Vermilion

Welcome

Nestled in the rolling hills of the Vermilion River Valley our community boasts a tantalizing array of activities for families of all ages. Winter or summer Vermilion caters to active and passive lifestyles with an amazing selection of opportunities for residents and visitors. Whether you would like to explore the past, turn your attention to the present or dream of the future, Vermilion is a community offering many possibilities.

Vermilion is firmly committed to economic development, with a high level of cooperation between the Town and business community. Our moderate land prices and new residential developments encourage easy and affordable relocation or start up for businesses large and small. If you're considering establishing or relocating a business in Vermilion, I invite you to contact the Town Office for a warm welcome and more helpful information.

Come for a day, a week or a lifetime, and experience the difference that we call Definitely Vermilion!

                                                                                        Sincerely,

                                                                                        Bruce Marriott, Mayor

Area Overview

The Town of Vermilion is said to have "Solid Roots and Strong Future". Vermilion has a population of 4,472 people and is a strong service centre to the agriculture industry, which is the primary economic base of Vermilion and region.

The central campus of Lakeland College is in Vermilion, as are the College's corporate offices. fire etc., located in Vermilion, annually provides some 317,000 training hours to emergency services personnel from across Canada and internationally. Lakeland College provides a skilled workforce for local businesses and career training & skills updating, geared to specific business and industry requirements.

Vermilion sustains a strong and diverse business community; from its agricultural service centre roots to other industrial and commercial operations, many related to the oil and gas industry. A shopping mall has further accommodated the demand for retail services. Vermilion is strategically located in the heavy oil fields, resulting in heavy crude oil exploration activity. The oil fields in Lloydminster, Cold Lake, Elk Point and Wainwright areas are accessible from Vermilion via Highway 16 and Highway 41.

Vermilion's community members enjoy a remarkable quality of life. Big city amenities like a well developed infrastructure and a range of services are available in this charming small town environment.  

Community Services

Municipal

Town of Vermilion
5021-49 Avenue
Vermilion, Alberta
T9X 1X1
Telephone: 780-853-5358
Fax: 780-853-4910

Municipal Library
5001-49 Avenue
Vermilion, Alberta
T9X 1B8
Telephone: 780-853-4288
Fax: 780-853-1783

Provincial

Advanced Education and Career Development
Agriculture
Fish and Wildlife
Parks and Recreation
Family and Social Services
Provincial Court
Labour
Transportation and Utilities

Federal

Canada Post Corporation
Agriculture
Farm Credit Corporation
Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Community Lifestyle

Recreation

Nestled in gently rolling agricultural country, Vermilion's recreational facilities cater to a wide range of lifestyles with a remarkable selection of opportunities for residents and visitors.

Vermilion Provincial Park is located within Town boundaries, and is among the largest provincial parks in Alberta. The park has approximately 23 km of hiking trails through the natural wilderness, as well as opportunities for watching more than 100 different species of birds. The man-made lake is a popular fishing spot for young and old alike. In the winter, the lake and trails are transformed into one of the best cross-country skiing locations in our region. Because the trails are located along the southern slope of the valley, they are protected from the destructive rays of the sun, allowing a longer season for some of our more internationally competitive athletes. The distinctive CN Station is a centre piece at the park, used as a ski chalet as well as for community gatherings. The park also has 6 soccer fields, 2 shale ball diamonds, a 5.4 acre trout pond and a new children's wading pool. There are 98 camping spots in the Park, some wheelchair accessible, as well as clean washrooms and group and day use areas.

Racquet ball, squash, tennis, gym and weight lifting are available to the community through Lakeland College. Other facilities include a 5 lane wheelchair accessible indoor swimming pool with sauna and whirlpool, a 2,500 seat hockey arena and 5-sheet curling rink, and 4 ball diamonds. Also, the Vermilion Golf and Country Club is a 9-hole course located 1 mile from town.

The Parks Recreation and Culture Department has a large range of recreation and leisure programs. Athletic programs include hockey, fast ball, slowpitch, soccer, basketball, volleyball, figure skating, in-line hockey, lacrosse, and cross country skiing. A Cultural Centre accommodates contemporary and ethnic dancing, painting, pottery, and karate lessons. The Vermilion Allied Arts Council is an active organization, coordinating a wide range of artistic endeavours by area residents. In particular, a popular annual performing arts series is conducted in the 450-seat Lakeland College Alumni Hall Theatre. The Seniors Citizen's Drop-In Centre provides leisure, entertainment and recreation for our senior citizens.

Community Organizations

• Royal Purple
• Elk's Lodge
• FOCUS Vermilion
• Royal Canadian Legion
• Vermilion & District Chamber of Commerce
• Kinsmen
• Rotary Club
• Lions Club
• Ag Society
• Masonic Lodge
• Horticultural Society
• Communities in Bloom
• Numerous sports clubs

Religious Services

• Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
• Faith Lutheran Church
• First United Church
• Glad Tidings Pentecostal Assembly
• Holy Name Catholic Church
• Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses
• Parkview Alliance Church
• St. Olga's Ukrainian Catholic Church
• St. Saviour's Anglican Church

Special Annual Events/Attractions

The Vermilion Heritage Museum features thematic displays illustrating the history of the area. Located in a beautifully restored school, the museum contains an extensive photographic collection, Indian artifacts, agricultural implements and other related artifacts from pioneer days. History is important in Vermilion. The historic downtown buildings are being restored to their former glory through a 5-year Alberta Main Street program.

Annual Events:
- Beckie Scott Loppet, Chamber of Commerce Farm Curl -- January
- Lakeland College Little Royal and Rodeo, Chamber of Commerce Home Show -- March
- Vermilion Music Festival, Art Show & Sale -- April
- Dance Festivals  Lakeland Runaway -- May
- Soccer Tournaments, Lakeland College Homecoming, Bucket Brigade Chili Challenge--June
- Vermilion Ag. Fair, Ladies' Golf Tournament -- July
- Men's Golf Tournament, Harvest Classic Soccer Tournament -- August
- Welcome Back College, High School Rodeo, Terry Fox Run -- September
- Lakeland College Fall Classic Rodeo -- October
- Candy Cane Countdown, Christmas Farmers' Market -- December

Hospitality

Accommodation

• Brunswick Motor Inn
• Ventura Motel
• Vermilion Hotel
• Super 8 Motel
• Alumni House, Lakeland College
• Vermilion Provincial Park (seasonal camping)

Restaurants

• A & W
• Brunswick Motor Inn
• White Swan Restaurant
• Kentucky Fried Chicken
• Kin's Restaurant
• Mau Lam Restaurant
• Pizza Hut
• Subway
• Nick's Family Restaurant
• Sammy's
• Co-op Cafe
• Tuscany Grill
• Peter's Restaurant

Economic Base

Agriculture is the primary regional industry with annual gross farm receipts of $80 million [1991] from sales of grains, oil seeds, beef cattle, hogs and dairy products. Vermilion has become a strong and effective service centre with support by grain elevators, machinery agents, farm supply distributors, Veterinary and Government services. The major grain buying companies are located on CN trackage along with the modern Vermilion Seed Cleaning Plant.

Heavy crude oil exploration development has found Vermilion to be strategically located. The oil fields in the Lloydminster, Wainwright, Cold Lake and Elk Point areas are easily accessible from Vermilion along the Yellowhead Highway #16 or Highway #41. The Lindbergh field is a short one-half hour drive away.

Economic Facts

Nilsson Brothers Livestock Exchange, located south of Highway 16, provides livestock auction services for the region with a 200 seat theatre and auction ring. The United Grain Growers of Alberta have recently set up a seed distribution centre [Proven Seed] in a facility on the town's eastern boundary with a high throughput grain elevator completed in 2000.

Major Businesses Products/Services

• Lakeland College [major employer] /Post-Secondary Education
• Vermilion Seed Cleaning Plant Seed Cleaning
• Nilsson Brothers Livestock Exchange Auction Services
• Agricore United Products Distribution Centre
• Alberta Wheat Pool Farm Products Distribution Centre
• Cargill Grain Company Farm Products
• George C. Webb & Sons [1980] Ltd. Farm Machinery and Fertilizer
• Agland Farm Machinery
• Ireland Farm Equipment Ltd. Farm Machinery
• Lakeland Implements Ltd. Farm Machinery
• United Farmers of Alberta Farm Products
• East Alta Co-op; Four retail outlets
• BlackWatch Energy Services Trust - Coil Tubing Division
• Rock Solid Nitrogen Services Ltd.
• Endeavor E-Line Services Inc.

Financial Institutions

• TD Canada Trust
• Scotiabank
• CIBC
• Vermilion Credit Union
• ATB Financial

Education

Vermilion is part of the Buffalo Trail Regional School Division #28, headquartered in Wainwright [telephone: 780-842-6144], and the East Central Alberta Catholic Separate School Regional Division #16, headquartered in Wainwright [telephone: 780-842-3992]. Vermilion is also the home of the School of Hope, a virtual school.

Daycare/Nursery

• Vermilion Playschool
• Lakeland College Daycare

Public

The public schools consist of a modern elementary and intermediate facility (Vermilion Elementary School) [K-6] and a newly renovated junior and senior high school (J.R. Robson High School) [7-12]. J.R. Robson won the attention of the computer industry when it became a pilot school for the Department of Education Career and Technology Services. As a result it has recently became an IBM demonstration school and test site for several software companies. In addition, the school's 90 personal computers are on a fibre-optic network linking to a software storehouse or server. The server set-up includes CD-ROM players and running encyclopedias. Future plans includes a link with Vermilion Elementary School and Lakeland College.

Separate

The Catholic separate school (St. Jerome's), which has also been recently renovated, is a complete grade school facility accommodating grades K-12. They accept the challenge of Christ, in cooperation with family and community. They commit themselves to quality education by responding to the needs of each student.

School of Hope

The School of Hope is a home based educational school under East Central Alberta Catholic Separate Schools Regional Division #16. It offers basic home schooling and online schooling to over 2200 students throughout the province and has 70 certificated teachers in its employ. All students and teachers work from their own homes.

Private

N/A

Emergency Services

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY, DIAL 911 FOR ASSISTANCE

Fire Protection

Vermilion is served by a 25-member volunteer fire department. fire etc. also has response vehicles and equipment available in case of emergencies.

Contact:    Fire Department Office
                  5010 Railway Avenue
                  (780) 853-5883

Police Services

Vermilion is served by a local detachment of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police [RCMP]. The RCMP are also dedicated to offering a full range of services centred around community-based policing.

Contact:    RCMP Office
                  5115 - 50 Avenue
                  Administration Info     (780) 853-4441
                  Complaints (24 hrs)   (780) 853-5781
                  Victims Services        (780) 853-2839

Ambulance Services -

Praire Emergency Medical Systems Inc. provides service to Vermilion.

Contact:    Prairie EMS Office
                  4911 - 47 Avenue
                  (780) 853-9851

Health Care

The Town of Vermilion is served by the Vermilion Health Care Complex, which has 39 acute care beds and 65 long care beds. It is a fully modern facility with an operating theatre, extended care, intensive care paediatrics, maternity, medical laboratory, emergency, palliative care and physiotherapy services. The Complex is an Edmonton Grey Nuns Hospital affiliate.

Other medical facilities include the Minburn-Vermilion Health Unit, 3 medical clinics, 6 doctors, 1 surgeon, 1 optometrist, 2 dentists, 2 chiropractors, and 1 nursing home. Facilities for seniors include 1 senior citizens lodge and 3 senior housing complexes.

Key Contacts for Business Development

Municipal

Bruce Marriott - Mayor
Town of Vermilion
5021 - 49 Avenue
Vermilion, AB     T9X 1X1
Phone: 780-853-5358

Robert Watt
Town Manager
5021- 49 Avenue
Vermilion, AB    T9X 1X1
tel:     (780) 853-5358
fax:    (780) 853-4910

Shelley Griffith
Community Economic Development Coordinator
5021 - 49 Avenue
Vermilion AB     T9X 1X1
tel:     (780) 853-5358
fax:    (780) 853-1799

Vermilion & District Chamber of Commerce
4606 - 52 Street
Vermilion AB T9X 0A1
tel:     (780) 853-6593

Provincial

Alberta Finance & Enterprise
Box 412
Room 308, Provincial Building
5025 - 49 Avenue
St. Paul, Alberta
T0A 3A4
Tel: 780-645-6358
Fax: 780-645-6241
Cathy Goulet, Director, St. Paul Region
Maryann Robinson, Client Service Representative


President of Treasury Board
Minister of Service Alberta
Minister Responsible for Personnel Administration Office
Honourable Lloyd Snelgrove
MLA, Vermilion-Lloydminster

Constituency Office                                        Legislature Office
5036 - 49 Avenue                                           204 Legislature Building  
Vermilion, AB    T9X 1B7                               10800 - 97 Avenue 
tel:     (780) 853-4202                                    Edmonton, AB    T5K 2B6
fax:    (780) 853-5770                                     tel:    (780) 415-4855
Toll Free: 1 (800) 567-7644                          fax:   (780) 415-4853

Federal

Leon Benoit
Member of Parliament [MP]
Vegreville-Wainwright Constituency

Parliamentary Address
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6
Telephone: (613) 992-4171
Fax: (613) 996-9011
E-Mail: Leon Benoit

Constituency Address
5004 - 49th Street, Professional Building, P.O. Box 300
Mannville, Alberta
T0B 2W0
Telephone: (780) 763-6130 or toll free 1-800-463-1194
Fax: (780) 763-6132

Location

The Town of Vermilion is located in the County of Vermilion River, at the intersection of Highway 16 [Yellowhead Highway] and Highway 41 [Buffalo Trail]. The Yellowhead is Canada's northern Trans Canada Highway and Highway 41 is the north/south highway linking Cold Lake to Medicine Hat. Vermilion is 193 km east of Edmonton, 91 km east of Vegreville, and 61 km west of Lloydminster.

Post Secondary Education

Vermilion is home to Lakeland College, which welcomes 800 students every fall. The College is Canada's first interprovincial college [Alberta-Saskatchewan], and offers more than 20 career programs. It has become a major centre for Agricultural and Apprenticeship Training programs. In addition to courses in Business Administration, Secretarial Arts, Veterinary Assistance Studies and Property appraisal, the college's Interior Design diploma program has recently been accredited and draws students from great distances. Lakeland College is presently involved in international training and is open to developing new customized programs to serve business and industry. New student residences can house 450 students.

Vermilion is home to fire etc. Emergency Training Centre, Canada’s most comprehensive emergency services training organization. Short-term courses range from fire investigation and dangerous goods control to industrial, municipal, wild land and airport fire fighting. As much as possible, training integrated to optimize and coordinate the response efforts of agencies such as police, security, medical, public works, and fire services. fire etc. also provides consulting services in all aspects of risk management and emergency preparedness to a national and international clientele. fire etc. tours are available at scheduled times from April through October. They highlight the outdoor training field and props used to simulate residential, industrial and aircraft fires as well as for various types of emergency response including hazardous goods, trench rescue, high angle rescue, and vehicle extrication. Tours also take in the apparatus and equipment bays, laboratories illustrating various sprinkler systems, and the emergency operations centre. A gift shop (open year-round, limited hours of operation) features souvenir clothing, giftware and novelty items.

Taxation

	Residential/Farmland	Non-Residential
2007 - Detailed
Municipal Mill Rate	9.464	12.464
Education - Alberta School Foundation Fund Mill Rate	3.7656	5.2615
Education Opted Out Mill Rate	3.7656	5.2615

Tax Rate [2007] Combined

• Residential                           13.2296 (mills) 
• Non-Residential                  17.7255 (mills)
• Machinery & Equipment     12.4640 (mills)

Transportation

Air Service

The Vermilion Municipal Airport is a paved, lighted, year round facility with a 3,300 foot runway for Runway 10 and 2200 foot runway for Runway 28. The airport is within walking distance to the town.

Rail Service

Vermilion is served by a Canadian National Railways secondary main line.

Highways

Connecting highways are Highway 16 [Yellowhead Highway] east-west, and Highway 41[Buffalo Trail] north-south.

Trucking Firms

• Flint Energy Services Ltd.
• Cumac Holdings Ltd.
• Everest Trucking Ltd.
• Southview Trucking Ltd.
• B & R Eckel's Transport Ltd.
• Rosenau Transport Ltd.

Bus Services

Greyhound Bus Lines offers regularly scheduled service seven days a week with 7 connections east & connections west.

Couriers and Taxis

DHL, Purolator, Canpar, UPS, Greyhound Courier Express. Local taxi service in Vermilion is provided by BC Taxi, Town and Country Taxi  

Utilities

Electrical Power

Atco Electric Ltd.
4901 - 50 Avenue
Vermilion, Alberta
Telephone: 1-800-668-2248

Natural Gas

Atco Gas
4905 - 50 Avenue
Vermilion, Alberta
Telephone: 1-888-511-7550

Telephone

Telus
Telephone: 310-7353

Water Supply

Water is supplied from two water wells 120 feet deep into an aquifer. Pumping capacity at each well is 800 igpm to a Water Treatment Plant. The plant filters out iron and manganese, then chlorinates and fluoridates the water before discharging it, at a similar rate, into the distribution system. The water is highly mineralized. The Town has 1.2 million gallons of treated water storage.

Waste Management

Sewage is collected in a mechanical "extended aeration" plant and after treatment is allowed to flow into a backup lagoon system and then into the Vermilion River. Both plants operate under the monitor and standards of Alberta Environment. The existing facilities are to service a population of 5,000.

Garbage is collected weekly in the residential areas and daily in the commercial areas. Container service is available to commercial and industrial users. Currently waste is disposed of in a controlled modified landfill site 1 km from town limits. Starting in June 2003 waste will be disposed of through the Vermilion River Regional Waste Management Authority transfer station. The town operates a recycling facility, which handles newsprint, cardboard, all plastic and metal cans.

Population

Total Population 1991-2001

Vermilion Population by Age Group (2001)

Education Statistics

Vermilion Highest Level of Schooling 2001

Labour Force

Vermilion Labour Force By Industry - 2001

Income

Family Expenditure

Vermilion Family Expenditures (1996)

Building Permits

Total Housing Starts

Value of Building Permits

Dwellings

Projects

Summary of Projects in Vermilion as of September 2008

Value of Projects by Sector (as of September 2008)

Largest Projects in Vermilion as of September 2008