Town of High River Magazine 2013

Community Profile 2013

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Business and Tourism Services The Town of High River Business & Tourism Development Office is your first stop for free and confidential assistance to all businesses looking to expand, relocate or establish in the Town of High River.

Our core services include: Community Events Support Community Marketing Promotion and Tourism Business Resource and Information Services Our focus is to support local business retention and expansion. We have several supporting initiatives in place to facilitate your success including: Site Selection Our office provides information and contacts to investors and business owners who are searching for suitable land, buildings and office space in High River.

Community Insight We maintain current economic, statistical and market data, as well as general business information about the community of High River.

Business Start-up, Retention and Attraction Our team maintains a list of local contacts and resources, including BizPal, that are available to assist you as you develop your business.

Town of High River Business and Tourism Development Office 309B MacLeod Trail SW, High River, AB T1V 1Z5 403.652.8622 businesstourism@highriver.ca www.highriver.ca High River and District Chamber of Commerce 149B MacLeod Trail SW, High River, AB T1V 1M4 403.652.3336 hrdcc@telus.net www.hrchamber.ca Downtown Business Association Box 6048, High River, AB T1V 1M5 403-652-0566 dbahighriver@live.ca Community Futures Highwood 14 McRae Street, Box 1599 Okotoks, AB T1S 1B5 403.995.4151 info@cfhighwood.net www.cfhighwood.net

Contents 3 Business and Tourism Services 4 Mayor's Message 6 Business and Tourism Message

8 Chamber of Commerce 10 Destination Downtown 14 Tourism Branding 16 Community Wellness 18 Health Services 20 Growth and Diversity 22 Post Secondary Options 24 Growth Strategies 26 Your New Hometown This guide is a publication of the Town of High River Business and Tourism Development Office The Town of High River and Routes Media Inc. endeavour to ensure information is as accurate as possible and is not responsible for any errors or omissions.

For permission to reprint articles, excerpts or photographs, contact Routes Media Inc. Copyright 2013 All rights reserved.

Publisher Routes Media Inc. www.routesmedia.ca

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Welcome

CHERRY LANE Div. of T&B Custom Holdings Ltd.

Mayor's Message

H

igh River is part of a dynamic region that is an engine of growth.

This was confirmed in the 2011 Census from Statistics Canada that listed our town as the fourth fastest growing community in Canada. We have a lot to offer as a destination to visit, a location for doing business and a place to call home.

Although our town’s population has grown to 13,000, almost double since 2001, we have maintained the friendly hospitality that has always been a trademark of our community.

Having completed many of the necessary upgrades to our infrastructure and transportation network, High River is on the cusp of an economic boom in our commercial and light industrial areas.

We are in an ideal situation to become southern Alberta’s next commercial hot spot. We have recently annexed more than 1,700 acres along our northern boundary in preparation for this expected growth and have developed important strategic plans that will direct future development.

As we expand and diversify, we are committed to remaining faithful to the small town ideals that make High River such a desirable place to call home.

With a shared vision for our future, careful planning and a structured approach to growth, High River will continue to preserve our small town atmosphere while offering the amenities and services of a larger centre. It is an exciting time for our community as we look forward to continuing prosperity and success.

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Message from Business and Tourism Office

Opportunity High River

T

wenty years ago, the main street of High River was just across the river and it ended just a few seconds after it began.

As staff of the Business & Tourism Development Office we are impressed with the physical setting of High River: the vistas, the green spaces, and the proximity to a large urban centre. It has all the pleasures of living in a close-knit rural town without the hassle of big city living. The town has changed and grown; new developments are springing up but the friendly neighborhood feeling prevails.

Today, the High River of years ago is no longer – it has become a new High River, a modern and exciting community! There is a strong link to the town’s history – no denying the western culture

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and its influence on town architecture and ambiance. That connection will never be broken. Spend 15 minutes downtown and you’ll know it’s cowboy friendly with uptown amenities. There are more pickups than Porches. Today’s High River is comprised of a diverse population that is educated, skilled and international. A population that shares a common love for this hometown no matter where families and residents come from.

As staff for the Business & Tourism Development Office, it’s been a delight to work with the many innovative business owners and groups that continue to add to the success of our community. Our alignment with CBC’s popular series Heartland and its incorporation into a tourism brand “High River – Home of Heartland” has raised our profile and attracted additional business, residents and thousands of visitors.

The town swells with visitors attracted by the special events that dot the calendar year including a classic car show weekend, world-class chuckwagon races, vibrant arts and music performances and much more.

Recreational facilities, educational opportunities and unique shopping options all help make High River a fantastic place to live, which in turn makes it easy for industries to recruit staff... and that ultimately fuels the economy.

Guided by the Corporate Strategic Plan, the continued development of High River will bring new business, and with the annexation of over 1,700 acres, more residential and commercial investment will follow.

photo by Neville Palmer

Having experienced first-hand the excitement of entering a newly opened store, the delight of finding treasures in shops that have been here for years, or the ease and enjoyment of meeting up with friends for coffee or lunch, we can say that High River is not only a fantastic place to work, but an amazing place to invest in and call home.

Welcome to High River! How can we help you to make this your new home?

2012 High River Household Income Distribution

Town of High River Business and Tourism Development Office 309B MacLeod Trail SW, High River, AB T1V 1Z5 www.highriver.ca

People choose to live in High River for the spirit of community and the great opportunities.

- Carol Lyall Lorac Executive Centre

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Chamber of Commerce

Growing Community Through Partnerships

T

he High River Chamber of Commerce is a voluntary organization comprised of citizens who invest their time and money in the business community.

These committed members work to improve the economic, civic and cultural well-being of the area throughout the year by conducting programs aimed at improving the quality of life while retaining the character of the town.

The Chamber is a service institution and an actionbased organization that serves as a partner with businesses and professionals in High River. It provides an avenue for people to take effective action for development in the community.

The Chamber is equally interested in assisting small and large businesses. Whatever the scope of involvement or the type of activity, things don’t just happen; progress is made through the efforts of many people working together using the Chamber of Commerce as a primary resource.

The recent adoption of the MyChamberApp mobile technology is helping to stimulates local commerce by providing maps, locations, telephone numbers, websites, images and even videos through a tap of a screen.

Our affiliation with the Alberta Chamber of Commerce and other regional and international chambers allows us to immediately connect with like-minded business people and draw from their expertise and resources to tackle any challenge.

The Chamber hosts numerous luncheons, receptions and annual awards to honour and recognize 8

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those who have achieved success as well as individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the community.

Our local businesses host many community events helping citizens become more familiar with their services and products. Ribbon cutting ceremonies celebrating the opening of new businesses are especially exciting for the Chamber.

The Chamber works with a number of other agencies to help with programs, grants and activities including the High River Agricultural Society Board, civic clubs such as Rotary, Kinsmen and the Lions Club, schools and other town committees. It supports the Highwood High Scholars Program by awarding a scholarship every year to an individual pursuing their post-secondary education in business.

Some of our main events throughout the year are the Annual Chamber Banquet, Little Britches Parade, Santa Claus Parade, Annual Trade Fair, Christmas mixer, Business Toy Drive and a variety of luncheon programs and seminars.

While the Chamber of Commerce is constantly seeking ways to help our community grow and prosper, equally important, it strives to ensure our community remains a great place to live and raise families. The Chamber extends full-time, year-round service to the citizens of High River. It takes all of us working together as partners to keep High River and District a strong and healthy community.

If you are in High River, please stop by the Chamber office and we will gladly tell you about our business community. We think you will fall in love with our small-town character and want to stay.

403.652.3336 (admin office) 403.652.7349 (arena booking)

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We encourage you to join the chamber and become an integral part of a broader business community. As a member you will have access to the following benefits: • • • • • • • • •

Member to member discounts Group insurance discounted rates Business referrals and networking Visa and Mastercard merchant discounts and services Petro Canada, Husky, Esso gasoline discounts Purolator discounts Recoginition: Business of the Year Networking opportunities Access to MyChamberApp

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Destination Downtown

Planting Seeds for Vibrancy

T

he heart of any community is its downtown core and in this unique, flourishing southern Alberta town there is an enterprising team of businesses and professionals working to sustain High River's positive trend of growth.

The response to this pop-up park was so positive that the Town decided to proceed with the plan to re-landscape the area.

A variety of strategic measures are in place, including architectural controls designed to preserve the old historic feel of High River’s downtown core.

Another successful “pop-up” was the trial run of a sidewalk patio in front of the popular Evelyn’s Memory Lane Café. A temporary patio was created using two parking spaces in front of the restaurant, complete with trees and large planters. The patrons and surrounding businesses were so impressed with the increased pedestrian traffic that they didn’t even miss the reduced parking during the pop-up patio event.

Relationships The Town actively works with local businesses and community groups to identify partnership opportunities that support new downtown initiatives. The Downtown Business Association, the High River & District Chamber of Commerce and the Town of High River’s Planning and Tourism & Business Development departments are all working together to create an attainable vision for the future of downtown High River.

Planning In both 2011 and 2012, the Town’s planning department hosted two “pop-up” planning sessions with the goal of having face-to-face conversations with the general public in casual and engaging environments.

The first session was a simulated park improvement created by temporarily placing artificial turf and trees in Pioneer Square to give residents the opportunity to experience and give feedback on a proposed new green-space.

10 highriver.ca

Today Pioneer Square is not only a popular downtown meeting place it is also the new home of High River’s Farmers Market.

Inclusion Action resulting from pop-up planning initiatives such as these demonstrates how innovation drives and inspires High River’s downtown business owners. Linda Sojer, President of the Downtown Business Association, is a leader in creating experiences for visitors to remember. She believes that a mix of professional services, a variety of retail shops and a selection of food outlets all make for a vibrant, interactive and cohesive downtown.

“It’s our job to plant the seed that grows the tree,” says Sojer. When the Town brought the Farmers Market into the downtown core, suddenly the mews – High River’s interconnected pattern of backstreets and alleys-came to life with commerce and clientele.

photo by Neville Palmer

Demonstrating her belief in the power of partnerships, Sojer has championed an addition to the Farmers Market – a Junior Achievement section for youth to present their products and services to the residents, while learning how to run a business. She also provides space in her store, Creative Accents, where home-based entrepreneurs showcase their products, exposing them to a larger market.

It’s our job to plant the seed that grows the tree."

Growth During production, cast and crew of the popular CBC television series Heartland are frequently seen around town, especially when they set up to film at the “Maggie’s Diner” location on 3rd Avenue.

Capitalizing on its special relationship with this popculture franchise, the Town of High River recently negotiated a licensing agreement with the show’s producers and adopted the exciting new “High River - Home of Heartland” tourism brand (see article on page 13).

High River, with its unique historic buildings and attractive downtown, has often been featured as the backdrop for television and film projects. To showcase these locations, a Famous People Famous Places map of High River was created to give visitors a chance to walk in the footsteps of some of their favourite stars.

With the town’s growing population and the vibrancy of its core, downtown High River has a tremendous opportunity to expand its business mix to include more a more varied and dynamic array of retail boutiques, dining experiences and professional services.

- Linda Sojer, President Downtown Business Association

Town of High River 309B MacLeod Trail SW, High River, T1V 1Z5 403.652.2110 info@highriver.ca Downtown Business Association Box 6048, High River, AB T1V 1M5 403.652.0566 dbahighriver@live.ca

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Tourism Branding

Leveraging a Pop Culture Connection

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s Anne of Green Gables is to Cavendish, PEI, and the Twilight series is to Forks, Washington, Heartland has put a spotlight on High River and the shine comes with perks for businesses.

High River has long been recognized by the Alberta television and film industry as a film-friendly community and when a popular television series is filmed in your backyard, people take notice.

Since 2007, CBC’s Heartland, a one-hour family drama, has been filmed in and around High River, and fans have been making pilgrimages to the area ever since.

For local residents there’s a thrill factor of shopping and eating out amongst the stars and seeing familiar sights and scenes projected on the big screen.

For faraway viewers there’s an irresistible lure to visit High River (the town that is a stand-in for Heartland’s idyllic Hudson) and a chance to peek into the windows of the show’s famous Maggie’s Diner and perhaps catch a glimpse of their favorite characters Amy and Ty. For business owners and developers there is an opportunity in the making to offer products and create experiences that cater to the show’s visiting fan base.

Now in its sixth season, Heartland is a multi-generational saga depicting the trials and tribulations of a Canadian ranching family. The popular series airs across Canada and in 118 other countries, garnering a worldwide audience. According to Gordon Imlach, Heartland series publicist, the foothills region around High River was a handpicked stage for the series.

14 highriver.ca

“The gorgeous scenery and western culture have become their own distinct characters in our series.

All of us are proud that Heartland gets to showcase the High River area around the world.”

Dayna Dickens, Coordinator, High River Business & Tourism Development, describes the impact as a phenomenon known as pop-culture tourism: a celebrity effect that can create a unique tourism hook for a destination.

In 2012 the Town of High River seized the opportunity to welcome the spotlight when it officially tied its tourism brand to Heartland, entering into a formal licensing agreement with the show’s producers.

“By incorporating High River’s intimate connection to Heartland into our community’s tourism brand we can begin to leverage society’s fascination with pop-culture,” says Dickens. “This gives our tourism marketing campaigns a better chance to capture the attention of consumers and gives us an advantage over other generic community marketing efforts.”

Today the community is proudly known as “High River – Home of Heartland” and is developing its new tourism marketing plans around elements of the show. The new branding provides High River business owners a rich opportunity to work with the Business & Tourism Development office to develop unique services, merchandise and experiences that meet the wishes and expectations of Heartland fans.

According to Dickens, “People no longer make travel decisions based on ‘shopping lists’ of area attributes and attractions. Rather they are looking for oncein-a-lifetime experiences: things that move them and give them stories to tell when they get home.”

If Heartland spins an enchanting story that draws tourists to the High River area, the series can also be seen as a rally point for southern Albertans, telling a story that exemplifies the virtues that are fundamental to folks in the area.

“Many people in the High River area identify with Heartland’s characters and their rural lifestyle,” says Dickens. “There is an easy parallel between the show’s storylines and life in southern Alberta. Good honest hard work, wholesome family values, and for many, the prized traditions of a western ranching lifestyle are all things local residents can relate to.”

The gorgeous scenery and western culture have become their own distinct characters in our series. All of us are proud that Heartland gets to showcase the High River area around the world.”

-Gordon Imlach, Publicist

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Community Wellness

Healthy Community - Healthy Workforce

H

igh River has rediscovered the merits of the old adage: work hard - play hard. As the town’s business economy expands and prospers, health and leisure are top priorities.

There’s a new shift in the consciousness of people.

They want recreation and leisure as they drive toward lofty business goals. They demand entertainment and fun served up with their hard-earned career advancement. They recognize the role of health and wellness in sustaining their grand ambitions and daring dreams. In High River, the new mindset has caught on.

“As a business owner, I see the business potential in High River and I also appreciate what a draw this town is for employees,” says Linda O’Neill, who has been the Re/Max Southern Realty Broker/ owner for the past seven years in High River. “It has great health and recreational amenities, arts and entertainment opportunities and numerous family attractions.”

With a population swelling to nearly 13,000, High River is meeting its economic growth with a balanced emphasis on health and wellness. On the health front, the Charles Clark Medical Centre opened in the spring of 2012 offering a wealth of services including mammograms, bone-density tests and cardiac treatment.

Staffed with four new doctors, the cutting edge clinic is an excellent complement to the High River Hospital, located across the street.

A sprawling park shares the grounds

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of the medical facility. It includes a children’s playground, a multi-use green space and an innovative outdoor fitness park featuring nine exercise machines. The outdoor fitness equipment uses a person’s own body weight to create resistance and offers a broad spectrum of flexibility, mobility, range-of-motion, cardio and strengthening moves to provide a well-rounded workout for people all ages and skill levels.

“There is good support from businesses and organizations to ensure this town is sufficiently furnished with a multitude of opportunities for fitness and leisure,” says Darren Goldthorpe, Parks and Recreation Manager. He goes on to explain that the

outdoor fitness park was a joint project between the Town of High River, Cargill Foods, High River 4C Coalition, the Calgary Rural Primary Care Network and Alberta Health Services.

Further advancing the priority of health and wellness in High River, the Snodgrass Recreation Complex is home to a swimming pool, two ice arenas and a curling club and is currently being expanded to include a new field house. The 5,800 square foot facility is designed to accommodate a plethora of services including physiotherapy, massage therapy, nutrition, fitness and lifestyle consulting, and athletic training and therapy.

Other prized leisure amenities include the Happy Trails – nearly 30 kilometres of paved paths for walking and cycling; George Lane Memorial Park, a family favourite destination that includes a campground, baseball diamond, events stage, horseshoe pits, a playground and a picnic area; and the beautiful 13 acre Sheppard Family Park. Adding to the many outdoor activities provided by the Highwood River that flows through the town are two manmade lakes, an outdoor waterpark and abundant green spaces for outdoor family activities.

When it comes to organized sports and activities the town offers hockey, lacrosse, soccer, slow pitch, curling, cycling, tennis and golf. Numerous health and fitness classes are offered on a regular basis at the gym.

“High River is in touch with what it takes to attract and retain a vibrant population,” says O’Neill.

“When it comes to recreation, health and leisure, choices abound.”

As a business owner, I see the business potential in High River and I also appreciate what a draw this town is for employees, it has great health and recreational amenities, arts and entertainment opportunities and numerous family attractions."

Linda O’Neill, Broker Re/Max Southern Realty

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Health Services

Accessible and Comprehensive Health Care

N

amed after a former publisher, local health care advocate and father of former Prime Minister Joe Clark, the Charles Clark Medical Centre has received noteworthy awards and garnered national attention.

High River celebrated the grand opening of the Charles Clark Medical Centre in June 2012, a landmark project that provides quality medical services to the community.

The Centre, with its affordable rents and experienced on-site physician mentors, has already attracted four new family doctors to the community and brought equipment for mammograms, bone-density tests and heart monitoring. Walk-in services as well as echocardiograms will soon be available.

The facility is located across the street from the High River Hospital. The proximity to the hospital takes pressure off the existing emergency ward which handles 20,000 patients annually, and dramatically improves the efficiency of doctors and the flow of medical services as patients can move easily from one medical facility to the other. Previously, patients had to drive to Calgary or Okotoks to get tests which are now available in their own community.

The 22,000 square foot facilty was conceived more than five years ago by two local physicians who sought to address pending medical retirements and the doctor recruitment crisis that faced rural Alberta. The land for the Centre was donated by the Town of High River, while low-rate financing was arranged by the MD of Foothills. Equipment never before available in the community was donated by

18 highriver.ca

the local High River and District Health Care Foundation, the local Rotary Club and a private patient donor.

The Centre has already earned a number of provincial awards and one national award for this innovative partnership and it is the only medical centre in Alberta to be certified in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).

“The faith of a group of dedicated physicians who took steps to address a looming doctor shortage has become a reality that will ensure long-term, quality health care for High River’s residents,” said Mayor Emile Blokland. “The partnership between the Town, the MD and the physicians represents a blueprint for how we can achieve great results for our communities.”

Dr. Ron Gorsche, a family physician in High River for the past 34 years, explained that all High River doctors with hospital privileges have joined the project. “This is a true community success story,” said Gorsche. “It has become a model for recruiting and training rural physicians in the province. With four new doctors already established and room for more, people can now get services where they live.”

Three of the four new family physicians are graduates of the Alberta Rural Physician Action Plan, an innovative family medicine training program of which High River is a teaching site.

Since its opening, the Centre has received numerous provincial and national awards and has been recognized by Alberta Health Services as a model for retaining and recruiting physicians in rural communities.

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Growth and Diversity

Supporting Multiculturalism

A

vibrant caring community starts with initiatives that support a diverse population. High River is focused on achieving this by offering a variety of programs and services.

Like many municipalities, the increasing number of new Canadians choosing to live and work in High River is changing the town's demographic make-up. The Town of High River has been identified (2011 Census) as the fourth fastest growing community in Canada and a portion of the town’s significant population growth over the past five years has been the result of new Canadians moving into town. In the 2011 Statistics Canada census, there were more than 1,100 High River residents whose first language was not English.

“Encouraging immigrants to settle and become part of High River will ensure that our town has a strong work base for businesses and help to create a dynamic, welcoming community where people want to put down roots,” said Alanna Comeau, Business & Tourism Development.

“It’s important that we make these new residents feel welcome and offer services that help them become part of our community,” said Comeau.

There are a number of local organizations implementing a variety of services and programs to meet the needs of these new residents. Foothills Community Immigrant Services is an important access point and has seen steady increases in clientele since opening in 2007.

The two-person staff assists clients with everything from filling out forms, document translation, referrals and outreach services, to acting as a liaison with schools and providing orientation to High

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River. They also offer Community Connections, a volunteer program that pairs current residents with new arrivals to practise English, learn about Canadian customs and traditions and be introduced to programs in town.

In January Bow Valley College (BVC) celebrated the opening of its High River campus, offering a wide selection of programs for immigrant residents.

The local campus is part of a pilot project offering Language Instruction For Newcomers to Canada (LINC), a home study program to non-English speaking residents. The course offers free English language training for eligible newcomers who are unable to attend regular classes. Students studying online at the campus also have the opportunity to work one-on-one with a teacher certified in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). Eligibility is based on the results of Canadian Language Benchmark Testing, which is facilitated through Immigrant Language and Vocational Assessment Referral Centre (ILVARC).

“The college schedules IVARC testing several times a year and will organize additional testing whenever there is sufficient demand,” explained Corinne Finnie, education representative for the foothills region.

The college also offers an array of onsite programs including intermediate English language and professional speaking courses. For students using the College’s online learning and computer labs there are also local teachers offering business communication and pronunciation support to help newcomers develop the necessary communication skills for successful employment.

“We also work with local businesses to help them successfully integrate a multi-cultural workplace,”

It’s important that we make these new residents feel welcome and offer services that help them become part of our community."

- Alana Comeau Business and Tourism

said Finnie. “Businesses are very interested in hiring new immigrants and the College provides guidance on best practices for recruiting internationally trained professionals.”

At the local Literacy for Life office newcomers can register for formal classes in basic computer literacy such as word processing. The staff also provides informal instruction about the Canadian government, which is one of the challenges immigrants face as they settle into their new lives.

The High River Public Library offers computer stations with free internet access for public use.

Library staff will assist newcomers in using online tools such as career search engines. The library has also purchased Mango, a language learning software program to assist newcomers in developing their English skills. Video conferencing for business transactions, family-law issues, and meetings are valuable services available here for the immigrant community.

For the past six years, the library has offered a free, volunteer-run English for Spanish Speakers course where adults and children can practice speaking English. Instructors have indicated that this is particularly important for wives of temporary foreign workers who are working towards permanent residency, and ultimately Canadian Citizenship.

The High River United Church has also opened its doors to newcomers by providing Friday night worship space for the Muslim community. “Organizations committed to providing services for all residents have helped to shape High River into an inclusive and welcoming community for all its citizens,” said Comeau.

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21

Post Secondary Options

Hitting the Educational Mark

A

Regional Stewardship Initiative encourages all post secondary institutions to work together to meet the educational needs of rural communities.

For the past 46 years, Bow Valley College has forged solid educational pathways with streamlined programs designed to target industry demands and enable individuals to gain quick access to their desired fields. Today, with course offerings in five Alberta centres, the college serves more than 1,200 learners each year and brings its broad programming to rural and remote communities.

In the foothills region, Bow Valley College has an interim facility in Okotoks and a 2,200 square foot facility in High River. The High River location has a traditional classroom, a computer lab and an assistive technology lab, offering a blend of instructor-led classes and online assignments.

Program selection correlates to current industry demands; the goal is to have graduates succeed in finding living wage careers. The college currently boasts a 94 per cent success rate, soaring to 100 per cent job placement from its health care programs. These include Hospital Unit Clerk, Medical Office Assistant and Health Care Aide.

A new program called Justice Studies prepares students to enter law enforcement careers. There is also workplace training including Leadership, English language classes for permanent residents and temporary foreign workers, and an Assistive Technology Certification program.

In addition, there are specific professional development services for employers across a variety of industry sectors, and college courses are designed to ensure that appropriate industry training is available.

22 highriver.ca

Also available in High River is the Academy of Learning, a licensed, private vocational college offering government accredited certificates and diplomas in programs ranging from business and marketing to medical fields of study.

The Academy of Learning has operated by franchise across Canada since 1987, and has had a facility in High River for almost 20 years. Because of their integrated learning system, (an in-house computer lab) students can start any time and arrange a flexible schedule to suit their lifestyles.

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FULL-TIME AND PART-TIME PROGRAMS IN HIGH RIVER • Hospital Unit Clerk CertiFiCate The Academy also offers individual courses such as Simply Accounting, Quickbooks, Powerpoint, Excel and various other office and computer programs.

As long as students have at least a Grade 10 achievement, they can enter the program. Since the school is licensed under the Province of Alberta, Academy courses are eligible for student loans.

The Academy’s integrated learning system allows students to begin programs anytime and arrange flexible schedules to suit their lifestyles. Small classroom sizes, one-on-one instruction and limited commuting are added benefits.

All courses take less than a year, and everyone leaves with solid skills in Microsoft Office. The curriculum includes medical office or unit clerk, business administration and business application courses, with some classroom training for the medical courses, as well as a four-week practicum. The Academy medical training boasts a 90 per cent placement rate.

• MediCal oFFiCe assistant CertiFiCate

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highriver.ca

23

Growth Strategies

Planning for Your Future

H

igh River’s Town Council has approved two plans that establish clear guidelines for future development, easing the planning process for investors and businesses.

“The Growth Management Strategy and the amended Town Plan herald a new chapter in High River’s growth and development and set the stage for a sustainable future,” says Mayor Emile Blokland.

Having these plans approved and in place speeds up the development process and provides builders and investors with a blueprint on which to base their applications. According to the Planning Services Division, several landowners are already contemplating the next steps for development and these plans provide a vital roadmap to guide and assist them through this exciting period of the Town’s growth.

The Town Plan is the Town’s senior statutory plan and is a point of reference for all land use and planning decisions. It defines and addresses future land use and major infrastructure needs and is supported by policies for municipal services that take into consideration the environmental, social, cultural and economic health of the community.

The Growth Management Strategy (GMS) establishes how and where the town will grow over the next 30 years and is backed by policies that will help bring the long-term vision of the Town Plan into reality.

Sustainable strategies are key elements of both documents. For example, the GMS encourages higher densities for all new developments and a re-

24 highriver.ca

duction in roadway standards to promote alternative transportation and proximity to services.

These initiatives are designed to minimize the town’s geographic footprint and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by seeking to inspire a five minute walk to daily business destinations from anywhere within the neighbourhood. They will help to reduce urban sprawl, increase safety and promote additional transportation options.

“This represents a true departure from old planning practices that promoted suburban neighbourhood design with curving roadway systems,” explained Khalid Mohammed, long-range Policy Planner for the Town. “The infrastructure focuses on creating more compact, safe and walkable neighbourhoods, designed with a traditional grid-based street layout.”

Other best practices that reflect environmental stewardship include alternative construction for roadways so storm water runoff is channeled into treed boulevards. Mohammed adds that incorporating this type of ecologically responsible planning into infrastructure construction will also result in cost savings and increase operational efficiencies.

Additional strategies include recycling treated water for industry use, incorporating environmental building practices into new home construction and upgrading waste water treatment processes to further decrease the amount of phosphorous discharges into aquatic ecosystems.

Protecting water resources has become a global concern and High River has undertaken several initiatives to ensure the long-term viability and protection of its reserves. An aquifer study, completed in partnership with the MD of Foothills, has clarified

the town’s water resources versus allocations, which will support long-range strategies for sustainable use.

A Flood Mitigation Master Plan, which includes a three-dimensional model of High River’s flood plain, will be integrated into the Town’s Land Use Bylaw to support appropriate development in this area.

Town representatives have also participated in several regional initiatives for the protection of water sources and air quality.

“Strategic planning, a clear vision and support for new development are the priorities that will keep High River on the top of the list of fastest growing communities,” says Blokland.

“By adopting these two documents as the framework for High River’s future development, Council is taking a lead in sustainable urban design that will result in social equity, fiscal accountability and environmental stewardship for current and future residents.”

Council is taking a lead in sustainable urban design that will result in social equity, fiscal accountability and environmental stewardship for the current and future residents."

- Emile Blokland, Mayor

Both documents are available at www.highriver.ca

highriver.ca

25

Your New Hometown

The Next Great Place

H

igh River is becoming southern Alberta’s best place to work, live and play. The fourth fastest growing community in Canada, its emergence is related to the community’s ability to retain a rural atmosphere while providing world-class development with improved access to Calgary. In short, High River is expanding gracefully, preserving its small town charm.

“We want to achieve a balance between maintaining the small town friendly environment that is the hallmark of our community while providing the infrastructure and services of a larger centre,” explains Mayor Emile Blokland.

In 2012 the town annexed 1,769 acres, which increased High River’s geographic footprint by 50 per cent. “This is an incredibly important annexation because it will provide the space needed to meet expected growth over the next 30 years,” said Blokland.

In preparation for expected growth, the Town has completed a Growth Management Strategy (GMS) through an extensive consultation process that aligns with the updated Town Plan as well as regional growth plans. It supports the creation of complete communities that provide access to a wide range of commercial and job opportunities, mixed types of housing, and a variety of amenities such as recreational facilities, open green spaces and convenient transportation.

High River is known for its excellent access to local schools and health care and by implementing innovative zoning flexibility, such as legal suites, municipal planners are helping create opportunities for affordable home ownership.

26 highriver.ca

“The GMS addresses the scope of resources, services and requirements needed to create an attractive community that meets the needs of all residents,” said Khalid Mohammed, long-term Policy Planner for the Town. “Providing opportunities for higher-density housing with multiple green spaces that are linked through our walking pathway system is a highlight of the plan.”

The Town is working with developers to release high demand lots with lane access, large pie lots, and a diverse product offering to meet the needs of a variety of buyers including young professionals, families and retirees.

New developments, such as Hampton Hills and Montrose, have architectural controls designed to retain investment value. These new residential developments are providing the opportunity for employees working at local companies, such as Cargill, to live in High River. For those employed on the south side of Calgary, High River is an appealing and affordable alternative to larger centres such as Okotoks.

As well, the new 498 Interchange offers quick access to Calgary; it’s a short 22-minute drive to Calgary’s new South Health Campus.

The Town continues to invest in new transportation infrastructure designed to provide three access and egress points off the 498 Interchange into the town while quietly diverting through traffic around residential subdivisions.

The Montrose community (seen above) has been developed on 200 acres on the south side of High River. It offers stellar mountain views and exceptional amenities including a 16-acre pond, pathways, parks, tennis courts and a Co-op grocery store, liquor store and gas bar.

Hampton Hills now has a 17-acre community park complete with soccer fields, picnic areas, a toboggan run and connectivity with the Happy Trails cycling and walking pathway system. Future devleopment include a walk-out lake lots phase.

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