Minburn No. 27, County of

Welcome

Area Overview

The County of Minburn has a population of 3,319 and is located in east central Alberta in the parkland area east of Edmonton. The County covers an area of approximately 55 miles east to west and 30 miles north to south, encompassing 37 townships. When in the County, you find yourself in an area of rich farmland, small friendly communities, bountiful wildlife, beautiful scenery, and miles of peaceful country roads.

The County is made up of a large rural area which also includes the Hamlets of Lavoy and Ranfurly. Within the County's boundaries are the Town of Vegreville and the Villages of Innisfree, Minburn and Mannville. As a result of both urban and rural influences, the County offers residents a relaxed yet vibrant lifestyle. County residents are fortunate that the towns, villages and hamlets offer well established education, cultural, and social services along with affordable housing in a variety of price ranges.

Highway 16 (the Yellowhead Trans Canada Highway), Highway 36 (Veterans Memorial Highway), and the network of high quality secondary highways and local roads provide all residents with easy access to any of their destinations. Given it's location, the County is a natural centre for road, railway, and air transportation services, and all these are provided within its borders.

There are industrial areas and prime downtown office space located within the County and the Town and Villages that lie within its boundaries. This makes the County a prime location to establish a new business or expand an existing one.

Location

The County of Minburn straddles the Yellowhead Trans Canada Highway 16. It spans an area of approximately 55 miles east to west (commencing east of Mannville, and ending west of Vegreville) and 30 miles north to south. The County of Minburn is headquartered in Vegreville.

Economic Base

Agriculture has been the backbone of the County's economy since the turn of the century, when the first settlers were attracted to its rich black soil. These pioneers have made the district into one of the better farming areas in the West.

Of the County's 692,304 acres, 75% is cultivated land. There are over 900 farms, and 25% of the population is employed in agriculture and related activities.

Throughout the County, farmers have upgraded their facilities to improve production. County farmers have extensive knowledge of all aspects of their business and the complexities of modern farming. The farming community represents a skilled and hard-working labour force with expertise not only in farming, but also in areas such as assembly line work, welding and metal fabrication.

Wheat, canola, barley and oats are the major agricultural commodities. The County is noted for its consistently high production levels.  The majority of grain is produced by large farms with over 1,000 or more acres.

Over the past few years, older elevators and seed cleaning plants have been modernized or replaced with expanded and highly-efficient facilities. The County's two seed cleaning plants in Vegreville and Innisfree process about 700,000 bushels per year.

Interest in specialty crops, especially peas, is growing. Fresh vegetables are available in farmers' markets throughout the County.

The County of Minburn is also a highly productive livestock area. The Minburn grazing reserve covers over 20 sections of land in the southeast portion of the County. Beef producers are mainly cow-calf operators. The availability of good land attracted three Hutterite colonies to the County which have prospered well.

Area farmers have benefited from the presence of the Alberta Research Council Inc., which provides a number of diagnostic services.  As well, local offices of Alberta Agriculture and the Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration (PFRA) serve the County. The PFRA works with producers and businesses to help them take advantage of new opportunities and expanding markets.

A new industry which may provide new opportunities for area farmers is the biofuel industry.  Farmers in the County produce a significant amount of the raw product needed for this industry.  Ethanol and biodiesel firms are aware of the large amounts of grain and oilseed crops grown in the area and therefore the County may be the home to a number of these plants in the near future.

The County of Minburn's innovative and aggressive business community offers residents a wide range of employment opportunities, along with a complete selection of retail outlets and trade/professional services. About 35% of the population is employed in the industrial and commercial sector. Of particular note, the farming community is well supported by a variety of services in the towns and villages. All major lines of farm implements are available and a large farm implement manufacturer is located in the County.

Prospects for future industrial growth are encouraging. Land has already been designated for industrial use, and excellent water and sewage facilities are available throughout the County. A stable, productive labour force with a strong work ethic is one of the County's greatest assets.

County residents are also known for their skills in advanced technology research and development. There is a large pool of highly-trained technical personnel, as evidenced by the regional facilities of TransCanada Pipelines Ltd., ATCO Electric and ATCO Gas. Also, employees at the Alberta Research Council and the Federal Immigration Department's Case Processing Centre have a broad range of expertise.

The oil and gas industry plays an important role in the local economy. Shallow low pressure gas lies underneath most of the County, and a large heavy oil field with over 400 wells is located in the southeast part of the County.  Oil and gas lease site and pipeline development has increased significantly over the past few years and that trend is expected to continue into the future.

Economic Facts

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

Financial institutions such as the Bank of Montreal, TD Canada Trust, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, Battle River Credit Union and the ATB Financial Branch serve the residents of the County.

Utilities

ELECTRICITY AND NATURAL GAS

Direct Energy Regulated Services serves the Vegreville area. For inquiries and services contact Direct Energy Regulated Services at 310-5678.

TELEPHONE

Telephone services are provided by Telus.
Tel: 310-2255 Toll-free - Residential Customers
Tel: 310-3100 Toll-free - Business Customers

WATER SUPPLY

The source of water varies throughout the County. Contact the County office.

WASTE MANAGEMENT

Sewage treatment and garbage collection varies throughout the County. Contact the County office.

Taxation

TAX RATES [2008]

• Residential - Public............................9.6659
• Residential - Separate.......................9.6659
• Farmland..........................................17.6097
• Non-Residential - Public.....................23.3913
• Non-Residential - Separate............... 23.3913
• Linear............................... ............. 23.3913
• Machinery/Equipment.........................18.8305
• Lavoy Debenture.................................0.8798 (this is in addition to above rates)

Transportation

AIR SERVICES

A top-notch municipal airport, the Vegreville Regional Industrial Airport, serves the County. An Airport Vicinity Protection Area assures continued development of the airport and allows for compatible industrial growth.

RAIL SERVICES

The County is served by Canadian National Railways, which has a major east-west line that runs right through the middle of the County.  Sidings, spur trackage and point loading areas are available.

HIGHWAYS

The County is a receiving point for north-south and east-west highway traffic. The Yellowhead Trans Canada Highway (Highway 16) runs from east to west through the County, and the Veteran's Memorial Highway (Highway 36) runs north to south.  The secondary road system is constantly being upgraded to meet the demands of increased traffic.

TRUCKING FIRMS

Several local and regional trucking firms serve the County.

BUS SERVICES

Greyhound Bus Lines offers regularly scheduled inter-community service in the County. Various charter companies also serve the area.

COURIERS AND TAXIS

Courier services include Loomis and Purolator Couriers. 

Taxi services include Central Taxi and Vegreville Taxi.

COMMUNICATION

Newspapers

Weekly:  Vegreville News Advertiser, Vegreville Observer, Vermilion Standard, Vermilion Voice

Daily:  Edmonton Journal, Edmonton Sun, Globe & Mail, The National

Radio Stations

The County receives Edmonton, Calgary, St. Paul, Camrose and other stations.

Television Stations

The County receives all Edmonton Stations.  Cable or satellite television may be available in several communities.

Community Lifestyle

TOURISM, RECREATION AND LEISURE

The County is part of the Kalyna Country Tourism Zone.  Throughout the County, Town and Villages you will find a wide variety of recreational, tourist and leisure opportunities.

Golf Courses

• Mannville Riverview Golf Course.  For more information call (780) 763-2252
• Vegreville Kinsmen Golf Course.  For more information call (780) 632-3140

Wapasu

The Wapasu Recreation Conservancy Park is a project undertaken to preserve and protect the wildlife habitat in and around Wapasu lake.  There is a day use public recreation facility which includes a recreation area for sports, a cookhouse, and washrooms.  It's a great place to spend a peaceful day outdoors and relax year round.  The lake's sandy beach and cool spring water are refreshing on a hot summer day.  Visitors can enjoy the hiking trails and bird watching.

Birch Lake

Birch Lake is located approximately 2 kms. south or the Village of Innisfree.  It includes day use facilities as well as overnight camping.  For more information contact the Village of Innisfree at (780) 592-3886.

Akasu

Akasu is a historical site that encompasses Akasu Lake and Akasu Hill.  Akasu Hill, also known as Sickman Hill, is an outstanding viewpoint that overlooks the Hamlet of Lavoy and the vast prairie landscape.  It is one of the highest points between Edmonton and Winnipeg and provides a spectacular view.

Beds and Breakfasts

• The Beachside Bed and Breakfast on Wapasu Lake.  For more information call (780) 592-3840 or visit www.thebeachside.ca.
• Marushka's Bed & Breakfast & Tea Room located in Lavoy.  For more information call (780) 658-2503 or visit www.marushkasbb.com
• Thistles & Lace Bed & Breakfast located south of Mannville.  For more information call (780) 763-2241

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

There is a wide variety of clubs and organizations available throughout the County for individuals of all ages.  Some of the organizations include minor hockey, minor soccer, swim club, figure skating, karate, ballet, Ukrainian dance, highland dance, adult hockey and adult soccer.  Some of the clubs available are 4-H, scouts, girl guides, Knights of Columbus, Lions, Rotary, Elks, Kinsmen and Kinettes.  With such a variety, you are bound to find something that will interest you.

RELIGIOUS SERVICES

Churches also play an important role in the community life. Places of worship representing all faiths are located in the towns, villages and rural areas.  The spiritual faith of all ethnic groups has been present since the pioneering days in the County.

SPECIAL ANNUAL EVENTS AND ATTRACTIONS

There are various tourist attractions throughout the County.  Various fairs and exhibitions are also held every summer throughout the County.  Contact the County, Town, Village offices or the Alberta Tourism office for more information.

The County of Minburn No. 27 moved into its current Administrative Complex at 4909-50 Street, Vegreville in 1991.  This building was acquired from the provincial government (old courthouse) and was renovated.  It preserves a historic link to the past.

HOSPITALITY AND ACCOMMODATIONS

Overnight accommodation is available in Vegreville, Mannville and throughout the County.

RESTAURANTS

Dining establishments are available throughout the County in Vegreville, Mannville and Innisfree.

Education

Public Schools are available throughout the County. The County is part of the:

• Elk Island Public School Regional Division No. 14,
  headquartered in Sherwood Park [Tel: 800-905-3477]
• Elk Island Catholic Regional Division No. 41,
  headquartered in Sherwood Park [Tel: 800-996-9982]
• Buffalo Trail Regional School Division No. 28,
  headquartered in Wainwright [Tel: 780-842-6144].

The education system in the County is excellent. Quality instructors, a varied curriculum with specialist programs, and modern facilities and teaching aids ensure that all students have access to a full and rewarding education.

Schools are run with the philosophy that education is a joint responsibility of the student, school and home. Parents play a vital role by participating as volunteers or by providing valued input into discussion on new programs.

The schools are used extensively by the Vegmin Learning Network, local recreation boards and the community at large. Students also take advantage of community facilities such as curling rinks and swimming pools.

The bus system provides transportation throughout the County and also enables students to participate in field trips. Trips to other provinces and countries are often arranged, and exchange students are frequent visitors to area schools.

All schools in the County are committed to developing and maintaining challenging programs which meet the needs of every student. School programs stress excellence. County students consistently score higher grades than the provincial average. An extensive award system recognizes achievement in scholarship.

All schools offer French classes while the Ukrainian bilingual program is another language option.

Special education students are integrated into the school system. There is also a Challenge Program for gifted children. Libraries and computers enrich the learning atmosphere for all students.

In addition to the academic program, there is a full range of vocational programs including food preparation, beauty culture, automotives, electronics and business.

The comprehensive physical education and extra-curricular programs add another dimension to the learning experience. Students participate in a variety of activities including team sports, music clubs, talent festivals and science fairs.

DAYCARE / NURSERY

The County has a thriving Early Childhood Services (ECS) program which benefits from a high degree of parent support.

Post Secondary

There are a number of opportunities for continuing education. Portage College offers an innovative and expanding curriculum in adult education, literacy tutoring and academic upgrading. Computer instruction and tele-conferencing with other educational institutions are available at the College.

Vegmin Learning Network and other community groups also sponsor a variety of adult education courses.

Health Care

First-rate medical services include in-patient and out-patient care, chronic care, occupational and physical therapy, and dental and eye care.  East Central Health is the regional health authority which serves many of the communities within the County of Minburn.

The Yellowhead Highway and the network of regional roads ensure all residents easy access to the Mannville Health Care Centre in Mannville and St. Joseph's General Hospital in Vegreville.  Adjacent to St. Joseph's General Hospital is the Vegreville Care Centre.  The Minburn Foundation Homestead Senior Citizen's Lodge is located in Vegreville.  There are other assisted living complexes situated in Vegreville including Vegreville Manor, Heritage House and Century Park. 

The County is served by two health units: Vegreville and Minburn-Vermilion. 

Emergency Services

FIRE PROTECTION

Historically, fire protection within the County of Minburn has been provided under the direction of Fire Cooperatives.  These Fire Cooperatives were managed by a Board of Directors.  Funding from the sale of shares, yearly membership dues and operating grants from the County of Minburn covered capital and operating expenses for the Fire Cooperatives.

Recently, these Fire Cooperatives have disbanded and the County of Minburn has assumed responsibility to provide fire protection for all residents within County boundaries.  This protection is provided by the three municipal fire departments located within the County of Minburn.  The western portion of the County is protected by the Vegreville Fire Department.  The central portion is covered by the Innisfree Fire Department and the eastern portion of the County is protected by the Mannville Fire Department.  These three departments are contracted to provide fire and rescue services within the County of Minburn and to mutual aid partners if required.

The fire service contracts mentioned above provide many advantages to both parties in the agreement.  These agreements allow both parties to cost-share expensive fire apparatus and equipment.

Fire protection within the County consists of 9 fire trucks which include Class A pumpers, rescue units, tankers and a rapid attack unit.  These trucks are manned by volunteer/paid on call fire fighters from the three departments. The role of fire personnel continues to expand and it is not uncommon for fire fighters to respond to motor vehicle accidents, dangerous goods incidents, search and rescue, and medical calls.  The County of Minburn continues to support our emergency response partners in order to provide well trained personnel and state-of-the-art equipment to respond to County emergencies.

A call-out fee of $500.00 will be charged to the landowner for fire response within the County of Minburn.

FIRE PERMITS

The "Fire season" for the County of Minburn is April 1 to October 31.  The Forest and Prairie Protection Act requires you to have a permit at that time.  Fire permits are not required for outdoor fires that have been lit for cooking or warming purposes (camp fires).

The County of Minburn would like to urge all residents to burn your debris safely by using a properly constructed burning barrel covered with a mesh screen.  Ensure the surrounding ground around the barrel is clean and maintained for 3 metres.  Always have enough water on hand to help extinguish an uncontrolled fire.   Never leave your fire unattended.  Do not hesitate to notify the fire department by calling 911 if your fire has become uncontrolled.

Fire permits are available at the County Administration Office located in Vegreville or through the Agricultural Services Board located at the County Municipal Shop located in Vegreville.  In addition, fire permits may be obtained from the County Councillor in your division.

Please be advised that individuals not obtaining a fire permit will be invoiced at full cost when Fire Departments are called in to respond to fires.  Violators will be prosecuted under authority of the Forest and Prairie Protection Act of Alberta.

Fire permits may be cancelled at any time due to drought conditions.  Permit holders will be notified via telephone if the permit has been cancelled.

POLICE SERVICES

Police services are provided by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police [RCMP], with detachments in Vegreville (western portion) and Vermilion (eastern portion).

AMBULANCE SERVICES

Ambulance services for the County of Minburn are provided under contract from Prairie Emergency Medical Systems with an ambulance base located in Vermilion (eastern portion of the County), and by Vegreville Emergency Medical Systems with an ambulance base located in Vegreville (western portion of the County).  This service includes both Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) depending on the nature of the medical emergency.  The ambulances are manned by Paramedics, Emergency Medical Technicians and Emergency Medical Responders.

The partnership between ambulance and fire remains strong and includes cross-training opportunities for staff and experience gained by attending actual calls to assist.

DISASTER SERVICES

Council has established a Municipal Disaster Services Agency to deal with matters relating to emergencies and disasters in the County.  A Director and Committee have been appointed to be in charge of the agency.

In the event of a disaster, the County will activate the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) located at the County Administration Building in Vegreville.  The EOC comprises of representatives from various agencies (RCMP, ambulance, fire) who will coordinate the disaster response from one hub.

The County of Minburn continues to work with stakeholders which include the Town of Vegreville, Family and Community Support Services and St. Joseph's General Hospital.

Community Services

MUNICIPAL

County of Minburn No. 27
4909 - 50 Street, Box 550
Vegreville, Alberta
T9C 1R6
Tel: 780-632-2082
Fax: 780-632-6296
Email: info@minburncounty.ab.ca

Along with staff at the main County office in Vegreville, public service employees are also located in Lavoy, Innisfree and Mannville. Seven elected divisional Councillors direct the provision of municipal services.

PROVINCIAL

A number of provincial departments have offices in the County, including Medical Examiner-Coroner, Mental Health, Fish and Wildlife, and the Provincial Court.

FEDERAL

• Case Processing Centre
• Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Act (PFRA)
• Canada Post
•  Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)

Climate

Alberta has a moderate climate that enjoys four distinct seasons, including warm summers and mild Canadian winters. Precipitation averages 425 millimeters (16.7 inches) of which 150 millimeters (5.9 inches) falls as snow. From May to September, the rainfall averages 300 millimeters (11.8 inches) and is sufficient to assure a good crop. July is the month of maximum thunderstorm and hail activity. Individual snowfalls rarely exceed 15 centimeters (6 inches) and a snow depth of 30 centimeters (12 inches) occurs on the average of once in 10 years.

Key Contacts

MUNICIPAL

County of Minburn No. 27
4909 - 50 Street, Box 550
Vegreville, AB T9C 1R6
Tel: 780-632-2082
Fax: 780-632-6296
Email: info@minburncounty.ab.ca

COUNCIL

Reeve:
Eric Anderson, Division No. 2

Deputy Reeve:
Ron Petruk, Division No. 7

Councillors:
Richard Wagner, Division No. 1
Albert Melnyk, Division No. 3
Wilma Cherniawsky, Division No. 4
George Jamieson, Division No. 5
Carl Ogrodnick, Division No. 6

County Manager:
David Marynowich

Director of Finance & Administration:
Susan Babyn

Superintendent of Public Works:
Graham Shell

Agricultural Fieldman:
Darwin Ullery

Director of Planning and Development Services:
Ryan Hall

Director of Protective Services/Fire Chief:
Ross Warren

Akasu Regional Economic Development Authority
Attention: Economic Development Office
Box 550
Vegreville, AB T9C 1R6

PROVINCIAL

Alberta Economic Development
Box 412
Room 308, Provincial Building
5025 - 49 Avenue
St. Paul, AB T0A 3A4
Tel: 780-645-6358
Fax: 780-645-6241
Garry Krause, Regional Manager
Maryann Robinson, Client Service Representative

Hon. Ed Stelmach, Premier
Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA)
Fort Saskatchewan - Vegreville Constituency

Constituency Office
Box 451, 4945 - 51 Avenue
Vegreville, AB T9C 1R6
Phone: 780-632-6840
Fax: 780-632-6888
fortsaskatchewan.vegreville@assembly.ab.ca

Legislature Office
Office of the Premier
Room 307, Legislature Building
10800-97 Avenue, Edmonton, AB   T5K 2B6
Phone:  780-427-2251 
Fax:   780-427-1349

Hon. Lloyd Snelgrove
Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA)
Vermilion - Lloydminster Constituency

Constituency Office
5036 - 49 Avenue
Vermilion, AB T9X 1B7
Phone: 780-853-4202
Fax: 780-853-5770
Toll Free Number: 1-800-567-7644
vermilion.lloydminster@assembly.ab.ca

Legislature Office

President of the Treasury Board, Minister of Service Alberta 
#204 Legislature Building
10800-97 Avenue, Edmonton, AB T5K 2B6
Phone: 780-415-4855
Fax: 780-415-4853

FEDERAL

Leon Benoit
Member of Parliament [MP]
Vegreville - Wainwright Constituency
House of Commons
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6
Tel: 613-992-4171

Constituency Office:
Box 300
Mannville, AB T0B 2W0
Tel: 780-763-6130 or 1-800-463-1194
Fax: 780-763-6132