Welcome

Carbon: The Village in the Valley

Nestled in the Kneehill Creek Valley, this small community has much to offer its residents and visitors. Recreational facilities, unique shopping opportunities, and friendly people - it's all here.

Campgrounds, Art Gallery, Etc.

For information about our municipal campgrounds, recreation facilities, community events, and tourist attractions, please visit the "Community Lifestyle" page.

Village Council Information

• Land Use By-Law
• Land Use By-Law Map
• Development Permit Application Form

Affiliations

The Village of Carbon is a proud member of:

• Community Futures Wild Rose
• Canadian Badlands Tourism
• Palliser Regional Municipal Services
• Kneehill Regional Family & Community Support Services
• Drumheller & District Solid Waste Management

Area Overview

The Village of Carbon
Carbon is a clean picturesque village with paved, quiet streets lined with trees. An abundance of services are available either in the municipality or within a half hour's drive to nearby Three Hills or Drumheller make the village an excellent choice for retirement, starting a business or raising a family.

Several gas plants are located in the area and the local economy remains stable with the assistance of several large employers. Developed recreational facilities also lend to the landscape of Carbon.

History
Ranch settlement in the Carbon district began in the late 1800's. At the time, coal mines were already operating in the region, and they continued to operate until the late 1950's.

The Carbon district has a very colorful and interesting history. Ranching, farming and coal mining were the major activities of the early non-native inhabitants. The name Carbon was suggested by L.D. Elliot, an area rancher, and was adopted for the new post office opened on October 1, 1904. The Village was incorporated in 1912.

ALBERTA, THE BEST PLACE TO WORK, LIVE AND DO BUSINESS

The province of Alberta is a leader in the Canadian economy. Alberta has had the fastest growing economy in Canada over the past two decades, with real GDP growth averaging 3.7 percent per year. Highlighting Alberta's success in the past year is:

• Over $73.2 billion in international exports of goods and services (2004)
• Manufacturing shipments of $52.6 billion (2004)
• Creation of 40,000 new jobs in 2004 and 433,900 between 1994 and 2004
• Over $103 billion in major capital projects are proposed, announced, under construction or recently completed (2004)

Source: Alberta Economic Development

Alberta's Positive Business Climate

• 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 competitive business community
• A fiscally responsible government that has eliminated its provincial debt, demonstrating to investors the business-like attitude of the government
• A highly skilled, educated and motivated workforce that is the most productive in Canada.

Source: Alberta Economic Development

Location

Located in the Big Country Tourist Zone, 41 km west of Drumheller and 120 km northeast of Calgary.

Connecting highways include Highway 21, leading north to Trochu and south to the Trans Canada Highway No. 1, and Secondary Highway 575, leading west to Acme and east to Drumheller. Secondary Road 836 runs through Carbon, leading to Highway 9 east to Drumheller, and southwest to Highway 1.

LONGITUDE & LATITUDE

Latitude: 51 degrees 18'N
Longitude: 112 degrees 57'W


Map of Alberta.

Map of Carbon's Location.

PROXIMITY TO OTHER LOCATIONS

It is important to note that time required is calculated based on 'ideal' traffic and weather conditions.

**Distance is measured from city centre to city centre**

Economic Base

Equipped with all the necessities, Carbon is proud to offer a grocery store, two restaurants, two banks, two churches, a hotel, a hair salon, an insurance agency, a convenience store, a laundromat, and much, much, much more.

Agriculture

An abundance of productive farmland, clean air and water make Carbon an attractive place to live and operate a business. The economic base in the Wild Rose area consists of agriculture (wheat, barley, oats, potatoes, canola, rye, flax, hay, beef and dairy cattle, poultry and hogs), agribusiness (feed and fertilizer production), greenhouses, oil and gas, and construction.

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Economic Facts

OCCUPANCY/SUPPLY

A new residential development is being planned for the east side of the village. A great opportunity to develop beautiful lots in the valley.

For information on lots please contact Village Office. Telephone: (403) 572-3244

WORKERS COMPENSATION

Average cost per $100 payroll in Manufacturing: $3-$4
Average cost per $100 payroll in Office Work: $.40
Maximum weekly benefit $1,176.92
For additional details on the program see:Workers Compensation Board

EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE

55% of your average insurable earnings to a maximum of $413 per week.

For additional information on the program see:Employment Insurance Information for employers

RESEARCH BASE

Being a close neighbor of the City of Calgary, companies located in Carbon have access to a broad range of research facilities located in an around the City. For additional information on the following research facilities, simply click on the name to access the link.

• Alberta Research Council
• Calgary Technologies Inc.
• Edmonton Economic Development Corporation
• Food Processing Development Centre
• TRLabs
• WurcNet

FURTHER IN-DEPTH INFORMATION

• Municipal Profiles developed by Alberta's Ministry of Municipal Affairs
• Alberta - A Wealth of Opportunity developed by Alberta Economic Development
• Alberta Economic Highlights developed by Alberta Economic Development
• Alberta Economic Outlook developed by Alberta Economic Development
• Alberta Export and Trade developed by Alberta Economic Development
• Tourism Reports developed by Alberta Economic Development
• Alberta Finance Statistics also contains much information which may be useful.

Utilities

ELECTRICITY and NATURAL GAS

... are deregulated in Alberta. The Alberta government provides a Web site to provide information to assist consumers to choose the appropriate provider for their residence or business. To learn more about electrical or natural gas providers visit Customer Choice

Electrical Power:

FortisAlberta

Natural Gas:

Direct Energy Services

COMMUNICATIONS

Cable Television:
Persona

Telephone:
Telus Communications

Internet Service:
Wildrose Internet Services

Internet Service:
eFirehose

LOCAL/REGIONAL NEWSPAPERS:

• The Three Hills Capital
• The Drumheller Mail
• The Valley Times
• The Calgary Herald
• The Calgary Sun

WATER SUPPLY

The Kneehill Regional Water Line competed in September 2005, originates in Drumheller and servicing the communities of Carbon, Acme, Beiseker, Irricana and Linden. Alberta’s commitment to water resources is three-fold: a safe, secure drinking water supply, healthy aquatic ecosystems, and reliable, quality water supplies for a sustainable economy. Alberta Environment has developed water programs that include studying, monitoring and testing of water sources. They have established guidelines to ensure quality standards for the many uses of water, and programs to protect ecosystems and enforce regulations.

Alberta has the most stringent drinking water program in the country and was one of the first provinces to fully adopt the Canadian Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality as a minimum standard. Alberta Environment strives for continuous improvement in its program and works closely with Alberta Health and Wellness to ensure Albertans continue to enjoy high-quality drinking water.

WASTE MANAGEMENT

Sewage treatment is provided by a lagoon consisting of 2 short and 3 long detention ponds.

Industrial, commercial and residential garbage is collected weekly.

For information on Alberta regulations for water and waste water please visit Alberta Environment

Taxation

Mill Rate	2004	2005
Residential	20.773	20.223
Commercial	28.193	27.530

Transportation

AIR SERVICES

The nearest airport is at Three Hills, 25 km north of Carbon and Beiseker, 20 km west of Carbon.

The nearest commercial and air freight services are at Calgary International Airport.

• 94 km drive from Carbon.
• For a listing of non-stop passenger destinations visit Passenger Non-stop Destinations.

HIGHWAYS

Located in the Big Country Tourist Zone, 41 km west of Drumheller and 120 km northeast of Calgary.

Connecting highways include Highway 21, leading north to Trochu and south to the Trans Canada Highway No. 1, and Secondary Highway 575, leading west to Acme and east to Drumheller. Secondary Road 836 runs through Carbon, leading to Highway 9 east to Drumheller, and southwest to Highway 1.

For manufacturers and producers who need assistance to determine the most cost-effective and efficient transportation method, AlbertaPORT provides a "virtual" gateway to assist with transportation logistics at www.alberta-canada.com/altaport/.

BUS SERVICE

Regularly scheduled bus service is provided to Carbon by Greyhound Canada 1-800-661-8747.

POSTAL & COURIERS

Canada Post, Purolator, UPS and FedEx all provide delivery services To Chestermere. Canada Post fills a vital need in the region providing cost-effective and timely mail delivery. In its mission to provide innovative physical and electronic delivery solutions creating value for its customers, Canada Post works with its business customers to ensure their mail communication needs are achieved.

In 2001, Canada Post received an on-time, combined service performance score of 96.4% on properly prepared letter mail.

For more information on service in Carbon contact:Canada Post,Purolator,UPS & FedEx.

Community Lifestyle

RECREATION

Local recreation facilities include two serviced campgrounds, parks, playgrounds, swimming pool, outdoor skating rink, two baseball diamonds, curling rink and tennis/basketball courts. There are also nature/walking trails which provide a scenic stroll along Kneehill Creek.

• Carbon Municipal Campgrounds
  Open May through September 30. Carbon Main Campground has 19 power, water, and sewer sites, and 3 power/water sites. Carbon East has 17 power/water sites. A shower house and sewage disposal is located at both the Main and East Campground, and all users may use these services. Reservations recommended at (403) 572-3244.
  
  Rates for 2009 season: P/W/S - $25 per night. P/W $22 per night. Tenting $12. GST included.
  
  Main Campground Map. East Campground Map.
  
  
• Ball Diamonds (2)
  Phone (403) 572-3244 for bookings.
• Tennis/Basketball Court
• Carbon Community Centre
  This airconditioned facility is open year round for weddings, parties or other special events. Phone (403) 572-3267 for bookings.
• Carbon Curling Rink
  Open October to March. Facility also available year-round to rent for private functions. Phone (403) 572-3533 or (403) 572-3244.
• Carbon Outdoor Skating Rink
  Open November through February/March, weather permitting. Phone (403) 572-3244 for scheduling.
• Carbon Outdoor Swimming Pool
  Open May long weekend to Labour Day. Phone (403) 572-0006 for scheduling and lesson information.
• Carbon Municipal Library
  Open Tuesday - 6pm to 9pm, Wednesday - 6pm to 9pm, Thursday - 9am to 3:30pm and Saturday - 9am to 2pm. Located on the back side of the Community Centre.
• New Horizons Drop-In Centre
  Facility open year round to adults.

Education

Carbon is part of the Golden Hills School Division #75 headquartered in Strathmore
(Tel: 403-934-5121).

Carbon School
... provides education for Grades K to 12. Elementary and junior high school special education programs are available."http://carbon.ghsd75.ca"

Daycare/Nursery

Local dayhome facilities are available.

Post Secondary

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Adult continuing education and upgrading programs are available from the Big Country Educational Consortium in Drumheller. Carbon residents also have access to post-secondary education facilities in the nearby cities of Olds, Red Deer and Calgary.

For information on Educational Opportunities in close proximity to Carbon visit the corresponding websites:

• University of Calgary
  Tel: 403-220-5110
  www.ucalgary.ca
• Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
  Tel: 403-284-7248
  www.sait.ab.ca
• Mount Royal
  Tel: 403-240-6111
  www.mountroyal.ab.ca
• Alberta College of Art and Design
  Tel: 403-284-7600
  www.acad.ab.ca
• Devry Canada
  Tel: 403-235-3450 www.devry.ca
• Olds Agricultural College
  Tel: 1-800-661-6537 or 403- 556-8281
  www.oldscollege.ab.ca/
• Red Deer Junior College
  Tel: 403- 342-3300
  www.rdc.ab.ca/

Distant Leaning

• Athabasca University
  Tel: 403-263-6465
  www.athabascau.ca

OTHER EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES within close proximity are:

Prairie Bible Institute offers a wide range of programs, including ministry, aviation, drama, wilderness leadership and music, to students from over 20 countries around the world. Students can earn a one-year certificate or a four-year degree.

Covenant Bible College is an eight-month program of Christian discipleship. The Strathmore campus is one of three campuses, with the other two located in Colorado and Ecuador.

Rosebud School of the Arts offers a unique blend of practical and theoretical training in the performing arts. In addition to the arts program, Rosebud provides apprenticeship programs in the hospitality industry.

Health Care

Carbon belongs to the David Thompson Regional Health Authority.

Hospital and medical services are available in Three Hills and Drumheller, where there are hospitals, several doctors, a health unit, dental clinic, optometrist and chiropractor as well as counselling services.

The Village's ambulance service from Three Hills and Linden, coupled with the STARS air ambulance, is ready for any emergency.

Carbon Wellness Centre Offers:

• Chiropractic
• Foot Care
• Well Baby Clinic
• Massage Therapy

Emergency Services

FIRE PROTECTION

Carbon is served by a local volunteer fire department (Tel: 911).

POLICE SERVICES

Emergency: 911
Non-Emergency Dispatch 24 Hrs: (403) 823-2630
Big Country Victim Services: (403) 823-4233
Carbon is served by the Drumheller detachment of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police [RCMP] (Tel: 911).

AMBULANCE SERVICES

Local ambulance service is available (Tel: 911).
Kneehill Ambulance Society

HOSPITAL

Emergency: 911
Non-Emergency: (403) 823-6500 (Drumheller)
Non-Emergency: (403) 443-2444 (Three Hills)

POISON CENTER

Call: 1-800-332-1414

Community Services

Village of Carbon

Contact the Village Office for information, including bylaw enforcement, the cemetary, development, subdivison, building regulation, village maintenance, public works and general inquiries.

Box 249
Carbon, Alberta
T0M 0L0

Tel: 403-572-3244
Fax: 403-572-3778
Email:admincarbon@wildroseinternet.ca

Community Futures Wild Rose

Community Futures Wild Rose is a user-friendly business development centre, entrepreneurial development centre, career and employment centre, and a key partner in community economic development in the Wild Rose Region.

PO Box 2159            Tel: (403) 934-6488
Strathmore, AB        Toll free: (888) 881-9675
T1P 1K2                   Fax: (403) 934-6492          Web: www.cfwildrose.ca

Other Community Services

Hospital
Emergency: 911
Non-Emergency: (403) 823-6500 (Drumheller)
Non-Emergency: (403) 443-2444 (Three Hills)

Ambulance
Kneehill Ambulance Services - Emergency: 911

Fire
Emergency: 911
Carbon Volunteer Fire Department

Police
Emergency: 911
Non-Emergency Dispatch 24 Hrs: (403) 823-2630
Big Country Victim Services: (403) 823-4233

Poison Centre
Call: 1-800-332-1414

Carbon School
Principal: Dave Stewart
Grades: ECS to Grade 12
Phone: (403) 572-3401
Web site: carbon.ghsd75.ca

Carbon Playschool Association
Parent supervisors, as well as one teacher. Playschool encourages children to get along with others and provide learning experiences.

Carbon Municipal Library
Margaret Deem
Phone: (403) 572-3440

Carbon Baptist Church
Phone: (403) 572-3515

Carbon United Church
Phone: (403) 572-3502

Canada Post Corporation
Phone: (403) 572-3640

Carbon Wellness Centre
Offers chiropractic, foot care, well baby clinic, and massage therapy.

Climate

Current Temperature

AVERAGE TEMPERATURE

January
Maximum temperature = -6.3 Celcius
Minimum temperature = -16.7 Celcius

July
Maximum temperature = 23.5 Celcius
Minimum temperature = 9.9 Celcius

Annual percipitation = 431.9 mm

Source: Environment Canada

Key Contacts

Village of Carbon

Box 249
Carbon, Alberta
T0M 0L0

Telephone: 403-572-3244
Facsimile: 403-572-3778
Email: admincarbon@wildroseinternet.ca

Mayor: Shirley D. Buyer
Cheif Administrative Officer : Debra Grosfield
Deputy Mayor: Valorie Reed
Councillors: Dan Pedersen, Grant Webster, Brian McHugh

Assistant Administrator: Mary Crowe
Public Works Foreman: Jim Pears

Assistant Public Works: Shayla Barrett

Community Futures Wild Rose

Community Futures Wild Rose is a user-friendly business development centre, entrepreneurial development centre, career and employment centre, and a key partner in community economic development in the Wild Rose Region. Specific services we provide include:

• Fully repayable business loans up to $150,000
• Free job posting service with in-office paper job board and online job bank
• Career counselling and job search assistance including resume and cover letter preparation assistance
• Free internet and computer access, plus access to printing and photocopying
• Small business training through the Self Employment Program and free and low cost business seminars via tele-conferencing

PROVINCIAL

Alberta Economic Development
2rd Floor, Provincial Building
4920 - 51 Street
Red Deer, Alberta, T4N 6K8
Tel: 403-340-5300
Fax: 403-340-5231
Andre Tremblay, Regional Manager
Email: andre.tremblay@gov.ab.ca
Dawna Allard, Regional Development Officer
Email:dawna.allard@gov.ab.ca
Lisa Houle, Regional Project Officer
Email:lisa.houle@gov.ab.ca

Jack Hayden
Member of the Legislative Assembly [MLA]
Drumheller-Stettler Constituency
#610 Legislature Annex
9718 107 Street
Edmonton, Alberta, T5K 1E4
Tel: 780-427-1148
Fax: 780-415-0951

FEDERAL

Kevin Sorenson Member of Parliament [MP]
Crowfoot Constituency
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0A6
Tel: 613-947-4608
Fax:613-947-4611

Constituency Office:
Box 308
Killam, Alberta, T0B 2L0
Tel: 780-385-7080
Fax: 780-385-7083