Thorsby

Welcome

For nearly sixty years, Thorsby residents have experiended the "Best of Both Worlds." This official logo describes what residents feel is having the pleasure of country living while still being close enough to the large centers to accomodate services not available in town.

So come on in and take a tour and experience the "Best of Both Worlds" for yourself.

Area Overview

With affordable housing and amenities of a much larger center, the Village of Thorsby has been experiencing unprecedented growth over the past ten years. Our population, according to the latest census, is now 945. This means Thorsby will soon be able to be classified as a town. At the same time, it maintains the peaceful, secure, and friendly atmosphere of a small rural community with residential, commercial, and industrial lots being larger and significantly lower priced than standard urban lots.

Thorsby is a wonderful place to come home to.

Climate

Thorsby experiences the typical all season weather of central Alberta.

Community Services

Municipal

Village of Thorsby
Box 297
Thorsby, Alberta
T0C 2P0
Tel: 780-789-3935
Fax: 780-789-3779

email: municlerk@village.thorsby.ab.ca


Municipal Library - 780-789-3808

Recreation Complex - 780-789-4041

Provincial

N/A

Federal

Canada Post Office
Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Community Lifestyle

Recreation

The Village of Thorsby owns and operates an outstanding $3.5 million recreation complex, which houses a regulation size heated ice arena, four newly refurbished bowling lanes, a racquet ball court, a weight room with sauna, a library, a playschool and a large concession area with big screen television and video games (renowned for its homemade soup and pies). Internet Services are located in the library. A meeting room is available to the public for a small fee. The indoor ramp park is one of only a few in Alberta and was built in January 2001. The recreation centre also offers two baseball diamonds, 1 outdoor ramp park, a brand new soccer field and a playground

The Haymaker Centre, owned and operated by the Thorsby Agricultural Society, is one of the finest centres in Alberta. Numerous activities take place there during the year. The facility features rodeos, roping competitions, livestock shows, agricultural shows as well as numerous other activities and is currently being expanded.

Outdoor enthusiasts can rejoice for Thorsby now has a brand new 9 hole golf course, and is just 15 minutes away from the beautiful pigeon lake area. The Village also boasts a picturesque campground nestled in the river valley.

Community Organizations

Chamber of Commerce (Thorsby Chamber of Commerce)

The Chamber of Commerce is a local business organization which organizes the May long weekend festivities. The current president is Therese Fudge and her contact number is (780-722-7263).

Family Community and Support Services

FCSS is a co-operative program operated by the Province and the Village, with the objective of building a strong community through prevention, self-help and volunteerism.

Services provided through FCSS include enhancement of the social well-being of individuals and families through the promotion of early intervention; promoting “active” community participation in the delivery of programs and services; and providing local input into the decisions regarding FCSS program design.  The FCSS office is located at the Village of Thorsby office, at 4917 Hankin Street in Thorsby.  The FCSS Co-ordinator’s office is open Monday - Wednesday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.  (For contact information, see the Contacts section, below).

 Thorsby Recreation Board

 The Thorsby and District Recreation Board strives to provide health, fitness and social opportunities for all individuals and families in Thorsby and area through a variety of entertaining programs and activities. They host a wide variety of classes for those who are interested in learning new activities. Some past courses offered have included fly tying, yoga, belly-dancing, quilting, perogy making, and numerous arts and crafts classes. Every season brings with it new and exciting programs. In the summer, there are an abundance of fun activities for area children including day camps, movie nights, and the ever popular Survivor night.

Communities In Bloom

Newly started, this organization has already begun to beautify Thorsby.

Religious Facilities

• Lutheran Church
• United Church
• Roman Catholic Church
• Greek Orthodox Church
• Greek Catholic Church
• Pentecostal Church.

Special Annual Events/Attractions

Who said small town living was boring? Not here! There are many special events held in Thorsby every year.

In February, love and laughter abound for the Valentine's Comedy Night.

May brings with it more than just flowers. On the long weekend, Thorsby is host to it's Annual Rodeo and Fair. Say howdy to the parade, canival rides, car show, street dance, fireworks and other activities organized to entertain people of all ages.

In August, the recreation complex is home to a huge indoor garage sale, sure to satisfy any bargain hunter.

The recreation complex also hosts a free indoor Halloween Party every October 31st. Treat bags are distributed. There is a haunted house, crafts, and numerous fun activities for children to enjoy in a safe, warm environment.

Mid-December sees villagers swarming mainstreet for Customer Appreciation Night (Christmas in the Village). A magical night where villagers can gather together around a giant bonfire, browse through local shops, take hay rides, check out the gingerbread competition, and take pictures with Santa.

Accommodation

Thorsby Hotel

Lion's RV Campground

Restaurants

Thorsby has 3 local restaurants and a bakery.

Economic Base

Thorsby has a thriving business sector, including two large employers in the manufacturing industry. Westower Communications builds cellular communication towers and employs approximately 40 individuals. And, named one of Canada's top businessess, Blue Falls Manufacturing employs approximately 185 individuals in their Arctic Spas hot tub plant.

Also, being a rural community, agriculture plays a major role in the local economy. Oil & gas exploration in the surrounding area has also contributed.

Economic Facts

Thorsby's thriving economic sector includes over 50 businesses to date, with several other businesses currently looking to set up shop. The following businesses are currently operating in Thorsby.

Major Businesses Products/Services

• Large Hot Tub Manufacturing Shop, employing approx. 185 employees
• Cellular Communications Tower Manufacturer, employing approx. 40 people

Financial Institutions

• Alberta Treasury Branch
• Bank of Montreal

Education

For Families with school aged children, the village boasts high quality schools for all grades, from preschool to grade 12.

Emergency Services

Fire Protection

Thorsby has 911 emergency services.

Thorsby is served by a local volunteer fire department that has 25 members, 11 reservists and 4 trucks [Tel: 780-789-3602]. The Department is operated jointly with the County of Leduc.

Police Services

Thorsby is served by a local detachment of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police [RCMP) [Tel: 780-789-3950]or 911. 

STARS (Air) and ground Ambulance Services

Ambulance service is provided from Leduc [Tel: 780-986-2885]or 911. STARS

Health Care

 Health Care

Thorsby residents are served by several hospitals in the immediate area, including Devon, Leduc, and Edmonton.  A Health Unit clinic is in place on Hankin Street for routine health needs such as immunization. A chiropractic office is also in operation in the Village.

For emergencies, residents can call 911.

Fire Department - 789-3602 or 9-1-1

Thorsby is served by a local volunteer fire department. We have recently acquired a pumper truck to assist in serving the community. The Village has numerous agreements to provide other emergency services such as ambulance, rescue, and mutual aid for which there are standardised user fees. Persons wishing to join the department as volunteer firefighters are encouraged to contact the Fire Chief through the Village office, at 789-3935.

Police Services

Thorsby is served by a local detachment of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) (Tel: (780)789-3950 or 911). The RCMP is the primary police service, responsible for the enforcement of federal, provincial and municipal law, including accident investigations and Criminal Code enforcement. 

The Village contracts Special Constables for Bylaw concerns such as stray dogs, unsightly yards, and noise concerns. They may be contacted by pager at 780-980-7033.

Nursing home facilities are available in Warburg.

Thorsby has a local Health Unit for routine things such as flu shots or infant vaccinations. There contact number is 780-789-4800.

Thorsby also has it's own resident Chiropractor, Dr. John Hunter.

Key Contacts for Business Development

Municipal

Village of Thorsby
Box 297
Thorsby, Alberta
T0C 2P0
Tel: 780-789-3935
Fax: 780-789-3779

Martin Taylor - Chief Administrative Officer - mtaylor@village.thorsby.ab.ca

Laura Lucius - Treasurer - laura@village.thorsby.ab.ca

Edwina Rook - FCSS Coordinator - erook@village.thorsby.ab.ca

Laurie Gellert - Recreation Manager - lgellert@village.thorsby.ab.ca

Council Members                 (780) 789-3935

Rick Hart – Mayor                              

Darryl Hostyn - Councillor                  

Barry Rasch – Councillor

Shawna Oftstie – Councillor

Therese Fudge - Councillor

*The Village Office may be contacted for current contact names and phone numbers for local organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce and Agricultural Society.

Location

The Village of Thorsby is located on a major transportation route. Highway 39 connects the Village to the City of Leduc to the east, followed by Highway 2 north to the City of Edmonton and south to the cities of Wetaskiwin and Calgary.

Only thirty minutes of excellent highway driving brings you to the City of Leduc, and the City of Edmonton can be reached in just an additional 15 minutes. This makes commuting as easy as pie.

Post Secondary Education

Thorsby is within easy commuting distance to Edmonton-based post-secondary institutions such as the University of Alberta, Alberta College, Grant MacEwan Community College, and the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology [NAIT]. Even closer, will be the new Leduc college campus.

Taxation

	Residential/Farmland	Non-Residential
2007
Municipal Tax Rate	18.503	21.00
Education - Alberta School Foundation Fund Tax Rate	3.459	4.916
Seniors Lodge Accommodation Tax Rate	0.046	0.046

Newly Added Ambulance Tax - 0.020

Mill Rates (2007)

Residential-Public 18.503
Residential-Seperate - N/A
Non-Residential - Public 26.210
Non-Residential - Separate N/A

Property Taxation Information

WHAT is Market Value Assessment?  Market Value Assessment is the value your property would likely sell for in the market place.  Your property assessment is the estimated market value (most probable selling price) for your property.  Market Value Assessment is the most common method of property valuation used in North America.  The province of Alberta has required all municipalities to use this method since 1999.  Public opinion is that it is easier to understand, and experts agree it is more accurate than other assessment methods.

HOW is it calculated?  Professionally qualified Assessors evaluate properties based on things such as lot and building size, construction quality, and location.  They consider the same factors that any other real estate specialist would use when determining the value of a property.  Values are established from property files, verified sales data, field surveys, building permits and site visits.

HOW does assessment affect my taxes?  Every year, the municipality raises money through taxes to pay for the services it provides - fire protection, streets and parks, and general upkeep and maintenance.  At the same time, the Provincial and Regional governments set their revenue requirements, which are raised through property taxes.

Every property owner contributes a share of taxes according to the value of the property.  Assessment is a technique used to determine the share of tax payable for each property, as shown in the following equation:

Municipality Tax (Assessed Property Value times the Municipal Mill Rate)

PLUS

Education Tax (Assessed Property Value  X  Provincial Education Mill Rate)

PLUS

Leduc Foundation Tax (Assessed Property Value X Leduc Foundation Mill Rate)

                                                 PLUS

Ambulance Tax (Assessed Property Value X Regional Ambulance Mill Rate)

 = Your Total Property Taxes

 In April or May of each year, council determines the final mill rate (tax rate) in order to meet revenue requirements for the municipality, and the provincial government establishes the mill rate to meet revenue requirements for schools.  The municipality collects  taxes for education, the Leduc Foundation, and the Ambulance Board  and forwards the taxes collected.

HOW accurate is the assessment?

Ask yourself the following questions:

If you were to sell the property, approximately what value could you expect to receive?

Is the market value assessment comparable to neighbours who have similar properties?

Are there any special features of your property that might affect the value?

The marketplace, and not the assessor, determines the value of your property. Thus, properties with similar market values will have comparable assessed values. If the Assessment of the property is within five to ten percent of the possible sales price, it would be considered a fair valuation.  If within 30 days of issuance of the assessment notice, you still feel that your assessment is not accurate, you can appeal the decision for a fee.  An appeal board will then hear your case and make a decision. If it is found that your assessment is inaccurate, then a corrected notice will be sent to you, a refund or tax credit will be issued, and your appeal fee will be returned.

*Please note that property owners may appeal assessment values only, and not the mill rate.

Payment of Taxes

To allow for ease of payment, the Village of Thorsby offers a variety of tax payment options.  The monthly tax payment plan (details below) is the most popular payment option, however, full payments can be made by mail or in person at the Village office.  Tax payments can be made by debit card, personalized cheques and cash, as well as by pre-authorized debit directly from your bank account.  Please be aware, however, that if a cheque is not honoured for any reason, including any errors in filling out the cheque, this will not allow time to correct the error and avoid late tax payment penalties.  After normal working hours, payments may be deposited in the mail slot located at the main entrance to the Village office.  The detachable portion of your tax notice should be forwarded along with your payment.  If a cheque is issued in payment of taxes on more than one property, ALL the related detachable portions of the tax notices must be included.

Property owners may also pay their taxes at the Thorsby Alberta Treasury Branch.

Note: If payment for any other charges (i.e. utility bills) is made on the same cheque as the tax payment, a copy of the related bill should be attached along with the detachable portion(s) of the tax notice.  Complete details on payment deadlines, etc. are included on the reverse side of Property Tax Notices.

Late Payments of Taxes

Payments received after the deadline date are subject to an 18 % penalty applied on immediately and a further penalty of 18% applied January 1st of the ensuing calendar year.

Monthly Tax Payment Plan

Property owners may now pay the current year’s taxes on a monthly basis subject to the condition that that all outstanding taxes, local improvement taxes, arrears, penalties, and other costs are fully paid . New property owners are eligible to sign up at any time during the year provided that at the time of enrolment all taxes and penalties owing are paid on a prorated basis to the date of enrolment.

Monthly instalments to provide for payment of property taxes and local improvement taxes will be based on:

For the first six months of the current year, monthly payments equivalent to one-twelfth of the previous year’s levy

For the last six months of the current year, monthly payments equivalent to one-sixth of the balance of the tax levy for the current year after the deduction of the payments for the first six months.

Transportation

Air Service

Thorsby is located 35 minutes southwest of Edmonton International Airport.

Highways

Thorsby is located 1/4 mile south off Highway 39. Highway 39 services the communities west of the City of Leduc (located on Highway 2 North to Edmonton and South to Calgary).

Trucking Firms

Thorsby has major trucking firms with same-day service being supplied.

Bus Services

There is daily bus service via Greyhound. For seniors, Thorsby partners with the Town of Calmar to provide a recreational bus service to places such as Leduc and Edmonton where seniors can enjoy events such as bingos, casinos, shopping, and concerts.

Couriers

Loomis and Purolator service the Thorsby area.

Utilities

Electrical Power

Epcor Energy
1-800-667-2345

Natural Gas

ATCO Gas
(780) 310-5678

Telephone

TELUS
(780) 310-2255

Water Supply

The source of water is the North Saskatchewan River, by way of a water line recently purchased by the Village. Thorsby also owns and operates its own water treatment plant. The operations are monitored on a regular basis by the Department of Environment. Water usage rates are $30.60 for 12m3 [for a 2 month period), with an extra charge of $1.33 per m3 over the 12m3 used for residential service, and commercial usage rates are $33.00 for the first 12m3 of water used and $1.60 per cubic meter thereafter.

Waste Management

Thorsby owns and operates its own lagoon, which is located 3 km east of the Village. The usage rates for single family dwellings is $26.52 for a two month period. Commercial rates are $31.83 or half of the water usage, whichever is greater.

Solid waste disposal is $30.00 for a period of 2 months for most residences and businesses.

Population

Total Population 1991-2001

Thorsby Population by Age Group (2001)

Education Statistics

Thorsby Highest Level of Schooling 2001

Labour Force

Thorsby Labour Force By Industry - 2001

Income

Building Permits

Total Housing Starts

Value of Building Permits

Dwellings