region FINDINGS:

 Bassano had an overall Satisfaction rate of 19.4% and an overall Dissatisfaction rate of 43.7%. In 2013, the overall Satisfaction rate was 55.9% and the overall Dissatisfaction rate was 23.5%.  Brooks had an overall Satisfaction rate of 41.7% and an overall Dissatisfaction rate of 15.9%. In 2013, the overall Satisfaction rate was 44.6% and the overall Dissatisfaction rate was 16.4%.  Duchess had an overall Satisfaction rate of 46.7% (the highest) and an overall Dissatisfaction rate of 9.3% (the lowest). In 2013, the overall Satisfaction rate was 53.2% (the highest) and the overall Dissatisfaction rate was 7.6% (the lowest).  Rosemary had an overall Satisfaction rate of 41.7% and an overall Dissatisfaction rate of 20.8%. In 2013, the overall Satisfaction rate was 37.2% and the overall Dissatisfaction rate was 17.2%.  The County of Newell had an overall Satisfaction rate of 39.1% and an overall Dissatisfaction rate of 18.9%. In 2013, the overall Satisfaction rate was 41.3% and the overall Dissatisfaction rate was 21.2%.  The Newell Region had an overall Satisfaction rate of 38.5% and an overall Dissatisfaction rate of 18.2%. In 2013, the overall Satisfaction was 42.5% and the overall Dissatisfaction rate was 19%.

City of Brooks Composting Site

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Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Utilities Utilities usually include water, sewage, garbage and recycling pick up. The charge for these services is billed monthly or bi-monthly directly from the local municipalities. Rural hamlet residents have community recycling areas and dispose of their garbage at local transfer stations. The garbage is then taken to the main regional landfill through Newell Waste Management Systems. Municipalities have residential and commercial garbage pick-up on a weekly basis. Electricity and Natural Gas services are usually not municipal services.

Communities Working Together

The City of Brooks approved the joint agreement between the County of Newell, Town of Bassano, Village of Duchess, Village of Rosemary, Village of Tilley and Newell Regional Solid Waste Management Authority on September 7, 1999.285 As of that date, the City began hauling municipal waste to the regional landfill located off the Trans Canada Highway (6 miles from Brooks) on secondary Highway #36. The Village of Duchess has a contract with the Village of Rosemary and Town of Bassano to supply weekly garbage pick-up services to Rosemary and Bassano. The Newell Solid Waste Management Authority has Transfer Stations in communities throughout the Newell Region and operates the Newell Regional Landfill.

Duchess Waste Disposal Unit

285 http://www.brooks.ca/178/Landfill 137

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Newell Region Property Taxes/Mill Rates and Utility Rates (Information Provided by Municipal Offices)

Town of Bassano:286 Residential Property Taxes/Mill Rates 2017/2018 Municipal 9.8046%, Provincial School Program 2.5662% Newell Foundation 0.2246% Total Residential Mill Rate: 12.5954% Utility Rates Water Rates: $20 plus 1.15/cubic meter Sewer Rates: residential - $13 Recycling fee: $3.50 Garbage Rates: $9

City of Brooks287 Residential Property Taxes/Mill Rates 2017/2018 Municipal 7.7794%, Provincial School Program 2.5860% Newell Foundation 0.2187% Total Residential Mill Rate: 10.5841% Utility Rates Water Rates: First 13.65 m3 or less $44.39 for every m3 in excess of first 13.65 m3 $0.9938 Sewer Rates: residential - $35.96 (bi-monthly) Recycling fee: $7.08 (bi-monthly) Garbage Rates: $26.40 (bi-monthly) with a discount for seniors to $18.17 (bi-monthly)

Village of Duchess288 Residential Property Taxes/Mill Rates 2017/2018: Municipal 7.1862%, Provincial School Program 2.5925% Newell Foundation 0.1897% Total Residential Mill Rate 9.9684% Utility Rates per month Water Rates: $25.66 per month plus 0.25 per m3 of consumption Sewer Rates: residential - $9 Recycling fee: $3.54 Garbage Rates: $9.35 Recycling fee: $3.54

Village of Rosemary289 Residential Property Taxes/Mill Rates 2017/2018 Municipal 0.0101907%, Provincial School Program 0.0027382% Newell Foundation 0.0002011% Total Residential Mill Rate Utility Rates Water Rates: winter rates $6 plus $30/first 25 cubic meter and $1/cubic meter thereafter. Summer rates are slightly different. Sewer Rates: residential - $ 14.75 Recycling fee: $3.00 Garbage Rates: $10.75

County of Newell 290 Residential Property Taxes/Mill Rates 2017/2018 Residential 3.9570%, Provincial School Program 2.5477%, Newell Foundation 0.2132%, Paving Tax 0.5000%, Recreation area - This depends on the Division and varies from 0.0929 in Division 5 (Cassils) to 0.3011 in Division 2 (Tilley) Utility Rates per month Water Rates: Hamlets - $31.73 with Consumption charge of $2.11/cubic meter Rural Water Distribution System - $24.14 with Consumption charge of $29.16 Sanitary Sewer Charges: residential - $25.68 Garbage Rates: No garbage pickup except for Hamlet of Tilley Tilley: $10.00

286 Email from Christine Petkau, Town of Bassano. March 2018 287 http://www.brooks.ca/ 288 http://www.villageofduchess.com/ 289 http://www.rosemary.ca/ 290 http://www.countyofnewell.ab.ca 138

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Emergency Services Emergency Services

Overall Satisfaction with Emergency Services remains high at 77.7%, consistent with satisfaction in 2013 of 78%. Respondents remain very satisfied with Emergency Services in the Newell Region.

Newell Region Emergency Services

Emergency Services generally include Fire Services, Emergency Medical Services, and Police (RCMP and local Peace Officers).

Fire and Safety Services

The City of Brooks Fire Department operates with 2 full-time employees and 32 volunteers who are also trained in Emergency First Aid. Brooks has an ambulance (EMS) service so the fire fighters called to assist only when EMS Services is short-handed. The Fire Department responded to 451 emergency calls in 2017. 68% of these calls were in the City of Brooks, the rest in the County of Newell Div. 5 and 10. Volunteer firefighters have an average of 7.6 years of service and in 2017 participated in 4,927 hours of training. Beyond responding to emergencies, the firefighters conduct fire safety inspection of public buildings. They conducted a total of 176 inspections in 2017 and found a total of 56 infractions. 291

The County of Newell supports Volunteer Fire Departments throughout the County (Scandia; Rolling Hills; Gem, Patricia; Bow City; Tilley; Gem) Region and works with the municipal fire departments of the City of Brooks, Village of Duchess, Bassano and Rosemary. Regionally, Fire Departments work together to ensure quality fire and disaster services training and a high level of safety for the fire fighters.

Several Fire Departments are covered under 100% Operating & Capital Apparatus by the County: Gem + Patricia + Bow City + Scandia + Tilley & Rolling Hills. The following Fire Departments are covered 100% for Capital Apparatus and 90% Operating by the County The municipalities pays 10% Operating: Bassano + Rosemary + Duchess. The City of Brooks works with the County of Newell Emergency Services under a special Contract.292

The County of Newell Emergency Services staffing includes one Fire and Emergency Services Coordinator and one full-time Administrative Assistant. Throughout the Region there are 178 volunteer firefighters who are trained in fire protection including Emergency First Aid. Each Fire Hall has a Fire Chief. The Fire Department responded to 785 emergency calls in 2017 (672 in 2013); 403 call were urban (in the hamlets and villages) and 382 were rural (rural areas of the Newell Region)293.

Emergency Medical Services Alberta Health Services EMS Brooks provides Advanced Life Support services to the City of Brooks, surrounding towns, villages, hamlets and rural areas and is staffed by 14 full and part-time EMT’s and EMT-Paramedics. Brooks ambulance (EMS) service offers a number of services such as emergency response, inter-facility transfers, non-emergency transfer and community event standbys. Staff also supplies first aid training and instruction within the community294. Bassano has one ambulance (EMS) service with fire fighters called to assist only when EMS Services is short-handed.

291 Email from Kevin Swanson, Fire Chief, City of Brooks. September 14, 2018. 292 Email from Keith Martin, Fire and Emergency Services Coordinator, County of Newell, November 22, 2018. 293 County of Newell Emergency Services Yearly Report, 2017. 294 www.brooks.ca 139

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region County of Newell 2017: Type of Call295

Incident Responses Year Summary 2017 All Divisions Jan → Jan → Jan → Dec Dec Dec Type of Call Current Current Current YTD YTD YTD Urban Rural Total Fire - Structure 17 6 23 Fire - Vehicle 3 12 15 Fire - Grass / Hay / 4 81 85 Straw Fire - Trash 1 2 3 Fire Other 20 14 34 M.V.C. 36 61 97 Medical 94 69 163 Hazardous Materials 2 1 3 Carbon Monoxide 11 5 16 Mutual Aid 0 95 95 Alarm Call 167 27 194 Miscellaneous 48 9 57

Total 403 382 785

The County of Newell Fire and Emergency Services responded to 785 calls in 2017. There are over 170 firefighters (salaried and volunteer) in the Newell Region.

Police Services

Policing Services in the Newell Region are provided by the RCMP through the Brooks Detachment and the Bassano Detachment. To enforce By-Laws, the City of Brooks employs two Peace Officers and the County of Newell has a Special Constable. Overall, 72.2% (933) of respondents expressed a high level of Satisfaction with Community Safety; 8.7% (112) were Very Satisfied, 36% (365) were Satisfied and 27.6% (356) were Somewhat Satisfied. This reflects an increase from 2013 with 7.7%, 33% and 22% respectively. Further analysis on Community Safety was provided in the Sense of Community Factor, which was a prior section of this report.

295 Email from Keith Martin, Fire and Emergency Services Coordinator, County of Newell, November 22, 2018. 140

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region NEWELL REGION GAP ANALYSIS: AGE GROUPS Rank of Importance and Rank of Satisfaction by Age Groups

There are variations in the Negative Gaps (Importance ranking higher than Satisfaction ranking) when survey responses are sorted out by age range. The table below shows the Negative Gap Factors by age ranges. For all ages, Health Services and Economy and Employment were Negative Gaps, and the latter has -5 gap across the board. Political Rights and General Values had a Negative Gap in the 10-19 Age Group. Social Programs/Social Conditions had a Negative Gap in the 20 to 39 Age Group, Education System had a Negative Gap in the 60 to 69 Age Group, and Education System and Political Rights and General Values had Negative Gaps in the 70 Plus Age Group.

Ages 10 to 19 20 to 39 40 to 59 60 to 69 70 Plus

Satisfaction Satisfaction Satisfaction Satisfaction Satisfaction

Importance Importance Importance Importance Importance

Health Services 1 3 1 4 1 5 1 4 1 2 Education System 2 2 2 1 3 2 3 5 3 5 Personal Well-Being 3 1 3 2 2 1 2 1 2 1 Economy and Employment 4 9 4 9 4 9 4 9 4 9 Political Rights and General Values 5 6 8 7 8 8 7 7 7 8 Physical Environment 6 4 6 3 6 3 6 2 6 3 Sense of Community 7 5 5 5 5 4 5 3 5 4 Social Programs/Social Conditions 8 8 7 8 7 6 8 6 8 6 Local/Municipal Government 9 7 9 6 9 7 9 8 9 7

FINDINGS:

 There are variations in how different Age Groups responded to the Rank of Importance and Rank of Satisfaction with the nine factors.  Economy and Employment was the only factor that was consistently ranked #4 for Importance and #9 (lowest ranking) for Satisfaction across all Age Groups.  Health Services was ranked #1 for Importance across all Age Groups but the Rank of Satisfaction varied between #2 and #5.  Overall, there was greater consistency across all Age Groups for Rank of Importance of all nine factors than for Rank of Satisfaction.  Importance Rankings for Physical Environment was on the higher end, while Satisfaction levels were on the lower end for all Age Groups.

141

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region The difference in ranking by the various Age Groups of the nine factors indicates the value of the public, social and business sectors being aware of the demographics and differing opinions of Age Groups within their community in order to provide programs and services which match the needs and interests of the Age Groups. For example, younger Age Groups believed that Education was more Important than older Age Groups, and the older Age Groups believed that Personal Well-Being was more Important than the younger Age Groups. Ages 10-19

Negative Gaps

 Health Services (Rank of Importance 1; Rank of Satisfaction 3)  Economy and Employment (Rank of Importance 4; Rank of Satisfaction 9)  Political Rights and General Values (Rank of Importance 5; Rank of Satisfaction 6)

Match Gaps

 Education System (Ranks of Importance 2; Rank of Satisfaction 2)  Social Programs/Social Conditions (Rank of Importance 8; Rank of Satisfaction 8)

Positive Gaps

 Personal Well-Being (Rank of Importance 3; Rank of Satisfaction 1)  Physical Environment (Rank of Importance 6; Rank of Satisfaction 4)  Sense of Community (Rank of Importance 7; Rank of Satisfaction 5)  Local/Municipal Government (Rank of Importance 9; Rank of Satisfaction 7) Ages 20-39

Negative Gaps

 Health Services (Rank of Importance 1; Rank of Satisfaction 4)  Economy and Employment (Rank of Importance 4; Rank of Satisfaction 9)  Social Programs/Social Conditions (Rank of Importance 7; Rank of Satisfaction 8)

Match Gaps

 Sense of Community (Rank of Importance 5; Rank of Satisfaction 5)

Positive Gaps

 Education System (Rank of Importance 2; Rank of Satisfaction 1)  Personal Well Being (Rank of Importance 3; Rank of Satisfaction 2)  Political Rights and General Values (Rank of Importance 8; Rank of Satisfaction 7)  Physical Environment (Rank of Importance 6; Rank of Satisfaction 3)  Local/Municipal Government (Rank of Importance 9; Rank of Satisfaction 6) Ages 40-59

Negative Gaps

 Health Services (Rank of Importance 1; Rank of Satisfaction 5)  Economy and Employment (Rank of Importance 4; Rank of Satisfaction 9)

142

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Match Gaps Political Rights and General Values (Rank of Importance 8; Rank of Satisfaction 8)

Positive Gaps

 Education System (Rank of Importance 3; Rank of Satisfaction 2)  Personal Well-Being (Rank of Importance 2; Rank of Satisfaction 1)  Physical Environment (Rank of Importance 6; Rank of Satisfaction 3)  Sense of Community (Rank of Importance 5; Rank of Satisfaction 4)  Social Programs/Social Conditions (Rank of Importance 7; Rank of Satisfaction 6)  Local/Municipal Government (Rank of Importance 9; Rank of Satisfaction 7) Ages 60-69

Negative Gaps

 Health Services (Rank of Importance 1; Rank of Satisfaction 4)  Education System (Rank of Importance 3; Rank of Satisfaction 5)  Economy and Employment (Rank of Importance 4; Rank of Satisfaction 9)

Match Gaps

 Political Rights and General Values (Rank of Importance 7; Rank of Satisfaction 7)

Positive Gaps

 Personal Well-Being (Rank of Importance 2; Rank of Satisfaction 1)  Physical Environment (Rank of Importance 6; Rank of Satisfaction 2)  Sense of Community (Rank of Importance 5; Rank of Satisfaction 3)  Social Programs/Social Conditions (Rank of Importance 8; Rank of Satisfaction 6)  Local/Municipal Government (Rank of Importance 9; Rank of Satisfaction 8) Ages 70 Plus

Negative Gaps

 Health Services (Rank of Importance 1; Rank of Satisfaction 2)  Education System (Rank of Importance 3; Rank of Satisfaction 5)  Economy and Employment (Rank of Importance 4; Rank of Satisfaction 9)  Political Rights and General Values (Rank of Importance 7; Rank of Satisfaction 8)

Positive Gaps

 Personal Well-Being (Rank of Importance 2; Rank of Satisfaction 1)  Physical Environment (Rank of Importance 6; Rank of Satisfaction 3)  Sense of Community (Rank of Importance 5; Rank of Satisfaction 4)  Social Programs/Social Conditions (Rank of Importance 8; Rank of Satisfaction 6)  Local/Municipal Government (Rank of Importance 9; Rank of Satisfaction 7)

143

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region GAP COMPARISON: CITY OF BROOKS & NEWELL REGION The City of Brooks has approximately 60% of the population of the Newell Region. Therefore, it is interesting to note the similarities or differences in the responses for the City of Brooks’ respondents compared to the Newell Region as a whole. The Newell Region has three Negative Gaps, one Match Gap and five Positive Gaps compared to the City of Brooks; which has three Negative Gaps, two Match Gaps and four Positive Gaps. The primary difference is the Education System which is a Positive Gap for the Newell Region and a Match Gap for the City of Brooks.

Both the City of Brooks and the Newell Region ranked Health as #1 for Rank of Importance and in the low to mid-ranking for Satisfaction (#3 and #4 respectively). Both the City of Brooks and Newell Region ranked Economy and Employment as #4 for Importance and #9 for Satisfaction (a significant drop from 2013), and Political Rights and General Values as #7 for Importance and #8 for Satisfaction. The City of Brooks and Newell Region respondents ranked Education and Personal Well-Being high for both Importance and Satisfaction. Sense of Community was a Match Gap for both areas.

Comparison of the Rank of Importance and Rank of Satisfaction for the City of Brooks and the Newell Region City of Brooks Newell Region Rank of Rank of Rank of Rank of Importance Satisfaction Importance Satisfaction Health 1 3 1 4 Education System 2 2 3 2 Personal Well-being 3 1 2 1 Economy and Employment 4 9 4 9 Sense of Community 5 5 5 5 Physical Environment 6 4 6 3 Political Rights and General Values 7 8 7 8 Social Programs/Social Conditions 8 7 8 6 Government 9 6 9 7

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Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region QUALITY OF PLACE Quality of Place may be defined as “the physical characteristics of a community –the way it is planned, designed, developed and maintained – that affect the quality of life of people living and working in it, and those visiting it, both now and into the future”296.

Based on prior ‘World Class Places’ Quality of Place studies, a number of variables were chosen to measure the Quality of Place and these variables included:

 Building Maintenance

 Retail and Shopping

 Accessible Public Services

 Sports and Leisure Facilities

 Green Spaces

 Heritage Structure

 Maintained Streets

 Neighborhood Design

 Transport Routes

 Accessible Arts and Culture Facilities.

The chart below shows respondents’ Levels of Satisfaction with Quality of Place variables

Newell Region Quality of Place

Very Satisfied Satisfied Somewhat Satisfied Neutral Somewhat Dissatisfied Dissatisfied Very Dissatisfied

296 HM Government. (2009). World Class Places: The Government Strategy for Improving Quality of Place. London: HM Government. 145

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Satisfaction with Quality of Place FINDINGS:

 Overall Satisfaction with Building Maintenance was 56%, Neutral response was 29.1% and Overall Dissatisfaction was 14.95%. 2013 was 55.2%, 26.8% and 18% respectively.

 Overall Satisfaction with Retail and Shopping was 33.4%, Neutral response was 12.6%and Overall Dissatisfaction was 54%. 2013 was 35.4%, 10% and 54.5% respectively.

 Overall Satisfaction with Accessible Public Services was 53%, Neutral response was 28.4% and Overall Dissatisfaction was 18.6%. 2013 was 72%, 17.9% and 9.7% respectively.

 Overall Satisfaction with Sport and Leisure Facilities was 75.9%, Neutral response was 14.1% and Overall Dissatisfaction was 10%. 2013 was 71%, 12.9% and 16% respectively.

 Overall Satisfaction with Green Spaces was 71.6%, Neutral response was 16.7% and Overall Dissatisfaction was 11.7%. 2013 was 72.3%, 16.5% and 11% respectively.

 Overall Satisfaction with Heritage Structures was 53.5%, Neutral response was 34.2% and Overall Dissatisfaction was 12.4%. 2013 was 52.7%, 36% and 11% respectively.

 Overall Satisfaction with Maintained Streets was 60.9%, Neutral response was 13.9% and Overall Dissatisfaction was 25.2%. 2013 was 54.8%, 12% and 33% respectively.

 Overall Satisfaction with Neighbourhood Design was 53.4%, Neutral response was 29.6% and Overall Dissatisfaction was 29.6%. 2013 was 52.6%, 26% and 21.5% respectively.

 Overall Satisfaction with Transport Routes was 48.3%, Neutral response was 36.4% and Overall Dissatisfaction was 15.3%. 2013 was 49.7%, 33% and 17.4% respectively.

 Overall Satisfaction with Accessible Arts & Cultural Facilities was 45.3%, Neutral response was 35.9% and Overall Dissatisfaction was 18.8%. 2013 was 44.5%, 37.4% and 18% respectively.

 Retail and Shopping received the lowest Satisfaction responses, the highest Dissatisfaction responses and the lowest Neutral responses, similar to 2013.

 Accessible Public Services responses indicated a significant decrease in Satisfaction responses from 2013 and an increase in Dissatisfaction responses.

 Sports and Leisure Facilities responses indicated an increase in Satisfaction and decrease in Dissatisfaction from 2013.

146

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region QUALITY OF PLACE BY AGE GROUPS

Building Maintenance

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

Retail and Shopping

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

147

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region

Accessible Public Services

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

Sport and Leisure Facilities

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

148

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region

Green Spaces

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

Heritage Structures

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

149

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region

Maintained Streets

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

Neighbourhood Design

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

150

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region

Transport Routes

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

Accessible Arts & Cultural Facilities

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

151

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region

Quality of Place Satisfaction Responses by Age Groups

Within the Age Groups, there are interesting variations when considering the Quality of Place Variables within the Newell Region

Most Satisfaction by Age Groups Most Dissatisfaction by Age Groups Age Group Top Three Factors Age Group Top Three Factors 1. Sport and Leisure Facilities 1. Retail and Shopping Ages 10-19 2. Green Spaces Ages 10-19 2. Maintained Streets 3. Neighbourhood Design 3. Accessible Arts & Cultural Facilities 1. Sport and Leisure Facilities 1. Retail and Shopping Ages 20-39 2. Green Spaces Ages 20-39 2. Maintained Streets 3. Maintained Streets 3. Accessible Arts & Cultural Facilities 1. Sport and Leisure Facilities 1. Retail and Shopping Ages 40-59 2. Green Spaces Ages 40-59 2. Maintained Streets 3. Building Maintenance 3. Accessible Arts & Cultural Facilities 1. Sport and Leisure Facilities 1. Retail and Shopping Ages 60-69 2. Green Spaces Ages 60-69 2. Maintained Streets 3. Maintained Streets 3. Neighbourhood Design 1. Sport and Leisure Facilities 1. Retail and Shopping Ages 70+ 2. Green Spaces Ages 70+ 2. Maintained Streets 3. Accessible Public Services 3. Accessible Public Services

Duchess Recreation Centre

152

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region

Comparison of Responses across Communities Sports and Leisure Facilities

Very Satisfied Satisfied Somewhat Satisfied Neutral Somewhat Dissatisfied Dissatisfied Very Dissatisfied

Bassano Brooks Duchess Rosemary County of Newell Newell Region

Findings 2017:

 Respondents had a variety of opinions on Sports and Leisure Facilities in Newell Region communities.  The City of Brooks had the most Overall Satisfaction responses at 79.7%.  The Village of Duchess had an Overall Satisfaction rating of 78.7%.  The Newell Region had an Overall Satisfaction rating of 75.3%.  The Town of Bassano had an Overall Satisfaction rating of 72.1%.  The County of Newell had an Overall Satisfaction rating of 69%.  The Village of Rosemary had the lowest Overall Satisfaction responses at 64.6%.  The County of Newell had the most Neutral responses at 17%; the Town of Bassano the least at 11.5%.  Rosemary had the most Overall Dissatisfaction responses at 18.8%; the Village of Duchess the least at 6.7%.

Findings 2013:

 The Newell Region had an Overall Satisfaction rate of 71.1%.

 The County of Newell had the most Overall Satisfaction responses at 73%.

 Brooks had a 72.7% Overall Satisfaction response rate.

 Rosemary had 68.6% Overall Satisfaction response rate.

 Bassano had a 65.6 % Overall Satisfaction response rate.

 Duchess had a 62.5% Overall Satisfaction response rate.

 Tilley had the lowest Overall Satisfaction response rate at 43.4%.

 Tilley respondents had the most Neutral responses (23.3%) and most Overall Dissatisfied responses at 33%.

 Brooks respondents had the least Neutral responses at 12%. 153

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region

SPORTS AND LEISURE OPPORTUNITIES IN THE NEWELL REGION  Brooks has a leisure and sports facility with a child-friendly pool and space for a variety of sports including hockey, curling and ringette. The JBS Canada Centre is well used by the community.  Brooks also has the Centennial Arena; which has a NHL-size ice surface with “bowl-style” seating, running track and boardroom. The arena is home for the Brooks Bandits hockey team, which are part of the Alberta Junior Hockey League.  The Town of Bassano has an outdoor pool with a grassy area that is used by residents throughout the Newell Region as well as a hockey arena and curling rink.  The Village of Duchess has a multi-use Recreation Centre with a running track, weight room, fieldhouse, etc.  Hockey and curling arenas are available in many of the Villages and Hamlets.  The Villages of Duchess, City of Brooks, Rolling Hills, County of Newell and Town of Bassano have golf courses.  Recreational and camping areas in the Region include Kinbrook Island Provincial Park, Bow City Park, Tillebrook Provincial Park, Crawling Valley, EID Historical Park, Dinosaur Provincial Park, EID Rolling Hills Campground, Emerson Bridge Park, Rolling Hills Reservoir and Campground, Rosemary Campground, Bassano Homecoming Park, Tilley Campground, Desert Sands Campground (Bassano), Westside Campground (Brooks), Poplar Grove Campground (Bassano), Cobblestone RV Park (Duchess), Shady Nook Campground (Bassano).

The Centennial Arena is a 7,400 square foot facility with a NHL-size ice surface (200 x 85 ft.) with a unique bowl-style seating.

154

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region

Retail and Shopping: Comparison across communities.

Retail and Shopping

Very Satisfied Satisfied Somewhat Satisfied Neutral Somewhat Dissatisfied Dissatisfied Very Dissatisfied

Bassano Brooks Duchess Rosemary County of Newell Newell Region

Findings 2017:

 Respondents had a variety of opinions on Retail and Shopping across communities in the Newell Region. Overall Satisfaction with Retail and Shopping was 33.2% with an Overall Dissatisfaction rating of 53.3%.  Duchess had the most Overall Satisfaction responses at 40.8%.  Village of Rosemary had an Overall Satisfaction rating of 37.5%.  The City of Brooks had an Overall Satisfaction rating of 36.9%.  The Town of Bassano had an Overall Satisfaction rating of 26.9%.  The County of Newell had the least Overall Satisfaction responses at 24.6%.  The County of Newell had the most Neutral responses at 16%, the Town of Bassano the least with 8.7%.  The Town of Bassano had the most Overall Dissatisfaction responses at 64.4%, and the City of Brooks had the least with 47.4%. Findings 2013:

 Overall Satisfaction with Retail and Shopping was 35.4% with an Overall Dissatisfaction rate of 54.5%.

 The County of Newell had the most Overall Satisfied responses at 73%.

 Rosemary had a 58.8% Overall Satisfied response rate.

 Brooks had an Overall Satisfied response rate of 36% and Overall Dissatisfaction rate of 55.4%.

 Bassano had a 70.6% rate of Overall Dissatisfaction with Retail and Shopping. 23.4% were Somewhat Satisfied and 0%/no respondents were Satisfied or Very Satisfied.

 Duchess had a 56.3% Overall Dissatisfaction response.  Tilley had a 75.1% of Overall Dissatisfaction response.

155

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region The diversity of retail shops in Brooks reflects the needs of the population and the diversity of income. The median after tax income for residents of the Newell Region is $81,337 for families and $34,592 for persons not in economic families (individuals). It should also be noted that some communities have a large percentage of seniors who may be living on a fixed pension and may not have a large amount of disposable income. In the City of Brooks, two major retailers, No Frills (Loblaw’s) and Walmart, cater to shoppers who have limited incomes and compete with other large retailers such as Canadian Tire, Friesen’s IGA and Canada Safeway and also create competition with the smaller retail businesses. The cultural and religious diversity of the community has seen major retailers change their stock to reflect the newcomers’ needs and also the establishment of entrepreneurial retailers focused on meeting the needs of the multicultural community. Duchess respondents were the most Overall Satisfied at 40.8% of responses. The County of Newell respondents had the most overall Dissatisfied responses at 24.6% which is a significant decrease from 73% in 2013. The Retail and Shopping variable, had generally more Dissatisfied than Satisfied responses, consistent with 2013. The Impact of Remittances

A remittance is a transfer of money by a foreign worker or an immigrant to an individual /family in his or her home country. Money sent home by migrants competes with international aid as some of the largest financial inflows to developing countries. The Bank estimates that officially recorded remittances to low- and middle- income countries reached $466 billion in 2017, an increase of 8.5 percent over $429 billion in 2016. Global remittances, which include flows to high-income countries, grew 7 percent to $613 billion in 2017, from $573 billion in 2016.297

The economy of Newell Region and in particular the retail sector is impacted by the challenges of recruiting staff for some of its industry such as the meat processing plant, fast food and convenience stores and agricultural processing operations. There is an increasing number298 (555) of Temporary Foreign Workers in the Newell Region who come to the community on temporary employment contracts with some hopes of obtaining permanent immigrant status and who send a large proportion of their salaries as remittance to their family in their home countries as they are the primary wage earner. This limits their ability to accumulate assets in Canada and to spend their income in the community299. While it is not easily possible to quantify the amount of remittances that employees of Newell Region businesses sent “home” to their family, there have been studies that explore the obligations of immigrants and how that impacts their wealth accumulation and disposable income.

297 https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2018/04/23/record-high-remittances-to-low-and-middle-income-countries-in-2017 298 National Household Survey 2011 299 http://www.parl.gc.ca/Content/LOP/ResearchPublications/prb0711-e.htm 156

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region NEWELL REGION NEED FOR MORE SERVICES Need for More Services: All Respondents Number of Respondents ranged from 1,273 to 1,294

Newell Region Need for More Services

100.0% 90.0% 80.0% 70.0% 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% Yes 20.0% No 10.0% 0.0% Don't Know

The graph above gives an indication of the services that respondents would like to see expanded in the Newell Region FINDINGS:

 45.9% (594) of respondents felt that more services were needed for Families with Children, and 24.4% (315) responded with No.  45.7% (583) of respondents felt that more services were needed for Youth (ages 13-17), and 22.8% (402) responded with No.  44.7% (572) of respondents believed that more services were needed for Young Adults (ages 18-24), and 22.3% (285) responded with No.  39.4% (510) of respondents identified that more services were needed for Seniors (ages 65 and older), and 28.9% (374) responded with No.  37.7% (480) of respondents believed that more services were needed for Adults (ages 25-64), and 32.4% (412) responded with No.  29.4% (378) of respondents felt that more services were needed for School-aged Children (ages 6-12), and 34% (437) responded with No.  24.4% (314) of respondents felt that more services were needed for Preschoolers (age 5 and under), and 31.6% (407) responded with No.

157

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Need for More Services Breakdown:

More Services for Preschoolers

70%

60%

50%

40% Yes

30% No

20% Don't Know

10%

0% Ages 10-19 Ages 20-39 Ages 40-59 Ages 60-69 Ages 70 Plus

The only age group that was in favour of more services for preschoolers was 20-39 age group (41.1%), which is not surprising because individuals within this age category tend to have younger children. Age groups 10-19, 20- 39, and 40-59 had between 30 and 40% of individuals indicating that no more services for preschoolers is needed, which might be a testament to the programs and services already in place. The vast majority of individuals in the ages 60-69 (62.3%) and 70 plus (61.5%) groups did not know if more services for preschoolers were needed.

More Services for School-Aged Children (6 to 12)

70%

60%

50%

40% Yes

30% No

20% Don't Know

10%

0% Ages 10-19 Ages 20-39 Ages 40-59 Ages 60-69 Ages 70 Plus

Approximately 45% of individuals aged 20-39 indicated that more services are needed for school-aged children (6-12), while 32% of the same group noted that no more services are needed. A higher percentage of individuals aged 40-50 (35.6%) also indicated that more services for school-aged children is needed, but the “no’s” hovered at around 34%. Like with more services for preschoolers, the age groups 60-69 and 70 plus didn’t know if more services for preschoolers was needed. Ages 10-19 had the highest percentage of individuals indicating that no more services for school-aged children are needed. This is not entirely surprising given that these services are, for the most part, not directly affecting them. 158

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region

More Services for Youth (13-17)

70%

60%

50%

40% Yes

30% No

20% Don't Know

10%

0% Ages 10-19 Ages 20-39 Ages 40-59 Ages 60-69 Ages 70 Plus

Individuals in age groups 10-19, 20-39 and 40-59 overwhelmingly agreed that more services for youth (13-17) are needed in the Newell Region (49%, 55.7% and 52.8%, respectively). These results support the findings of the Grasslands Regional FCSS’ Out of School Activities Youth Survey conducted with 900 Newell Region Junior High Students and subsequent Youth Community Action Plan ( YCAP) in 2016).300 Approximately 32% of individuals aged 60-69 indicated that more services for youth (13-17) are needed, but this group along with individuals aged 70 and older overwhelmingly don’t know if more services for youth (13-17) are needed in the Region.

More Services for Young Adult (18-24)

70%

60%

50%

40% Yes

30% No

20% Don't Know

10%

0% Ages 10-19 Ages 20-39 Ages 40-59 Ages 60-69 Ages 70 Plus

Individuals in age groups 10-19, 20-39 and 40-49 were also overwhelmingly in favour of more services for young adults (18-24) (47%, 56.5% and 51.3%, respectively). This is not surprising given that these age groups are either directly affected or indirectly affected (having children of this age) by these services.

300 http://216.119.96.229/business/documents/YCAPReportFinal-May2016_1.pdf 159

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region

More Services for Adults (25-64)

70%

60%

50%

40% Yes

30% No

20% Don't Know

10%

0% Ages 10-19 Ages 20-39 Ages 40-59 Ages 60-69 Ages 70 Plus

The majority (57%) of individuals aged 20-39 indicated that more services for adults (25-64) are needed in the Newell Region, and approximately 45% of the age group 40-59 also agreed. The “don’t know” responses were highest among ages 60-69 (37.6%) and ages 70 plus (48.2%). Ages 10-19 had the highest “no” responses with 37.5%.

More Services for Seniors

70%

60%

50%

40% Yes

30% No

20% Don't Know

10%

0% Ages 10-19 Ages 20-39 Ages 40-59 Ages 60-69 Ages 70 Plus

More than 30% of all age groups indicated that the Newell Region needs more services for seniors; the highest being ages 60-69 (49.5%) and ages 40-59 (43.7%). Although 43.3% of individuals aged 70 plus indicated a need for more services for seniors, 32.6% said that no more services are needed. Approximately 60% of survey respondents aged 70 plus reside in Brooks, where the majority of services in for seniors are available in the Region. This might help explain why the “no” responses were high. Approximately 40% of individuals aged 20-39 indicated that they didn’t know if more services are needed for seniors.

160

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region

More Services for Families with Children

70%

60%

50%

40% Yes No 30% Don't Know 20%

10%

0% Ages 10-19 Ages 20-39 Ages 40-59 Ages 60-69 Ages 70 Plus

Age group 20-39 overwhelmingly identified a need for more services for families with children with 57.6% of individuals responding with “yes.” Age groups 10-19 and 40-59 also had high “yes” responses with 47% and 50.6%, respectively. These age groups are directly affected by these services, or lack thereof, so it is not surprising that they had high “yes” responses. Age groups 60-69 and 70 plus both had high “don’t know” responses with 39.9% and 48.6%, respectively. All age groups had between 20 to 25% of individuals indicating that no more services for families with children are needed.

FUTURE TRENDS Population Growth:

The Province of Alberta Population Projections (2017-2041) estimates that Population growth will slow in the near future, but will recover slightly until finally slowing in the latter part moving forward to 2014 due to moderating net migration, lower fertility rates and population aging.301 Three different sets of projections (low, medium and high) were prepared. According to the medium projection, Population Growth will increase at an average rate about 1.4% over the next 25 years, reaching six million by 2041 (a gain of 1.8 million). The low and high assumptions project Alberta’s population to be close to 5.4 million and 6.9 million; gains of 1.2 million and 2.7 million, respectively. Alberta’s population in 2041 will be older, with a median age of 40.2 years (which is an increase from 2016’s median age of 36.3 years), and increasingly diverse; 47% of the expected growth will be arrivals from other countries (representing a gain of approximately 840,000 people). Due to the economic downturn, Alberta saw a net outflow of interprovincial migrants in 2016, and further weakening was expected in the first year of the projection due to continued outflow of migrants. As the economy improves, a return to net inflow of migrants is expected; interprovincial migrants will account for 16% of the growth (approximately 285,000 new residents) within the projection period. The Province’s future population will mostly be

301 Government of Alberta. Treasury Board and Finance. Population Projection: Alberta and Census Divisions, 2017-2041. June 30, 2017 161

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region concentrated in urban areas, specifically the Calgary-Edmonton Corridor (almost 80% are expected to live in this region).

Alberta’s total fertility rate (TFR) has fluctuated over the past two decades. In 1994, the TFR was 1.81 but declined over the following seven years to 1.65 in 2001.302 It then increased continually over the next seven years to 1.89 in 2008. From 2008 to 2013 it declined to 1.71, but started to increase in 2014 with 1.72. Natural increase (birth minus deaths) will continue to have a positive impact on Alberta’s growth over the projection period; adding approximately 650,000 people by 2041.303 Natural increase’s contribution to Alberta’s growth is directly tied to migration, since the majority of migrants set to arrive over the next 25 years will be young adults aged 18-34. However, natural increase’s impact on Alberta’s growth will diminish over time due to the advanced aging of the baby boom generation. Labour Market and Immigration:

 There will be a continued need for immigration to meet labour market needs. The ability of the Region to meet its labour market demands in a number of industries is linked in part to the newcomers who have made their home in the community.  It would be beneficial to have continued support for English as a Second Language Classes and coordination of services. Research indicates that Immigrants are more likely to settle and stay in a community if they have adequate access to English as a Second Language classes in order to advance their employment prospects, that they feel welcomed and are recognized as part of the community and have a broad range of opportunities for employment304.  Some of the Newell Region employers are dependent on the Temporary Foreign Workers Programs and any changes will impact them. Should the federal government choose to make it easier for Temporary Foreign Workers to obtain Canadian Permanent Resident status, this would have implication for Schools, English as a Second Language programs and community services as these temporary workers become permanent residents (and citizens) and begin to bring their families to settle in the Newell Region.  Recent changes have been introduced to Labour Market Impact Assessment MIA criteria where applications for certain high-wage occupations in Alberta will not be processed.305

Seniors:  As the Baby Boomer generation gets older the Newell Region the rest of Canada will see its population age  Service providers will need to plan for increased demand for access to specialized services including accessible transportation, a broad range of accessible, affordable housing options, assisted living spaces, Meals on Wheels, Home Cleaning and extended health care beds and Home Care. Further consideration could be given to Aging in Place Models.  The communities of Bassano (25.7%), Rolling Hills (21.2%) and Patricia (14.3%) have the highest proportion of seniors in the Newell Region.  Many seniors live on fixed pensions and this may impact the need for more subsidized services in all areas. Access to transportation may also be a consideration as the senior population increases.  Increased demand for service is already evident in the Meals on Wheels Program Statistics for the Newell Region.

302 https://open.alberta.ca/opendata/total-fertility-rate-alberta-and-alberta-health-services-continuum-zones 303 Government of Alberta. Treasury Board and Finance. Population Projection: Alberta and Census Divisions, 2017-2041. June 30, 2017 304 http://p2pcanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Characteristics-of-a-Welcoming-Community-11.pdf 305 http://www.albertacanada.com/opportunity/programs-and-forms/TFW.aspx 162

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region

Number of Meals on Wheels Clients: (Excluding Bassano)306 Meals Brooks County of Newell Year Served Clients Clients 2017 5,608 322 12 2016 5,350 264 40 2015 4,448 251 15 2014 4,517 240 28

Bassano Clients307 Meals Bassano Year Served Clients 2017 512 8 2016 288 7

 In 2016, the median age in Canada was 41.2 (it was 39.9 in 2011), meaning that half of the population was older than that and half was younger. In 1971, the median age was 26.2 years. The median age for the Newell Region in 2016 was 37.2, which is an increase from 34.9 in 2011. The communities with the highest median age are Bassano (49.3), Patricia (41) and Rolling Hills (41).  People 65 years and older are the country’s fastest growing age group, and the trend will continue for decades in the future due to lower fertility rates, increased life expectancy and the aging Baby Boom generation.308 In 2016, 5.4 million Canadians were 65 years and older, and by 2063 it is expected that this population will double; ranging between 11.1 million and 15.1 million (according to the low-growth scenario).309

 Seniors living in poverty is a looming crisis o As Canadians age, more of them are heading into their senior years financially ill-equipped to support themselves when they retire. o Senior poverty in Canada has increased due to two key shifts: continued decline in workplace pension coverage and demographics.310 o Life expectancy has increased (77.8 years for men and 82.6 years for women), and the number of seniors is growing at a faster rate than any other age cohort. o Approximately 50% of Canadian families aged 55-64 have no accrued employer pension benefits.311 o A majority of Canadians (55%) have savings that represent less than one year’s worth of resources they need to supplement government old age security and pension plans.312 . Fewer than 20% of seniors have savings to supplement at least five years.

306 Grasslands Regional FCSS Meals on Wheels Report (2017) 307 Bassano FCSS 308 https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/corporate/publications/chief-public-health-officer-reports-state-public-health-canada/chief-public-health- officer-report-on-state-public-health-canada-2014-public-health-future/changing-demographics.html 309 https://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/91-520-x/2014001/section02-eng.htm#a5 310 https://hoopp.com/docs/default-source/newsroom-library/research/hoopp-research-article---senior-poverty---canada-next-crises.pdf 311 https://ipolitics.ca/2016/02/17/were-facing-a-wave-of-seniors-living-in-poverty-and-were-not-ready/ 312 https://ipolitics.ca/2016/02/17/were-facing-a-wave-of-seniors-living-in-poverty-and-were-not-ready/ 163

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region o “For those with annual incomes in the range of $25,000–$50,000, the median value of their retirement assets is close to just $250. For those with incomes in the $50,000–$100,000 range, the median value is only $21,000.”313 o For those Canadians retiring without an employee pension program, less than 20% have saved enough for retirement. o Canada’s mandatory savings rate (for Canada Pension Plan, for example) of 9% is among the lowest in the OECD. o 28% of single women and 24% of single men seniors are living in poverty in Canada, and this number has been increasing.

Housing:

 Affordable Housing will become an increasingly significant issue due to the increasing poverty levels of young, single individuals and seniors, with a decline in the economy and future immigration trends.  The Alberta Government has put forth a Provincial Affordable Housing Strategy as part of its priorities and initiatives.314  Aging in place for seniors is part of the affordable housing strategy.315  The City of Brooks is conducting an Affordable Housing Needs Assessment and Strategy in 2018 to address potential housing issues and develop a plan for future housing needs in Brooks to include a range of housing option for residents. The core belief is that “Affordable Housing is for Everyone”.316

Transportation:

 Building a regional transportation network is complex and multi-faceted as transportation needs exist for travel both in and out of the region and the available resources and needs may differ from one community to another. For the Newell Region, the work is ongoing and has involved several years and different ways of identifying transportation needs, how the needs are being met and what more can be done. The pursuit of effective solutions will require an ongoing commitment from all levels of government, to continued collaboration and the provision of resources required to meet current and future transportation needs in Rural Alberta.317  Transportation remains a major concern within the Newell Region. Travel to health and government related services in Calgary, Medicine Hat and Lethbridge remains an issue for residents who do not have access to a reliable personal vehicle or who are unable to drive themselves to services. With impending demographic changes in the Region this issue will become more pressing in the coming years.  The municipalities and Grasslands Regional FCSS continue to work toward increasing transportation capacity for local and out-of-area transportation.  Expanded transportation services are now being offered by the City of Brooks and County of Newell: o The Brooks Handibus is now operated directly by the City of Brooks. It primarily serves City of Brooks residents living with disabilities and seniors (aged 65 years and older). Visitors from outside the City of Brooks who fit the ridership may use the Handibus for transportation in Brooks. The service runs from Monday to Friday (excluding statutory holidays).

313 https://ipolitics.ca/2016/02/17/were-facing-a-wave-of-seniors-living-in-poverty-and-were-not-ready/ 314 https://www.alberta.ca/projects-priorities.aspx 315 http://www.seniors-housing.alberta.ca/documents/Provincial%20Affordable%20Housing%20Strategy.pdf 316 https://www.brooks.ca/bids documents/Provincial%20Affordable%20Housing%20Strategy.pdf 316 https://www.brooks.ca/bids.aspx?bidID=22 317 Pye-Matheson, Lynn (May, 2018): Building a Regional Rural Transportation Network: Why focus on regional rural transportation? Building Rural Transportation News. Alberta 2018. No. 1

164

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region o The Brooks Handibus has had a significantly increased ridership from 77 trips in August, 2015 to 425 in November, 2017. o The County of Newell Mini Bus provides transportation services for all residents outside the City of Brooks including persons with disabilities of any age and residents who don’t drive and/or lack their own forms of transportation.318 The County’s Mini Bus also provides door-to-door service for any Newell Region residents to any appointments (doctor, dentist, shopping, visiting relatives, etc.) in Brooks. Brooks’ residents may also use the Mini Bus service to visit friends or relatives that live in other areas of the Region. The service operates Monday through Friday with rotating mini-bus schedules to communities throughout the area.  Particular attention could be paid to the diversity of modes of transportation and encourage safe use of bicycles and long boards, encourage carpooling, taxi sharing and mobile health and other services.

Young Adults:

 Youth ages 15-24 living in poverty is a growing concern.  Poverty is a result of under/unemployment due to the changing workforce and rising cost of living.  Anxiety and types of mental illness are major concerns.  Young adults need access to post-secondary education and employment that offers the possibility of career exploration and job training programs.  Rural communities often find it difficult to retain young people due to the lack of employment and training opportunities.  If the current trend continues, while some Young Adults will remain or return to their home communities to raise their family or be closer to aging parents, the majority will settle in other communities.  In an attempt to address and alleviate the aforementioned issues, the SPEC’ Brooks and Region Makerspace was founded. “MakerSpace is an area where youth can develop, create, design anything they want in just about any medium while learning about technology for tomorrow’s jobs.”319

Young Families:

 Young families are attracted to rural communities that provide easy access to schools, a safe environment, affordable housing and a quick commute between work and home.  However, parents need access to stable employment with long-term prospects to encourage settlement in rural communities.  Duchess is one such community that has attracted young families with 34.1% of the residents aged 19 years and younger (which is an increase from 30% in 2011). Duchess also has the second lowest median age in the Region with 32.6. Duchess’ relatively closeness to Brooks makes it attractive to young families seeking a small community and easy access to an urban center (a bedroom community).

318 http://www.countyofnewell.ab.ca/p/mini-bus-service 319 Stanway, Sandra M., Brooks Bulletin, October 16, 2018(b) 165

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region

Childcare:

 Access to Childcare is compounded by the lack of public transportation, employment that consists of 12 hour shifts320, or outside the normal operating hours of childcare facilities of 6:00am to 6:00pm Monday to Friday.  Currently, there are five licensed daycares in Brooks, but there are none in the other Newell Region communities.321 There are, however, several licensed and private day homes in the Newell Region. Brooks has three licensed day homes and eleven private day homes. 322 Duchess has two private day homes, and Cassils has one.323 In the smaller communities, day care is often provided through informal arrangements or unlicensed family day homes.  It is difficult to interpret the 16.2% Overall Dissatisfaction rate (17.3% in 2013) of Access to Childcare and 33.5% Overall Satisfaction rate (27.9% in 2013) without an understanding of whether or not the respondents were parents, grandparents, caregivers, employers or had any involvement in childcare. With that being said, overall Satisfaction with Access to Childcare has increased and overall Dissatisfaction has decreased in the time between the two Quality of Life Studies. Poverty:

 Lack of sufficient income continues to be the main cause for individuals to request food bank services.324  The largest percentages of food bank users are residents who access the above Government Social Assistance and Disability Programs.325  It should be noted that employed persons may have difficulty meeting their basic needs.326  In the future it may be expected that there will be an increased number of seniors accessing food bank services.  There is growing concern with low income levels of individuals in the 15 – 24 years Age Group. Regional Government:  A movement to form a regional government in the Newell Region has begun.  Elected officials in the Region are confident that regionalization will be set to go by October 2020 and meet the requirements, submitted to the Province, by the 2021 municipal election.327  As of November, 2018, regionalization discussions have taken place between the Region’s municipalities and they are developing the provincially mandated Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework Agreement.  Elected officials being appointed as committee members to begin the regionalization process and talks are underway, but at this point it is undetermined what regionalization will look like or how the public will be informed.328

320 Health and Wellness Trends in the Oil and Gas Sector Shepell.fgi Research Group 2009 321 Child Care Providers List. SPEC. 2018 322 Child Care Providers List. SPEC. 2018 323 Child Care Providers List. SPEC. 2018 324 Email from Gwen Cameron, Manager of Brooks Food Bank Foundation, November 02, 2018. 325 Email from Gwen Cameron, Manager of Brooks Food Bank Foundation, November 02, 2018. 326 Email from Gwen Cameron, Manager of Brooks Food Bank Foundation, November 02, 2018. 327 Stanway, Sandra M, Brooks Bulletin, October 16, 2018c 328 Stanway, Sandra M, Brooks Bulletin, October 23, 2018b. 166

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region

The Future of Work  Work is changing rapidly. Research conducted by Harmonics and the Future of Work: OIGP Global Research Study released in 2017 explored the skills employees must have to be competitive today, the most significant people challenges currently facing organizations, the most effective ways to develop talent in today’s economy and jobs most at risk.329  Top skills required: Strong communication skill; Leadership agility; Eagerness to learn; Emotional intelligence; and Understanding analytics.  Top Challenges faced by Organizations: Need to continually adapt and anticipate change; Recruiting and retaining staff with good communications skills and agile to work in diverse and changing global teams

SUMMARY Overall Community Satisfaction: 75.7%

75.7% of Newell Region Respondents expressed Overall Satisfaction with the Services, Programs, Conditions and Physical Spaces in their communities. 10% were Very Satisfied, 41.4% were Satisfied, and 24.3% were Somewhat Satisfied. Overall Community Satisfaction was 77% in 2013.

The most Overall Satisfied Community was Duchess with 85.5% (65 respondents), followed by Rosemary with 84.4% (38 respondents). Overall Satisfaction for the County of Newell was 79.4% (239 respondents), Brooks was 73.6% (547 respondents) and Bassano was 68.3% (71 respondents). General Comments

 Of the 1,350 respondents that identified their community, 796 (59%) lived in the City of Brooks.330 As much as possible, data has been provided for both the City of Brooks and Newell Region as a whole so that the influence of the City of Brooks’ respondents and residents in the data can be seen.  There is some variation in the Gap Analysis responses between Age Groups in terms of rankings of Importance and Satisfaction. This may be useful information for planning services and programs. Health

 Overall Satisfaction with Health Services was 77.5%. Health was ranked #1 for level of Importance and #4 for level of Satisfaction. Although this gap suggests that there is a level of Dissatisfaction with Health Services in the Newell Region there is an improvement since the 2013 survey; Satisfaction increased to #4 from #5.  The 2014 Quality of Life report noted that additional Physicians had set up practice since the first Quality of Life survey had been administered. New services had also been added at the Brooks Health Centre. There has been a successful Physician recruitment and retainment strategy in place in the Region, and it is reflected in the results from the 2017 Quality of Life survey. Overall Satisfaction with Access to Physicians had a significant increase from 57.8% in 2013 to 74.6% in 2017, and overall Dissatisfaction decreased from 31.2% to 13.3%.

329 https://www.harmonics.ie/future-work-global-research-study-2017/

330 There was a total of 1,374 respondents for the 2017 Quality of Life survey. 167

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region  The challenge of recruiting other Health Professionals has been discussed at community tables. The possibility of expanding recruitment of physicians to include other health professionals. Discussion has also occurred regarding a focus on retention of physicians.  Despite the increased Satisfaction in the Newell Region, Access to Physicians still remains a challenge for rural communities, particularly for residents that do not have access to their own transportation.  Dissatisfaction with Health Services may be correlated with the difficulty of accessing transportation for out of town medical appointments and gaps in mental health services. It is important to for communities and all levels of government to work together to provide concrete actions to alleviate challenges associated with transportation and mental health services. It is also critical for provincial and federal governments to follow up these identified priorities with sustainable supports including funding.

Economy and Employment

 Overall Satisfaction with Economy and Employment was 58.5%, which was a substantial decrease from 76.2% in 2013. It ranked #4 for Level of Importance and Level #9 for Satisfaction.  In 2013, Economy and Employment was ranked #6 for Level of Importance and #7 for Level of Satisfaction creating a minus-1 Gap. In 2017, it is now ranked #4 for Level of Importance and #9 for Level of Satisfaction, a minus-5 Gap. This resulting Gap is minus 4 points higher than the previous study suggesting that Overall Satisfaction with Economy and Employment within the Newell Region has decreased substantially since the last study.  In 2013, Overall Satisfaction with the Employment variable was 54.3% compared to the 44.8% in 2017. This is strong indicator that employment opportunities in the Newell Region may not be as strongly adequate as in years prior.  The 2016 Census Profile identified that the prevalence of low income based on the Low-income cut-offs, after tax (LICO-AT)331 indicates that Newell is doing comparatively well when compared to the rest of Alberta and Canada.

Political Rights & General Values

 The Overall Level of Satisfaction for Political Rights and General Values saw a significant drop from 79.3% in 2013 to 67.4% in 2017. This factor was ranked rather low for both Level of Importance and Level of Satisfaction: #7 and #8, respectively. More research could be conducted to ascertain as to why Overall Satisfaction dropped significantly for this factor.  Respondents were nearly 100% in agreement that Honesty (97.1%) and Respect (96.3%) were Very Important to Important.  The Sharing variable received the most Neutral answers at 22.3% as to importance, which is an increase from 21% in 2013. This variable had the lowest Important to Very Important responses at 72.2%.  Although the majority of respondents were Neutral or overall Satisfied on the Discrimination variable, 23.2% of respondents were overall Dissatisfied (which is relatively high). As the number of visible minorities, immigrants and persons who practice other faiths continues to rise in the Region, it will become important to ensure that policies and practices are inclusive of all residents.  Both the English as a Second Language variable and Immigration variable levels of satisfaction with services increased but levels of neutrality and dissatisfaction indicate the need to continue to improve language services and social inclusion initiatives in the communities.

331 2016 Statistics Canada Census Profile Data 168

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Sense of Community

 Overall Satisfaction with Sense of Community was 72.7%. This factor was ranked #5 for Level of Importance and #5 for Level of Satisfaction.  There were important variations between communities. Brooks respondents were the most Neutral (20%) on their Sense of Community Satisfaction and Rosemary was the least (12.8%). Rosemary (19.2%) and Duchess (15.6%) had the most Very Satisfied responses. The County of Newell (43.4%) had the most Satisfied responses, and Rosemary (19.2%) had the most Very Satisfied Responses. Rosemary (80.9%) and Duchess (75.3%) had the highest Overall Satisfaction among the Newell Region communities. Bassano (12.5%) had the most Overall Dissatisfaction among the Newell Region communities.  The Very Satisfied and Satisfied rating among Respondents for Community Safety was 44.6%, and given that this is a growth in Satisfaction (40.7% in 2013) it indicates an improved level of support for the efforts of Public Safety Agencies to work with the community in increasing their level of safety. Overall Satisfaction was 72.2%, and Overall Dissatisfaction was 10.1%.  The efforts made in the Newell Region to build a Sense of Community are reflected in the responses to the Quality of Life Survey, namely the increase in Satisfaction and decrease in Dissatisfaction between the survey years. Personal Well-Being

 Overall Satisfaction with Personal Well-Being was 80%, which is a slight decrease from 2013 (80.9%). It was ranked #2 for Level of Importance and #1 for Level of Satisfaction.  Community Gathering Places had 19.8% Neutral responses, and an overall Dissatisfaction rate of 18.9%. Free time Activities also had significant Neutral and Overall Dissatisfaction ratings of 27% and 21.6%, respectively. Education System

 Overall Satisfaction with Education System was 75%. It ranked #3 for Level of Importance and #2 for Level of Satisfaction.  Overall Satisfaction for Adult/Continuing Education decreased from 61.5% in 2013 to 51.7% in 2017; Further exploration could determine the cause of this decrease.  Job Training, like in 2013, had a high Neutral response rate (45%). Respondents might have a lack of knowledge of current opportunities in the Newell Region.  Since Young Adults who study outside of the Region (Calgary, Lethbridge, Edmonton, etc.) may find opportunities more attractive and stay in their college or university town after graduation, it is important to offer Post- Secondary education alternatives within the Region.  The K-12 School System (three different public school boards) offer a wide choice of programs and have been able to retain rural schools (Grasslands Regional Public School Board) which is an asset for rural hamlets and villages.

Physical Environment

 Overall Satisfaction with Physical Environment was 77.9%. It was ranked #6 for Level of Importance and #3 for Level of Satisfaction.  According to respondents, Recycling has improved in the Region. Overall Satisfaction with Recycling was 67.6%, which was a significant increase from 59.1% in 2013. Overall Dissatisfaction decreased from 30.4% in 2013 to 20.6% in 2017. 169

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region

Social Problems/Social Conditions

 Overall Satisfaction with Social Programs/Social Conditions was 67.3%. It ranked #8 for Level of Importance and #6 for Level of Satisfaction.  Public Transportation, although still low, had an increase in Overall Satisfaction from 25.8% in 2013 to 29.9% in 2017. Accessing Transportation was Very Important or Important to 67.3% of respondents, which is an increase from 63.1% in 2013. Currently, there is no public transportation in the Newell Region, but transportation options have increased due to the City of Brooks providing Handibus service directly and the County of Newell expanding their minibus service. The increase in Overall Satisfaction is most likely attributed to the expansion of these services.  Respondents may have perceived Social Programs as relevant only to government income assistance rather than the broader range of services/programs that cater to very diverse needs (Low-Income Assistance, Child Benefits, Pensions, Subsidies Assistance, Child Care Subsidies, Government Family Benefit programs, Health and Education etc.).  There are a substantial number of persons impacted by a Social Condition, as an individual or within the respondent’s household.

Government

 Overall Satisfaction with Local/Municipal Government was 69%. Government ranked #9 for Rank of Importance and #7 for Level of Satisfaction, an increase from 58.3% in 2013.  Respondents were satisfied with most municipal services, particularly Emergency Services (77.7%).  Emergency Services had the lowest Neutral response rate at 14.9% (193). It was also the lowest in 2013 with 13.4%. The high overall Satisfaction, decreased overall Dissatisfaction, and low Neutral response rate indicate that respondents were Very Satisfied with Emergency Services in the Newell Region.  Local Population Growth had a high Neutral response rate (41.8%), which means that most respondents do not appear to feel negatively impacted by the change in population in the area.  Residents may not always be fully aware which level of government is responsible for regulations/policies which affect them and responsibilities for various services and programs.  The low level of voter participation in municipal elections that there is a concern with voter engagement with municipal government. This is reflected in the Rank given to Government by survey respondents for both Importance and Satisfaction. It is important to determine the reason for low voter turnout and to develop strategies to encourage public engagement.

Quality of Place

 Retail and Shopping had the highest Overall Dissatisfaction responses as well as the lowest Neutral and Overall Satisfaction responses. The variables with the next highest number of Overall Dissatisfied responses was Neighbourhood Design and Maintained Streets.  It is impossible to determine with absolute certainty why 54% of respondents were Overall Dissatisfied with Retail and Shopping.  The most significant Negative Quality of Place variable identified in the Newell Region was Retail and Shopping, with the age groups 20 to 39 and 40 to 59 comprising 54.2% of the Overall Dissatisfied respondents.  Respondents had a variety of opinions on Sports and Leisure facilities across the communities in the Newell Region. The County of Newell had the most Neutral responses (17%) and Bassano respondents the least (11.5%). Rosemary had the most Overall Dissatisfied respondents at 18.8%, and Duchess had 170

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region the least at 6.7%. The City of Brooks had the highest Overall Satisfaction rate at 79.7%, and Rosemary had the lowest at 64.6%. Rosemary also had the least Very Satisfied responses at 6.3% (the next lowest was the County of Newell at 14%). Duchess had the least Very Satisfied responses in 2013 (2.5%), but had the highest in 2017 (25.3%). Duchess had the second highest Overall Satisfaction rating at 78.7%. The increased Satisfaction in Duchess is most likely linked to the new Recreation Centre.  There is some variation in the Quality of Place levels of Satisfaction responses between the Age Groups. This is a consideration when planning for the future.  Retail and Shopping received the lowest Satisfaction responses, the highest Dissatisfaction responses and the lowest Neutral responses, similar to 2013.  Accessible Public Services responses indicated a significant decrease in Satisfaction responses from 2013 and an increase in Dissatisfaction responses.  Sports and Leisure Facilities responses indicated an increase in Satisfaction and decrease in Dissatisfaction from 2013.

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Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region

Appendix A NEWELL REGION: DETAILED SOCIOECONOMIC DEMOGRAPHICS

Age Demographics

Newell Region Age Range

100 years and over 0 95 to 99 years 35 90 to 94 years 120 85 to 89 years 215 80 to 84 years 320 75 to 79 years 455 70 to 74 years 705 65 to 69 years 1010 60 to 64 years 1255 55 to 59 years 1535 50 to 54 years 1545 45 to 49 years 1660 40 to 44 years 1885 35 to 39 years 1995 30 to 34 years 1810 25 to 29 years 1420 20 to 24 years 1365 15 to 19 years 1725 10 to 14 years 1780 5 to 9 years 1940 0 to 4 years 1880 0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500

In 2016, the Newell Region had a total population of 24,665. The median age was 37.3 years with 77.3% of residents being 15 years of age and older. In 2011, the median age was 34.9 years and 78% of residents were 15 years of age and older. There was a 22.5% increase in the number of persons aged 65 and older between 2011 and 2006. The percentage increase between 2006 and 2011 was 19.1%.

Age Comparisons in the Newell Region

Bassano has the highest median age (49.3 years) and Scandia has the lowest (28.2 years). However, Bassano has the highest percentage of individuals aged 15 and over (85.9) and seniors (25.7); Scandia has the lowest with 72.4 and 6.9 respectively. Rolling Hills and Bassano (most noticeably) have a higher percentage of older adults living in their community compared to the rest of the Newell Region. Duchess and Scandia have attracted younger populations.

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Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region

Comparison of Individuals Aged 15 to 64 in the Newell Region

Median Percentage Aged Total Community Age 15 to 64 Population Bassano 49.3 60.2 1206 Brooks 35.0 66.5 14451 Duchess 32.6 65.9 1085 Patricia 41.0 66.7 101 Rolling Hills 41.0 55.8 258 Rosemary 31.5 58.8 396 Scandia 28.2 65.5 146 Tilley 36.2 69.4 364 County of Newell 38.0 65.3 7524 Newell Region 37.8 65.7 24662

Comparison of Youth Under 15 Years of Age in the Newell Region 10 to 0 to Percentage 0 to 4 5 to 9 14 14 of 0 to 14 Total Community Years Years Years Years Years Population Bassano 55 65 50 170 14.1 1206 Brooks 1170 1120 1005 3290 22.8 14451 Duchess 95 90 110 300 27.6 1085 Patricia 5 5 5 20 19.0 101 Rolling Hills 10 25 20 55 21.2 258 Rosemary 40 35 30 105 26.3 396 Scandia 15 15 15 40 27.6 146 Tilley 30 30 25 85 23.6 364 County of Newell 520 630 585 1735 23.1 7524 Newell Region 1880 1940 1780 5600 22.7 24662

173

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Marital Status in the Newell Region

The majority of Newell Region residents are married or living common law. However, it should be noted that there are approximately 7,000 individuals in the Region aged 15 years and over who are never married, separated, divorced or widowed.

Marital Status in the Newell Region 14000 12060 12000 10395 10000

8000 6985

6000 4690 4000

1670 2000 950 500 840 0

174

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Family Structure in the Newell Region

Data on family characteristics for the Newell Region illustrates a diversity of family units. There are a total of 5,600 couple families and 885 lone-parent families. The majority of couple families are married, and lone-parent families are headed by a female parent. The far majority of lone-parent families reside in Brooks (665). The average size of census families in the region is 3.1, which is similar to Alberta’s (3). Of the couple families, 2,540 do not have children.

Family Characteristics in the Newell Region Total Census Families in Private Households by Family Size 6475 2 Persons 3035 3 Persons 1230 4 Persons 1305 5 or More Persons 895 Average Size of Census Families 3.1 Total Number of Census Families in Private Households 6480 Total Couple Families 5600 Married Couples 4755 Common-Law Couples 835 Total Lone-Parent Families by Sex of Parent 885 Female Parent 680 Male Parent 200 Total Couple Census Families in Private Households 5600 Couples without Children 2540 Couples with Children 3065 1 Child 975 2 Children 1220 3 or More Children 855 Total Lone-Parent Census Families in Private Households 880 1 Child 495 2 Children 260 3 or More Children 120 Total Persons Not in Census Families in Private Households 3455

The table below provides information on the diversity of families in different communities in the Newell Region, and allows comparisons with Canada and Alberta. The percentage of married couple families in the Newell Region are higher than in Alberta and Canada, but for common-law couple families and lone-parent families the percentages are lower. The number of families has decreased in Bassano and Patricia between 2011 and 2016.

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Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region

Comparison of Family Type in the Newell Region

Married Couple Common-Law Couple Percentage Families Families Lone-Parent Families Change of Census Total Families, Community Families Number Percentage Number Percentage Number Percentage 2011 to 2016 Bassano 355 260 73.2 45 12.7 45 12.7 -4.1 Brooks 3700 2515 68.0 525 14.2 665 18.0 1.2 Duchess 305 215 70.5 50 16.4 35 11.5 7.0 Patricia 25 20 80.0 5 20.0 5 20.0 -16.7 Rolling Hills 75 65 86.7 5 6.7 5 6.7 25.0 Rosemary 115 80 69.6 15 13.0 20 17.4 15.0 Scandia 40 30 75.0 10 25.0 0 0.0 0.0 Tilley 110 75 68.2 20 18.2 15 13.6 4.8 County of Newell 2005 1685 84.0 200 10.0 120 6.0 8.1 Newell Region 6480 4755 73.4 835 12.9 885 13.7 1.7 Alberta 1114585 793195 71.2 160130 14.4 161260 14.5 11.5 Canada 9840730 6474005 65.8 1753920 17.8 1612805 16.4 4.8

Scandia has the highest average household size and average size of census families. Bassano and Patricia have the lowest average household size, and Bassano has the lowest average size of census families.

Comparison of Average Household Size and Average Size of Census Families in the Newell Region

Average Household Average Size of Community Size Census Families Bassano 2.2 2.7 Brooks 2.8 3.1 Duchess 2.9 3.2 Patricia 2.2 3.2 Rolling Hills 2.6 3.0 Rosemary 2.7 3.2 Scandia 3.2 3.5 Tilley 2.6 2.9 County of Newell 2.8 3.1 Newell Region 2.7 3.1

176

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Educational Attainment

Educational Attainment in the Newell Region Education Level Population Percentage Total Population Aged 15 Years and Older 18040 100.0 No Certificate; Diploma or Degree 4915 27.2 Secondary (High) School Diploma or Equivalent 6045 33.5 Postsecondary Certificate; Diploma or Degree 7075 39.2 Apprenticeship or Trades Certificate or Diploma 1850 10.3 Trades Certificate or Diploma Other than Certificate of Apprenticeship or Certificate of Qualification 600 3.3 Certificate of Apprenticeship or Certificate of Qualification 1250 6.9 College; CEGEP or Other Non-University Certificate or Diploma 2940 16.3 University Certificate or Diploma Below Bachelor Level 405 2.2 University Certificate; Diploma or Degree at Bachelor Level or Above 1885 10.4 Bachelor's Degree 1425 7.9 University Certificate or Diploma Above Bachelor Level 120 0.7 Degree in Medicine; Dentistry; Veterinary Medicine or Optometry 75 0.4 Master's Degree 220 1.2 Earned Doctorate 30 0.2

Ethnic Background

According to the 2016 Canadian Census, 5,245 (22.4%) of the population of the Newell Region were foreign-born (immigrants), 17,790 (76%) were Canadian-born (non-immigrants) and 375 (1.6%) were non-permanent residents.332 Of the immigrants living in the Newell Region, 2,345 (44.7%) came to Canada between 2011 and 2016.

In 2016, among the Newell Region immigrant population, the most common countries of birth of immigrants were: Philippines (1,235 or 23.5%), “other places of birth in Africa” (585 or 11.2%) and Mexico (515 or 9.8%).333 In comparison, the top countries of birth of immigrants living in Alberta were: Philippines (14.7%), India (10.8%) and United Kingdom (7%). The majority of immigrants in the Newell Region live in the City of Brooks (80.4%).

Among the Newell Region population in 2016, 76.7% spoke English at home most often and 0.5% spoke French. In Alberta, 82.6% of the population speaks English at home while 0.7% speak French. The three most frequently reported non-official languages spoken at home were German (4.9%), Tagalog (2.1%) and Spanish (2.1%). Somali and Oromo accounted for 2% and 1.6%, respectively. In Alberta, the top three unofficial languages spoken at home are Tagalog (1.4%), Punjabi (1.3%) and Cantonese (1%). Mandarin and German both accounted for 0.9%.

332 2016 Canadian Census (Statistics Canada) 333 2016 Canadian Census (Statistics Canada) 177

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region

Tagalog, the most frequent non-official language spoken at home, is spoken by immigrants or Temporary Foreign Workers who come to Canada from the Philippines. The German speaking communities in the Region are in the great majority Hutterite or Mennonite born in Canada and Mennonites who have come back to Canada from Central America. Most live in the rural area of the Region. In the City of Brooks, the most frequently reported non-official languages spoken at home are Tagalog (3.5%), Somali (3.5%), Spanish (3.3%), Oromo (2.7%) and Mandarin (1.1%).

The jobs available in the Region are a large influence of the background and immigration status of newcomers to the Region. For example the largest community employer, JBS Foods Canada periodically recruits workers from different parts of the world such as Europe, Central America or Asia. In February 2016, the City of Brooks was chosen by the Government of Canada as a Government Assisted Refugee (GAR) receiving community. This was done to accommodate the influx of refugees from the Syrian Refugee operation. Since then, the Newell Region has directly received 125 GAR’s and 9 Privately Sponsored Refugees (PSR) for a total of 134 individuals (55 adults and 79 children) in 22 families.334 All of these families settled in the City of Brooks, except for one settling in the County of Newell. The majority of these refugees were from Syrian, but the Newell Region also received refugees from The Congo, Sudan, Somalia and Ethiopia since the peak of the Syrian operation.

Since the influx of refugees in 2016, only one family has moved away from Brooks after spending some time in the Region; they moved closer to medical services necessary for one of the family members.335 Limited access to specialized medical services in the Region has been well documented. Three families chose to leave Brooks immediately upon arriving. They had families in other regions in Canada, and wished to be close to them. Two Syrian refugee families resettled in Brooks after arriving in other part of Canada, which is noteworthy. The recent refugee cohort also had two births since arriving in the Region.336

According to the 2016 Canadian Census, 5,355 individuals in the Newell Region belonged to a visible minority group; accounting for 22.9% of its total population. In the City of Brooks, the percentage of visible minority residents is much higher at 36.8% (26.7% in 2011). In comparison, visible minorities comprised 23.5% of Alberta’s population. The largest visible minority groups living in the Region were Black (1,995), Filipino (1,425) and Latin American (625). In Alberta, the largest minority groups were South Asian, Filipino and Chinese. The three most frequently reported ethnic origins in the Newell Region, for people reporting one or multiple ethnic origins, were Canadian, German and English. This compares to the top three in Alberta, which were Canadian, English and German.

334 Email: Mohammed Idris, Service Manager, Brooks & County Immigration Services (BCIS), March 05, 2018 335 Email: Mohammed Idris, Service Manager, Brooks & County Immigration Services (BCIS), March 05, 2018 336 Email: Mohammed Idris, Service Manager, Brooks & County Immigration Services (BCIS), March 05, 2018 178

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Ethnic Origin

Broad Ethnic Origins of Newell Region Residents Total Population 23410 North American Aboriginal Origins 1145 First Nations (North American Indian) 635 Inuit 25 Métis 545 Other North American Origins 6610 American 545 Canadian 6235 European Origins 14545 British Isles Origins 8555 French Origins 1815 Western European Origins (Except French Origins) 6650 Northern European Origins (Except British Isles Origins) 2250 Eastern European Origins 3065 Southern European Origins 530 Caribbean Origins 25 Latin; Central and South American Origins 940 African Origins 2240 Central and West African Origins 285 North African Origins 455 Southern and East African Origins 1385 Asian Origins 2680 West Central Asian and Middle Eastern Origins 85 South Asian Origins 325 East and Southeast Asian Origins 2215 Oceania Origins 65

Predominant Ethnic Origins Declared by Newell Region Residents Note: may have declared more than one ethnic origin. Canadian 6235 Russian 835 German 5480 Polish 705 First Nations (North English 5140 American Indian) 635 Scottish 3725 Danish 560 Irish 3235 Swedish 555 French 1825 Métis 545 Filipino 1435 American 545 Ukrainian 1160 Ethiopian 470 Dutch 1130 Mexican 425 Norwegian 1120 Hungarian 410 179

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region

There are many visible signs of the ethnic diversity of the Region. For example, Brooks has a number of “ethnic” restaurants including Cambodian, Thai and Chinese and a Cambodian grocery store. There are also businesses which cater to the need for sending remittances overseas. Grasslands Public School Board provides German instruction to children from Mennonite homes in rural areas. There is a Francophone Association (L’Association Francophone de Brooks) in Brooks and a French language school (L’Ecole le Ruisseau) that caters to the Francophone community. There are also eight Hutterite Colony Schools (grade 1 to 9) in the Region. Aboriginal Population In 2016, 3.4% (785) of the population of the Newell Region had an Aboriginal identity. Out of the Aboriginal groups, 63.1% (495) identified as being Metis, 35.7% (280) were First Nations, and 1.3% (10) were Inuit. Ten people reported an Aboriginal language as a mother tongue. Mother Tongue

According to the 2016 Canadian Census, 70.3% of Newell Region residents indicated that English was their first official language spoken, and only 1% indicated that French was their mother tongue.

Approximately 27% of Newell Region residents have a mother tongue that is not one of Canada’s two official languages. The top three non-official mother tongue languages spoken in the Newell Region were German (1,885 or 7.7%), Tagalog (830 or 3.4%) and Spanish (640 or 2.6%). For the City of Brooks, the top three non- official mother tongue languages spoken were Tagalog (790 or 5.5%), Spanish (590 or 4.1%) and Somali (550 or 3.8%). The addition of German in the Newell Region with close to 2,000 individuals using it as a mother tongue language is due to the settlement patterns of Hutterites and Mennonites

Mother Tongue Number Percentage English 17225 70.3 French 250 1.0 Non-Official Languages 6485 26.5 Aboriginal Languages 10 N/A Non-Aboriginal Languages 6470 26.4

Top Non-Official Mother Tongue Languages Spoken in the Newell Region Mother Tongue Number Percentage German 1185 7.7 Tagalog 830 3.4 Spanish 640 2.6 Somali 550 2.2 Oromo 430 1.8 Mandarin 215 0.9 Arabic 205 0.8 Cebuano 145 0.6 Dinka 130 0.5 Dutch 120 0.5

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Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region

Citizenship

Immigrants to Canada generally choose to obtain Canadian Citizenship as soon as they have remained in Canada for the required number of years.337 Over the past several years (until 2017), changes in Citizenship regulations increased requirements that made it more challenging for newer immigrants to obtain citizenship.338 For example, the processing fee increased from $100 to $530 (with an added $100 right of citizenship fee) in 2014- 2015339, and the physical presence requirement changed (in 2015) so that all applicants must be physically present in Canada for a minimum of 1,460 days (four years) out of six years prior to the submission of the citizenship application.340 Applicants also had to be physically present 183 days for each of the four calendar years that were within that six year span time. These changes saw a significant drop in citizenship applications between the first nine months of 2016 (56,446) and the same period the year prior (111,993), which was nearly a 50% drop.341 Starting in 2017, new Citizenship Act rules came into effect that have made the path of citizenship less cumbersome for immigrants, although the processing and right of citizenship fees have remained $630 in total.342 According to the 2016 Federal Census, 86.2% of Newell Region residents are Canadian Citizens. The percentage of Brooks’ residents that are Canadian Citizens is 79.1%. The recent citizenship rule changes could result in an increase in citizenship applications from immigrants living in the Newell Region.

Obtaining citizenship allows immigrants to vote for all levels of government, run as a candidate for public office (all levels of government), and travel to countries such as the United States with a Canadian Passport without visa requirements.

Citizenship Number Percentage Canadian Citizens 20190 86.2 Not Canadian Citizens 3220 13.8

Population in Private Households by Immigrant Status and Period of Immigration in the Newell Region Total Population 23410 Non-Immigrants 17790 Immigrants 5245 Before 1981 485 1981 to 1990 335 1991 to 2000 485 2001 to 2010 1600 2001 to 2005 545 2006 to 2010 1065 2011 to 2016 2345 Non-Permanent residents 375

337 DeVoretz, D.J. and S. Pivnenko. Self-selection, Immigrant Public Finance Performance and Canadian Citizenship. RIMM, January 2005. 338 https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadian-citizenship/improvements/act-changes-2017.html 339 http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canadian-citizenship-applications-decrease-1.3976140 340 https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/canadian- citizenship/grant/residence/physical-presence-intent-reside-requirements.html#s02 341 http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canadian-citizenship-applications-decrease-1.3976140 342 https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadian-citizenship/improvements/act-changes-2017.html 181

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region

Recent Immigration by Place of Birth in Brooks and the Newell Region City of Newell City of Newell Brooks Region Brooks Region Total Population 13995 23410 Africa 1680 1705 Total Selected Places of Birth for the Immigrant Population in Private Households 4215 5235 Algeria 15 15 Americas 495 1090 Egypt 30 30 Colombia 280 280 Ethiopia 500 500 El Salvador 60 70 Kenya 35 35 Haiti 10 10 Nigeria 60 60 Mexico 70 515 Somalia 420 420 United States 40 150 South Africa; Republic of 30 50 Other Places of Birth in Americas 45 75 Other Places of Birth in Africa 585 585 Europe 260 600 Asia 1770 1840 Germany 20 100 Afghanistan 10 10 Hungary 10 10 China 195 195 Ireland 10 10 Hong Kong 10 10 Italy 0 10 India 105 105 Netherlands 70 125 Korea; South 25 45 Poland 15 15 Pakistan 85 85 Romania 10 10 Philippines 1200 1235 Russian Federation 0 25 Vietnam 15 35 Serbia 0 10 Other Places of Birth in Asia 130 130 Oceania and other places of Ukraine 55 70 birth 10 20 United Kingdom 50 125 Other Places of Birth in Europe 0 75

There are a number of physicians from South Africa who have set up practice in the Newell Region under the Alberta’s Rural Health Professions Action Plan, which was designed to attract doctors to rural Alberta. 343 The JBS Foods Canada meat processing plant has brought in workers from many different countries and this is reflected in the increase in numbers of immigrants and diversity in country of origin changes over the years.

343 https://www.rhpap.ca/ 182

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region

Visible Minorities in the Newell Region Total Population 23405 Total Visible Minority Population 5355 South Asian 325 Chinese 330 Black 1995 Filipino 1425 Latin American 625 Arab 70 Southeast Asian 180 West Asian 65 Korean 50 Japanese 120 Visible Minority; N.I.E. 55 Multiple Visible Minorities 115

The Newell Region has been home to a number of families of Japanese Ancestry since Japanese persons were forcefully relocated from the Pacific Coast and settled in Camps around Taber during World War II. These families continue to reside in the Newell Region, many around Rosemary, Scandia and Gem. More recent immigrants from Africa and Asia have added to the diversity of persons living in the Region.344 Religion

The 2011 National Household Survey included data on religious affiliation in Canada, and this information was provided in the 2014 Quality of Life report for the Newell Region. Information on religion is collected every ten years so this data will next be available on the 2021 Federal Census. 345 Therefore, this report has no information on religion.

344 2016 Canadian Census (Statistics Canada) 345 https://www.statcan.gc.ca/eng/help/bb/info/religion 183

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Income Levels for Different Households

The median after-tax income for all economic families in the Newell Region in 2015 was $81,337, which is higher than in Canada ($76,372) but less than Alberta ($93,588).346 The median after-tax income for couple families without children and other relatives in household in the Newell Region was $73,672, couple families with children in household was $93,269 and lone-parent families was $41,434. The median after-tax incomes for Alberta under these categories were $86,043, $111,951 and $57,079.

It should be noted that this is the most current federal income data available.

Comparison of Median After-Tax Income for All Economic Families

Newell Region Alberta Canada Economic Family Structure Median After- Median After- Median After- Number Tax Income ($) Tax Income ($) Tax Income ($) All Economic Families 6,455 81,337 93,588 76,372 Couple Families without Children or Other Relatives in Household 2,415 73,672 86,043 68,309 Couple Families with Children in Household 3,070 93,269 111,951 96,608 Lone-Parent Families 815 41,434 57,079 48,856 Persons not in Economic Families 3,025 34,592 37,648 28,959 Males 1,915 37,456 41,340 30,746 Females 1,110 23,683 33,785 27,495

Employment Rate

In the Newell Region, 11,960 individuals were employed and 1,175 were unemployed for a total labour force of 13,140 from May 01, 2016 to May 07, 2016.347 The Region has a highly skilled labour force in the areas of agriculture, manufacturing construction, wholesale and retail trade, finance and real estate, health and education, business/community services, and public administration.

Employment and Unemployment Rate in May 2016 Newell Region Alberta Employment Rate (%) 66.3 65.4 Unemployment Rate (%) 8.9 9.0

346 2016 Canadian Census (Statistics Canada) 347 2016 Canadian Census (Statistics Canada) 184

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Low-Income Persons

The overall percentage of low-income persons is slightly higher than Alberta, but lower than Canada. In fact, the Newell Region has higher percentages of low-income in all census categories except for 18 to 64 years of age (see table below).

In Low Income Based on the Low-Income Measure; After Tax (LIM-AT) (2016)

Household Income Distribution

2015 Household Income Distribution in the Newell Region Household Income Number % Under $5,000 70 0.8 $5,000 to $9,999 75 0.9 $10,000 to $14,999 110 1.3 $15,000 to $19,999 165 1.9 $20,000 to $24,999 270 3.2 $25,000 to $29,999 200 2.3 $30,000 to $34,999 235 2.8 $35,000 to $39,999 285 3.3 $40,000 to $44,999 360 4.2 $45,000 to $49,999 340 4.0 $50,000 to $59,999 600 7.0 $60,000 to $69,999 570 6.7 $70,000 to $79,999 620 7.3 $80,000 to $89,999 700 8.2 $90,000 to $99,999 550 6.5 $100,000 to $124,999 1120 13.2 $125,000 to $149,999 800 9.4 $150,000 to $199,999 855 10.0 $200,000 and over 570 6.7

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Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region HOUSING Housing Tenure

Housing tenure refers to the legal status under which people have the right to occupy their accommodation (house or apartment, for example). 348 The most frequent forms are tenancy, in which rent is paid to a landlord, and owner occupancy. The Newell Region has a higher percentage of owner households than Canada but has an equal percentage as the rest of Alberta. In 2011, the Newell Region had a higher percentage of owner households than Alberta and Canada. It should be noted that Brooks has a higher percentage of renter households than the Newell Region. In Brooks, there are 34.1% renter households compared to 27.5% in the Newell Region. This is due to the nature of the employment mix in Brooks where there are a number of relatively new immigrants who may not have the financial ability to buy a home. Unemployment/under-employment, low income residents and the transient nature of some of the work in the Oil and Gas Sector results in the need for a large number of rental units in Brooks.

Newell Region Alberta Canada Housing Tenure Number Percent Percent Percent Total Households 8510 100.0 100.0 100.0 Owner 6165 72.4 72.4 67.8 Renter 2340 27.5 27.0 31.8

Housing Types in the Newell Region Housing Type Number Total Occupied Private Dwellings 8505 Single-Detached House 5600 Apartment in a Building That Has Five or More Storeys 0 Other Attached Dwelling 1975 Semi-Detached House 395 Row House 540 Apartment or Flat in a Duplex 255 Apartment in a Building That Has fewer Than Five Storeys 790 Other Single-Attached House 0 Moveable Dwelling 920

348 http://england.shelter.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/166532/Factsheet_Housing_tenure.pdf 186

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Housing Affordability

Housing Affordability Comparisons Housing City of Newell Housing Indicator Tenure Brooks Region Alberta Canada Percentage of Households Spending Total 18.9 17.0 20.9 24.1 30% or more of its Income on Shelter Owner 13.7 9.72 15.1 16.6 Costs Renter 28.9 12.42 36.0 40.0 Owner 1,257 1,018 1,481 1,130 Median Monthly Shelter Costs ($) Renter 989 751 1,243 910 Owner 1,253 1,123 1,531 1,313 Average Monthly Shelter Costs ($) Renter 1,030 767 1,279 1,002

The percentage of tenant households in subsidized housing in the City of Brooks was 15.4, compared to 7.4 for the Newell Region. The average value of dwellings in the City of Brooks was $275,591, compared to $262,299 for the Newell Region. The Average value of dwellings in Alberta was $449,790. Housing Suitability

Housing Suitability Comparisons City of Newell Housing Indicator Brooks Region Alberta Canada Percentage of Households living in Unsuitable Dwellings 7.7 6.3 4.5 4.9 Percentage of Dwellings Needing Major Repairs 5.3 5.9 5.7 6.5

According to the 2016 Canadian Census, 7.7% of households in Brooks and 6.3% in the Newell Region were living in unsuitable dwellings. This means that these households were living in dwellings that were crowded due to the lack of bedrooms (based on the National Occupancy Standard).349 These proportion of households living in unsuitable dwellings was higher than the rest of Alberta (4.5%) and Canada (4.9%). The 2016 Canadian Census did not distinguish between renters and owners in these results; so it is impossible to determine, from this data, the challenges face by renters in finding accommodations large enough for their families. Approximately 5% of dwellings in the City of Brooks was in need of major repairs, which compares to 5.9% for the Newell Region.350 The proportion of dwellings needing major repairs in Alberta is 5.7% and 6.5% in Canada.

349 Housing suitability - Refers to whether a private household is living in suitable accommodations according to the National Occupancy Standard (NOS); that is whether the dwelling has enough bedrooms for the size and composition of the household. A household is deemed to be living in suitable accommodations if its dwelling has enough bedrooms as calculated using the NOS. Housing suitability and the National Occupancy Standard (NOS) on which it is based were developed by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) through consultations with provincial housing agencies.

350 Dwelling condition - Refers to whether the dwelling is in need of repairs. This does not include desirable remodelling or additions. 187

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Rental Market

The following rental market data for the City of Brooks was obtained from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (Alberta Highlights).351 Information was not available for the rural areas of the Newell Region. Provincial level data does not include the Alberta portion of Lloydminster (which is available in the Saskatchewan Highlights report).

Vacancy Rates for Private Apartments City of Brooks Alberta Fall Fall Fall Fall Bedroom Type 2016 2017 2016 2017 Bachelor 0.0 0.0 7.0 6.9 One Bedroom 10.5 7.1 7.4 7.1 Two Bedrooms 11.8 8.3 8.8 7.9 Three Bedrooms Plus ** 10.2 9.1 6.9 Total 11.6 8.1 8.1 7.5

Average Rent ($) for Private Apartments City of Brooks Alberta Fall Fall Fall Fall Bedroom Type 2016 2017 2016 2017 Bachelor 644 661 838 823 One Bedroom 749 753 1,003 988 Two Bedrooms 844 840 1,195 1,188 Three Bedrooms Plus 864 923 1,307 1,300 Total 822 825 1,100 1,090

Number of Private Apartment Units City of Brooks Alberta Fall Fall Fall Fall Bedroom Type 2016 2017 2016 2017 Bachelor 7 7 6,106 6,135 One Bedroom 147 151 52,546 53,964 Two Bedrooms 482 485 58,346 61,193 Three Bedrooms Plus 49 57 5,216 166 Total 685 700 122,214 126,696

351 https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/odpub/esub/64483/64483_2017_A01.pdf?lang=en 188

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Angus Reid Public Opinion. 2010. Canadians Endorse Multiculturalism, but Pick Melting Pot Over Mosaic. Vancouver: Angus-Reid Public Opinion.

Angus Reid and CBC Public Opinion. 2016. What makes us Canadian? A study of values, beliefs, priorities and identity.

Battams, N. 2013. Fascinating Families: It Takes a Village: A Snapshot of Child Care in Canada. Ottawa: The Vanier Institute of the Family.

Brooks Action Against Violence Committee. 2018. Terms of Reference.

Brooks Food Bank Foundation.

Brooks Local Immigration Partnership: Immigration & Needs Assessment 2018

Canadian Federation of Canadian Municipalities. 2004. Quality of Life in Canadian Municipalities Highlight Report 2004

Canadian Policy Research Networks. 2001. Indicators of Quality of Life in Canada: A Citizens’ Prototype. Ottawa: Canadian Policy Research Networks.

Canadian Policy Research Networks. 2002. Quality of Life in Canada: A Citizens’ Report Card Background Report. Ottawa: Canadian Policy Research Networks.

Cantara Safe House. 2016. Annual Report.

City of Brooks. Brooks Affordable Housing Strategy. 2018

City of Calgary. 2016. Calgary and Region, Volume 3: Social Outlook 2011-2016.

County of Newell No.4. 2003. 50 Years of Growth Publication.

County of Newell. Emergency Services Yearly Report, 2017.

DeVoretz, D.J. and S. Pivenko. 2005. Self-Selection, Immigrant Public Finance Performance and Canadian Citizenship. Institute for the Study of Labor Discussion Paper 1463.

Federation of Canadian Municipalities. 2004. Quality of Life in Canadian Municipalities Highlight Report.

Government of Alberta. Alberta Municipal Affairs 2009 Official Population List.

Government of Alberta. 2014. Living Literacy: A Literacy Framework for Alberta’s Next Generation Economy: The Report 2009-2013. Edmonton: Government of Alberta.

Government of Alberta – Treasury Board and Finance. 2017. Population Projection: Alberta and Census Divisions, 2017-2041. Edmonton: Government of Alberta.

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Grasslands Regional FCSS Research (available at FCSS Office or www.grasslandsregionalfcss.com): o Community Response Committee: XL Foods Crisis Report o Early Childhood Education and Childcare Study January 2014 o Meals on Wheel Reports 2012 to 2017 o Newell Region Youth Community Action Plan 2016 o Quality of Life Reports 2018: . City of Brooks Quality of Life Report . Region of Newell Quality of Life Report o Quality of Life Community Profiles/Snapshots 2018: . Newell Region . City of Brooks . County of Newell . Town of Bassano . Village of Duchess . Village of Rosemary . Hamlet of Tilley. o Transportation Networks Exploratory Study October 2013 o Welcoming and Inclusive Community Survey 2010

Grasslands Public Schools. 2017. Combined 3 Year Education Plan 2018-2021 and Annual Education Results Report 2017-2018. Brooks: Grasslands Public Schools.

HM Government (UK). 2009. World Class Places: The Government’s Strategy for Improving Quality of Place.

Mayor Martin Shields, City of Brooks. 2014. Brooks Bulletin, June 3, 2014

Newell Regional EXPO. 2012. Final Report.

Parker, Bruce. 2018. JBS Canada Partners with College. Brooks Bulletin, October 23, 2018.

Pye-Matheson, Lynn (May, 2018): Building a Regional Rural Transportation Network: Why focus on regional rural transportation? Building Rural Transportation News. Alberta 2018. No. 1

Royal Canadian Mounted Police. 2018. Brooks Municipal Detachment Statistical Comparison January to December: 2013 – 2017.

Sharpe, Andrew 1999. A Survey of Indicators of Economic and Social Well-being. CSLS Research Reports 99wb, Centre for the Study of Living Standards.

Shepell-fgi Research Group. 2009. Health and Wellness Trends in the Oil and Gas Sector: Insights from the Shepell-fgi Research Group.

SPEC Association for Children and Families. 2018. Child Care Providers List.

Stanway, Sandra M. 2018. Handibus Service Pilot Project will Expand Service. Brooks Bulletin – Weekend Regional, March 22, 2018.

Stanway, Sandra M. 2018. City’s Handibus Ridership up over Last Year. Brooks Bulletin. May 1, 2018.

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Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Stanway, Sandra M. 2018. Physician Recruitment Funds will Likely Focus on Retention. Brooks Bulletin, October 16, 2018a.

Stanway, Sandra M. 2018. SPEC Seeks Funding for MakerSpace Bus. Brooks Bulletin, October 16, 2018b.

Stanway, Sandra M. 2018. Councillors want Regionalization done by fall 2020. Brooks Bulletin, October 16, 2018c.

Stanway, Sandra M. 2018. RhPAP Urged to Help Attract Mental Health Workers. Brooks Bulletin – Weekend Regional, October 18, 2018.

Stanway, Sandra M. 2018. Income Threshold, Homelessness being Examined in Housing Study. Brooks Bulletin, October 23, 2018a.

Stanway, Sandra M. 2018. Regionalization Plan not Unique to this Area. Brooks Bulletin, October 23, 2018b.

Waegemakers Schiff, J. and A. Turner. 2014. Housing First in Rural Canada.

Waegemakers Schiff, J., R. Schiff, A. Turner and K. Bernard. 2015. Rural Homelessness in Canada: Directions for Planning and Research. Journal for Rural and Community Development 10:4 85-106

Wilkinson, L., Garcea, J., Bhattacharyya, P., Abdul-Karim, A.-B., & Riziki, A. 2017. Resettling in the Canadian prairies: A survey of Syrian refugees in Canada’s prairies. Statistics Canada

Statistics Canada. Table 11-10-0130-01. Summary of Charitable Donors.

Statistics Canada. Table 13-10-0096-01 Canadian health characteristics, annual estimates

Statistics Canada. Table 35-10-0026-01. Crime Severity Index and Weighted Clearance Rates.

Statistics Canada. Table 35-10-0190-01. Crime Severity Index and Weighted Clearance Rates, Police Services in Alberta.

Statistics Canada. Table 39-10-0007-01. Life expectancy and other elements of the life table, Canada and provinces.

Statistics Canada. 2012. Brooks, Alberta (Code 4802034) and Division No. 2, Alberta (Code 4802) (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 December 05, 2017).

Statistics Canada. 2012. Bassano, Alberta (Code 4802039) and Division No. 2, Alberta (Code 4802) (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 December 05, 2017).

Statistics Canada. 2012. Duchess, Alberta (Code 4802036) 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 December 05, 2017).

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Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Statistics Canada. 2012. Patricia, Alberta (Code 480166) 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 December 05, 2017).

Statistics Canada. 2012. Rolling Hills, Alberta (Code 480185) 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 December 05, 2017).

Statistics Canada. 2012. Rosemary, Alberta (Code 4802038) and Division No. 2, Alberta (Code 4802) (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 December 05, 2017).

Statistics Canada. 2012. Scandia, Alberta (Code 480193) 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 December 05, 2017).

Statistics Canada. 2012. Tilley, Alberta (Code 4802032) and Division No. 2, Alberta (Code 4802) (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 December 05, 2017).

Statistics Canada. 2013. Brooks, CY, Alberta (Code 4802034) (table). National Household Survey (NHS) Profile. 2011 National Household Survey. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 99-004-XWE. Ottawa. Released September 11, 2013. http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/nhs-enm/2011/dp-pd/prof/index.cfm?Lang=E. (accessed December 05, 2017).

Statistics Canada. 2014. They Daily January 13, 2014: Study: Wages, Youth Employment and School Enrolment, 2001-2008.

Statistics Canada. 2016. Evaluation of the Census Population Program (2009/2010 to 2014/2015).

Statistics Canada. 2017. Bassano, T [Census subdivision], Alberta and Division No. 2, CDR [Census division], Alberta (table). Census Profile. 2016 Census. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 98-316-X2016001. Ottawa. Release November 29, 2017. http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2016/dp-pd/prof/index.cfm?Lang=E (accessed December 05, 2017).

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Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region Statistics Canada. 2017. Newell County, MD [Census subdivision], Alberta and Division No. 2, CDR [Census division], Alberta (table). Census Profile. 2016 Census. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 98-316-X2016001. Ottawa. Release November 29, 2017. http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2016/dp- pd/prof/index.cfm?Lang=E (accessed December 05, 2017).

Statistics Canada. 2017. Patricia, UNP [Designated place], Alberta and Division No. 2, CDR [Census division], Alberta (table). Census Profile. 2016 Census. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 98-316-X2016001. Ottawa. Release November 29, 2017. http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2016/dp-pd/prof/index.cfm?Lang=E (accessed December 05, 2017).

Statistics Canada. 2017. Rolling Hills, UNP [Designated place], Alberta and Division No. 2, CDR [Census division], Alberta (table). Census Profile. 2016 Census. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 98-316-X2016001. Ottawa. Release November 29, 2017. http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2016/dp-pd/prof/index.cfm?Lang=E (accessed December 05, 2017).

Statistics Canada. 2017. Scandia, UNP [Designated place], Alberta and Division No. 2, CDR [Census division], Alberta (table). Census Profile. 2016 Census. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 98-316-X2016001. Ottawa. Release November 29, 2017. http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2016/dp-pd/prof/index.cfm?Lang=E (accessed December 05, 2017).

Statistics Canada. 2017. Tilley, UNP [Designated place], Alberta and Division No. 2, CDR [Census division], Alberta (table). Census Profile. 2016 Census. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 98-316-X2016001. Ottawa. Release November 29, 2017. http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2016/dp-pd/prof/index.cfm?Lang=E (accessed December 05, 2017).

Turcotte, M. 2015. Volunteering and Charitable Giving in Canada. Spotlight on Canadians: Results from the General Social Survey. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 89-652-X

Webpages http://al-anon.org/al-anon-meetings/find-an-al-anon-meeting/ http://bassano.ca/ http://brooksfaire.com/ https://business.financialpost.com/news/economy/it-is-so-stark-young-men-arent-participating-in-albertas- recovery-amid-male-dominated-recession https://chatnewstoday.ca/article/566676/cannabis-production-facility-coming-brooks https://chatnewstoday.ca/article/567710/city-brooks-curious-optimistic-about-cannabis-facility https://education.alberta.ca/early-childhood-education/early-childhood-services/everyone/early-childhood- services-information/?searchMode=3

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Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region http://elementalenergy.ca/portfolio/brooks-solar/ http://england.shelter.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/166532/Factsheet_Housing_tenure.pdf http://homelesshub.ca/sites/default/files/COHhomelessdefinition.pdf https://hoopp.com/docs/default-source/newsroom-library/research/hoopp-research-article---senior-poverty--- canada-next-crises.pdf https://ipolitics.ca/2016/02/17/were-facing-a-wave-of-seniors-living-in-poverty-and-were-not-ready/ https://lop.parl.ca/content/lop/ResearchPublications/prb0711-e.pdf https://majorprojects.alberta.ca/Details/Brooks-1-Solar-Power-Plant/652 https://medicinehatymca.ca/ https://newellrecycling.ca/ http://nextstepltd.ca/ https://open.alberta.ca/opendata/health-indicator-health-alberta-trend-index-hati https://open.alberta.ca/opendata/health-indicator-self-perceived-health https://open.alberta.ca/opendata/life-expectancy-by-municipality https://open.alberta.ca/opendata/total-fertility-rate-alberta-and-alberta-health-services-continuum-zones http://p2pcanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Characteristics-of-a-Welcoming-Community-11.pdf https://proof.utoronto.ca/ https://uwaterloo.ca/canadian-index-wellbeing/ http://wiki.secteuretablissement.org/uploads/Policy_Matters_31.doc https://www03.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/?lang=en&cat=110&itm=5 http://www.academyoflearning.com/locations_alberta_brooks.html https://www.alberta.ca/disability-supports.aspx https://www.alberta.ca/labour-force-statistics-annual-reviews.aspx https://www.alberta.ca/minimum-wage.aspx https://www.alberta.ca/projects-priorities.aspx https://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=61969950DFFBC-EB3E-67D5-D2020578DC9A86F8 http://www.albertacanada.com/opportunity/programs-and-forms/ainp.aspx http://www.albertacanada.com/opportunity/programs-and-forms/TFW.aspx https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/ 194

Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/info/facility.aspx?id=1010258&service= https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/info/page9213.aspx https://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/south/dinosaur-pp/ https://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/south/kinbrook-island-pp/ http://www.humanservices.alberta.ca/programs-and-services.html http://bassano.ca/ http://www.bassano.ca/documents/Recycling%20Sorting%20Guide.pdf https://www.brooks.ca/ https://www.brooks.ca/bids.aspx?bidID=22 https://www.brooks.ca/bids documents/Provincial%20Affordable%20Housing%20Strategy.pdf https://www.brooks.ca/DocumentCenter/View/238 https://www.brooks.ca/DocumentCenter/View/387 https://www.brooks.ca/DocumentCenter/View/1029 https://www.brooks.ca/DocumentCenter/View/2064/Housing-Study-to-Be-Completed----News-Release-2018 http://www.brooks.ca/178/Landfill http://www.brooks.ca/278/Handibus http://www.brooks.ca/288/Welcoming-Inclusive-Community https://www.brooks.ca/310/EcoBrooks-Committee https://www.brooks.ca/485/Economic-Development https://www.brooks.ca/498/Statutory-Plans https://www.brooks.ca/568/Community-Safety https://www.brooks.ca/598/Arts-Culture-Heritage-Board http://www.brooksadultlearning.ca/ http://www.brooksearlylearning.ca/ http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/business-sector.html http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/public-sector.html#ixzz2xBtNsqBx http://www.calgary.ca/CSPS/CNS/Documents/social_outlook_2011-2016.pdf https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/news/2018/11/government-of-canada- introduces-legislation-to-take-concrete-action-to-reduce-poverty-in-canada.html

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Quality of Life #2, 2018: Newell Region http:www.globalvillagecentre.ca https://www.harmonics.ie/future-work-global-research-study-2017/ https://www.heu.org/sites/default/files/uploads/Eldercare_on%20auction%20block_1.pdf http://www.humanservices.alberta.ca/disability-services/14855.html http://www.humanservices.alberta.ca/programs-and-services.html https://jbssa.com/our-business/canada/ http://livingwagecanada.ca/files/2715/0718/6032/LivingWageBrief_062117.pdf http://medicinehatnews.com/news/local-news/2018/02/16/bow-island-spitz-processing-plant-to-close/ https://www.mhc.ab.ca/Services/PlanYourEducation/CommunityAdultLearningNewell https://www.mormonnewsroom.ca/facts-and-statistics/country/canada/province/alberta http://www.ncag.ca/ https://www.newellfurthered.net/ http:/www.newellwastemanagement.com/ http://www.niagaraknowledgeexchange.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2014/10/2010CLI-Booklet_EN.pdf http://www.oag-bvg.gc.ca/internet/English/parl_oag_201405_e_39319.html https://www.parklandinstitute.ca/family_day_on_the_treadmill https://www.placetocallhome.ca/ https://www.policyalternatives.ca/afb2012 https://www.rhpap.ca/ http://www.rosemary.ca/ http://www.seniors-housing.alberta.ca/ http://www.seniors-housing.alberta.ca/documents/Provincial%20Affordable%20Housing%20Strategy.pdf http/www.shaw.ca http://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/171025/dq171025b-eng.htm https://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/171128/dq171128d-eng.htm https://www.statcan.gc.ca/eng/about/smr09/smr09_055 https://www.statcan.gc.ca/eng/ca2016 https://www.statcan.gc.ca/eng/subjects/standard/naics/2017/index https://www.statcan.gc.ca/eng/subjects/standard/noc/2016/introduction http://www.statcan.gc.ca/imdb-bmdi/3302-eng.htm

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