Wetaskiwin
http://www.wetaskiwin.ca
Welcome
Welcome to Wetaskiwin
Our Vision, as decalred by City Council, June 2009:
"WETASKIWIN IS A VIBRANT HUB AND COVETED DESTINATION THAT PROVIDES OPPORTUNITIES FOR FURTHER ECONOMIC GROWTH, A HIGH QUALITY OF LIFE, AND ADVANTAGES FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS"
Wetaskiwin, a growing community combining the amenities of a large centre with the relaxing atmosphere of a small town. Beautiful parks, historical sites, fine dining, shopping, cultural programs, and activities - Wetaskiwin has it all.
The City of Wetaskiwin has friendly people with friendly attitudes, excellent schools, health services, recreational facilities, churches for all denominations, a full range of personal and professional services, and a variety of arts and entertainment venues for young and old alike.
I invite you to explore Wetaskiwin and see why our "City in Motion", is in deed "the best place to be". - Mayor Don Montgomery
Wetaskiwin's Historic City Hall
North Entrance Sign to the City of Wetaskiwin
Area Overview
With a diversified, well-trained labour force, affordable land prices, a generous business incentive plan, and no municipal business tax, the City of Wetaskiwin is predicted to be one of the fastest growing cities in Alberta in this new millennium.
Location
The City of Wetaskiwin is located at the junction of Highway 2A and Highway 13, 72 km south of Edmonton, 100 km north of Red Deer, and 232 km north of Calgary.
Connecting highways include Highway 2A north to Leduc and south to Red Deer; and Highway 13 east to Camrose and west to Highway 2. Highway 2 is the main north-south route linking Calgary and Edmonton.
The census results as of 2001 show a population of 11,154.
The City of Wetaskiwin has a good selection of land available for sale. Additional information can be obtained by visiting the city's website at City of Wetaskiwin for details.
Economic Base
The main economic base of Wetaskiwin is farming, manufacturing of agricultural products and distribution, tourism, oil and gas.
With more than 600 businesses, Wetaskiwin covers a wide spectrum of retail and service trades.
Many beautiful old storefronts have been brought back to their original design, giving the downtown an historic but new look. As well, the Wetaskiwin Mall features convenient "one-stop shopping" with department, clothing, jewellery, banking and dining.
Construction of a new 32 acre "power centre" commenced in the spring of 2005. The first business to locate at the centre was a 100,000 sq ft Wal-mart store which opened in August of 2005.
Wetaskiwin is home to the Western Canada Distribution centre for Home Hardware. A 560,000 square foot warehouse facility featuring sophisticated materials handling equipment for shipments to all Home Hardware stores located in Western Canada.
Finally, the Wetaskiwin Auto Mile has given the City the distinctive title of "Car Capital of Canada", with the highest per capita auto sales in the nation.
Historic Downtown 50th Avenue east
Economic Facts
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS:
- Bank of Nova Scotia
- Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
- Bank of Montreal
- Royal Bank
- Toronto-Dominion Bank
- Alberta Treasury Branch
- Wetaskiwin Credit Union
Utilities
EPCOR UTILITIES
**no local office
Edmonton/Calgary (main office)
Phone: (780) 310-4300 toll free (for hookups and service)
Call centre open Mon-Fri: 7:30 - 10:00 p.m.; Saturday 8:00 - 800 p.m.; Sunday 9:00 - 5:30 p.m.
Fax: (780) 310-4295
ATCO GAS LTD.
(3701-48 Street, Wetaskiwin (service dispatch office only)
Edmonton/Calgary (main office)
Phone: (780) 310-5678 toll free (for hookups & service)
Emergency after hours: 1-800-511-2447
Rates vary. Contact office directly.
TELUS PHONE SERVICE
Phone: 310-2255 (toll free to Edmonton)
WATER
City of Wetaskiwin
4904-51 Street
Wetaskiwin, AB T9A 1L2
Phone: (780) 352-361-4415
Rates vary. Contact office directly.
Wetaskiwin's source of water is the Coal Lake, located 10 km east of the City. The reservoir capacity, measured in treated substance, is 20,450 cubic metres.
SEWAGE TREATMENT
Provided by a series of lagoons consisting of two short, three aerated and three long detention ponds.
GARBAGE COLLECTION
Residential garbage is collected weekly, while commercial and industrial garbage is collected by contractual arrangement. Rates are charged as per subscribtion costs. Please call (780) 361-4415 to make arrangements.
Click here for more information on Utilities.
RECYCLING
The City of Wetaskiwin has a local recycling centre that is open 24 hours/day, 7 days/week for use by residents of the City.
Recycling Centre
Taxation
|
|
|
| Municipal Tax Rate |
10.5341 |
16.3993 |
| Education - Alberta School Foundation Fund Tax Rate |
4.2808 |
7.4712 |
| Education Opted Out Tax Rate |
4.2808 |
7.4712 |
| Ambulance Authority |
.0405 |
.0405 |
| Seniors Lodge Accommodation Tax Rate |
.0905 |
.0905 |
Mill Rates [2004]
- Residential: Mill rate 14.9644
For every $100,000 of residential assessment, property taxes are $1,496.44.
- Non-Residential Public: Mill rate 24.5699
For every $100,000 or non-residential assessment, property taxes are $2,456.99
- Non-Residential Separate: Mill rate 24.5699
For every $100,000 of non-residential assessment, property taxes are $2,456.99.
Please note: Non-residential public and non-residential separate is classified as anything not zoned residential.
Click here for further information on Taxation.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Municipal Tax Rate |
11.8420 |
15.8810 |
| Education - Alberta School Foundation Fund Tax Rate |
4.7097 |
8.1429 |
| Education Opted Out Tax Rate |
4.7097 |
8.1429 |
| Seniors Lodge Accommodation Tax Rate |
.0935 |
.0935 |
Transportation
AIR SERVICE
Ideally located just 60 km. (37 miles) south of the City of Edmonton, the Wetaskiwin Airport offers many conveniences and amenities for aviation businesses and aircraft operators. With a 3,900 foot runway, the Airport currently maintains Transport Canada certification and was one of the first facilities in the country to be certified with Global Positioning System (GPS) approach procedures.
The Wetaskiwin Airport is an authorized Customs Canada point of entry for private individuals and commercial operators holding pre-approved CANPASS permits. Pilots and passengers visiting this facility will find the simplified security procedures convenient, effective and user-friendly.
The Airport runway provides direct aircraft access to the Reynolds-Alberta Museum and Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame.
RAIL SERVICE
Wetaskiwin is serviced by Canadian Pacific Railway. A secondary main line runs north-south through the City while a branch line runs east-west.
HIGHWAYS
Connecting highways include Highway 2A north to Leduc and south to Red Deer. Highway 13 east to Camrose and west to Highway 2. Highway 2 is the main north-south route linking Calgary and Edmonton.
Wetaskiwin Regional Airport
Community Lifestyle
TOURISM:
It has been said that Wetaskiwin is central Alberta’s best-kept secret!! Well, everyone likes to know what a secret is about so we encourage you to make a visit to our community. We have museums, parks, restaurants, agricultural grounds, sport activities, restaurants, hotels, and bed & breakfasts.
The Wetaskiwin and District Museum houses displays of the history of the City dating back to the days of the pioneers, including re-creations of a general store, hotel room and local garage. Visit their new location in the historical downtown core.
The Reynolds-Alberta Museum contains some of the finest restored vintage vehicles found anywhere. The star attraction is a one-of-a-kind 1929 Duesenberg Phaeton Royale. Others include a 1922 Hupp Yeats electric car and a 1940 Chevrolet half-ton pickup. Vintage car rides are available through the summer.
Situated on the Reynolds-Alberta Museum grounds is Canada's Aviation Hall of Fame, where the pioneers of aviation, and the aircraft they flew, are celebrated and honored. The Hall's collection features a 1940 de Havilland Tiger Moth, a 1943 Boeing Steerman and a 1939 Fleet Finch. For the adventurous, vintage airplane rides are available.
The Museum Mile is located on the first mile stretch from the junction of Hwy 2A and Hwy 13, west to the Reynolds-Alberta Museum. Along this mile you will find various artifacts from the Stan Reynolds Collection, each beautfully displayed with trees and shrubs.
The Alberta Central Railway Museum is nestled away on a scenic and pastoral quarter section of land 14 kilometers southeast of Wetaskiwin. This museum is dedicated to the history of rail travel in Western Canada, a varied collection of CPR stock and demonstrations of the telegraph service used by CP Rail in the 1960s. Be sure to catch a train ride and explore Alberta Central rails. Phone/fax: (780) 352-2257
Wetaskiwin is also home to the Edmonton International Raceway, Central Alberta's only oval track.
Click here to view more information on Tourism.
RECREATION:
Wetaskiwin is an active community, with a variety of recreational facilities and activities for all ages. For complete information on the City of Wetaskiwin's recreation programs click here.
The Civic Centre Complex, known as the twin arenas, is located on the east side of Wetaskiwin at the Recreation Grounds, and operates under the umbrella of the City of Wetaskiwin.
The facility contains two ice surfaces, Arena I is 190’ x 85’, and Arena II is 185’ x 85’. The facility operates from September to late March. Other amenities in the Civic Centre include a concession and a meeting room to accommodate any type of group meeting.
The Civic Centre is home to the Wetaskiwin Icemen Jr. B Hockey Club, Figure Skating Club, Ringette Club and Various Adult teams. It is also the site of the Pioneer Chrysler Cup Zone Camp for first year bantams in March. The Wetaskiwin Minor Hockey Association is a major user of the facility.
A nearby eight-sheet Curling Rink provides residents of the City and surrounding area with a great facility for curling.The Club also offers concession and lounge facilities. Throughout the curling season a complete range of programs is offered, recreational, competitive and youth activities.
Other recreational facilities include four tennis courts, eight ball diamonds, two sand volleyball courts, football field, soccer fields bowling alley, and bingo halls.
The Aboussafy Centre contains a large indoor pool, kiddie pool, hot tub and saunas. The centre offers all levels of swiming instruction, karataquatics, aquafit, and public swimming.
The Wetaskiwin Youth Skatepark was newly constructed in 2001 and has become a action pact facility for youth skateboards in the community. This skatepark was designed to be one of the best in the area.
If you like to golf, Wetaskiwin has two courses to choose from. The Wetaskiwin Golf Course is located along the north entrance to the City. You can chose 9 or 18 holes of beautifully groomed and established greens.
Loons Golf Course, a 9-hole golf course is located along the east entrance to the City, directly across from the Lions campground. This is a newly established course, but nonetheless challenging for the avid golfer.
PARKS:
The City of Wetaskiwin is proud of its' numerous park areas.
The By-the-Lake Park, our biggest outdoor facility, is a superb day-use area featuring connections to a network of city-wide walking and bike paths. The park features a 17-acre lake and a 2.5 km interpretive trail.
The park is open 365 days of the year and includes other activities such as a water playground, Japanese Golf, picnic areas and canoeing. In the winter, the park is open for cross-country skiing, skating and tobogganing.
Also located at the park is the Knights of Columbus Hall that overlooks the lake. This hall can host 90-100 people and is available for rent from the City Recreation Department. To read more about the park click here.
Jubilee Park is located along the main entrance to the downtown core. This is one of the oldest parks in the community, with mature trees, a walking path, rose garden, and cenotaph.
Other parks are located throughout the City and are joined by sidewalks and urban trail systems.
CAMPING:
The Wetaskiwin Lions Community R.V. and Campground has 27 fully serviced sites, 22 sites with power and water only, and 25 un-serviced sites, plus an area for tenting. There is also a full washroom and shower facility on site. Other activities include a playground, two cook houses, trout pond, and a sani-dump. A newly constructed walking path from the campground joins onto City sidewalks and leads you to the recreation grounds. Further information can be obtained by calling (780) 352-7258, e-mail at wetlionrvpark@incentre.net, or visit their website at Lions Campgrounds.
Peace Hills Park is located west of the Wetaskiwin Golf Course on Highway 2A. This is a day use park with hiking, a picnic shelter, off-leash dog run, and a skating pond in the winter.
RELIGIOUS FACILITIES:
Close to twenty different denominations are represented within the City of Wetaskiwin.
LOCAL EVENTS:
For an up to date list of current events in the City of Wetaskiwin click here.
January hosts the Wetaskiwin Snow Drags/Snowmobile Races at the Reynolds-Alberta Museum. Two days of competition with hunreds of particiapants and spectators to help warm up the atmosphere in Wetaskiwin.
The Wetaskiwin Agricultural Society hosts the annual Poultry and Rabbit Show at the Drill Hall in February where visitors can view many, many different species of poultry and rabbits.
The big event is the annual Rodeo on the May long weekend. There are three days of activities, a Rodeo Dance, muttin bustin and just a whole lot a fun!!!
Wetaskiwin hosts the annual Pioneer Days Event during the third weekend in June. This old-fashioned country fair includes amusement rides, a parade, live entertainment and games for kids, and much, much more! A great family event to kick of the summer.
Another annual event is the Santa Clause Parade and Gingerbread and Glitter. This event is organized by the Friends of the Community and is held on the last weekend of November. Gingerbread and Glitter consists of a display of decorated trees, wreaths and gingerbread houses all done in the spirit of Christmas. Proceeds from the event are given to Secret Santa.
Other local events include Canada Day Celebrations, Antigue Road Shows, Craft Sales, and many small local activities organized by the several service clubs and sport organizations in the community.
Al Arner Ball Park
(four diamonds)
Education
Wetaskiwin is home to the Wetaskiwin Regional School Division #11 which is responsible for all schools within the City and County of Wetaskiwin. There are nine public schools within the City and 11 school within the County. To contact the School Division please call (780) 352-6018.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS:
- C.B. McMurdo Elementary School [K-6]
- Centennial Elementary School [K-6]
- Norwood Elementary School [K-6]
- Parkdale School [K-6]
- Clear Vista School [1-9]
- Queen Elizabeth School [7-9]
- Wetaskiwin Composite Storefront School [5-12]
- Wetaskiwin Composite High School [10-12]
SEPERATE SCHOOLS:
- Sacred Heart School (K-9)
PRIVATE SCHOOLS:
- Peace Hills Adventist Academy (K-9)
DAYCARE/NURSERY SCHOOLS:
- Building Block Preschool
- Tiny Tots Playschool
- Family Day Home Project and Wetaskiwin Day Care
- Children's Indoor Play Society [CHIPS]
Queen Elizabeth Junior High School - Built 2000
Post Secondary
Wetaskiwin is conveniently located close to Edmonton-based post-secondary institutions such as the University of Alberta, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), and Grant MacEwan College.
Norquest Community College has a satellite campus located in Wetaskiwin. In 2004, the campas expanded from 6,500 square feet of space to approximately 9,000 square feet. They offer high school upgrading and university entry courses.
Health Care
WETASKIWIN HEALTH CENTRE:
A new $32 million hospital opened in 1991, which offers a full range of the high quality health services. The hospital has 83 acute care beds and 105 long-term beds (including auxiliary). The Wetaskiwin Health Foundation is very active in providing funding for special services and equipment. In 2004 the Foundation purchasedCATSCAN and completing a new dialysis addition to the Centre.
Professional services include five medical clinics, a community health unit, and a variety of specialist services ranging from dentists to optometrists and chiropractic practitioners.
OTHER HEALTH SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS:
- AADAC
- AA/Alanon
- Canadian Cancer Society
- Canadian Red Cross
- Catholic Social Services (handicpped services)
- Wetaskiwin Handi-van Society
- Horizons Centre (handicapped services)
- Mental Health Centre
- Native Counselling Services of Alberta
- Keystone Children's Services
- Wetaskiwin and District Association for Community Service (handicapped services)
SENIOR HEALTH SERVICES:
Wetaskiwin has seven senior homes ranging from independent living to extended care.
Contacts:
- Senior's Homes & Community Housing - (780) 352-4435
- Good Shepherd Lutheran Home - (780) 352-3628
- Madyson Manor - (780) 361-1111
David Thompson Health Centre
Emergency Services
FIRE PROTECTION:
The Wetaskiwin Fire Department consists of twenty-four members composed of a full time Fire Chief and Deputy Chief. All other members are part time paid/volunteers:
The Department utilizes two pumpers, a rescue unit, and an aerial truck for City calls, and a pumper and a tanker are used to respond to rural calls.
Fire Prevention activities include school tours of the fire station, presentations at the schools, and general public education. In 2001 the Wetaskiwin Fire Department was 100 years old.
POLICE SERVICES:
Wetaskiwin hosts two detachments of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. One responsible for the City and one responsible for rural areas. A new RCMP Station was constructed in 2002 which amalgamated personnel from the City, Rural, and Highway Detachments.
AMBULANCE:
The local ambulance service operates out of the Wetaskiwin Hospital.
WETASKIWIN EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS:
- Fire Alarm - 911
- City RCMP - 352-3384
- Rural RCMP - 352-2218
- Ambulance - 911
- Hospital - 361-7100
- Emergency Response Team - 361-7165
- Victim Services Unit - 780-352-6791
- Citizens on Patrol - 780-361-7200
Wetaskiwin Fire Department
Community Services
CITY OF WETASKIWIN:
City of Wetaskiwin
Mailing Address:
PO Box 6210
Wetaskiwin, AB T9A 2E9
Office Address:
4705 - 50 Avenue
Wetaskiwin, Alberta
Phone: (780)361-4400
Fax: (780)352-0930
MUNICIPAL COUNCIL:
Mayor:
Alderman:
- Dale Crabtree
- Bill Elliot
- Barry Hawkes
- Mark McFaul
- Glenn Ruecker
- Gail Taylor
Mayor and Alderman can be contacted by calling City Hall at 361-4409.
ADMINISTRATION:
Tony Goode
City Manager
Phone: (780) 361-4410
email: tgoode@wetaskiwin.ca
Therese Myndio
Assistant City Manager
Phone: (780) 361-4414
email: tmyndio@wetaskiwin.ca
CITY DEPARTMENTS:
- City Hall - (780) 361-4400
- Recreation - (780) 361-4444
- Public Library - (780) 361-4485
- Family & Community Support Services - (780) 361-4425
- Engineering - (780) 361-4434
- Assessment - (780) 361-4405
- Public Works - (780) 361-4436
- Municipal Bylaw Services - (780) 361-4401
The Wetaskiwin Public Library is very active offering a large collection of books, CD's, videos for the citizens of the City. The library is also linked to the Yellowhead Regional Library which provides access to several on-line databases and book services. Some of the programs that are offered are childrens story-time, winter/summer reading programs, adult programs and computer classes.
The Wetaskiwin Achives is located at 4904 - 51 Street, Wetaskiwin. Documents and photographs from as far back as the 1890’s are stored at the City of Wetaskiwin Archives. You can trace your family history using 1902 tax or school records or find an 1895 picture of your great-grandfather among the more than 100,000 photographs in this collection. Records of businesses and community organizations are also among the holdings. For more information, contact Carolyn Hill at (780) 361-4423.
The Communities In Bloom Committee was formed in 1999 and has resulted in awards on the provincial and national level. This program has made a very visible difference in the community with the addition of hanging baskets, planters, designated flower beds, banners, clean-up campaigns, contests for residential and commercial flower displays and the generation of a wonderful community spirit. The City of Wetaskiwin is very proud of the work that is done by the Communities In Bloom Committee.
Wetaskiwin boasts a wide range of Community Organizations. These include cultural and historical organizations, sports clubs, youth groups, fitness centers, senior’s center/services, childcare programs, and many services clubs that provide something for everyone’s needs.
Climate
Wetaskiwin has a moderate climate that enjoys four distinct seasons. Precipitation averages 10.7 inches of which 5.9 inches falls as snow.
From May to September the mean rainfall averages 11.8 inches and is sufficient to ensure a good crop. July and August are the warmest months with a temperature range of 15-23C. Individual snowfalls rarely exceeds 6 inches and a snow depth of 12 inches occurs on the average of once in 10 years.
Seasonal Average Temperature:
Summer: 17.1 C (62.8 F)
Spring: 4.2 C (39.6 F)
Fall: 5.1 C (41.2 F)
Winter: -16.6 C ( 2.1 F)
Average Annual Precipitation:
Rain: 12.8 in.
Snow: 39.3 in.
Total: 52.1 in.
Frost Free Days - 109 days per year
Hours of sunshine per year - 2,263.7 hours
Aerial Photo of the City of Wetaskiwin
Google Map
Wetaskiwin, Alberta, Canada