Drayton Valley

http://www.draytonvalley.ca

Welcome

Welcome and thank you for your interest in Drayton Valley, a thriving and prosperous community situated within Brazeau County and surrounded by untouched wilderness and beauty.

Drayton Valley is ideally positioned atop a plateau between the North Saskatchewan and Pembina Rivers where the rolling agricultural lands of the east meet the forested foothills of the west. It is the largest community within the County and is the focal point for all essential services catering to a trading area of approximately 20,000. We are a progressive community and pride ourselves in being innovative as well as proactive. Many service industries based in Town have been leaders in their respective fields. The Town complements such economic activity by providing the necessary infrastructure to foster both business development as well as social and recreational activity.

The Town offers the perfect environment for a lifestyle that combines working, living and playing - a diversified economy, town and country living, parks, paths and the great outdoors! Come and discover the joys of working and living close to the great outdoors.

For more information on how we can be of service to help you become a part of our growing community contact any one of our Economic Development Committee Members or to request a copy of our Economic/Community Profiles send an email.

~ Creating Opportunity, Realising Potential ~


Town of Drayton Valley
5120 - 52 Street (Box 6837)
Drayton Valley, AB T7A 1A1
Ph: (780) 514.2200       Fx: (780) 542.5753
www.draytonvalley.ca
info@town.draytonvalley.ab.ca

Area Overview

The Town of Drayton Valley, with a population of 6,893 (2006 Federal Census), is the largest community within Brazeau County. It is a major focal point for almost all essential services in the area. The surrounding trading area is approximately 20,000 people.

The area's economy started with the fur trade and progressed to lumber and mixed farming. In 1953 oil was discovered and it became the primary economic base of the community. The arrival of
Weyerhaeuser in 1987, which operates a sawmill and an Oriented Strand Board (OSB) plant, further enhanced the economic landscape. Today the economic base is very diversified with oil, forestry and agriculture being the most prevalent.

While pursuing economic development and a diversified economy, the Town has not forgotten the importance of a healthy and energetic lifestyle. Green space areas are in abundance throughout Drayton Valley. Neighbourhood parks, playgrounds, walkways and green areas contribute to Drayton Valley's healthy atmosphere. The urban centre is surrounded by a rural community which offers a variety of lifestyles for those who enjoy the wide open spaces of country living.

Urban living in a country environment is a reality in Drayton Valley. It's the place to work, raise a family and play!

Location

Latitude: 53o 13' 22.82 N
Longitude: -114o 58' 54.76 W
Elevation: 850 m (2,789 ft) above sea level

 

Located in west-central Alberta, nestled deep within in the North Saskatchewan River Basin and surrounded by forests of Aspen, Spruce and Pine lies the Town of Drayton Valley.

The rolling hills and vast farm lands, that Alberta is know for, can be seen when traveling west on Highway 39 into Drayton Valley from the City of Leduc. This leisurely country drive takes approximately 60 minutes and helps to illustrate much of our area's aesthetic qualities. Drayton Valley can also be accessed from Highway #16 (Yellowhead) and traveling south on Highway #22.

Additional information and specialized maps of the Town may be obtained from our GIS Administrator or by calling our town office at (780) 514.2200.

Distance to Major Centres

Location Distance Estimated
Edmonton 139 km / 86 miles 1 1/2 hours
Calgary 306 km / 191 miles 3 hours 10 minutes
Red Deer 172 km / 107 miles 2 hours
Jasper 309 km / 193 miles 3 hours 15 minutes
Banff 367 km / 229 miles 3 1/2 hours

*Driving times are estimates only and may vary based on road and weather conditions.

 

 

Economic Base

The primary economic base in the Drayton Valley area is oil and gas. The nearby Pembina Oilfield is Canada's largest and most prolific oilfield, encompassing more than 900 square miles. Drayton Valley is home to many local oilfield supply and service firms.

Forestry is also a major industry in Drayton Valley with Weyerhaeuser, the world's largest lumber company, operating both a sawmill and an OSB plant. The presence of Weyerhaeuser has led to many spinoff opportunities both in forestry operations or in servicing the forest industry. The two major forests nearby are-- Rocky-Clearwater and Whitecourt.

Agriculture is also an important part of the local economy. Most activities focus around the cattle industry and related support services, with cow/calf operations and custom grazing occupying a large portion of the efforts. Recently, diversification into other areas such as horse production, game farming, exotic animals, dairy and oilseeds has occurred.

Drayton Valley also has a thriving small business community. The strengths of Drayton Valley in retail, trade, service and manufacturing, supported by a resources base of oil, gas, lumber and agriculture, has provided the town with a very stable growth pattern over the years.

Economic Facts

Advances in oil exploration forestry, and an emerging tourism industry provides exceptional opportunities for investment and industrial expansion. A recent Business License Inventory Program undertaken by the Town of Drayton Valley in the early stages shows that there are over 642 businesses operating, employing 4,146 full-time and 1,412 part-time employees creating a median family income of $66,000.00/yr and a median household income $63,000.00/yr.

Largest Employers:

Penn West Petroleum
Imperial Oil
ExxonMobil
D & Pumpjack Services
Dial Oilfield Services
National Oilwell
Brandette Well Servicing
KOS Corp Industries
Pembina Pipline
Bob Dale Oilfield Construction
Option Machine
Frey & Associates
Weyerhaeuser
IGA
Extra Foods
Canadian Tire
Wal-Mart

Financial Institutions

Scotiabank
Royal Bank
Servus Credit Union
TD Canada Trust
ATB Financial
BMO Bank of Montreal

Utilities

 

Alberta 1st Call

(800) 242.3447

Electrical Power

 

 

 

Fortis Alberta

310.WIRE, 310-9473

 

Enmax

310.2010

 

EPCOR

310.4300

 

Direct Energy (gas)

Direct Energy (electricity)

(866) 420.3174

(888) 420.3181

Natural Gas

 

 

 

ATCO Gas

310.5678

 

Evergreen Gas Co-op Ltd.

542.4808

Telecommunications

 

 

 

Telus

310.2255, (800) 400.2598

Cable Vision

 

 

 

Shaw Cable

(800) 400.9605

Internet

 

 

 

Telus (ADSL/Dial-up)

310.2255, (800) 400.2598

 

Shaw Cable

(800) 400.9605

 

DVNet (ADSL/Dial-up)

 

Water/Wastewater Waste Management

   
  Town of Drayton Valley (780) 514.2200



Media

Big West Country 92.9FM Radio (Jim Pattison Group)
Western Review Newspaper (Quebecor)


Taxation

Tax Rates

Residential

Farmland

  2007 2006 2007 2006
Municipal 6.0982 7.1744 14.3194 16.212
Education ASFF 2.9571 3.4617 4.8066 5.7419
Education Opted Out 2.9571 3.4617 4.8066 5.7419
Seniors Lodge Accommodation 0.0835 0.0998 0.0835 0.0998
Mill Rate 9.1388 10.7359 19.2094 22.1137

 

Transportation

Air Service
 

The Drayton Valley Airport is an all-weather facilities and has a 4,000 ft (1,219 m) runway. The airport is located close to Town and is connected by a paved two lane roadway. Landing lights at the airport are radio activated and there is parking on the apron for planes. Refuelling facilities exist for planes and helicopters. There is a medium terminal building with a lounge.

There is parking for vehicles on site. An airport manager is available during normal business hours. Property at the airport is available for development (Airport Map). Development enquiries can be addressed to  Chandra Dyck, Planning & Development Officer.

Drayton Valley is only 95 km from Edmonton International Airport, which will support the remainder of your freight and commercial needs.

Rail Service

Canadian National Railways serves Evansburg, which is 41 km North
of Drayton Valley.

Highways

Primary Highways: 20, 22 (Cowboy Trail) North/South, 39 East/West
Secondary Highways: 616, 620, 621, 753, 759

Trucking Firms

Trucking companies ranging from single truck local operators to provincial and international service providers. Given the business climate, trucking is prominent as it fills the needs of the three major local industries: Oil & Gas, Forestry, and Agriculture, as well as filling many other needs of the community.

Bus Services

Greyhound Bus Lines - regularly scheduled service from Best Canadian Motor Inn

Couriers and Taxis

There are four courier companies that operate within and out of Drayton Valley.
Drayton Valley has two taxi service companies.

Community Lifestyle

Recreation

Drayton Valley has a wide range of indoor recreational facilities and a variety of outdoor activies that occur within any one of the numerous parks in and around Drayton Valley. In addition within 30 minutes of town there are two golf courses (Drayton Valley Golf & County Club and Birchwood Village Greens Golf Club & Resort) and a Ski Hill, complete with two T-Bars and Rope Tows.

Drayton Valley features a walkway system connecting the community together. Winding paths and beautiful ponds encourage neighbourly chit-chats. To date, there are over 14 km of pathways, with more to be completed in the future.

The Drayton Valley Municipal Library is located in the Civic Centre and offers a wide variety of services to both the Town and Brazeau County residents.

Camping areas include the Willey West Park, located along the North Saskatchewan River, the Drayton Valley Campground and the Drayton Valley R.V. Park, both of which are located in a park like setting adjoining the arena and are accessible from Highway 22. For more information on these two parks, call the Town office at 514-2200.

Community Organizations

The quality of life is truly enriched in our community through the large number of volunteer groups and associations "pulling together." Many major non-profit organizations participate in the growth and enhancement of our community and community activities. Drayton Valley is also home to a large number of cultural, historical and environmental associations and services, in addition to many service clubs, recreation and social clubs, fraternities and helping services. Refer to the Town of Drayton Valley office or the Chamber of Commerce for further details on the many service organizations in our community.

Religious Facilities

Drayton Valley has thirteen community churches accommodating a wide number of faiths. 

Special Annual Events/Attractions

Drayton Valley has a number of special annual events and attractions each year. A popular stop is the Farmer's Market held every Wednesday (at the Omniplex) during the summer months. Here local farmers, merchants and artisans display thier prize winning fruits, vegtables and crafts. In 2007 Drayton Valley host its 3rd Annual "Thunder in the Valley Drag Races", a popular circuit stop with the North Peace Bracket Race Association (NPBRA).

Hospitality

Accommodations: There are twelve hotels within Drayton Valley.

Restaurants: Drayton Valley offers a variety of restaurants from quick service (fast food) to steak houses.

Grocery Stores: There are two major grocery stores, and several convenience stores.

Education

Educational institutions in Drayton Valley range from preschools to post-secondary. The Wildrose School Division is responsible for all public schools in the area. 

 

 

Grades

Telephone

Drayton Valley Playschool

 

(780) 542.4313

St. Anthony Separate School

K-12

(780) 542.4396

Aurora Elementary School

1 - 6

(780) 542.9355

Evergreen Elementary School

1 - 6

(780) 542.5535

Eldorado Elementary School

1- 6

(780) 542.5544

H.W. Pickup Junior High School

7-9

(780) 542.4495

Frank Maddock High School*

10-12

(780) 542.4401

Drayton Valley Christian School

K-9

(780) 542.7055

* Drayton Valley also has a high school Outreach program

Post Secondary

The Pembina Educational Consortium

The Pembina Educational Consortium offers a wide range of credit courses working in partnership with Athabasca University, Grant MacEwan College, NorQuest College, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, and Red Deer College.

Drayton Valley Community Learning Centre

The Drayton Valley Community Learning Centre also offers many courses throughout the year, including fine arts, crafts, cooking, home skills, personal development, recreation, agriculture/gardening, first aid, leadership training, technical and academic courses.

 

Drayton Valley Adult Literacy Society
Phone: 780-621-1722

The society coordinates volunteer tutors one-on-one with adults who need help with upgrading, basic literacy skills or English as a Second Language. Family literacy and citizenship programs are also available.

Health Care

Medical services in the area revolve around the Drayton Valley Hospital and Health Centre. Opened in 1984, this 100-bed facility is equipped with 2 surgical suites, an obstetrical suite, full diagnostic capabilities and a 20 bed nursing home featuring a charming atrium. In addition there is a cancer clinic located onsite, and an Alzheimer's unit (Serenity House) adjacent to the hospital.

Other medical services include 11 doctors, 7 consulting specialists, 5 dentists, 2 chiropractors, several physiotherapists, an optometrist and two certified massage therapists. In addition to the health complex, there are 3 medical clinics, 2 dental clinics, a health unit and a denture clinic. Recently, a 2 bed dialysis unit opened to provide much needed service to kidney dialysis patients. Other medical services include 11 doctors, 7 consulting specialists, 5 dentists, 2 chiropractors, several physiotherapists, an optometrist and two certified massage therapists. In addition to the health complex, there are 3 medical clinics, 2 dental clinics, a health unit and a denture clinic. Recently, a 2 bed dialysis unit opened to provide much needed service to kidney dialysis patients.

Physicians intrested in working in Drayton Valley should check the RPAP physician recruitment website for new opportunities. In addition, the International Qualifications Assessment Service website compares educational qualifications from other countries to provincial educational standards.

Emergency Services

Fire Protection

Drayton Valley is served by a 30 member volunteer fire department, and has 2 pumper trucks, a 75 foot ladder truck, a rescue unit, a brush truck and a water tanker.

Brent Greer, Fire Chief

Tel: (780) 514.2216
Fax: (780) 514.2244

Ambulance Service

Drayton Valley is served by a crew of 7 full-time and 20 part-time members, responding in three ambulances on a 24-hour on call service.

Tel: (780) 514.5118

Police Services

Drayton Valley is served by a 12-member local detachment of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) along with a Community Constable.

Wendell Reimer, Staff Sergeant

 
Tel: (780) 542.4456

Community Services

Drayton Valley, being the largest trading centre in the region, provides a host of community services ranging from Employment counseling to Intervention services. Listed below are several community service groups in Drayton Valley. If you would like further information you can contact: Family & Community Support Services (FCSS)
 

  • Drayton Valley Association for Community Living

  • Pembina Crisis Connection Society

  • Family School Liaison Program

  • Drayton Valley & District Family & Community Support Services

  • Life Support Society of Drayton Valley & District

  • Drayton Valley Meals on Wheels

  • Drayton Valley Hospital Auxiliary

  • Santa's Anonymous

  • Drayton Valley Community Food Bank

  • Drayton Valley Health Services

  • Children of Chernobyl

  • Respect for Life Association

  • Suicide Prevention

  • Diabetic Support Group

  • Drayton Valley Multiple Sclerosis Society

  • Adult Literacy Project

  • Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Association

  • Al Anon

  • Alcoholics Anonymous

  • Narcotics Anonymous

  • BP Volunteers

  • Can Surmount

  • Gamblers Anonymous

  • Cardium Regional Victims Services Unit

  • Family Violence Institute

  • Youth Justice Committee

  • Brighter Futures

  • Alzheimer's Support Group


Community Organizations

The quality of life is truly enriched in our community through the large number of volunteer groups and associations "pulling together." Many major non-profit organizations participate in the growth and enhancement of our community and community activities. Drayton Valley is also home to a large number of cultural, historical and environmental associations and services, in addition to many service clubs, recreation and social clubs, fraternities and helping services. Refer to the Town of Drayton Valley office or the Drayton Valley Chamber of Commerce for further details on the many service organizations in our community.

Religious Facilities

Drayton Valley has thirteen community churches accommodating a wide number of faiths.

Climate

Month High (oC) Low (oC) Rain (mm) Snowfall (mm) Sunlight (avg. hrs.)

   January

-7.0

-16.0

1.7

252.0

8.0

   February

-6.0

-17.0

1.4

180.0

9.0

   March

1.0

-10.0

1.8

186.0

12.0

   April

11.0

-2.0

14.0

128.0

14.0

   May

18.0

4.0

49.5

47.0

16.0

   June

21.0

8.0

98.0

0.0

17.0

   July

24.0

11.0

106.0

0.0

16.0

   August

22.0

8.0

73.5

10.0

14.0

   September

17.0

4.0

46.3

16.0

12.0

   October

11.0

-1.0

13.3

95.0

10.0

   November

1.0

-9.0

3.0

202.0

8.0

   December

-7.0

-16.0

1.3

232.0

7.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Mean

7.6

- 2.6

29.3

96.3

10.2

   Max

24.0

11.0

106.0

252.0

17.0

   Min

-7.0

-17.0

1.3

0.0

7.0

Source: Environment Canada Climate Normals

Key Contacts

Moe Hamdon:          Town Mayor

Manny Deol:                  Town Manager

Nesan Naidoo:            Economic Development

Chandra Dyck:             Planning & Development

Ryan Edwards:            GIS Administrator

 

Elected Representative - Provincial

Diana McQueen, Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA)
Drayton Valley-Calmar Constituency
503a Legislature Building
10800 97 Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2B6

Tel: (780) 415.9466
Fax: (780) 422-0351

Elected Representative - Federal MP - Yellowhead

Rob Merrifield (Conservative) Parliamentary
House of Commons Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A6
Telephone: (613) 992-1653
Fax: (613) 992-3459
E-mail: merrifield.r@parl.gc.ca

Constituency Address

119 - 50th Street
PO Box 7887
Edson, Alberta T7E 1V9
Telephone: (780) 723-6068    1-800-268-7117
Fax: (780) 723-5060

Google Map

Drayton Valley, Alberta, Canada

Statistics

 

 

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