Foremost
http://www.foremostalberta.com
Welcome
As the Mayor of the Village of Foremost, I would like to extend a welcome to our community on behalf of Village Council. This is a small but dynamic community with a wide variety of amenities. We are very proud of the recreational and cultural activities available here, and invite you to visit our village and see for yourself what we have to offer.
A broad range of businesses provide residents and visitors with services they would otherwise have to travel to larger centres for. Groceries, clothing, hardware, farm supplies and services are all available, as well as beauty salons, a fitness centre, banking services, a craft store and a post office. Accommodations and restaurants are also readily available.
Our community's economic base is farming, with many generations of families continuing to operate successful farming operations. This provides for a steady population in our area.
Foremost is a very family-oriented community with an award winning school, which caters to Kindergarten to Grade 12 students. Foremost School has been the recipient of the Overall Excellence Award for non-selective schools, an award presented by The Fraser Institute. The Village offers hockey, figure skating, curling, swimming, exercise classes, the Wayside Campground and community groups for young and old. The yearly rodeo and Spring and Fall theatrical productions are looked forward to by everyone. The Village of Foremost is in close proximity to such major parks as Writing-on-Stone, Forty Mile Park, Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, and the Red Rock Coulee Natural Area.
If you are passing through or making our community your home, I welcome you and trust that you will enjoy your time with us.
Yours truly,
Ken Kultgen, Mayor
Village of Foremost
You may also tour our community on our website www.foremostalberta.com.
Area Overview
Foremost offers a small town atmosphere, with big city appeal.
The Village of Foremost is located 110 km (68 miles) east of Lethbridge on the Red Coat Trail, Highway 61, and 102 km (63 miles) southwest of Medicine Hat in the County of Forty Mile No. 8. The community was established as an agricultural service centre in 1913 and incorporated as a Village in 1950. Its current population is 524, and it serves as a trading centre for more than 2,000 people.
Foremost means "first" or "at the leading point" and was named by the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) in 1913 when the railroad was brought from Lethbridge. Once established as a township by the Alberta Government the entrepreneurial nature of Foremost’s residents became apparent. Within months a number of businesses opened: 2 general stores, a pool hall, a restaurant, carpenter shop, drug store, livery barn, hardware store, the start of two grain elevators and four residences; then, soon to follow, a Town Hall and a Post Office.
The Alberta Advantage
Doing business in Alberta definitely carries with it a number of advantages. Over the past five years, Alberta had the highest average rate of economic growth in Canada at 3.8% per year. Alberta's exports of goods and services more than tripled between 1998 and 2008 to $118.7 billion. Alberta has had a rapidly growing manufacturing base. Between 1998 and 2008, manufacturing shipments more than doubled to $70.1 billion. One of the greatest triggers to Alberta’s success is its dedication to invest in itself. Investment in Alberta’s economy was $24,262 per capita in 2008, more than double the national average.
Alberta's average unemployment rate in 2008 was the lowest in Canada at 3.6%.
Location
The Village of Foremost is located in the County of Forty Mile No. 8, in southeast Alberta.
Proximity to Other Locations
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Location
|
Distance from Foremost
|
|
|
Kilometres
|
Miles
|
|
Lethbridge
|
100
|
60
|
|
Medicine Hat
|
102
|
63
|
|
Calgary
|
325
|
202
|
|
Edmonton
|
620
|
385
|
|
Coutts – 24 hour US Border Crossing
|
88
|
55
|
|
Port Vancouver, Canada
|
1610
|
1000
|
|
Spokane, USA
|
850
|
528
|
|
Seattle, USA
|
1390
|
864
|
The Village of Foremost has recently added on a new subdivision consisting of 16 beautiful lots. The Village is also in the process of developing an Industrial subdivision. Call the Village Office for more information (403) 867-3733.
The new subdivision backs the beautiful 18-hole Foremost Golf Course. For any inquiries please contact the Village Office.
Economic Base
The major economic strength in the Foremost area is agriculture. Products made in the area include wheat, barley, rye, flax, canola, oats, peas, beef cattle, hogs, and poultry. There is a total of 1.75 million acres of farm land in the region and approximately 10% is irrigated. Within Foremost there are a number of agricultural service companies from seed cleaning to grain hauling to assist in any agricultural production needs.
The following outlines agricultural production in the Foremost Region (County of Forty Mile No. 8):
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Crops by Acres
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Livestock and Poultry
|
|
Wheat
|
432,306
|
Cattle
|
79,314
|
|
Oats
|
14,356
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Pigs
|
48,446
|
|
Barley
|
70,003
|
Sheep/Lambs
|
670
|
|
Mixed Grains
|
1,330
|
Chickens/Hens
|
199,722
|
|
Rye
|
3,674
|
|
|
|
Alfalfa
|
30,010
|
|
|
|
Canola (Rapeseed)
|
20,058
|
|
|
|
Dry Field Peas
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60,125
|
|
|
|
Lentils
|
2,799
|
|
|
(Source: Census of Agriculture, 2006)
Resources available locally include natural gas, coal, and oil. Based in the Palliser Region, there is business potential in the following areas: agri-food, chemicals/rubber and plastics, defence, energy, engineering and construction, metal fabrication and machinery, non-metallic minerals, technology and tourism/entertainment (Source: Palliser Economic Partnership).
Natural Resources/Research
The Crop Diversification Centre South (CDC), based in Brooks Alberta, has a Field Station in the County of Forty Mile. The CDC’s mandate is to promote the development and growth of crop diversification in Alberta through applied research and technology transfer.
The Defence Research and Development Canada Suffield station conducts research in two main areas. The first area is military engineering, mobility systems and weapons system evaluation, and the second is surrounding the defence of chemical and biological warfare.
Economic Facts
Major Businesses Products/Services
Foremost has a number of businesses that many communities of the same size do not have access to without having to travel. Therefore, residents and business owners are able to support one another by shopping within the Village. Foremost also has a significant amount of service companies for both the agricultural and oil and gas industries. To view Foremost’s Business Directory click on the following link: Foremost Business Directory.
Financial Institutions
RBC Royal Bank
120 Main Street
Tel: (403) 867-5106
Alberta Treasury Branch (ATB Financial)
201 Main Street
Tel: (403) 867-2072
Utilities
Electrical Power
EPCOR
Tel: 310-4300
Natural Gas
ATCO
119 Railway Avenue West
Bow Island, Alberta T0K 0G0
Tel: (403) 545-2927
Telephone
Telus Communications Inc.
Box 610, 804 - 4th Avenue South
Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 3Z4
Tel: (403) 310-2255
Water Supply
The Village drinking water is obtained from three artesian wells. The well water is very soft with high contents of fluoride and soda. The well water should not be used for house plants or for extended use on lawns and/or gardens. Foremost has an irrigation system which is designed to provide water for residential lawns and gardens. For more information, contact the Village Office at 301 Main Street (403-867-3733).
Waste Management
Sewage treatment is provided by a series of lagoons.
Garbage is picked up and hauled to the refuse grounds. A Recycling Trailer is located in the Village, which accepts plastic, paper and metal products.
Taxation
|
|
Residential/Farmland
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Non-Residential
|
|
2009
|
|
|
|
Municipal Tax Rate
|
9.4733
|
9.7438
|
|
Education – Alberta School Foundation Fund Tax Rate
|
2.3426
|
4.0484
|
|
Seniors Lodge Accommodation Tax Rate
|
0.2782
|
0.2782
|
The total average residential tax is $1,200.
Transportation
Air Service
The Foremost Community Airport has a 914.63 metre (2,999.99 feet) runway and all-weather facilities. The nearest commercial and air freight services are available in Medicine Hat, 102 km (63 miles) northeast of Foremost.
Highways
Connecting highways include Highway 61 to Elkwater (Cyress Hills Provincial Park), and leads west to Lethbridge (via Highway 4) and east to Orion, and Highway 879, leading north to Bow Island and south to Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park.
Trucking Firms
HiWay 9 Express
Bus Services
Call Greyhound at 1-800-661-8747 for service details.
Couriers and Taxis
DHL - Drop off location is in Bow Island
B & D Gas Bar
701-7th Avenue East
Bow Island, Alberta T0K 0G0
1-800-Call-DHL
Purolator Courier
W. Boyce Holdings
199 -1st Avenue West
Bow Island, Alberta
403-867-2346
Community Lifestyle
The Village of Foremost provides an affordable, country living lifestyle with great school opportunities and the amenities of larger centres.
Recreation
The Village of Foremost has much to offer in the way of recreation - all year round. In the warmer seasons, enjoy nine holes of golf on our challenging course, or a walk along our scenic and peaceful walking path. A new multiplatform at the school offers tennis and basketball, and our pool is a great break from the summer heat. Plus, the fishing is great at the damn located beside the Wayside Campground and Park. In the winter, enjoy a number of ice sports including curling, hockey, and figure skating, and our wide open spaces offers a variety of recreation for the outdoorsmen.
Foremost is central to a fascinating tourist area, including four parks which give us the name "Gateway to the Parks." Head 15 minutes north on Highway 879 and enjoy water sports and camping at 40 Mile Park. Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park (Elkwater) is 96 miles (60 miles) southeast. The Historical Windmill Museum in Etzikom is on the way, only 15 minutes east. Waterton Lakes National Park is a beautiful hour and a half drive through the Alberta foothills. Breathtaking Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park is only a 30 minute drive southwest.
Use us as your central point when discovering the many sites in the area. As you can see, we are only a short drive to a different adventure everyday. Along the way you are sure to spot the wildlife that share our area, and see why Foremost is popular with wildlife watchers and hunters.
Community Organizations
Local community groups include the Minor Hockey Association, Men's Recreational Hockey, Old Timer's Hockey Club, figure skating club, curling club, children's T-ball, youth hardball, youth dance club, gymnastics club, men's golf club, ladies' golf club, Jr. golf, the Senior Citizens Association, Brownies, Girl Guides, Pathfinders, Cubs, Men's Basketball, Ladies' Basketball, Adult Volleyball, Fish & Game Association, step-up and power walking, Theatrical Society, B.P.O. Elks, Lions Club, Royal Canadian Legion, T.O.P.S., Agricultural Society, Chamber of Commerce, and the Flying Club.
Local recreational facilities include the Civic Centre, swimming pool, ball diamonds, rodeo grounds, tractor pull track, golf course, walking path, orchard, Wayside Campsite, tennis courts and Fitness Facility.
Religious Services
- Foremost Catholic Church
205-2nd Street West
Tel: (403) 545-2023
- Evangelical Free Church
401-1st Street East
Tel: (403) 867-3559
- Trinity Lutheran Church
302-3rd Avenue West
Tel: (403) 867-3692
- United Church
202-2nd Avenue East
Tel: (403) 867-3552
Special Annual Events/Attractions
- Annual Rodeo
- Theatrical Society - Fall Dinner Theatre & Spring Production
Accommodations
- Cedar Villa Motel
506-1st Avenue West
Box 386
Foremost, Alberta T0K 0X0
Tel: (403) 867-3611
Fax: (403) 867-2165
Email: jonikki@telus.net
- Coulee Ridge Bed & Breakfast
Box 454
Foremost, Alberta T0K 0X0
Tel/Fax: (403) 867-2348
- Wayside Campsite
403-867-3733
Restaurants
Businesses in Foremost
- Grocery Store
- Hardware Store
- Liquor Store
- Family & Community Support Services
- Forty Mile Youth Connections
- Clothing Store
- Insurance Agency
- Gift Stores
- Lumber Yard
- Hairdressing Shops
- Bulk Fuel Station
- Agricultural Services
Education
Foremost is part of the Prairie Rose School Division #8, headquartered in Dunmore - Tel: (403) 527-5516.
Daycare/Nursery
Private daycare facilities are available within the village. For more information contact Family and Community Support Services at Tel: (403) 867-2766.
Foremost School provides education for Grades K to 12 and has an enrollment of approximately 280 students. Foremost School has recently been awarded with an Overall Excellence Award from The Fraser Institute for non-select schools. The pupil-teacher ratio is very low and as a result the school can offer a number of special programs such as a Fine Arts Program, a computer program beginning in grade 4, French beginning in grade 7, and a Work Experience Program for high school students. In addition, there is a well planned intra-mural and extra-curricular sports program.
Post Secondary
Foremost residents have access to post-secondary institutions in Lethbridge - University of Lethbridge and Lethbridge College - and in Medicine Hat - Medicine Hat College.
Health Care
Health care services are provided by 2 visiting doctors, and 1 health unit, 1 visiting massage therapist, 1 visiting chiropractor. Laboratory services are also available at the clinic by technicians.
Medical Clinic
212 Main Street
Tel: (403) 867-3866
In case of an emergency or after hours contact 9-1-1 or Bow Island Hospital Tel: (403) 545-2211.
Emergency Services
Fire and Ambulance Services
Foremost has an active volunteer Fire department and Ambulance Squad. The Village owns and operates its own fire truck and ambulance. There are 26 fire hydrants in the Village and all buildings are within 1,000 feet of a hydrant. The ambulance is fully equipped and nurses are available to be in attendance when necessary. Paramedic services and air ambulance services are available through Medicine hat, when needed.
Village of Foremost/County of Forty Mile No. 8 Fire Chief Miles Beacome
Tel: (403) 867-3940 or in an emergency Tel: 9-1-1
Police Services
Foremost is served by the Foremost/Bow Island detachment of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Two constables reside in Foremost.
Tel: (403) 867-3545
Community Services
Foremost & District Chamber of Commerce
Box 372, 119 Main Street
Foremost, Alberta T0K 0X0
Ph: 403-867-3077
Fax: 403-867-2700
40 Mile Regional Family and Community Support Services (FCSS)
P.O. Box 159, 119 Main Street
Foremost, Alberta T0K O8O
Tel: (403) 867-2766
Email: fcss40ml@bowisland.com
Forty Mile Youth Connections & Learning Centre
119 Main Street
Foremost, Alberta T0K O8O
Tel: (403) 867-3077
Email: youcon1@shockware.com
Community Futures Entre-Corp Business Development Ltd.
#202, 556 - 4th Street SE
Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 0K8
Tel: 1-888-528-2824
Fax: (403) 527-3596
Email: bizinfo@entre-corp.com
Foremost Municipal Library
103 - 1st Avenue East
Foremost, Alberta T0K OXO
Tel: (403) 867-3855
Fax: (403) 867-3858
Email: forlib@shortgrass-lib.ab.ca
Community Booking Contacts - Parties, Meetings, etc.
Community Hall - Village Office Tel: (403) 867-3733
Legion Hall - Foremost Agencies Tel: (403) 867-3805
Civic Centre - George Piper Tel: (403) 867-3505
Google Map
Foremost, Alberta, Canada