Peace No. 135, M.D. of

Welcome

Welcome to our community. We hope the information contained within this profile is useful. If additional information is required, please contact our representative from the "Key Contacts" section.

Area Overview

The Municipal District of Peace is a rural municipality located along the north bank of the Peace River, approximately 500 km northwest of Edmonton.

The area was settled early in the 1900's, with the M.D. incorporated in 1916. The first survey was along the Peace River created some 41 river lots of varying sizes, known as the Shaftesbury Settlement. This area, with its unique micro-climate and productive farmland, was once used for several market gardens. Its present use is mainly country residential and agriculture, although a few productive market gardens still serve the area. J.Fred Parker writes in the book, "From East to Western Sea":

The vast 50 thousand square miles of prairie region straddling the Alberta - British Columbia border, 500 miles north of the United States line was truly pioneer territories in the twenties. Before and after World War I, homesteaders poured into this newly opened area at a rate of 500/week.

The District's current population (2002) is 1,496 people, which has remained stable over the last several years, and includes the Hamlet of Brownvale.

Community Services

Municipal

Municipal District of Peace No. 135
Box 34
Berwyn, Alberta
T0H 0E0
Tel: 780-338-3845
Fax: 780-338-2222
Email: mdpeace@wispernet.ca

The Council of the M.D. has five Councillors, who elect the Reeve from among their members.

Planning Services

Mackenzie Municipal Services Agency
Box 450
Berwyn AB
T0H 0E0
Tel: 780-338-3862
Fax: 780-338-3811
Email: info@mmsa.ca     
Website: www.mmsa.ca

Provincial

Several provincial departments have regional and district offices in the M.D., including Business Services, Career Development, Provincial Court, Corrections, Environment, Fish & Wildlife, Forestry, Medical Examiner-Coroner, Northern Alberta Development Council, Metis Settlements Transition, Public Lands, Alberta Opportunity Company, and Transportation. There is also a Provincial Penitentiary located south of the Town of Peace River that houses approximately 240 inmates.

Federal

Several federal departments have offices in the M.D., including Environment Canada, Canada Employment Centre, Transport Canada, Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration [PFRA], Canada Post, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Community Lifestyle

Recreation

Nearby recreation facilities include an 88-acre leased recreation area adjacent to Lac Cardinal and Queen Elizabeth Park [large hall, corrals, grandstand and race track, historical village, camping facilities], Strong Creek Park [20 acre municipal park adjacent to the Peace River, free camping], Elk Island Campsite [leased 15 acre site adjacent to the Peace River, free camping], an 18-hole golf course near Grimshaw, privately owned riding area and stable, and a curling rink and library in the Hamlet of Brownvale.

Community Organizations

Several community organizations, sports clubs and service groups are very active throughout the M.D.

Religious Services

Several religious denominations, including the Alliance Church, Anglican Church of Canada, Baptist Church, Catholic Church [Our Lady of Peace], Christian Life Assembly, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Lutheran Church [Prince of Peace], Pentecostal Tabernacle, Salvation Army Church and the United Church of Canada are represented in the M.D.

Special Annual Events/Attractions

The North Peace Stampede is held during the long weekend in August, and Town and Village events abound in the District.

Hospitality

Accommodation

Overnight accommodation is available in the communities and throughout the M.D.

Restaurants

Dining establishments are available in the communities and throughout the M.D.

Economic Base

The main economic base of the M.D. of Peace is agriculture. The total area of the M.D. is 92,610 hectares, most of which is used for grain farming, mixed farming, and game farming [elk, buffalo]. There are also strong cattle farming and beekeeping presences in the District.

Economic Facts

Financial Institutions

While there are no financial institutions in the M.D., The Bank of Nova Scotia, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, Royal Bank, Toronto-Dominion Bank, and the Alberta Treasury Branch have offices in the Towns of Peace River and Grimshaw, and the Village of Berwyn. There is also a Commonwealth Credit Union in the Town of Grimshaw.

Education

The M.D. is part of the Peace River School Division [Tel: 780-624-3601], and the North Peace Roman Catholic Separate School District #43 [Tel: 780-624-3956], both of which are headquartered in Peace River.

Public

Public schools are located in Peace River [K-12], Grimshaw [K-12] and Berwyn [K-9].

Separate

Separate schools are located in Peace River [K-12] and Grimshaw [K-9].

Daycare/Nursery

Day care and nursery services are available in the communities of Peace River and Grimshaw.

Emergency Services

Police, Ambulance, and Fire Services can be accessed by dialing 911.

Fire Protection

Fire protection is provided by a volunteer service, with M.D. of Peace equipment at Brownvale, Berwyn and Strong Creek Fire Halls.

Police Services

The M.D. is served by detachments of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police [RCMP] at Grimshaw, Peace River and Fairview.

Ambulance Services

The Peace Regional Emergency Medical Services (PREMS) provides ground ambulance service to the M.D. Advanced Life Flight provides air ambulance service to the M.D.

Health Care

The M.D. is in the Peace Country Health Region. The Peace River Community Health Centre has 30 acute care beds. The Grimshaw Berwyn & District Community Health Centre has emergency (24 hour), laboratory, radiology services, including long term continuing care beds. There is a seniors lodge and self-contained units at Berwyn.

Key Contacts for Business Development

Municipal (Updated Feb.13, 2007)

Municipal District of Peace No. 135
Box 34
Berwyn, Alberta
T0H 0E0
Tel: 780-338-3845
Fax: 780-338-2222
Email: mdpeace@wispernet.ca

Brian Grant
Reeve

Lyle McKen
Chief Administrative Officer
mdpeace@wispernet.ca

Economic Development

Lac Cardinal Regional Economic Development Board
Box 377
Grimshaw, Alberta
T0H 1W0
Tel: 780-332-1169
Fax: 780-332-1178
Email: lcred@telusplanet.net
Website: www.lcredb-ecdev.com

Brian Allen, Chairman

Provincial

Michael Cheeks, Manager
Alberta Economic Development
Postal Bag 900 - 3
105 Provincial Building
9626 - 96 Avenue
Peace River, Alberta
T8S 1T4
Tel: 780-624-6114
Fax: 780-624-6490
Email: michael.cheeks@gov.ab.ca

Bob Hall, Regional Manager
Alberta Economic Development
#1401 Provincial Building
10320 - 99 Street
Grande Prairie AB
T8V 6J4
Tel: 780-538-5230
Fax: 780-538-5332
Email: bob.hall@gov.ab.ca

Hector Goudreau
Member of the Legislative Assembly [MLA]
Dunvegan Constituency
Room 229 Legislature Building
10800 - 97 Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta
T5K 2B6
Tel: 780-427-4928
Fax: 780-427-0188

Federal

Chris Warkentin
Member of Parliament [MP]
Room 413, Justice Building
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6
Tel: 613-992-5685
Fax: 613-947-4782
Email: warkentin.c@parl.gc.ca

Constituency Office:
#207, 10605 West Side Drive
Grande Prairie, Alberta
T8V 8E6
Tel: 780-538-1677
Fax: 780-538-9257
Email: warkec1@parl.gc.ca

Location

The Municipal District of Peace is located along the north bank of the Peace River, approximately 500 km northwest of Edmonton, and approximately 150 km. northeast of Grande Prairie.

Post Secondary Education

Grande Prairie Regional College is located 174 km south of Grimshaw in Grande Prairie. Fairview College is located 45 km west and its Peace River Campus is located 22 km east.

A number of post-secondary education opportunities are available in the Town of Peace River. Fairview College has recently constructed a facility in Peace River which offers numerous post-secondary and upgrading programs. Several of Alberta's universities offer credit courses in the region through various delivery modes, including teleconferencing. The University of Calgary, and Athabasca University offer a wide range of courses to meet the interests of Peace Region residents.

Taxation

Mill Rates [2006]

• Residential 8.9063
• Non-Residential 12.7774
• Farmland 10.000

	Residential/Farmland	Non-Residential
2005
Municipal Tax Rate	8.9063	11.5000
Education - Alberta School Foundation Fund Tax Rate	4.5837	7.0328
Education Opted Out Tax Rate	4.5837	7.0328
Seniors Lodge Accommodation Tax Rate	.2679	.2679

Transportation

Air Services

Peace Air offers scheduled flights to Edmonton, Calgary, and a number of other centres in Alberta and Bristish Columbia, and also offer charter service. Charter Services are also available from Ultra Helicopters, Highland Helicopters, and fixed wing charter from Northern Air Charter. Budget, Avis and Tilden vehicle rentals are available at the airport.

Rail Service

Rail Service is provided within the M.D. by Mackenzie Northern Railway with rail service from Roma Junction north to Hay River, N.W.T., and west to Grimshaw, AB.

Highways

Highway 2 runs through the M.D., along with 4 secondary high ways, 3 of which are paved. The M.D. has a well-developed and maintained local road network.

Trucking Firms

Numerous local and regional trucking firms serve the M.D.

Bus Services

Regularly scheduled bus service is available, with stops in Berwyn, Grimshaw and Peace River.

Couriers and Taxis

Greyhound Courier Express, Loomis Courier, Purolator Courier available in Peace River. Purolator also has a drop off point in Grimshaw at Beyond 2000.

Utilities

Electrical Power

Atco Electric Ltd.
Box 2429
Edmonton, Alberta
T5J 4M7
Tel: 1-800-668-2248

Natural Gas

Atco Gas
10035 - 105 St.
Edmonton, Alberta
T5J 2V6
Tel: 1-888-511-7550

North Peace Gas Co-op
Fairview [Tel: 780-835-5444]

Telephone

TELUS Communications
Box 2422
Edmonton, Alberta
T5J 2S7
Tel: 780-310-2255

Population

Total Population
Population 2006*	1,496
Population 2005*	1,496
Population 2004*	1,496
Population 2003*	1,496
Population 2002*	1,496
Population 2001**	1,495
Population 1996**	1,562
Population 1991**	1,481
Population % change 1991-1996	5.19%
Population % change 1996-2001	-4.48%
Population % change 2001-2006	0.07%
* Source: Official Population List, Alberta Municipal Affairs ** Source: Statistics Canada Census

Total Population 1991-2001

Population by Age and Gender	1996  Male	1996  Female	1996  Total	2001  Male	2001  Female	2001  Total
Age 0 - 4	60	45	105	40	40	80
Age 5 - 14	115	120	235	125	115	240
Age 15 - 19	55	55	110	65	55	120
Age 20 - 24	60	35	95	25	25	50
Age 25 - 34	105	80	185	70	60	130
Age 35 - 44	150	125	275	140	125	265
Age 45 - 54	95	100	195	130	110	240
Age 55 - 64	100	80	180	85	95	180
Age 65 - 74	60	40	100	65	40	105
Age 75 and older	40	30	70	35	50	85
Total All Persons	835	725	1,560	780	715	1,495
Source: Statistics Canada 1996 & 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Peace No. 135, M.D. of Population by Age Group (2001)

Education Statistics

Highest level of schooling for Population 20yrs and older	2001	%
People without high school certificates	390	38.61%
People with high school certificates	70	6.93%
People with trades or non-university certificate or diploma	355	35.15%
People with post-secondary education (not completed)	110	10.89%
People with university diploma/certificate	10	0.99%
People with university degree	85	8.42%
Total Population 20 years and older	1,010	100.00%
Source: Statistics Canada 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Peace No. 135, M.D. of Highest Level of Schooling 2001

Population with Post Secondary Qualifications	1996	%	2001	%
Agriculture and biological sciences	55	12.79%	40	9.09%
Commerce, management and business administration	65	15.12%	120	27.27%
Educational, recreational and counseling services	65	15.12%	55	12.50%
Engineering and applied science tech. and trades	145	33.72%	170	38.64%
Engineering and applied sciences	0	0.00%	0	0.00%
Fine and applied arts	20	4.65%	10	2.27%
Health professionals, science and technologies	70	16.28%	20	4.55%
Humanities and related fields	0	0.00%	15	3.41%
Mathematics and physical sciences	0	0.00%	0	0.00%
Social sciences and related fields	10	2.33%	15	3.41%
Other and/or no specialization	0	0.00%	0	0.00%
Total people with post secondary qualifications	430	100.00%	440	100.00%
Females with post-secondary qualifications	205	47.67%	205	46.59%
Males with post-secondary qualifications	225	52.33%	235	53.41%
Source: Statistics Canada 1996 & 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Income

Family Income (Number of Families)	1996	%	2001	%
less than $19,999	45	11.39%	50	13.33%
$20,000 - $39,999	125	31.65%	100	26.67%
$40,000 - $59,999	85	21.52%	75	20.00%
$60,000 and over	140	35.44%	160	42.67%
Total number of families	395	100.00%	385	102.67%
Average family income	$51,889		$66,951
Median family income	$50,480		$57,660
Source: Statistics Canada 1996 & 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Household Income (Number of Households)	1996	%	2001	%
less than $19,999	85	17.00%	80	15.09%
$20,000 - $39,999	150	30.00%	110	20.75%
$40,000 - $59,999	100	20.00%	95	17.92%
$60,000 and over	50	10.00%	245	46.23%
Total number of households	500	100.00%	530	100.00%
Average household income	$49,731		$63,567
Median household income	$45,642		$55,550
Source: Statistics Canada 1996 & 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Building Permits

Total Building Permit Values	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005
Building Permits Value, Commercial	$150,000	$235,000	$0	$0	$43,000
Building Permits Value, Industrial	$20,000	$450,000	$376,000	$0	$0
Building Permits Value, Institutional	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Building Permits Value, Residential	$557,000	$954,000	$548,000	$965,000	$1,255,000
Building Permits Value, Total	$727,000	$1,639,000	$924,000	$965,000	$1,298,000
Total Housing Starts	6	4	4	6	8
Source: Statistics Canada 2000-2004 Building Permits (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Total Housing Starts

Value of Building Permits

Dwellings

Occupied Private Dwellings by Type	1996	% of total	2001	% of total
Apartments	0	0.00%	0	0.00%
Detached Duplexes	0	0.00%	0	0.00%
Movable Dwellings	30	6.00%	60	11.32%
Other single attached house	0	0.00%	0	0.00%
Row and semi-detached house	10	2.00%	0	0.00%
Single-detached house	470	94.00%	465	87.74%
Total number of occupied private dwellings	500	100.00%	530	100.00%
Private dwellings, owned	430	86.00%	470	88.68%
Private Dwellings, rented	70	14.00%	60	11.32%
Source: Statistics Canada 1996 & 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Private Dwellings by Period of Construction	# of Dwellings	% of total
Period of construction, before 1946	75	14.15%
Period of construction, 1946 - 1960	50	9.43%
Period of construction, 1961 - 1970	50	9.43%
Period of construction, 1971 - 1980	155	29.25%
Period of construction, 1981 - 1990	115	21.70%
Period of construction, 1991 - 2001	85	16.04%
Total number of private dwellings constructed	530	100.00%
Source: Statistics Canada 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Farming

Peace No. 135, M.D. of Total Farm Area : 220 acres

Farms by Total Farm Area (2001)	# of Farms	% of total
Farms - Under 129 acres	22	10.14%
Farms - 130 to 239 acres	40	18.43%
Farms - 240 to 559 acres	47	21.66%
Farms - 560 to 759 acres	12	5.53%
Farms - 760 to 1,119 acres	31	14.29%
Farms - 1,120 to 1,599 acres	28	12.90%
Farms - 1,600 to 2,239 acres	19	8.76%
Farms - 2,240 acres and over	18	8.29%
Total number of farms reporting	217	100.00%
Source: Statistics Canada 2001 Census of Agriculture(numbers may not add up due to rounding)

# of Farms by Total Farm Area

Farms by Total Gross Farm Receipts - 2001	# of Farms	% of total
Farms gross farm receipts - under $9,999	45	20.74%
Farms gross farm receipts - $10,000 to $49,999	74	34.10%
Farms gross farm receipts - $50,000 to $99,999	37	17.05%
Farms gross farm receipts - $100,000 to $249,999	43	19.82%
Farms gross farm receipts - $250,000 to $499,999	15	6.91%
Farms gross farm receipts - $500,000 and over	3	1.38%
Total number of farms reporting	217	100.00%
Source: Statistics Canada 2001 Census of Agriculture(numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Total Gross Farm Receipts

Farming, Continued

Characteristics of Farm Operators	#	%
Age - Under 35 years	40	13.33%
Age - 35 to 54 years	145	48.33%
Age - 55 years and over	115	38.33%
Average age of operators	50
Number of operators - Female	85	28.33%
Number of operators - Male	210	70.00%
Total number of operators reporting	300	100.00%
Source: Statistics Canada 2001 Census of Agriculture(numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Age of Farm Operators

Projects

Summary of Projects in Peace No. 135, M.D. of as of December 2007

Project Sector	Number of Projects	Project Cost
Agriculture & Related	1	$6,000,000
Total	1	$6,000,000
This inventory lists projects in Alberta that have recently been completed, are under construction, or are proposed to start construction. Not all projects are listed due to reasons of confidentiality and/or due to information not being available at the time of printing. Project data is obtained from public information sources, where possible, this data has been verified with the project proponent/developer, users of the Inventory may wish to confirm project data with the proponent/developer. The inventory does not breakdown project expenditures by any given year. The cost of a project is the value of expenditures expected over all phases of project construction, which may span over two or more years. Cost of projects listed in the Inventory are estimated values only. Source: Alberta Employment, Immigration and Industry.

Value of Projects by Sector (as of December 2007)

Project Status	Number of Projects	Project Cost
Proposed	1	$6,000,000
Total	1	$6,000,000
This inventory lists projects in Alberta that have recently been completed, are under construction, or are proposed to start construction. Not all projects are listed due to reasons of confidentiality and/or due to information not being available at the time of printing. Project data is obtained from public information sources, where possible, this data has been verified with the project proponent/developer, users of the Inventory may wish to confirm project data with the proponent/developer. The inventory does not breakdown project expenditures by any given year. The cost of a project is the value of expenditures expected over all phases of project construction, which may span over two or more years. Cost of projects listed in the Inventory are estimated values only. Source: Alberta Employment, Immigration and Industry.

Largest Projects in Peace No. 135, M.D. of as of December 2007

Company Name	Project  Description	Project  Location	Project  Cost	Construction  Schedule	Status
Peace Country Tender Beef	Slaughterhouse and Sausage Packing Plant	MD of Peace (Berwyn)	$6,000,000	-	Proposed