Community Profiles

City of Brooks

 

Population 13,581

Brooks is the major urban centre between Calgary and Medicine Hat and the second largest community in southeastern Alberta. The City of Brooks has a booming oil and gas industry, with agriculture being a significant contributor to the local and regional economy.

With Lake Newell Reservoir at its doorstep, Brooks is an “oasis” on the prairie. This body of water serves as the primary water source for irrigation in the County of Newell and is a major recreational feature for southeastern Alberta.

Quality of life is a priority in Brooks, with recreation and parks throughout the city encouraging an active lifestyle, and a parks and trails system that provides leisure options for all ages. Brooks places an emphasis on programs and services aimed at children and youth, providing a health foundation for the next generation.

In Brooks, you will experience the dynamic atmosphere of one of the fastest growing communities in Alberta and one of the youngest communities in Canada. Share in the enthusiasm of Brooks!

Additional information about Brooks is available by clicking on the “quickfacts” link, above, or by visiting the Easy Move Toolkit website.

View the Brooks community video below.  Following the community video, view the regional video here.

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City of Medicine Hat

 

The thriving City of Medicine Hat is located along the South Saskatchewan River valley, and at the intersection of Canada’s #1 Highway and Highway 3 to the US border through Crowsnest Pass.

This semi-arid location has more hours of sunshine than any other community in the country and is set amid scenic coulees, rolling prairie and carved hillsides.

Medicine Hat residents embody diverse cultures and heritage and enjoy a quality of life that is secure and inviting.

The community’s local, national and international success is based on its abundant natural resources: clay, natural gas and sunshine.

Medicine Hat is “a community of choice.” It’s a great place to live, work and play!

Additional information about Medicine Hat is available by clicking on the “quickfacts” link, above, or by visiting the Easy Move Toolkit website.

View the Medicine Hat community video below.  Following the community video, view the regional video here.

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County of Forty Mile

 

The County of Forty Mile is located in southeast Alberta an equal distance from the City of Medicine Hat and the City of Lethbridge. The County is a vast area containing 78 townships of land bordering the United States to the south and the South Saskatchewan River to the north. Located within the County boundaries are the Village of Foremost and the Town of Bow Island.

The County has something to offer for everyone, from the casual explorer looking for beautiful natural landscapes to the entrepreneur growing a business within our economy. The County has close-knit communities in which to raise families and is a prime location for retirees. Yes, we truly do have it all – opportunity to work, to live and to play. We invite you to come for a visit… and hope you stay for a lifetime.

Additional information about the County of Forty Mile is available by clicking on the “quickfacts” link, above, or by visiting the Easy Move Toolkit website.

View the County of Forty Mile community video below.  Following the community video, view the regional video here.

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County of Newell No. 4

 

Population 7101

The County of Newell, surrounding the City of Brooks, is home to over seven thousand people who reside on farms and within the several towns, villages and hamlets scattered throughout the area. Each community has its own heritage and history waiting to be explored. The history ranges from the time of the dinosaurs at Dinosaur Provincial Park, to the coming of the pioneers and railroad construction, to the progressive advancements today in irrigation agriculture and the oil and gas industry. The county and its communities host numerous recreational facilities and activities such as golf courses, museums, campgrounds, and restaurants.

With over two thirds of the population under the age of 44, the economy in the region has seen rapid growth in recent years within its core economic bases of agriculture, oil and gas exploration and tourism. Over 1 million acres of productive farmland for both crops and livestock, and over 800 farms, make the County of Newell a productive agricultural county. Over 30,000 productive gas wells contribute to the success of Alberta's oil and gas industry.

Tourism is bolstered by the many opportunities for water activities, unique prairie scenery, hunting opportunities and western rodeo action. The County of Newell has come a long way since settlers began coming to the area at the turn of the 19th century. Many people have worked very hard over the years to make it the prosperous area that we all enjoy today.

The County consists of the City of Brooks, the Town of Bassano, the Village of Duchess, the Village of Rosemary, the Village of Tilley, and the Hamlets of Gem, Patricia, Lake Newell Resort, Rainier, Rolling Hills, and Scandia.

Additional information about the County of Newell is available by clicking on the “quickfacts” link, above, or by visiting the Easy Move Toolkit website.

View the County of Newell community video below.  Following the community video, view the regional video here.

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Cypress County

 

Population 6729

Cypress County, bordering the Province of Saskatchewan, is a dynamic, friendly place in which to do business, with strong growth potential. The area is growing rapidly due to an influx of people from Saskatchewan and beyond.

There are business opportunities in the oil and gas and agricultural sectors of the community, and Cypress County has a skilled, highly adaptable labour force. Couple these opportunities with low land values, low utility rates, and some of the lowest property taxes in the province and there is an unbeatable combination of features for economic growth and development.

By providing leadership, and fair and equitable governance, Cypress County strives to encourage a rural lifestyle and retain its agricultural character. The County strives to provide municipal services to agriculture, hamlet, industrial, commercial, and residential development, as long as such development contributes positively to the financial and/or social well being of the municipality.

Additional information about Cypress County is available by clicking on the “quickfacts” link, above, or by visiting the Easy Move Toolkit website.

View the Cypress County community video below.  Following the community video, view the regional video here.

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MD of Acadia

 

Population 545

The Municipal District of Acadia No. 34 is located within the Palliser Region, with the hamlet of Acadia Valley situated conveniently along Highway 41. Situated in the north east corner of the SAMDA (Special Areas and MD of Acadia No. 34) region, this area is largely agricultural and boasts a strong and vibrant petroleum service sector. Acadia Valley is an ideal place to live, whether to raise a family or to enjoy a quiet retirement. The people are involved in the community through various groups and organizations, making it fun for all. People feel at home in Acadia Valley – knowing your neighbour has a lot to do with this.  

Additional information about MD of Acadia is available by clicking on the “quickfacts” link, above, or by visiting the Easy Move Toolkit website.

Special Areas 2

 

Population 2074

Alberta’s Special Areas is a unique rural municipal area covering approximately 2.1 million hectares in of the Palliser Region. Nestled in the Canadian Badlands, Special Area No. 2 is based out of Hanna and has a distinctive history that has created a strong foundation for growth and sustainability of the region. Deep badlands, soft coulees, rolling river hills and expansive plains provide the setting for family farms, enchanting hamlets, captivating events and a growing entrepreneurial spirit. 

Special Area No. 2 encourages innovative ideas to enhance and maintain a quality of life for all residents of the area. Special Area No. 2 is:

  • Supporting and facilitating the creation of a wireless high-speed internet network available throughout the region
  • A member of SAMDA Economic Partnership, which works in conjunction with the MD of Acadia No. 34, Village of Empress, Village of Cereal, and Town of Oyen to promote economic development for all of its members
  • A member of the Canadian Badlands
  • A member of the Henry Kroeger Regional Water Services Commission

Located within Special Area No. 2 are: Bindloss, Buffalo, Cavendish, Cessford, Dorothy, Empress, Hanna, Iddesleigh, Jenner, Pollockville, RoseLynn, Scapa, Scotfield, Sheerness, Spondin, Stanmore, Sunnynook, Richdale, Wardlow, and Watts.

Additional information about Special Areas No. 2 is available by clicking on the “quickfacts” link, above, or by visiting the Easy Move Toolkit website.

View the Special Areas No. 2 community video below.  Following the community video, view the regional video here.

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Special Areas 3

 

Population 1389

Alberta’s Special Areas is a unique rural municipal area covering approximately 2.1 million hectares in the Palliser Region. Special Area No. 3 is a rural municipality which surrounds the Town of Oyen and includes a number of hamlets, and has a strong agricultural economy, successful petroleum industry and a growing tourism industry. Many small businesses flourish in the district and access the world using up-to-date technology.

Special Area No. 3 encourages innovative ideas to enhance and facilitate a great business environment for residents, and continues to build recreational opportunities throughout the area.

Special Area No. 3 is:

  • Supporting and facilitating the creation of wireless high-speed internet network available throughout the region
  • A member of SAMDA Economic Partnership which works in conjunction with the MD of Acadia No. 34, Village of Empress, Village of Cereal, and Town of Oyen to promote economic development for all of its members
  • A member of the Canadian Badlands Ltd. and Alberta’s Special Area Board
  • A member of the Henry Kroeger Regional Water Services Commission

Special Area No. 3 is located in southeastern Alberta and is governed by the Special Areas Board. This rural municipality encompasses the communities of Benton, Cereal, Chinook, Esther, Excel, Lanfine, Oyen, Sedalia, Sibbald, New Brigden and Youngstown.

This unique municipality is located within the SAMDA (Special Areas and MD of Acadia No. 34) region and shares governance with Special Area No. 2 and Special Area No. 4.

Additional information about Special Area No. 3 is available by clicking on the “quickfacts” link, above, or by visiting the Easy Move Toolkit website.

View the Special Area No. 3 community video below.  Following the community video, view the regional video here.

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Special Areas 4

 

Population 1226

Alberta’s Special Areas is a unique rural municipal area covering approximately 2.1 million hectares of the Palliser Region. Special Area No. 4 is a member of the SAMDA Economic Partnership and is largely agricultural, boasting a vibrant petroleum industry and a strong service sector. Retail and administration sectors anchor the communities within the Special Areas and present opportunities for growth.

New technologies have greatly improved business opportunities in the region, making the combined rural lifestyle and job of choice difficult to resist. With the addition of the Special Areas Rural High Speed Internet and Voice Over IP Project, the ability of existing rural businesses to compete globally has been greatly enhanced and new business opportunities are consistently emerging.

As a community within the Canadian Badlands, we boast many prospects for tourism entrepreneurs. The Canadian Badlands is a destination choice of hundreds of thousands of tourists each year, and is growing. Other key advantages of living and doing business in our community include:

  • Rural lifestyle
  • Growth sector opportunities – e-commerce/remote workplace/tourism
  • Location – great highway access
  • Supportive municipal government

Special Area No.4 is located within the SAMDA (Special Areas and MD of Acadia No. 34) region and shares governance with Special Area No. 2 and Special Area No. 3. This rural municipality encompasses the Hamlets of Monitor, Compeer, Altario and Kirriemuir, and the Villages of Consort and Veteran.

Additional information about Special Area No. 4 is available by clicking on the “quickfacts” link, above, or by visiting the Easy Move Toolkit website.

View the Special Area No. 4 community video below.  Following the community video, view the regional video here.

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Town of Bassano

 

Population 1390

The Town of Bassano is located 140 km (80 miles) east of Calgary and 160 km (95 miles) west of Medicine Hat on Highway 1. Bassano is situated on the western edge of the County of Newell #4 and 50 km west of the City of Brooks, and is the area’s second largest centre.

Miles and miles of irrigation establishes the Bassano area as one of Canada’s most productive and stable growing environments. Potatoes, zucchini, carrots, lettuce and millions of heads of cabbage flow from Bassano to markets around the region and the world. Other local enterprises include electronics assembly, meat packing, food processing, metal fabrication, a newly established computerized tomato greenhouse and a good commercial base.

Bassano is home to one of the largest dams of its type, the 24 spillway gravity dam that provides Bow River water to local irrigation operations. The irrigation system also hosts fishing, boating, waterskiing, swimming and camping. Be sure to stop over at the Crawling Valley Reservoir north of town. A newly developed campground accommodates 80 sites.

Services located at Bassano include the RCMP, a Kindergarten to Grade 12 school, hospital, golf course, curling rink, bowling lanes, arena, pool, rodeo grounds, parks, campsites, library, seniors’ drop-in, motels, restaurants and liquor stores.

Additional information about Bassano is available by clicking on the “quickfacts” link, above, or by visiting the Easy Move Toolkit website.

View the Bassano community video below.  Following the community video, view the regional video here.

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Town of Bow Island

 

Population 1868

Bow Island is the "Bean Capital of the West" and is proud to be centered in an agricultural based area. The Bow Island area is recognized as having Alberta’s best climate for warm weather crop production. We enjoy long warm summers, the highest number of heat units, long sunlight hours and a long frost-free period. These attributes, coupled with over 110,000 acres of highly developed irrigation, mean that Bow Island is the place to be for agri-processing.

Additional information about Bow Island is available by clicking on the “quickfacts” link, above, or by visiting the Easy Move Toolkit website.

View the Bow Island community video below.  Following the community video, view the regional video here.

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Town of Hanna

 

Population 2847

Hanna takes pride in offering urban amenities with a country flair. The high quality of life is very evident here. People feel at home in Hanna – knowing your neighbours has a lot to do with this. Add to that the impressive infrastructure including the schools and hospital, all newly renovated, and you can see Hanna is preparing for the future.

Residents of Hanna have always known the advantages of living here. Our recreation facilities are second to none for a community of this size. From tennis to swimming to indoor racquet sports, young and old alike will have recreation choices in Hanna. 

One mile west of town are Helmer Dam and Fox Lake, sites of some of the best fishing you'll find. Twenty minutes to the southeast is Prairie Oasis Park, a boater's paradise.

Business development in Hanna is approached as a combined effort through the Town of Hanna and the Chamber of Commerce. Its mandate is to promote economic activity within the Hanna trading area by supporting existing businesses, encouraging new companies and providing information and support to up and coming entrepreneurs.

Hanna… it’s worth the drive!

Additional information about Hanna is available by clicking on the “quickfacts” link, above, or by visiting the Easy Move Toolkit website.

View the Hanna community video below.  Following the community video, view the regional video here.

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Town of Oyen

 

Population 1190

Situated on the corner of Highways 9 and 41, Oyen is in between Calgary and Saskatoon running east and west, and Regina and Edmonton running north and south. 

Communities in this part of Alberta are small in size and large in heart. Rural lifestyle is the foundation of our community: neighbour helping neighbour. Quiet tree-lined streets provide a picturesque view of small town life surrounded by large expanses of farming and native prairies filled with an abundance of wildlife. 

We offer traditional values of friendliness, service and hospitality. Here’s a snapshot of life in Oyen: kids on their bikes, people standing on the streets visiting, gardens in the back yards – a great place to live and raise a family.

Additional information about Oyen is available by clicking on the “quickfacts” link, above, or by visiting the Easy Move Toolkit website.

View the Oyen community video below.  Following the community video, view the regional video here.

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Town of Redcliff

 

Population 5096

Redcliff derives its name from the red shale cliffs overlooking the South Saskatchewan River. It has a rich history that began in the 1880s with the discovery of abundant coal and natural gas reserves. Easy access to this inexpensive resource led to Redcliff being promoted as the "Smokeless Pittsburgh of the West." This drew industries that produced such diverse products as shoes, gloves, cigars, trucks, bricks, glass, flour and more.

The Town of Redcliff is now known as the "Greenhouse Capital of the Prairies." This is because long hours of sunlight, inexpensive natural gas and proximity to the TransCanada Highway (Highway #1) all contribute to the success of the largest concentrations of commercial greenhouses in western Canada. There are over 50 acres under glass or plastic. Cucumbers, tomatoes, and peppers are grown in abundance.

The major industries in the area service the petrochemical industry and horticulture production. Redcliff has an industrial park containing over 50 acres of serviced sites, with expansion land available. There are also approximately 12 acres of commercial sites available in various locations, and approximately 20 acres of horticultural sites available. With the active market in Redcliff and region, these numbers are continuously changing.

The Town of Redcliff develops and promotes residential building sites, with 86 lots in the "Eastside" development. The Town is in the process of developing additional commercial/industrial lots on the north side of Redcliff.

Redcliff is a smaller, safe community in which to raise a family in affordable housing, and still be close to business opportunities.

Additional information about Redcliff is available by clicking on the “quickfacts” link, above, or by visiting the Easy Move Toolkit website.

View the Redcliff community video below.  Following the community video, view the regional video here.

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Village of Cereal

 

Population 126

The Village of Cereal is located along Highway 9 in Alberta’s Special Areas. Named for the abundance of cereal crops that were grown in the area at the birth of the community, today Cereal is a Canadian Badlands community. Over the last few years, a resurgence of development has added new employment and interest to this quiet community. With a historic downtown and a Prairie Pioneer Museum that tells the story of the depression days in the region and chronicles the life and times of early settlers in Canada’s West, this Village is a history buff’s dream.

Additional information about Cereal is available by clicking on the “quickfacts” link, above, or by visiting the Easy Move Toolkit website.

View the Cereal community video below.  Following the community video, view the regional video here.

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Village of Duchess

 

Population 978

Duchess is a bustling village located about 16 km north of Brooks, Alberta, just off the Veterans Memorial highway. With almost 1,000 residents and growing quickly, the Village of Duchess offers a great many options for residents and visitors.

We offer a full range of services and facilities that rival any small community. Winter activities include curling, skating, indoor soccer, hockey, adult evening sports at the school, a Christmas craft sale and the many activities featured at the community hall. Summer activities are varied and many. Golfing at our 9-hole golf course is always enjoyable, followed up by refreshments at the clubhouse. Baseball and soccer keep everyone busy. School sports are a huge part of everyday life for the residents.

The churches and service groups within the Village are very active. Many activities centre on the churches, the school and the hall. Doll club, 50+ club, ladies’ quilting, Sunday services, dessert theatres, fall fair, craft sales and mom and tot groups are abundant in the community.

Local businesses include garages, hairdressers, a convenience store, restaurant, laundromat, and hotel, ensuring residents have the convenience of urban living but the lifestyle found only in the Village with the future.

Additional information about Duchess is available by clicking on the “quickfacts” link, above, or by visiting the Easy Move Toolkit website.

View the Duchess community video below.  Following the community video, view the regional video here.

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Village of Empress

 

Population 136

Empress is conveniently located off Highway 41 within the SAMDA (Special Areas and MD of Acadia No. 34) region, near the fork of the Red Deer and South Saskatchewan rivers. The Village is surrounded by a largely agricultural area and boasts a strong and vibrant petroleum industry and service sector.

Empress houses a vibrant arts and culture community and draws significant amounts of tourists each year. As a Canadian Badlands community, Empress boasts prospects for tourism and service industry entrepreneurs. Moreover, the rural lifestyle combined with a job of choice is hard to resist in this area.

Empress is:

  • A great place to retire
  • A community of artisans
  • A member of the Canadian Badlands and Alberta’s Special Areas Board
  • A member of SAMDA Economic Partnership, which works in conjunction with the MD of Acadia No. 34, Special Areas Board, Village of Cereal, and Town of Oyen to promote economic development for all of its members.

Additional information about Empress is available by clicking on the “quickfacts” link, above, or by visiting the Easy Move Toolkit website.

View the Empress community video below.  Following the community video, view the regional video here.

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Village of Foremost

 

Population 524

The Village of Foremost is situated on the junction of Highways 879 and 61 in the heart of southeast Alberta, about 110 km east of Lethbridge and 102 km southwest of Medicine Hat. 

Home to just over 500 people, and with a service area of 2,000 residents, Foremost offers a quality of life much less hectic than the big city, but with much to see and do.  With an agricultural economic base, many generations of families continue to operate successful farming operations. 

Foremost is a family-oriented community with a range of recreational opportunities, from hockey, curling, and figure skating to swimming and camping, appealing to young and old alike. An active business community, abundant recreation, affordable living, a warm climate, a new subdivision and an award winning school, are only some of our appealing features.

Foremost offers a small town atmosphere with big city appeal.

Additional information about Foremost is available by clicking on the “quickfacts” link, above, or by visiting the Easy Move Toolkit website.

View the Foremost community video below.  Following the community video, view the regional video here.

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Village of Rosemary

 

Population 388

Rosemary is a growing, vibrant, strong family-oriented community. Located 30 km northwest of the City of Brooks and 25 km east of the Town of Bassano, Rosemary is in the heart of the Eastern Irrigation District. Almost one-third of the population is made up of young people, but there is a strong history of European, American and Japanese settlers.

Rosemary’s pride rests with its newly renovated school and a host of recreation opportunities. Ball diamonds, tennis courts, track, parks, beach volleyball and a recreation centre with ice rink keep this community active. The village also has a new fire hall.

Strengths in the oil and gas sector and the agriculture industry are augmented by encouraging locally supported commercial growth. Where the grain elevator and railway line used to sit, new homes are being built. Newcomers to the safe and active community find in-town amenities such as the post office, bakery, garage, furniture store, meat shop, churches and an Alberta Treasury Branch.

People are the greatest asset of our community and many willingly serve as volunteers to enhance and beautify our village and make it a great place to raise families. The crowning achievement of Rosemary’s appeal to families is its spectacular Canada Day festivities. From a parade to fireworks, there is something for everyone. The Canada Day celebration, sponsored annually by the Rosemary Agricultural Society, is known throughout the entire area as the place to be on July 1st. Rosemary is bursting with pride!

Additional information about Rosemary is available by clicking on the “quickfacts” link, above, or by visiting the Easy Move Toolkit website.

View the Rosemary community video below.  Following the community video, view the regional video here.

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Village of Tilley

 

Population 405

The Village of Tilley is a quaint community located 24 km east of the City of Brooks on the TransCanada Highway and in the middle of a very diverse oil, gas and agricultural area. Irrigated farming surrounds Tilley, where an assortment of crops flourish and livestock are raised. A very active petroleum industry works in parallel with agriculture in our area.  

A range of recreational amenities and a variety of events throughout the year keep the residents of Tilley busy. Hunters know Tilley for the many great fishing spots and some of the best duck, goose and pheasant hunting in Alberta.

The Village of Tilley is a community where neighbours support each other. We have volunteers from all walks of life that bring forward the true sense of looking out for your neighbour, which only exists in a small village. The Village of Tilley is a safe and healthy environment for all people, especially those raising families and starting up businesses.

In Tilley strangers are just friends we have not met yet. Tilley is full of hospitality!

Additional information about Tilley is available by clicking on the “quickfacts” link, above, or by visiting the Easy Move Toolkit website.

Village of Youngstown

 

Population 170

Welcome to the Sportsman’s Paradise! Youngstown is a small community with heart and soul offering something for all ages.

Youngstown is a great place to raise a family. The children won’t have to go far to school as Youngstown School caters to children from Grade 1 – 12 with a privately run Kindergarten.

For the outdoorsy types we are close to some great fishing holes. Hunting is quite popular. You can hunt geese, ducks, white tail deer, mule deer, and antelope. Moose hunting is just minutes away. Camping sites are close if you like to fish or just relax on the beach.

During the winter months the curling rink is kept busy with a weekly square draw and four curling bonspiels. Summer is baseball time and there is an annual tournament. The following weekend is the annual curling summer bonspiel.

Youngstown, a small community with a big heart, is a large family “where everyone knows your name”!

Additional information about Youngstown is available by clicking on the “quickfacts” link, above, or by visiting the Easy Move Toolkit website.

PALLISER ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP BOX 1046, 109 - 346 THIRD ST. SE MEDICINE HAT, AB, CANADA T1A 0G7
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