Village of Cereal

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About

The Village of Cereal is located along Highway 9 in southeastern Alberta in the 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.

Housing

Although the region’s hot economy continues to remain strong, the housing market offers many attractive options whether you are looking at building a home, buying a home, or checking out rental accommodations.

Housing in the Village of Cereal is primarily single-dwelling homes.

For more information
  • CMHC - A national site that has lots of general information about buying, renting, and renovating homes. You will also find detailed information and links about housing costs, financial assistance programs, legal information and specialized housing issues. Links to various related Government sites also assist with housing related information.
  • MLS Canada - A searchable data base that lists homes for sale. Property searches by community are available.

Community Services

Palliser region communities have many services available for residents to keep them safe and secure.  A diverse range of recreational facilities and places of worship provide families the opportunity to stay active and maintain spiritual well-being.  All Palliser communities have a library or are part of a library system. 

Emergency Services and Fire Protection
  • Policing – RCMP Detachment in Oyen
  • Ambulance, Fire, Rescue – Cereal Volunteer Fire Department.  Ambulance from Oyen.  911 Services
  • Justice Infrastructure –  Provincial Court of Hanna
Parks and Recreation
  • Arena
  • Curling Rink
  • Ball Diamonds (3)
  • Rodeo Arena
Religious Services
  • Cereal United Church – 2nd Avenue East
  • Cereal Lutheran Church – 3rd Avenue East
  • Kingdom Hall of the Jehovah’s Witnesses
Library
  • Cereal Municipal Library (Marigold System)

Climate

Sunshine coupled with warm dry summers means more time to spend outdoors and exploring our region.  The low altitude of the region produces a very warm climate, with particular areas often matching or surpassing the “hot spot” of Canada.  Winters have become very mild over the last few years with average temperatures on the rise.

Cereal’s climate is considered semi arid which means lots of sunshine.  The average temperature during July is 18.4 degrees Celsius and in January is -12.8 degrees Celsius.  The average rainfall for the year is 50.4 mm while the average snowfall for the winter is 69.6 cm.

Taxes

Residential property taxes are definitely a factor to consider when relocating. Although taxes vary depending on the community, Albertans pay low provincial and municipal taxes, overall, in Canada.

Residential/Farmland*

2009 Taxation Year

Municipal

20.8600

Education - Alberta School Foundation Fund Tax Rate

4.9200

Seniors Lodge Accommodation Tax Rate

.3800

Non-Residential

  

Municipal

20.8600

Education - Alberta School Foundation Fund Tax Rate

6.8400

Seniors Lodge Accommodation Tax Rate

 
Additional Information

Property tax is either provided as a percentage or as a millage rate. A mill is one-thousandth of a dollar. To calculate the property tax, the assessed value of property is multiplied by the mill rate and then divided by 1,000. For example, property assessed at $100,000 located in a municipality with a mill rate of 20 mills would have a property tax bill of $2,000 per year.

Utilities

Utilities including natural gas, power, and water are necessary expenses to consider for both homeowners and those renting. Communities in southeast Alberta boast some of the lowest rates in the country.

Water, sewer and garbage disposal is provided by the Village of Cereal.

Electrical Power
Natural Gas
  • Dry Country Gas
    205 2 St W
    Oyen, Alberta  T0J 2J0
    Tel: 1-888-664-6001
Communications
  • Telus
    Tel: 403-310-2255
Internet Services
  • Telus
    Tel: 403-310-2255
  • Netago
    105 2nd Avenue West
    Hanna, Alberta
    Tel: 1-866-346-7822
Water Supply

The source of water is Henry Kroeger Regional Water Commission. The water originates from the Red Deer River.

For more information

Health

Under the Canada Health Act, Alberta has a publicly administered and funded health care system that guarantees Albertans receive universal access to medically necessary hospital and health care services.

All eligible Alberta residents are covered under the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) to access healthcare services. An eligible resident of Alberta is a person who is:

  • Legally entitled to be or to remain in Canada and makes his/her permanent home in Alberta;
  • Committed to being physically present in Alberta for at least 183 days in a 12 month period;
  • Not claiming residency or obtaining benefits under a claim of residency in another province, territory or country;
  • Any other person deemed by the regulations to be a resident not including a tourist, transient or visitor to Alberta.

Effective January 1, 2009, Albertans are no longer required to pay AHCIP premiums.

An Alberta Health Care card gives you access to the public health care system including medical checkups and hospital visits. Private clinics exist, but are permitted to perform only elective services not included as part of the primary care available through our health care system.

Alberta Health Services provides a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.

The Oyen Big Country Hospital is an acute and continuing care facility. Core programs at Big Country Hospital include acute/sub-acute medicine, emergency stabilization, ambulatory care services, and continuing care.

  • Oyen Big Country Hospital
    312-3rd Street East
    Oyen, Alberta T0L 2J0
    Tel: 403-664-4300
  • Oyen Community Health Services also provides health care for the Town’s residents:
    315 3rd Avenue E
    Oyen, Alberta T0J 2J0
    Tel: 403-664-3651

Health professionals within the Town include:

  • 3 physicians
  • 1 dentist
  • 1 optometrist
  • 1 chiropractor
  • Physiotherapist
  • Early prevention dental services
  • Outpatient/inpatient respiratory services
  • Speech therapist/audiologist
  • Recreation therapist
  • Health inspector
  • Occupational therapy
  • Mental health worker
  • Massage therapist
  • Home Care 
Acadia Foundation – Seniors Living

A 33-unit senior's lodge with a staff of 17 is also located in Oyen. The lodge provides individual bedroom/baths with communal eating and living areas. There are also 8 self contained units.

  • Oyen Senior’s Lodge
    310 – 2nd Street West
    Oyen, Alberta T0J 2J0
    Tel: 403- 664-3661
    Fax:  403- 664-2964
Seniors independent living apartments are also available in Cereal.
  • Cereal Country Cottages
    Cereal, Alberta  T0J 2J0
    Tel: 403- 326-2474
For more information
  • Alberta Health Care Insurance - The Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) is a publicly administered and funded health care system that guarantees Albertans receive universal access to medically necessary hospital and medical services. AHCIP forms, information on premium and drug assistance, answers to common questions and more are available at this site.
  • Alberta Health and Wellness – Alberta’s Health and Wellness provides information about Alberta’s health care system including the forms needed for registration.
  • Service Alberta – The Health Care Professional section of this Service Alberta site provides information for the wide variety of health professionals in Alberta – doctors, nurses, ambulance operators, and many others who provide services for the maintenance and improvement of health.  Use this page to learn about Alberta Netcare, to look up Health Professionals, to find contact information for nursing homes and hospitals in Alberta, and much, much more.
  • Alberta Health Services – Alberta Health Services provides a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans. Use this site to access information about specific health care facilities and to get the latest news relating to health care.
  • Health Canada – The Health Canada site focuses on providing immigrants with information about health care coverage. It also contains good links to other helpful information on employment, health promotion, and more.

Education

Providing access to education and training opportunities is essential in creating a well-prepared workforce and strong communities. Southeast Alberta schools, college, and other education institutions and have a lot to offer newcomers in lifelong learning.

The Town of Oyen is a centre for education for the area, including the Village of Cereal, offering residents both public and separate school options.  

Public schools in Oyen are part of the Prairie Rose School Division #8. Schools include Oyen Public School (Preschool to Grade 9) and Oyen South Central High School (Grades 10 to 12).

Assumption Roman Catholic School is part of Christ Redeemer Catholic Separate Regional School Division #3 and provides education for students from Preschool to Grade 6.

  • Assumption Roman Catholic School
    415 – 5th Ave
    Oyen, Alberta T0J 2J0
    Tel: 403-664-3643 
Post Secondary Education
  • The Big Country Community Adult Learning Council (BCALC) provides community based adult learning. Located in Oyen, the BCALC provides learning opportunities for the entire region. Learning opportunities range from learning Thai cooking to oil/gas industry requirement training.
    Big Country Community Adult Learning Council
    Box 667
    113 - 2 Avenue W
    Oyen, Alberta T0J 2J0
    Tel: 403- 664-2060
    Fax: 403- 664-2905
    Email: bccalc[at]telusplanet[dot]net 
  • Medicine Hat College (MHC) has been serving students in southeastern Alberta and beyond since 1965. Situated in Canada’s sunniest city, MHC’s main campus services almost 3,000 students each year with another 200 attending Brooks Campus, located 100 km west of Medicine Hat. With some of the lowest student-to-instructor ratios in the province, MHC offers a very personal, one-on-one student experience. MHC offers a wide variety of programs to meet the ever-changing needs of students from southeastern Alberta and around the world.
  • Athabasca University, Canada’s Open University, is dedicated to the removal of barriers that restrict access to and success in university-level study and to increasing equality of educational opportunity for adult learners worldwide.
For more information
  • ALIS (Alberta Learning Information Service) – This site provides information on education, training, financial assistance, grants, bursaries, transfers, on-line student services, and more.
  • Alberta Education Curriculum - Excellent information and resources for parents of students is provided on this site; it includes information on school choices, summaries of required curriculum, and “homework” help.
  • Alberta Education - Schools - A complete list of schools and school boards is available here.
  • Alberta Children's Services – This site provides information and check-lists to help parents find quality child care; information and links about child care subsidies, adoption, parent support services; and phone numbers for the Kids Help Line, and the Child Care Help Line for Parents.
  • Child Care Subsidy – If you have child care costs for preschool children, you may not be aware that all eligible Albertans may qualify for the Child Care Subsidy Program.  Go to this site to get complete information about the Child Care Subsidy or to try the Estimator.
  • Monthly Living Allowance - Information from the Alberta Student Finance Board is available at this site.
  • National Child Benefit (Low Income Families) - This program provides financial and social support to low-income families.

Community Lifestyle

Community lifestyle is one of the most important factors when considering a move.  Sports, recreation, community involvement, cultural events, hospitality, and safety are just a few of the many reasons why people choose southeast Alberta as an excellent place to live.

Our rural community lifestyle is vibrant.

Community Organizations

Local community and recreation organizations reflect the interests and passion of our communities. From theatre groups, Ag societies and historical societies to Chamber of Commerce, youth groups and service clubs, our communities deliver great events and services to our community.

For complete listing of Community Organizations please visit www.samda.ca

Recreation Facilities
  • Cereal Arena & Curling Rink
  • Cereal Sports Grounds – 3 ball diamonds
  • Rodeo Arena
Religious Services
  • Cereal United Church – 2nd Avenue East
  • Cereal Lutheran Church – 3rd Avenue East
  • Kingdom Hall of the Jehovah’s Witnesses
Special Annual Events/Attractions
  • Mixed Curling Bonspiel – February
  • Oilman’s Curling Bonspiel – February
  • Ladies Curling Bonspiel – Second Weekend in March
  • Cereal Bull-A-Rama – August
  • Annual Sports Day – August
  • Square Draw (Curling)– Weekly during Winter Months
  • Christmas Late Night Shopping - November
For more information
  1. Service Alberta helps caregivers by providing information on resources available for persons or organizations that care for individuals who need support due to age, or physical or mental illness or disability.
  2. Service Alberta has information for parents on topics such as Alberta Centennial Education Savings Plan, Bully Free Alberta, and Passports for Children. There is even a day care look-up at this site.
  3. Rural residents can obtain information specific to their needs through Service Alberta. Here, rural residents can look for links to information and publications about the Rural Development Initiative, water wells, the weekly Agri-News, hunting licenses and more.
  4. Seniors can find links to the government information and services that apply to seniors, covering topics such as pensions, health care, retirement and more at this site.

Employment

The job market in Southeast Alberta is strong! There are lots of great career opportunities in many different industries from trades to healthcare to manufacturing and many, many more. There is demand for all levels of positions, from entry-level to senior positions.

Check them out at www.findingwork.ca

The main economic base for the Village of Cereal includes farming, ranching and oil and gas exploration, production and services.  New opportunities are tourism and ecommerce/remote work.

Agriculture

Farms in our regions are generally mixed, ranching and grain production. A large percentage of these farms have one operator and are considered a family farm. The average farm has approx 1,500 acres and 75 head of cows. Grain production accounts for a large percentage of acreage usage; this production is generally done using a summer fallow/crop rotation due to the arid climate.

Energy Sector

Our communities are blessed with an abundance of lands and resources. The energy sector is very strong and provides employment and much economic spin off to our communities. We have a number of energy related businesses, services and contractors.

Career and Employment services are available free of charge via:

For more information
  • Alberta Government Learning Information Services - Alberta's leading on-line source for career, learning and employment information and services. Here you'll find the resources you need to make the most of your future.
  • Alberta Occupational Profiles - Information about a variety of career occupations, and advice about how to develop careers in Alberta, including information about current job markets is available at this site. There is a searchable database that makes it easy to research career options by interest, professional title, or industry.
  • Alberta Wage & Salary data - The Alberta Wage and Salary Survey covers over 400 occupations and provides information on wages and salaries for full-time and part-time employees in Alberta by occupation, geographic area, and industry group.
  • Alberta Works - Alberta Works focuses on training people for employment.
  • Service Alberta’s Job Seekers provides information for those looking for employment. Here, you will find the Alberta Work Search Online, the Federal Job Bank, and even a free e-Résumé Review Service.
  • The Government of Canada has bilingual information about Citizenship and Immigration Canada, Service Canada, Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, and Foreign Credentials Referral Office.
  • The Government of Alberta provides information on immigration process for Canada and Alberta, as well as about programs and services designed to help immigrants before and after they arrive.
  • Canadian Information Centre for Immigrants - A bilingual site that provides a thorough overview of information about credentials, education, qualification, and employment in Canada. It is well organized and easy to navigate.
  • Job Bank Canada - Job Bank is the largest web-based network of job postings available to Canadians.

Business Directory
Major Businesses Products/Services
  • Brian Rude Trucking
  • Cando Oilfield Construction
  • Cereal Hotel Café
  • Cereal Hotel Motel
  • Dry Plains Earthmoving Ltd
  • Halpenny Agencies
  • Canada Post
  • Glory Cafe
  • K 2 Oil & Gas Contracting
  • Midfield Supply Ltd
  • Peacock Farms
  • United Farmers of Alberta
  • UFA Fuels Cereal
  • Cereal Pioneer Museum

More Info
Website
Additional Community Information
Government of Alberta Services
  • Service Alberta provides information on vehicle licensing, employment, property and more.
  • Moving to or Around Alberta includes information on health care services, electrical rates, population, housing support services, immigration and more.

Oyen Greenhouses

Oyen Greenhouses has achieved long-term success while contributing to and helping grow Alberta’s greenhouse industry.

Read more...
PALLISER ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP BOX 1046, 109 - 346 THIRD ST. SE MEDICINE HAT, AB, CANADA T1A 0G7
TOLL FREE 1-877-226-7552 TEL 403-526-7552 EMAIL