Smoky River No. 130, M.D. of

Welcome

Welcome to the M.D. of Smoky River. Discover the advantages of living and working in the Smoky River Region. Come and visit our vibrant, friendly communities and experience our recreational and cultural treasures. Opportunties abound in the Smoky River Region offering the perfect location to live, work and raise a family.

Area Overview

The M.D. of Smoky River, or commonly refered to as the Smoky River Region is a vibrant, productive area of approximatley 1 000 000 acres located in the Peace Country in north-western Alberta. The communities of Falher, McLennan, Girouxville, and Donnelly are within the M.D. boundaries. In total, approximatley 5000 people live in the Smoky River Region. The area is characterized by strong agricultural roots rich in Francophone culture. Pioneering French settlers opened up the land in the area in the early 1900's. As one of the most productive agricultural areas in the province the Smoky River Region is a warm and welcoming place in which to live. A combination of culture, recreation and people contribute to the exciting quality of life in the area.

Community Lifestyle

The Smoky River Region has abundant opportunities for outdoor pursuits. The Little Smoky River and Big Smoky River traverse through the region offering recreational activities such as camping, fishing, jet boating, hunting and relaxing on the banks every summer.

Economic Base

The M.D. of Smoky River is strategically located central to the Peace Region. Historically, agriculture and forestry where the main industries in the area. More recently, the oil and gas industry has been expanding in the area due to large conventional reserves and the proximity to the Peace Oil Sands.

The traditional economy in the area developed from agricultural production. The Smoky River region is known as the highest yielding canola growing area in Canada. Apiculture (Honey production) is also a large industry contributing to the production of 10 million pounds of honey produced in the Peace Region every year. Recently (2004), the largest honey processing facility in Canada was built in the Smoky River Region. Extensive grain production in the area has also positioned the M.D. of Smoky River as a very competitive region for livestock production. The largest alfalfa-dehye plant in North America, Falher Alfalfa, is located here along with a feed mill and Peace Country Oats, all producing animal feeds that are used domestically and internationally.

The Smoky River Region is also located within the Peace Oil Sands area, the third largest deposit of oil sands in the world containing an estimated 155 billion barrels of oil. Within the last year the area has seen a surge of interest in the development of the oil sands with several large developments occurring to the north-east and within neighbouring municipalities. It is expected that the area will see continued expansion of development within the oil sands area over the next 20 years.

The Smoky River Region is well positioned to see sustained growth over the next decade. With its established primary agricultural production along with the value-added agricultural opportunities, the Smoky River Region is the perfect place to grow ag-based businesses. Oil and Gas will continue to expand in the region offering high paying career opportunities and investment in the area. The Smoky River Region welcomes entrepreneurs and business investment. For more information and business support please contact the Smoky River Regional Economic Development Office at 780-837-2364.

Health Care

The Sacred Heart Community Health Centre is a modern facility with 20 acute care beds and 45 long term care beds. An active emergency room, physiotherapy department, diagnostic services and operating room allow you to treat the whole patient.

Service Features

24 hour emergency care, 20 Acute care bed, 5 Physicians, Cardiac/Diabetes Educator, Endoscopy, French and Aboriginal Liasion Workers, General surgery, Intensive care unit, Medicine, Obstetrics, Occupational Therapy, Outpatients, Palliative, Pastoral Care, Pediatrics, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Telehealth Services including continuing education and videoconferencing, Visiting Registered Dietitian, X-ray and laboratory services.

Contact Information

Sacred Heart Community Health Centre
Bag 2000
McLennan, Alberta T0H 2LO
Telephone (780) 324-3730

Web site: www.pchr.ca

Director of Health Services: Barbara Mader
Chief of Staff: Dr. Pieter De Wet

Key Contacts for Business Development

Donald Dumont
Reeve
M.D. of Smoky River No. 130
P.O. Box 210
Falher, AB
T0H 1M0

Phone: 780-837-2221
Fax: 780-837-2453

Lucien Turcotte
Chief Administrative Officer
M.D. of Smoky River
P.O. Box 210
Falher, AB
T0H 1M0

Phone: 780-837-2221
Fax: 780-837-2453
Email: lturcotte@mdsmokyriver.com

Ro Allen 
Economic Development Officer
Smoky River Regional Economic Development
P.O. Box 210
Falher, AB
T0H 1M0

Phone: 780-837-2364
Fax: 780-837-2453

Email: roallen@mdsmokyriver.com

website:Smoky River Region

Federal

Chris Warkentin
Member of Parliament [MP]
Peace River Constituency

Parliamentary Address:
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6

Constituency Office:
#207, 10605 West Side Drive
Grande Prairie, Alberta  T8V 8E6

E-mail: warkentin.c@parl.gc.ca
Website: www.chriswarkentin.ca

Toll Free: 1-800-667-0456
(780) 538-1677
fax (780) 538-9257

Location

The MD of Smoky River is located in the Peace Region of Alberta. The region starts approximatley 35 km North of Valleyview and extend to about 35 km south of Peace River.

Taxation

	Residential/Farmland	Non-Residential
2004
Municipal Tax Rate	12.9569	14.9569
Education - Alberta School Foundation Fund Tax Rate	5.1438	5.8401
Education Opted Out Tax Rate	5.1438	5.8401
Seniors Lodge Accommodation Tax Rate	.1840	.1840

Population

Total Population
Population 2006*	2,379
Population 2005*	2,379
Population 2004*	2,379
Population 2003*	2,379
Population 2002*	2,379
Population 2001**	2,375
Population 1996**	2,491
Population 1991**	2,613
Population % change 1991-1996	-4.90%
Population % change 1996-2001	-4.88%
Population % change 2001-2006	0.17%
* 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	100	85	185	75	80	155
Age 5 - 14	245	220	465	240	200	440
Age 15 - 19	110	100	210	105	95	200
Age 20 - 24	60	45	105	60	40	100
Age 25 - 34	170	165	335	125	120	245
Age 35 - 44	235	180	415	220	185	405
Age 45 - 54	150	160	310	170	165	335
Age 55 - 64	155	115	270	135	110	245
Age 65 - 74	90	75	165	110	90	200
Age 75 and older	20	20	40	35	20	55
Total All Persons	1,330	1,160	2,490	1,275	1,100	2,375
Source: Statistics Canada 1996 & 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Smoky River No. 130, 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	710	45.37%
People with high school certificates	280	17.89%
People with trades or non-university certificate or diploma	385	24.60%
People with post-secondary education (not completed)	100	6.39%
People with university diploma/certificate	50	3.19%
People with university degree	40	2.56%
Total Population 20 years and older	1,565	100.00%
Source: Statistics Canada 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Smoky River No. 130, M.D. of Highest Level of Schooling 2001

Population with Post Secondary Qualifications	1996	%	2001	%
Agriculture and biological sciences	70	16.09%	65	13.68%
Commerce, management and business administration	60	13.79%	90	18.95%
Educational, recreational and counseling services	85	19.54%	95	20.00%
Engineering and applied science tech. and trades	125	28.74%	110	23.16%
Engineering and applied sciences	0	0.00%	0	0.00%
Fine and applied arts	25	5.75%	45	9.47%
Health professionals, science and technologies	40	9.20%	50	10.53%
Humanities and related fields	0	0.00%	0	0.00%
Mathematics and physical sciences	15	3.45%	10	2.11%
Social sciences and related fields	10	2.30%	20	4.21%
Other and/or no specialization	0	0.00%	0	0.00%
Total people with post secondary qualifications	435	100.00%	475	100.00%
Females with post-secondary qualifications	210	48.28%	285	60.00%
Males with post-secondary qualifications	225	51.72%	190	40.00%
Source: Statistics Canada 1996 & 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Labour Force

Labour force by activity	1996	2001
In the labour force, both sexes	1,390	1,305
Not in the labour force, both sexes	435	470
Total population 15 and over	1,830	1,775
Employed, both sexes	1,355	1,270
Unemployed, both sexes	35	35
Participation rate, both sexes	76.00%	74.00%
Unemployment rate, both sexes	2.00%	3.00%
Source: Statistics Canada 1996 & 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

 

Labour Force by Industry Division	1996	% of total	2001	% of total
Agriculture	680	49.10%	540	41.38%
Mining	10	0.72%	45	3.45%
Manufacturing	70	5.05%	60	4.60%
Construction	25	1.81%	60	4.60%
Transportation. & Utilities	100	7.22%	90	6.90%
Retail and Wholesale	165	11.91%	155	11.88%
Finance	30	2.17%	55	4.21%
Business & Community Services	215	15.52%	255	19.54%
Public Administration	50	3.61%	55	4.21%
Total All Industries	1,385	100.00%	1,305	100.00%
Source: Statistics Canada 1996 & 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Smoky River No. 130, M.D. of Labour Force By Industry - 2001

 

Labour Force by Major Occupational Groups	1996	%	2001	%
Management occupations	65	4.69%	25	1.92%
Business, Finances and administrative occupations	155	11.19%	165	12.69%
Natural and applied sciences and related occupations	0	0.00%	10	0.77%
Health occupations	50	3.61%	35	2.69%
Occupations in social science; education; government and religion	30	2.17%	70	5.38%
Occupations in art; culture; recreation and sport	10	0.72%	15	1.15%
Sales and service occupations	190	13.72%	215	16.54%
Trades; transport; equipment operators and related occupations	225	16.25%	215	16.54%
Occupations unique to primary industry	630	45.49%	545	41.92%
Occupations unique to processing; manufacturing and utilities	35	2.53%	0	0.00%
Occupations not elsewhere classified	10	0.72%	0	0.00%
Total - All Occupations (major groups)	1,385	100.00%	1,300	100.00%
Females - All Occupations	545	39.35%	510	39.23%
Males - All Occupations	840	60.65%	790	60.77%
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	60	9.38%	70	12.39%
$20,000 - $39,999	130	20.31%	180	31.86%
$40,000 - $59,999	235	36.72%	150	26.55%
$60,000 and over	215	33.59%	185	32.74%
Total number of families	640	100.00%	585	103.54%
Average family income	$52,708		$54,460
Median family income	$51,407		$49,014
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	120	15.00%	170	21.66%
$20,000 - $39,999	205	25.63%	210	26.75%
$40,000 - $59,999	245	30.63%	160	20.38%
$60,000 and over	60	7.50%	250	31.85%
Total number of households	800	100.00%	785	100.00%
Average household income	$49,281		$48,279
Median household income	$46,510		$42,815
Source: Statistics Canada 1996 & 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

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	90	11.25%	90	11.46%
Other single attached house	0	0.00%	0	0.00%
Row and semi-detached house	0	0.00%	0	0.00%
Single-detached house	705	88.13%	700	89.17%
Total number of occupied private dwellings	800	100.00%	785	100.00%
Private dwellings, owned	755	94.38%	700	89.17%
Private Dwellings, rented	40	5.00%	85	10.83%
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	25	3.14%
Period of construction, 1946 - 1960	155	19.50%
Period of construction, 1961 - 1970	105	13.21%
Period of construction, 1971 - 1980	250	31.45%
Period of construction, 1981 - 1990	130	16.35%
Period of construction, 1991 - 2001	130	16.35%
Total number of private dwellings constructed	795	100.00%
Source: Statistics Canada 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Farming

Smoky River No. 130, M.D. of Total Farm Area : 485 acres

Farms by Total Farm Area (2001)	# of Farms	% of total
Farms - Under 129 acres	25	5.15%
Farms - 130 to 239 acres	55	11.34%
Farms - 240 to 559 acres	85	17.53%
Farms - 560 to 759 acres	48	9.90%
Farms - 760 to 1,119 acres	87	17.94%
Farms - 1,120 to 1,599 acres	72	14.85%
Farms - 1,600 to 2,239 acres	51	10.52%
Farms - 2,240 acres and over	62	12.78%
Total number of farms reporting	485	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	46	9.48%
Farms gross farm receipts - $10,000 to $49,999	141	29.07%
Farms gross farm receipts - $50,000 to $99,999	82	16.91%
Farms gross farm receipts - $100,000 to $249,999	135	27.84%
Farms gross farm receipts - $250,000 to $499,999	53	10.93%
Farms gross farm receipts - $500,000 and over	28	5.77%
Total number of farms reporting	485	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	90	13.14%
Age - 35 to 54 years	360	52.55%
Age - 55 years and over	240	35.04%
Average age of operators	49
Number of operators - Female	180	26.28%
Number of operators - Male	505	73.72%
Total number of operators reporting	685	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 Smoky River No. 130, M.D. of as of December 2007

Project Sector	Number of Projects	Project Cost
Oil, Gas & Oilsands	1	$2,500,000,000
Chemicals & Petrochemicals	1	$160,000,000
Total	2	$2,660,000,000
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
Announced	1	$2,500,000,000
Proposed	1	$160,000,000
Total	2	$2,660,000,000
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 Smoky River No. 130, M.D. of as of December 2007

Company Name	Project  Description	Project  Location	Project  Cost	Construction  Schedule	Status
Peace River Oil (PRO) Upgrading Inc.	'Bluesky' Diesel Refinery and Heavy Crude Oil Upgrader Phase 1	MD of Smoky River (S of McLennan)	$2,500,000,000	2009-2011	Announced
Peace River Oil (PRO) Inc. / Econcept Bio-Energy Corp.	Ethanol Plant and Biogas Facility	MD of Smoky River (near McLennan)	$160,000,000	-	Proposed