Woodlands County

www.woodlands.ab.ca

Welcome

Welcome to Woodlands County on AlbertaFirst.com 

Woodlands County is a vibrant area located approximately 170 km northwest of Edmonton that encompasses a wide variety of established businesses primarily in forestry, petroleum and agriculture. Its rich natural landscape corresponds with a thriving recreational base and diverse group of communities. 

Woodlands County takes great pride in providing services to both private and corporate citizens. As a strong supporter of small business and economic growth, the municipality has the right tools and resources to get your business started or relocated with one of the lowest tax rates in the province of Alberta, and the necessary programs, bylaws and policies in place to make development easier.

Area Overview

Woodlands County provides the perfect location for everyone—whether you’re an entrepreneur, a seasoned professional, a member of industry or just looking for an active community to call home. 

The municipality incorporates a unique balance of both urban and rural culture and is rapidly growing with a population of approximately 4,100. Conveniently located, it is close to Edmonton and Jasper and is also adjacent to the booming community of Whitecourt, which has a separate population of over 9,000 residents. The hamlets of Blue Ridge, Goose Lake and Fort Assiniboine are also located in the region, as well as the rich farming area of Anselmo.


The Blue Ridge welcome sign as you enter the hamlet
The beautiful hamlet of Fort Assiniboine
A breathtaking view of Goose Lake
The total area of the municipality is 759,959 hectares, and consists of a diverse landscape that supports an array of industries—primarily agriculture, forestry and petroleum. The scenic area also presents a variety of recreational opportunities including fishing, swimming, hiking, tubing, boating, hunting, ATV riding, and camping.

Climate

Month Max Min Mean
January -4 -18 -11
April 11 -3 3
July 22 8 15
October 11 -2 4

 
Overlooking the beautiful Athabasca River basin north of Whitecourt on a warm summer day. (Photo courtesy of the Geological Survey of Canada - photo 2002-619 by Denis St-Onge)

For current weather information visit the Woodlands County website at www.woodlands.ab.ca 

*Data obtained from www.theweathernetwork.com for Whitecourt, AB

Community Services

Municipal

Woodlands County
Box 60
#1 Woodlands Lane
Whitecourt, AB  T7S 1C7

Tel: (780) 778-8400
Fax: (780) 778-8402
Web: www.woodlands.ab.ca


The Woodlands County Community Services Department facilitates recreational and cultural activities and Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) in the communities of Anselmo, Blue Ridge, Fort Assiniboine, Timeu, Topland, rural Whitecourt and Goose Lake. The FCSS team encourages your organization to come forward should you require help or direction with any upcoming programs.

The following municipal services are also offered by Woodlands County:

  • Infrastructure Services
  • Agriculture Services
  • Planning and Development
  • Corporate Services
  • Emergency Services
  • Patrol Services

 

Provincial

The following provincial services are available in Whitecourt:

  • AADAC
  • Alberta Registries
  • Alberta Employment and Immigration
  • Alberta Solicitor General and Public Security Correctional Services
  • North Central Alberta Child and Family Services Authority
  • Office of the Public Guardian
  • Persons with Development Disabilities
  • Sustainable Resource Development

Federal

The following services are located in Woodlands County or surrounding areas:

  • Canada Post (Whitecourt, Fort Assiniboine)
  • RCMP (Whitecourt, Swan Hills, Mayerthorpe, Barrhead)

Community Lifestyle

Work

Woodlands County boasts an industrious workforce, plentiful natural resources, beautiful terrain, excellent transportation routes and a close proximity to major markets. With three pulp mills, and numerous oil and gas service companies, there are many job opportunities available in the region. Woodlands County boasts a low unemployment rate of 3.4 per cent, lower than the provincial average of 4.3 per cent (Source: 2006 Statistics Canada Census). 

Play

Woodlands County is very diverse in geographical features making it a popular location for parks and year-round recreational activities. Several streams and rivers flow through the region including the Athabasca, Freeman and McLeod Rivers.

[Athabasca River image courtesy of the Geological Survey of Canada (Photo 2002-619 by Denis St-Onge)]

 

Provincial Parks

Carson-Pegasus Provincial Park is a popular, full service provincial recreation area that is located 15 km northeast of Whitecourt, just off of Highway 32. Enjoy excellent year round trout fishing in the clear waters of McLeod and Pegasus lakes. The park also has an abundance of trails that are used by hikers in the summer and are groomed for skiers throughout the winter.

Another popular provincial park is the Fort Assiniboine Sandhills Wildland Park, spanning 79 square km. It is home to an assortment of wildlife, wetlands and lush forests. The park harbours species such as woodpeckers, various wood warblers, flying squirrels and sandhill cranes. 

Natural Wonders 

Also located on Highway 32 north, approximately 13 km from Whitecourt, is the Eric S. Huestis Demonstration Forest. It is a 10 square km forest area that demonstrates how a forest can sustain recreation, wildlife habitat and resource harvesting over a long period of time. Twenty-six interpretive sites along a seven-kilometer trail provide information on the various stages of forest life where the impacts of forest management practices can be viewed first hand. To book a tour of the Demonstration Forest, contact the Whitecourt and District Chamber of Commerce at (780) 778-5363 (tours are held between May and August). 

Hard Luck Falls also provides an excellent example of the natural beauty found in the area. The falls are located approximately 20 km from the Town of Whitecourt and are best viewed during the spring thaw.

History

A favourite tourism highlight in Woodlands County is the hamlet of Fort Assiniboine. Registered as the second oldest fort in Alberta, the community of Fort Assiniboine holds a very important place in the province's history. Its name is presumably derived from the Assiniboine Natives, and records dating back to the Hudson’s Bay era indicate that the location was once used as a transportation and supply point.

To commemorate the history of the Hudson’s Bay era (between 1823 and 1877), a museum was constructed, which reflects the fur trade and houses historical artifacts from the area. The Fort Assiniboine Hudson’s Bay-style building was officially opened on October 4, 1980. It is now referred to as the Fort Assiniboine Museum and Friendship Club Drop-in Centre. Today, the museum is a very popular tourist attraction.

The World's Largest Wagon Wheel and Pick Axe also stand in Fort Assiniboine. The wagon wheel is 7.32 metres high and the pick axe is just over 6 metres high. It was constructed by Studio Y Creations of hand carved EPS foam, hard coated with SYC weather coat and painted with an enamel finish. The grand opening for the monument was held July 20, 2005, and this roadside attraction has already become a tourist favorite.

During the Klondike Gold Rush, the North West Territories government dispatched T.W. Chalmers to cut a trail from Klondike City to Lessor Slave Lake, and part of the famous Klondike Trail passes through Woodlands County. This trail was used during the 1897-1898 Klondike Gold Rush and was promoted by the Edmonton Bulletin, Edmonton merchants, and the Government of Canada as an “All-Canadian route to the easy gold of the Yukon.” The gold rush seekers camped at Klondike City (about 20 km north of Fort Assiniboine) in the winter of 1898-1899. Today, the Chalmers portion of the Klondike Trail is being mapped and preserved by The Klondike Trail Society.

Recreation 

Woodlands County also presents a variety of recreational facilities, including the new Allan and Jean Millar Centre in Whitecourt which opened on Sept. 4, 2008. The $28-million facility boasts a state-of-the-art fitness centre, field house, aquatic centre featuring various pools and a water slide, an indoor play area and community rental spaces. The County also possesses an array of trails, including the 120 km Eagle River Snowmobile Area, and cross-country ski paths. For the summer months, enjoy the many natural areas to hike and a conglomerate of walking paths. 

Another great recreational spot is the Blue Ridge Spray Park, which features 13 different water features—the perfect place to spend a hot summer day with your family.

The Eagle River Casino also held its grand opening during 2008 and features world-class entertainment just minutes from Whitecourt. 


Festivals and more 

Realizing the value of recreational pursuits, Woodlands County has worked industriously to develop strong municipal partnerships and a community services funding formula to support the initiatives of local organizations, many that have brought world-class events to the area. Residents and those from across Alberta have enjoyed the World Jet Boat Races, the Party in the Park outdoor concert (past headlining acts include April Wine and Trooper), and the Wings Over Whitecourt Air Show, which took place at the Woodlands County airport and featured the Canadian Forces Snowbirds. In 2009, the Whitecourt Trailblazers Snowmobile Club will host a snowmobile freestyle event that will feature professional riders from the Winter X Games, live music and fireworks displays. 

The Whitecourt Rodeo and Fort Assiniboine Hamlet Hoedown are also popular festivals that residents and tourists look forward to enjoying each year.


The Canadian Forces Snowbirds at the Wings Over Whitecourt Air Show held at the Woodlands County airport


The annual Fort Assiniboine Hamlet Hoedown parade
The new Blue Ridge Spray Park, which opened in August 2008

Economic Base

As with the rest of Alberta, Woodlands County has experienced considerable growth in the past seven years. Between 2001 and 2008, the population has jumped 8.9 per cent from 3,818 to 4,158.  



Agriculture is one of the main industries in the area
An aerial view of the Alberta Newsprint Company, which is the only newsprint mill in Alberta

The major industries in the area include agriculture, forestry and petroleum. A wide variety of companies call Woodlands County home, including Alberta’s only newsprint mill, the Alberta Newsprint Company, and other forest producers Millar Western Forest Products and Blue Ridge Lumber. Many oil and gas companies are also based in the region, creating ample employment opportunities. 

Woodlands County also houses a host of major business outlets. The hamlet of Fort Assiniboine welcomed petroleum-based exploration companies Trident Exploration and Nexen Inc. More major companies are also bringing their businesses to nearby Whitecourt, such as Wal-mart and Canadian Tire. Mixing large-scale outfitters with local businesses creates a unique experience that blends the convenience of city shopping with small-town service. 

Woodlands County also works together with other organizations and municipalities to enhance economic growth. The County is a member of the Grande Alberta Economic Region (GAER), which promotes core aspects including abundant natural resources, industrious people, endless outdoor recreation, major transportation routes, and proximity to urban markets. The County is also a member of GROWTH Alberta, which consists of municipalities that support economic development initiatives in the northwest region of Alberta. 

Adding to local economic activity, Woodlands County has worked industriously to develop strong municipal partnerships and a community services funding formula to support the initiatives of local organizations, many that have brought world-class events to the area. Residents and those from across Alberta have enjoyed the World Jet Boat Races, the Party in the Park outdoor concert (past headlining acts include April Wine and Trooper), and the Wings Over Whitecourt Air Show, which took place at the Woodlands County airport and featured the Canadian Forces Snowbirds. In 2009, the Whitecourt Trailblazers Snowmobile Club will host a snowmobile freestyle event within Woodlands County that will feature professional riders from the Winter X Games, live music and fireworks displays. 

Other economic staples in the region include the brand new $28-million Allan and Jean Millar Centre in Whitecourt—a facility featuring an aquatic centre, walking/running track, state-of-the-art fitness centre, community rental spaces and more. The facility also has corporate membership packages available. The Eagle River Casino and Travel Plaza is also a brand new attraction in the region, located just 8 km north of Whitecourt. Along with gaming, the casino features a classic grill-style restaurant and bar, and world-class entertainment.

Economic Facts

  • Woodlands County has a population of 4,158 (2006 Statistics Canada)
  • Approximately 60% of the population over 20 years of age has a high school diploma or greater
  • The median family income is $77,556 (2005 Statistics Canada)
  • In 2006, building permits valued 31.7 million dollars.
  • As of March 2004, infrastructure and institutional projects totalled 8.75 million dollars
  • Woodlands County boasts a low unemployment rate of 3.4 per cent - lower than the provincial average of 4.3 per cent

Education

Woodlands County offers excellent scholarship and bursary opportunities, as well as an Agriculture Services bursary. More about these programs can be found on the Woodlands County web site at www.woodlands.ab.ca under the "Community Services" link.

School Divisions

Northern Gateway Public Schools
4104 Kepler St. Whitecourt, AB
Tel: (780) 778-2800
Fax: (780) 778-6719
Web site: www.ngrd.ab.ca

Northern Gateway Schools Contact
Central Elementary School (K to 5) (780) 778-2136
Pat Hardy Elementary School (K to 5) (780) 778-6266
Percy Baxter School (Grades 6 to 8) (780) 778-3898
Hilltop High School (Grades 9 to 12) (780) 778-2446



Living Waters Catholic School Division No. 42
4204 Kepler St. Whitecourt, AB
Tel: (780) 778-5666
Fax: (780) 778-2727
Web site: www.livingwaters.ab.ca

Living Waters Schools Contact
St. Mary School (K to Grade 3) (780) 778-2050
St. Joseph School (Grades 4 to 12) (780) 778-2345



Pembina Hills School Board Division No. 7
Tel: (780) 674-8500
Fax: (780) 674-3262
Web site: www.phrd.ab.ca

Pembina Hills Schools Contact
Fort Assiniboine School (K to Grade 12) (780) 584-3751


Post-secondary Institutions

Pembina Educational Consortium
4739 - 50 Ave. Whitecourt, AB
Tel: (780) 778-2000
Fax: (780) 778-2257
Web site: www.pec.ab.ca

The Pembina Educational Consortium in Whitecourt offers programs from Red Deer College, Grant MacEwan College, the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, NorQuest College and Athabasca University.

Emergency Services

Woodlands County provides outstanding emergency services and is a part of the “911” network. 

Police 

There are Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) stations located in Barrhead, Mayerthorpe, Swan Hills and Whitecourt that serve the County. 

  • Barrhead RCMP – (780) 674-4848
  • Mayerthorpe RCMP – (780) 786-2291
  • Swan Hills RCMP – (780) 333-4450
  • Whitecourt RCMP – (780) 778-2238 

Woodlands County also has its own Patrol Services department that consists of two full-time Peace Officers. County Peace Officers are committed to maintaining safe communities and providing a range of enforcement services including: 

  • Bylaws
  • Provincial statutes
  • Traffic safety
  • Off-Highway vehicle use
  • Commercial vehicle use
  • Complaints
  • Animal control
  • Liquor matters

Ambulance Service 

  • Associated Ambulance – (780) 778-2223 or 911
  • Barrhead Ambulance – (780) 674-3301 or 911
  • Ste. Anne Regional Ambulance Authority - 911 

Fire Services 

Fire departments are located in Anselmo, Blue Ridge, Fort Assiniboine, Goose Lake and Whitecourt. 

  • Anselmo Fire Department 
    (780) 786-0005
  • Blue Ridge Fire Department 
    (780) 648-2335
  • Fort Assiniboine Fire Department 
    (780) 584-3922
  • Goose Lake Fire Department 
    (780) 305-8783 (dept. cell)
  • Whitecourt Fire Department 
    (780) 778-2342 

Health Care

Woodlands County focuses a great deal on the health care services available to its residents. The municipality recently partnered with the Town of Whitecourt as part of a physician recruitment plan that has already brought additional doctors to the area.

The Woodlands County region is served by health facilities in Whitecourt. The Whitecourt Healthcare Centre is a 24-bed accredited facility including two special care beds, and one palliative care bed that has served the community since 1966. 

The healthcare centre employs a team of health professionals and support staff in the following departments: Administration, Cardiac Stress Testing, Central Supply, Continuing Care, Emergency, Food Services, Health Records, Housekeeping, Lab, Laundry, Maintenance, Materiel Management, Nursing, Nutrition, Operating Room, Outpatients, Pharmacy, Renal Dialysis, Rehabilitation, Ultrasound and X-ray.

The Town of Whitecourt also hosts a medical clinic and a walk-in medical clinic.


For senior residents, the Spruceview Lodge in Whitecourt supplies long-term care. The facility, which is managed by the Lac Ste. Anne Foundation, recently received extensive renovations and expansion as a means to improve the quality of life and level of service offered to residents. It is a 50-room facility with the addition of 30 apartment-style suites complete with kitchenettes.


The recently renovated Spruceview Lodge in Whitecourt

Other nearby healthcare centres are located in Mayerthorpe, Barrhead and Fox Creek.

Whitecourt Healthcare Centre - (780) 778-2285

Mayerthorpe Healthcare Centre - (780) 786-2261

Barrhead Healthcare Centre - (780) 674-2221

Fox Creek Hospital - (780) 622-3545 

Key Contacts for Business Development

Municipal 

Woodlands County
Box 60, #1 Woodlands Lane
Whitecourt AB  T7S 1N3
Phone: (780) 778-8400
Fax: (780) 778-8400
www.woodlands.ab.ca 

Jim Rennie, Mayor, jim.rennie@woodlands.ab.ca 

Luc Mercier, CAO, luc.mercier@woodlands.ab.ca 


Provincial (Updated September 2008) 

George VanderBurg
Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA)
Whitecourt – Ste. Anne Constituency
348 Annex
9718—107 St.
Edmonton AB  T5K 1E4
www.assembly.ab.ca
george.vanderburg@assembly.ab.ca
Phone: (780) 415-9473
Fax: (780) 422-1671 


The Honourable Ken Kowalski
Speaker/Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA)
Barrhead – Westlock Constituency
Box 4576, 5110 – 50 Ave.
Barrhead AB  T7N 1A4
www.assembly.ab.ca
barrhead.westlock@assembly.ab.ca
Phone: (780) 674-3225
Fax: (780) 674-6183
 

Grande Alberta Economic Region (GAER)
Tammy Powell
Manager
tammy.powell@grandealberta.com
111 Provincial Building
111 – 54 St.
Edson AB  T7E 1T2
Phone: (780) 723-7706
Fax: (780) 723-8240
 

Federal (Updated September 2008) 

Rob Merrifield
Member of Parliament (MP)
Yellowhead Constituency
House of Commons
Ottawa ON  K1A 0A6
Phone: (613) 922-1653
Email: merrir@parl.gc.ca 

Constituency Office
Box 7887
Edson AB  T7E 1V9
Phone: (780) 723-6068 or 1-800-268-7117
Fax: (780) 723-5060

Location

Woodlands County is located approximately 170 km northwest of the City of Edmonton. It is surrounded by the following municipal districts and counties:

  • County of Barrhead 
  • Municipal District of Greenview
  • Lac Ste. Anne County
  • Municipal District of Lesser Slave River
  • Westlock County
  • Yellowhead County

Woodlands County is close to both Edmonton and Jasper. It is located along the Canamex Corridor, which links Alaska to Mexico and allows the transportation of goods and services across international borders.

Post Secondary Education

The Pembina Educational Consortium is located in the Town of Whitecourt and offers programs from accredited Alberta institutions including Red Deer College, Grant MacEwan College, the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, NorQuest College and Athabasca University. 

Pembina Educational Consortium

Phone: (780) 778-2000
Website: www.pec.ab.ca 

The University of Alberta, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology and Grant MacEwan College main campuses are located just 170 km away in Edmonton. 

Taxation

One of our goals is to provide businesses and residents with some of the lowest property taxes in the region.

2008 Residential/Farmland Non-Residential
Municipal Tax Rate

2.2856

6.4400
Education - Alberta School Foundation Fund Tax Rate

2.0481

4.3068
Education Opted Out Tax Rate

2.0481

4.3068
Seniors Lodge Accommodation Tax Rate

.1501

.1501

For more information about Woodlands County property taxes, contact Maurice Gushta, Director of Corporate Services:

Tel: (780) 778-8400
Fax: (780) 778-8402
Email: maurice.gushta@woodlands.ab.ca

Transportation

  • Air - Woodlands County is one of the only counties within the province of Alberta that owns and maintains a full air-service airport. The airport is the ninth-busiest in Alberta. The primary users of the airport include forestry, aviation photography and oilfield companies. Up to 32,000 aircraft use the site each year, including the largest helicopter in the world, the Mi-26. Our airport also provides a large base for water-bombers, which are critical for forest-fire suppression efforts. Competitive lease rates are also available for land at the airport (i.e. to house a private aircraft). Another great feature about the airport is that it does not charge landing fees. 

    • Airborne Energy Solutions
      Phone: 1-888-496-3222
      Fax: (780) 778-6652
      Web site: www.airbornesolutions.com
    • Taiga Helicopters
      Phone: (780) 778-3674
      Fax: (780) 778-3854
      Web site: www.taigahelicopters.com
    • Highland Helicopters
      Phone: (780) 778-4246
      Fax: (780) 778-6554
      Web site: www.highland.ca 



  • Rail – The Canadian National Railway branch line from Edmonton serves Whitecourt, Blue Ridge and travels south of Fox Creek. Industrial spurs and yards are available. Intermodal services are provided in Edmonton and Calgary. For more information, visit www.cn.ca.
     
  • Highway – Highways 43 and 32 lead to Woodlands County, as well as several secondary highways. The Highway 16 corridor is approximately 45 minutes away.
     
  • Bus Service – Greyhound provides regular service to Whitecourt and Fort Assiniboine. Chartered buses are provided by Cardinal Coach Lines. 
    • Greyhound Bus
      Afterhours passenger information – 1-800-661-8747
      Whitecourt Depot – (780) 778-2850
      Fort Assiniboine Depot – (780) 584-3883
      Website – www.greyhound.ca
    • Cardinal Coach Lines
      Whitecourt – (780) 778-2850
      Email – cclwct@telusplanet.net
       
  • Rental Cars/Trucks
    • Visa Truck Rentals
      Whitecourt (Baron Oil Supply) – (780) 779-5222
      Website – www.visatrucks.com
    • National Car and Truck Rentals
      Whitecourt – (780) 778-3775
      Website – www.nationalcar.ca
    • Thrifty Car Rental
      Whitecourt – (780) 706-1016
       
  • Couriers
    • Purolator
    • DHL
    • UPS
    • Canada Post
       
  • Taxi Services
    • Ken’s Cabs
      Whitecourt – (780) 778-4449
    • Sparky’s Taxi
      Whitecourt – (780) 778-8994
    • Star Taxi
      Whitecourt – (780) 778-3496

Utilities

Power

Epcor
Phone: 310-4300
Website: www.epcor.ca 

Fortis Alberta
Phone: 310-WIRE (310-9473)
Website: www.fortisalberta.com 

Natural Gas 

ATCO Gas (Whitecourt)
Phone: (780) 778-8481 or (780) 310-5678
Website: www.atcogas.com 

TRL Gas (Blue Ridge)
Phone: (780) 648-2172
Email: trgadmin@telusplanet.net 

AltaGas Utilities (Barrhead)
Phone: 1-800-242-3477 

Telephone 

TELUS (Edmonton)
Phone: (780) 310-2255

Population

Total Population    
Population 2008* 4,158
Population 2007* 4,158
Population 2006* 3,818
Population 2005* 3,818
Population 2004* 3,818
Population 2001** 3,820
Population 1996** 3,699
Population 1991** 3,065
Population % change 1991-1996 17.14%
Population % change 1996-2001 3.17%
Population % change 2001-2006 -0.05%
* 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 - 4 135 130 265 125 100 225
Age 5 - 14 350 325 675 365 315 680
Age 15 - 19 170 150 320 165 140 305
Age 20 - 24 100 85 185 95 65 160
Age 25 - 34 260 275 535 225 230 455
Age 35 - 44 350 320 670 370 385 755
Age 45 - 54 265 235 500 330 280 610
Age 55 - 64 180 125 305 195 155 350
Age 65 - 74 95 75 170 120 70 190
Age 75 and older 40 35 75 40 50 90
Total All Persons 1,955 1,745 3,700 2,030 1,785 3,815
Source: Statistics Canada 1996 & 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Woodlands County Population by Age Group (2001)

Education Statistics

Highest level of schooling for Population 20yrs and older  2001  % 
People without high school certificates 1,060 40.69%
People with high school certificates 270 10.36%
People with trades or non-university certificate or diploma 780 29.94%
People with post-secondary education (not completed) 285 10.94%
People with university diploma/certificate 65 2.50%
People with university degree 145 5.57%
Total Population 20 years and older 2,605 100.00%
Source: Statistics Canada 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Woodlands County Highest Level of Schooling 2001


Population with Post Secondary Qualifications  1996  %  2001  % 
Agriculture and biological sciences 45 5.56% 70 7.04%
Commerce, management and business administration 120 14.81% 120 12.06%
Educational, recreational and counseling services 75 9.26% 115 11.56%
Engineering and applied science tech. and trades 400 49.38% 435 43.72%
Engineering and applied sciences 30 3.70% 40 4.02%
Fine and applied arts 40 4.94% 65 6.53%
Health professionals, science and technologies 60 7.41% 110 11.06%
Humanities and related fields 10 1.23% 15 1.51%
Mathematics and physical sciences 0 0.00% 0 0.00%
Social sciences and related fields 10 1.23% 25 2.51%
Other and/or no specialization 0 0.00% 0 0.00%
Total people with post secondary qualifications 810 100.00% 995 100.00%
Females with post-secondary qualifications 330 40.74% 430 43.22%
Males with post-secondary qualifications 480 59.26% 565 56.78%
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 2,200 2,175
Not in the labour force, both sexes 560 745
Total population 15 and over 2,755 2,920
Employed, both sexes 2,025 2,015
Unemployed, both sexes 175 160
Participation rate, both sexes 80.00% 75.00%
Unemployment rate, both sexes 8.00% 7.00%
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 285 13.07% 325 15.01%
Mining 235 10.78% 270 12.47%
Manufacturing 330 15.14% 265 12.24%
Construction 270 12.39% 220 10.16%
Transportation. & Utilities 235 10.78% 195 9.01%
Retail and Wholesale 255 11.70% 175 8.08%
Finance 65 2.98% 65 3.00%
Business & Community Services 315 14.45% 615 28.41%
Public Administration 50 2.29% 40 1.85%
Total All Industries 2,180 100.00% 2,165 100.00%
Source: Statistics Canada 1996 & 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Woodlands County Labour Force By Industry - 2001


 
Labour Force by Major Occupational Groups  1996  %  2001  % 
Management occupations 245 11.24% 185 8.55%
Business, Finances and administrative occupations 240 11.01% 325 15.01%
Natural and applied sciences and related occupations 50 2.29% 110 5.08%
Health occupations 25 1.15% 55 2.54%
Occupations in social science; education; government and religion 45 2.06% 60 2.77%
Occupations in art; culture; recreation and sport 10 0.46% 35 1.62%
Sales and service occupations 410 18.81% 355 16.40%
Trades; transport; equipment operators and related occupations 570 26.15% 535 24.71%
Occupations unique to primary industry 335 15.37% 355 16.40%
Occupations unique to processing; manufacturing and utilities 245 11.24% 145 6.70%
Occupations not elsewhere classified 15 0.69% 10 0.46%
Total - All Occupations (major groups) 2,180 100.00% 2,165 100.00%
Females - All Occupations 895 41.06% 915 42.26%
Males - All Occupations 1,285 58.94% 1,255 57.97%
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 80 8.47% 100 10.75%
$20,000 - $39,999 255 26.98% 275 29.57%
$40,000 - $59,999 220 23.28% 230 24.73%
$60,000 and over 390 41.27% 325 34.95%
Total number of families 945 100.00% 930 100.00%
Average family income $56,106   $59,993  
Median family income $51,687   $56,491  
Source: Statistics Canada 1996 & 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Household Income (Number of Households)  1996  %  2001  % 
less than $19,999 190 15.14% 190 13.87%
$20,000 - $39,999 335 26.69% 330 24.09%
$40,000 - $59,999 275 21.91% 290 21.17%
$60,000 and over 120 9.56% 570 41.61%
Total number of households 1,255 100.00% 1,370 100.00%
Average household income $51,921   $56,138  
Median household income $47,873   $51,113  
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 $90,000 $10,000 $240,000 $520,000 $633,000
Building Permits Value, Industrial $4,550,000 $951,000 $140,000 $936,000 $25,000
Building Permits Value, Institutional $0 $50,000 $400,000 $0 $0
Building Permits Value, Residential $8,110,000 $8,175,000 $6,034,000 $9,277,000 $6,139,000
Building Permits Value, Total $12,750,000 $9,186,000 $6,814,000 $10,733,000 $6,797,000
Total Housing Starts 54 52 40 52 30
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 10 0.80% 5 0.37%
Detached Duplexes 0 0.00% 0 0.00%
Movable Dwellings 385 30.68% 375 27.47%
Other single attached house 10 0.80% 40 2.93%
Row and semi-detached house 0 0.00% 0 0.00%
Single-detached house 855 68.13% 945 69.23%
Total number of occupied private dwellings 1,255 100.00% 1,365 100.00%
Private dwellings, owned 1,145 91.24% 1,185 86.81%
Private Dwellings, rented 110 8.76% 180 13.19%
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 55 4.03%
Period of construction, 1946 - 1960 75 5.49%
Period of construction, 1961 - 1970 80 5.86%
Period of construction, 1971 - 1980 460 33.70%
Period of construction, 1981 - 1990 315 23.08%
Period of construction, 1991 - 2001 380 27.84%
Total number of private dwellings constructed 1,365 100.00%
Source: Statistics Canada 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Farming

Woodlands County Total Farm Area : 320 acres

Farms by Total Farm Area (2001)  # of Farms  % of total 
Farms - Under 129 acres 45 14.02%
Farms - 130 to 239 acres 72 22.43%
Farms - 240 to 559 acres 83 25.86%
Farms - 560 to 759 acres 27 8.41%
Farms - 760 to 1,119 acres 37 11.53%
Farms - 1,120 to 1,599 acres 23 7.17%
Farms - 1,600 to 2,239 acres 19 5.92%
Farms - 2,240 acres and over 15 4.67%
Total number of farms reporting 321 100.00%
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 $9,999 105 32.71%
Farms gross farm receipts - $10,000 to $49,999 129 40.19%
Farms gross farm receipts - $50,000 to $99,999 33 10.28%
Farms gross farm receipts - $100,000 to $249,999 37 11.53%
Farms gross farm receipts - $250,000 to $499,999 14 4.36%
Farms gross farm receipts - $500,000 and over 3 0.93%
Total number of farms reporting 321 100.00%
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 50 10.31%
Age - 35 to 54 years 280 57.73%
Age - 55 years and over 155 31.96%
Average age of operators 49  
     
Number of operators - Female 165 34.02%
Number of operators - Male 320 65.98%
Total number of operators reporting 485 100.00%
Source: Statistics Canada 2001 Census of Agriculture(numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Age of Farm Operators

Projects

Summary of Projects in Woodlands County as of April 2009

Project Sector  Number of Projects  Project Cost 
Infrastructure  1  $5,600,000 
Total 1  $5,600,000 
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 April 2009)

Project Status  Number of Projects  Project Cost 
Announced   1  $5,600,000 
Total 1  $5,600,000 
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 Woodlands County as of April 2009

Company Name  Project 
Description 		 Project 
Location 		 Project 
Cost 		 Construction 
Schedule 		 Status 
Woodlands County  Construction of Old Blue Ridge Highway  Woodlands County  $5,600,000  2009-2009  Announced  

 

 

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