High River

Welcome

The Town of High River welcomes your interest in our community. Opportunity is abundant in High River, whether it be industrial, commercial, or residential.

High River is preparing for the future with a high quality of life and an impressive infrastructure. High River takes pride in our 'A Modern Town with A Western Tradition' theme. Nestled in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, residents enjoy the advantages of living in the country with close proximity to the City of Calgary.

Business Development in High River flourishes with commerical and industrial development from small businesses to chains and cottage industries. We encourage and promote economic activity within the High River trading area, supporting existing businesses and encouraging new companies and entrepreneurs to investigate what High River has to offer for economic growth.

We would like you to take the time to check out the many facilities and programs offered throughout the town. High River is a thriving vibrant community today and promises to be so in the future. We hope in reading this profile that you identify the Town of High River as a great place to live, play and do business.

Feel free to drop by our office at 309B Macleod Tr SW or the High River & District Chamber of Commerce Office at 317 Macleod Tr SW High River for more economic development and tourism information on our Community.

For more information about the Town of High River contact:

Town of High River 309B Macleod Trail SW High River, Alberta T1V 1Z5 Tel: (403) 652-2110 Fax: (403) 652-2396 E-mail: info@highriver.ca Web site: www.highriver.ca	Les Rempel Mayor Email: lrempel@highriver.ca
Harry Harker Town Manager Email: hharker@highriver.ca	Marilyn MacArthur Economic Development Manager Suite #102 – 120 4th Ave SE High River, AB Mailing Address: 309B Macleod Trail, High River AB T1V 1Z5 Email: mmacarthur@highriver.ca
John Lockhart Community Furtures HighwoodOkotoks, Alberta T1S 1B5 Tel: (403) 995-4151 Email: info@cfhighwood.net	Walter Valentini, Director Alberta Economic Development #300, 639 - 5th Avenue, SW Calgary, Alberta T2P 0M9 Tel: (403) 297-8920 Fax: (403) 297-6168 Email:walter.valentini@gov.ab.ca
Email:

Area Overview

The Town of High River is strategically located along Alberta's economic corridor on highway #2 (north & south), less than an hour (55 kilometers) south of Calgary with easy access to air, rail and connections to major highways (east & west).

The Town of High River has seen tremendous economic growth over the past decade. High River stands on its own as a thriving regional service center benefitting from the larger Calgary regional trade area.

Alberta's provincial economy has been a national leader for over two decades. The Town of High River enjoys this economic growth as well as the benefits from the proximity to the Calgary regional trade area.

• The lowest overall taxes in Canada
• No provincial sales tax
• No general capital or payroll taxes prevalent in other provinces and U.S. states
• A highly entrepreneurial and competive business community
• A fiscally responsible government that has eliminated its provincial debt, demonstrating to investors a business-like attitude of the government
• A highly skilled, educated and motivated workforce that is the most productive in Canada
• Over $103 billion in major capital projects are proposed, announced, under construction were recently completed (2004)
• Over $73.2 billion in international exports of goods and services (2004)
• Alberta's exports are expected to rise by 2.5% in real terms through 2007
• The consumer/household sector is estimated to remain robust to 2007 with spending to grow at 3.2% annully
• Alberta's average weekly earnings are only second to Ontario's

Source: Alberta Economic Development alberta-canada.com

According to the Conference Board of Canada the city of Calgary is expected to have the strongest growth of all cities. This rapid economic growth is expected until 2008 and will include the surrounding municipalities.

Construction Permit Values

Permits Value Commercial 2000 - $6,656,900.00 2001 - 4,320,348.00 2002 - 4,402,370.00 2003 - 3,465,500.00 2004 - 1,224,000.00 2005 - 5,478,900.00 2006 - 9,545,819.00 2007 - 7,099,144.00

Permits Value Industrial 2001 - $182,500.00 2002 - 996,000.00 2003 - 450,000.00 2004 - 420,000.00 2005 - 630,000.00 2006 - 6,475,000.00 2007 - 0.00

Permits Value Institutional 2000 - $180,000.00 2001 - 2,399,431.00 2002 - 4,278,500.00 2003 - 3,300,500.00 2004 - 1,500.00 2005 - 1,130,000.00 2006 - 3,768,745.00 2007 - 3,390,000.00

 

Town of High River Housing Starts

Single Family Dwelling = SFD
Multiple Family Dwelling = MFD

1987 - SFD - 10 - MFD - 2 = $851,400.00

1990 - SFD - 68 - MFD - 133 =$16,960,722.00

1993 - SFD - 51 - MFD - 64 = $11,145,476.00

1996 - SFD - 26 - MFD - 34 = $6,484,250.00

1999 - SFD - 102 -MFD -139 =$25,411,278.00

2000 - SFD - 83 - MFD - 108 = $21,224,139.00

2001 - SFD - 74 - MFD - 78 = $16,825,593.00

2002 - SFD - 81 - MFD - 134 = $23,136,160.00

2003 - SFD - 90 - MFD - 98 = $20,973,920.00

2004 - SFD - 91 - MFD - 61 = $17,754,920.00

2005 - SFD - 75 - MFD - 78 = $25,049,820.00

2006 - SFD 120 - MFD - 146 = $41,663,825.00

2007 - SFD 76 - MFD - 188 = $40,301,730.00

 

Over 100 years later, true to its roots, High River remains The Meeting Place. Now, High River meets the best of all worlds: agriculture and commerce, rural community values and modern lifestyles. A little to the west is the recreation and beauty of the Rockies, while a mere 30 minute drive north is Calgary, the economic and cultural centre of Alberta.

This is the place to visit and enjoy, a place to stop and to put down roots. A modern town with a western tradition, High River truly is the best of all worlds.

Many people choose to retire to High River, settling into one of a number of retirement complexes or affordable homes. Curling, golfing, and volunteering with community programs, shopping and visiting, keeps this group of High Riverites active.

Young families too are drawn to High River, secure in the knowledge that children are safe to play in any one of the numerous playgrounds, or take part in bowling, skating, swimming, day camps, library and museum programs.

Climate

The weather in High River is varied and pleasant. Sesonably moderate temperatures provide for many outdoor and recreational activities and a significant growing season. We are located in the chinook belt of Alberta, bringing warm winds throughout the winter that can change the temperature from freezing cold to balmy within a few hours.

Average Temperature

January
Maximum temperature -2.9 celcius
Minimum temperature -16.2
Mean temperature or - 8.9

July
Maximum temperature 23.3
Minimum temperature 8.6
Mean temperature 16.2

Annual Precipitation 416.8
Days of Sunshine 336.5
Wind Speed 16.6 km/h W and NW

Source: Environment Canada

For additional weather information contact: climate.weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca

Heritage Home in Sheppard Park

Community Services

The Town of High River communities and the High River Bob Snodgrass RecPlex have numerous facilities for all active High Riverites.  

Service Clubs

• High River Lions Club
• High River Masonic Organizations
• High River Rotary
• Independent Order of Oddfellows Association
• Kinsmen
• Knights of Columbus

• Baha'i Faith
• Christian Science Services
• Church of Jesus Crist of Latter-Day Saints
• Full Gospel Tabernacle
• High River Alliance Church
• High River Christian Women's Club
• Jehovah's Witnesses
• Good Sheperd Lutheran Church
• High River Baptist Church
• High River Christian Reformed Church
• High River Ministerial Association
• High River United Church
• New Hope Church
• The Salvation Army
• St. Benedict's Anglican Church
• St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church

     Recycling is at the west side of the parking lot at the Bob Snodgrass RecPlex.

• paper - standard white paper
• milk jugs - washed, with no lids
• magazines
• tins - clean and crushed
• cardboard - empty and flattened
• newspaper
• grass clippings and tree branches

High River is the administrative centre for the Municipal District of Foothills #31 which governs the rural areas and hamlets south of Calgary, Municipal Government Committees include:

• Airport Commission
• Ambulance Committee
• Assessment Review Board
• Development Appeal Board
• Disaster Services
• Family & Community Support Services
• Foothills Foundation Foothills
• Regional Services Committee
• Library Board
• Memorial Centre Board
• Municipal Planning Commission
• Municipal Policing Committee
• Museum Board
• Recreation Board

Community Lifestyle

Young and old alike enjoy the friendly country lifestyle surrounded by the beauty of the foothills and mountains, supporting the community businesses encouraging growth and prosperity for all.

January - Curling, Hockey, Bowling

February - Winter Sports, Family Day Events

March - Agricultural Society Auction, Fish and Wildlife Dinner, Figure Skating Carnival

April - Windmill Theatre Productions, High River Music Festival, Senior Pro Rodeo, Chamber of Commerce Trade Fair, Rotary Club Garage Sale

May - Little Britches Rodeo and Parade, Old Time Ranch Days

June - North American Chuckwagon Championships, Guy Weadick Rodeo, High River Otters Swim Meet

July - Canada Day Celebrations and Fireworks

August - High River Hockey School, Highland Games

September - Labour Day Golf Tournament, Charity Slow Pitch Tournament, Community Connections, High River & District Handicraft Guild, River City Classics - Show N Shine

October - Highwood Concert Series, Small Business Week

November - Arts Alive, Windmill Theatre Productions

December - Santa Claus Parade, Community Christmas Skating Party, Community Christmas Fair, Bull Busting Event

Regular Thursday Farmers Markets are held throughout the summer.

Accommodation

4 motels and 2 hotels in town and 4 bed and breakfasts

Heritage Inn Tel: (403) 652-3834	High River Motel Tel: (403) 652-4339
Foothills Motel Tel: (403) 652-1395	Smiley's Gateway Hotel Tel: (403) 652-1738
Super 8 Motel Tel: (403) 652-4448 Toll Free 1-866-831-8558	Ramada (opening soon)
Holiday Inn Express (under construction)

Restaurants

High River has many restaurants which provide a full range of dining experiences including Chinese food, deli, western and fast food.

A & W Restaurant Tel: (403) 601-3801

Beef N Brew Restaurant & Lounge Tel: (403) 652-2388

Canton Chinese Restaurant  Tel: (403) 652-3935

Carlson's on Macleod Tel: (403) 601-8774

Chris's on 5th Ave  Tel: (403) 652-3170

Colossi's Coffee House Tel:  (403) 652-2181

Domino's Pizza  Tel: (403) 601-3200

Evelyn's Memory Lane Cafe  Tel:  (403) 652-1887

Golden National Restaurant  Tel: (403) 652-4364

Heritage Inn Seasons Cafe & Eatery Tel: (403) 652-3834

High River Dairy Queen Tel: (403) 601-8420

High River Inn Restaurant Tel: (403) 652-7733

High River 2 for 1 Pizza Tel: (403) 652-2100

Hitchin Post Drive-In Tel: (403) 652-2966

Joey's Only Seafood Restaurant & Lounge Tel: (403) 601-2929

KFC Tel: (403) 652-3663

McDonald's Restaurant Tel: (403) 652-1919

My Pizza & Steak House & Lounge Tel: (403) 652-2262

P & H Family Restaurants Tel: (403) 601-3802

Picasso's Pizza Tel: (403) 652-5100

Pioneer Restaurant & Dining Lounge Tel: (403) 652-3016

Smitty's Restaurant & Lounge Tel: (403) 652-1350

South Fork Tel: (403) 652-3787

Subway Sandwiches & Salads Tel: (403) 652-2563

Sunshine Lake

Chuckwagon Races at Guy Weadick Rodeo

Day in George Lane Park

Highwood Golf Course

Little Britches Pardade

Little Britches Rodeo

Economic Base

High River has developed as a major service center for its surrounding district. Situated in the heart of the prosperous ranches and farms of southern Alberta, High River has drawn its major economic strength from agriculture. A good growing season and moderate climate contribute to the overall agricultural prosperity of this region. Not surprisingly, machinery dealerships, livestock services, major meat processing, bulk suppliers and a distillery (utilizing local agriculture produce) have located in High River. High River is also fortunate to have vast deposits of natural gas and petroleum in close proximity.

Demographics

2004 High River Characteristics

• Age 0 - 4 577 - (6.1%)
• Age 5 - 14 1294 - (13.6%)
• Age 15 - 19 630 - (6.6%)
• Age 20 - 24 402 - (4.2%)
• Age 25 - 44 2290 - (24%)
• Age 45 - 54 1271 - (13.3%)
• Age 55 - 64 1144 - (12%)
• Age 65 - 74 993 - (10.7%)
• Age 75 + 678 - (7.1%)

Total 9522

Source: 2004 Municipal Census Growth

• Average growth (15 years) = 4.49%
• Future Projections at Estimated Growth Factors
  * 2006 11,087 4% 11,518 6%
  * 2008 11.991 4% 12,942 6%
  * 2010 12.970 4% 14,542 6%

Based on 2004 Municipal Census data

Farm Size

Top five types of farms:

• cattle 45.4%
• misc specialty 24.2%
• grain Oilseed 11.6%
• filed crop 8.9%
• wheat 3.6%

As High River has grown in importance as a service center, a number of public services have located in the town. Today, a modern hospital, a full school system, agriculture and public health offices, the Municipal District of Foothills #31 and other administrative agencies have their headquarters in High River.

Local commerce has expanded with the town’s growth. Three small malls, a variety of unique shops, some well known retail chains and an extensive commercial section are patronized by residents, who prefer the convenience, quality and value that High River provides.

In April 2005, High River participated in a regional project to survey businesses to update the business directory hosted on AlbertaFirst.com and collect baseline data to identify industry structure and exporters in the Calgary Region. Over 700 businesses were contacted in High River by Highwood Business Development Corporation. For a detailed directory go to albertafirst.com/directory and search High River.

 

Retail & Services
• High River provides a variety of retail outlets and services for the community and surrounding area.
• High River is a retail and service center for approximately 30,000 people with a potential to reach the expansive Calgary trade market.
• The Town of High River has several key retail areas:

* High River has unique retail shops for local artisans, silversmiths, leatherworks, and art galleries.

 High River has recognized major retailers;

* Car dealerships (national & international)

High River Honda                                Country Chrysler

Ranchland Ford                                   High River Toyota

High River Autoplex & RV                     High Country Chevrolet & Oldsmobile Ltd

 

* Extra Foods

* Home Hardware

* Pharmasave

* Peavy Mart

* Sears

* Sobey's

* Shoppers Drug Mart

Real Estate Agencies

Century 21 Foothills Real Estate 609D Centre ST SE Tel: (403) 652-2121 21foothills.ca	J. Ross Real Estate 145 Macleod Tr SW Tel: (403) 652-4020 jrossrealestate.com
Re/Max Classic Realty Centre St & 3 Ave SE TEL: (403) 652-5555	Royal LePage Highwood Real Estate 311 1 St SW Tel: (403) 652-4222 royallepage.ca
CIR Realty Ltd. 618 Centre St SE Tel: (403) 652-3030 Fax: (403) 601-6316	Coldwell Banker South Realty 415 – 1 St SW Tel: (403) 652-3432 Fax: (403) 652-2218

 

shopping around town