www.whitecourt.ca
2014
www.whitecourt.ca2
The Town of Whitecourt
appreciates the continued
support and cooperation
from area businesses and forestry
agencies in helping our community
receive this special designation
for the second year in a row.
2013 & 2014Forest Capital of Canada
www.whitecourt.ca
Vision: To create a vibrant community with endless opportunities where all aspects of life are enjoyed.
Whitecourt Strategic Goals:• Enhance recreational opportunities;
• Enhance cultural and arts opportunities;
• Encourage and aid in the progress of economic development;
• Enhance services to citizens that foster their social and physical well-being;
• Continue to provide ongoing good governance to enhance the quality of life for all residents.
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Council & Adminstration
Maryann Chichak, Mayor
On behalf of Town Council, I am pleased to
present the 2014 Annual Budget Report.
I hope it increases your understanding of
community issues and projects, and your
knowledge of where your tax dollars are
spent.
Preparing and adopting the municipal
budget involves balancing community
needs, local growth, service standards, and
public expectation. Our recent municipal
census solidifi ed what many in our
community already knew – Whitecourt
is thriving and growing at a substantial
rate. With this comes pressure to not only
provide the same level of services, but to
expand them to meet growing needs. The
2014 Budget will allow your municipal
government to do both of these things, in
a fi scally responsible and accountable way.
I like to think of this as a budget that
invests in our future. Our involvement
in planning the new school project with
Living Waters Catholic School Division
may lead to a new performing arts
centre and expanded post-secondary
opportunities; the partnerships we are
fostering with developers today may lead to
new apartment buildings or seniors housing
complexes in the coming years. The projects
and initiatives that will begin this year will
lay the foundation for many more to come.
Residents will also notice signifi cant changes
throughout our community this year.
• The widening of Dahl Drive and addition
of lights at the Dahl Drive/55 Avenue
intersection will enhance traffi c fl ow in
the downtown area.
• Construction on the Winter Recreation
Park east of Dahl Drive will start this
spring, and the facility is scheduled to
open at the end of 2014.
• Come fall, residents will be able to travel
from hilltop to valley using the new public
transit service.
This will be an exciting year for Whitecourt,
and your Whitecourt Town Council looks
forward to working with you and other
community partners.
Mayor’s Message:
www.whitecourt.ca
The 2014 Budget, which totals $50,492,813, includes many exciting projects
and services that will enhance the community’s quality of life.
Taxation & Assessment
THERE ARE THREE PARTS TO THE PROPERTY TAX:• General Municipal Mill Rate – This rate is set by the Town of Whitecourt and
this portion of your property taxes is used to fund municipal services and programs
specifi cally for Whitecourt residents.
• Education Requisition – This rate is set by the Alberta School Foundation on
behalf of the Alberta Government and this portion of your property taxes is directed to
the Province to provide educational services.
• Seniors Requisition – This rate is set by the Seniors Foundation and this portion
of your property taxes is directed to operate regional seniors housing facilities.
Tax Rates are calculated using the following formula:Assessed Property Value x Total Mill Rate/1000 = Total Property Tax
The 2014 budget proposes a 3.82% increase to the municipal taxes collected, and there is
a 3.3% increase in school requisition and the seniors foundation requisition remains the
same.
You can expect to receive your Town of Whitecourt Tax Notices in mid-
May. If you have questions on your tax notice, feel free to contact the Tax
Clerk at 780-778-2273. Property Taxes are due Wednesday, July 2, 2014.
2014 TAX RATES Residential Non-Residential
Municipal Mill Rate 5.1930 8.3628
Education Requisition 2.4242 3.4486
Seniors Requistion 0.2171 0.2171
Total Property Mill Rate 7.8343 12.0285
COMPARATIVE MUNICIPAL MILL RATES
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
Residential
Non-Residential
Drumhelle
r
* High River
Rocky M
ountain
House
Grande Pra
irie
White
court
* Cold Lake
Hinton
Edson
Lacombe
Note: Whitecourt, Lacombe, Edson, Hinton, Grande Prairie, Rocky Mtn House, and Drumheller have established or proposed
tax rates as of April 24, 2014. * 2013 Tax Rates Used
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If your house is assessed at $329,281 you can expect to pay:
$1,709.96 General Municipal Taxes
$798.24 Education Requistion
$71.49 Seniors Requistion
$2,579.69 2014 Property Tax Total
www.whitecourt.ca
2014OPERATING BUDGET
$33,011,649
2014CAPTIAL BUDGET
$17,481,164
WHERE YOURTAX DOLLAR GOES
$15,947,010including School and
Foundation Requistions
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Fire Protection 4.13%
Disaster 1.45% Common Services
2.78%
Roads/Cemetery/Storm Sewers15.01%
Environmental Health Services3.77%
F.C.S.S., Seniors & Public Transit3.91%
Planning & Development/Land Sales
12.05%
Economic Development/Housing
2.67%
Parks and Recreation19.15%
Library 1.88%
Water Operation6.27%
Sanitary Sewer Operation5.82%
General Government 7.03%
Other General Services1.75%
Police & Bylaw 12.34%
Parks and Recreation 14.43%
Water Operation
4.26%
Sanitary Sewer Operation4.43%
General Government7.69% Other General Services
1.39%
Police Protection1.36%
Fire Protection4.59%
Common Services22.39%
Road Transportation 0.95%
Land Sales/Planning & Development
38.52%
Legislative 2.10% General Government
9.56%
Other General Services 3.04%
Police Protection 5.61%
Fire, Bylaw & Animal 4.98%
Common Services 5.05%
Roads/Cemetery/StormSewers 11.56%
F.C.S.S., Seniors & Public Transit1.75%Planning and Development
3.11%
Economic Development2.05%
Parks and Recreation19.26%
Library
1.85%
Education Requistion
27.77%
Seniors Requistion
2.32%
www.whitecourt.ca
Maintaining and growing municipal infrastructure
is one of the biggest challenges faced by
communities across the country. Whitecourt is
in an enviable position as our community has
proactively planned and managed infrastructure
needs; we are fortunate that we are not carrying
the same infrastructure defi cits (i.e. aging roads,
water treatment facilities, etc.) that many
municipalities are currently struggling to fi nance.
$17, 184, 673 is allocated to improving and
maintaining municipal infrastructure.
Dahl Drive (between 55 Avenue and 52 Avenue) will be transformed
to a 4-lane road this year. An engineering study was commissioned in
2013 to determine the best design to widen the roadway to enhance the
needs of pedestrians, motorists, and adjacent landowners. In addition
to the realignment, traffi c lights will be installed at the intersection of
Dahl Drive and 55 Avenue to enhance traffi c fl ow in the area.
While there will be disruption to traffi c in the area during construction,
Dahl Drive will remain open to traffi c. Once the project timelines are
set, signs will be posted informing drivers of the construction schedule.
It is advised that alternate routes be used if possible. Your patience
during the summer construction period is appreciated.
Dahl Drive Realignment ProjectDahl Drive Realignment Projectscheduled to start this summerscheduled to start this summer
InfrastructureHighlights for 2014:• Widening of Dahl Drive from 52 Avenue to 55 Avenue
• Installation of traffi c lights at the intersection of 55 Avenue and Dahl Drive
• Street Improvement Program that includes: overlay program; pavement management
program update; repairs to streets, stairs, lighting and sidewalks. Construction locations
and traffi c pattern changes will be announced once projects are confi rmed
• Implementation of odour mitigation measures and replacement of two screw
pumps at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Town Council is committed to implementing
a number of strategies to mitigate odour in the area and will be reviewing the result of
the initiatives in 2015.
• Construction of a new Public Works Shop
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• Dahl Drive was constructed in 1981
• Recent traffi c counts recorded an average of 838 vehicles per hour through the intersection of Dahl Drive and 52 Avenue
www.whitecourt.ca
Whitecourt has experienced unprecedented growth over the last several years.
With this growth come many exciting economic opportunities – but also
challenges. We have set an ambitious plan and list of activities that will: support
existing businesses while we continue to attract new investment; enhance
post-secondary and job training opportunities; and attract skilled labourers.
Representatives will continue to encourage residential development, including
multi-family projects, in order to address ongoing housing needs; and we will
continue to work with the Province to expand local health services.
Economic Development & Planning
Highlights for 2014:• Review of Town’s Municipal Development Plan and Land Use Bylaw
• Detailed engineering of the Athabasca Flats East area, and
construction of the associated infrastructure to accommodate
future growth
• Vitalization Plan implementation: Dahl Drive Beautifi cation Project;
downtown streetscape detailed design, Highway 43 professional
landscaping plan, and continued Highway 43 “quick win” eff orts
• Continue to support and participate on the newly created Business
Support Network; Youth Advisory Council; and Whitecourt
Community Learning Campus Committee (planning group for the
new Living Waters Catholic School)
• Provide ongoing support of the following community events: World
Snowmobile Invasion; Annual Jet Boat Races, Whitecourt Airshow
• 2014 Party In The Park – This year’s event will include a Kids Fest
featuring Bobs and Lolo, and musical guests include Aaron Lines,
One Bad Son, and Platinum Blonde
• Continuation of the Tourism Enhancement, Tourism Product
Development, Community Business Beautifi cation, and Vitalization
Grant Program
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www.worldsnowmobileinvasion.com
www.whitecourt.ca
Members of our local RCMP detachment, Whitecourt Fire Department, and bylaw enforcement
provide high quality and innovative services to the citizens of Whitecourt. $6,477,461 is allocated in
the 2014 Budget for protective services, and we will continue to invest in programs and resources to
keep our community safe.
Protective Services
During the October 2013 Municipal Election, we
asked residents if they supported the development
of a public transit system. The results showed that
1,111 of the 1,777 who cast their vote were in
favour of the service.
Why Public Transit?• It promotes a “green” healthy community;
off ering an alternative to single occupant
vehicle traffi c.
• It recognizes the unique topography of
Whitecourt, with hilltop and valley areas of town.
• It provides another level of progressive service
for residents.
• It provides an alternative for all residents to
access services, such as shopping, medical/health,
entertainment, and recreation services.
• It complements the existing Dial-A-Bus service.
Over the past several months, a committee of
dedicated residents have been working to develop
a service that will meet our local needs. The
Committee, with the help of the newly contracted
Transit Coordinator, are investigating the bus
route, bus stop locations, as well as a fee schedule.
Finalized details on the service will be advertised
to the public later in the year.
Public Transit to launch this fall
Highlights for 2014:• Purchase of a fi re heavy rescue truck in partnership with Woodlands County
• Crime prevention programming, including: Dare Program, Youth Development
Programs (Spirit of Youth, POWER Group, Block Parent Program, etc.), Bike Rodeos
• Citizens on Patrol (COP) Program
• Victim Services Program Support
• FireSmart Program education and awareness initiatives
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www.whitecourt.ca
The Town of Whitecourt is committed to providing the highest level of programs and services,
and to maintaining our health, livability, and vibrancy. With funding assistance from the Alberta
Government, Whitecourt’s Family and Community Support Services Program delivers a variety
of programming to enhance the well-being of individuals, and families.
Family & Community Support Services
Highlights for 2014:• Development and implementation of a new Public
Transit Service
• Enhanced support for seniors including new programs,
enhanced support services (i.e. assistance with CPP
applications, etc.)
• Youth development programming: Spirit of Youth,
Mentoring, Youth Advisory Committee
• Community Programming: Seniors’ Week, Seniors’
Trips, Seniors’ Newsletter, Good Food Box Program,
community presentations, etc.
• Support to POWER of Whitecourt (to promote positive
youth development)
• Support to COOL Camp
• Continue with the many preventative social programs:
• Volunteer Programs
• Services to Seniors
• Early Childhood Development and Parent Link
• Family Community Liaison Program
• Family Violence Initiative
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www.whitecourt.ca
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Whitecourt residents love spending time outdoors, and the Town will continue to invest in its extensive park system
to provide great outdoor experiences to residents of all ages, in any season.
Spearheaded by a dedicated group of volunteers, Whitecourt will be competing provincially in the Communities In
Bloom Program. We won top honours in our population category in 2009, and we are aiming to reclaim the title
again this year.
Families throughout Whitecourt and area will be able to enjoy a day on the hill – only minutes from home. The Winter Recreation Park will off er the perfect beginner hill where parents can take their children to (aff ordably) learn how to ski and snowboard. But it won’t just be for beginners. The west terrain park will be specifi cally designed for the more advanced and adventurous – ensuring that there is something
for everyone. Town Council has committed up to $600,000 to the development of the park in 2014.For information on the project, or to learn about sponsorship opportunities, call the Town of Whitecourt Recreation Manager at 780-778-3637 ext. 407, or follow the Society’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Whitecourt & Woodlands Winter Recreation Park.
Park amenities:- 6.18 acres of skiable area in Phase 1- 92 feet of vertical drop- Terrain Park with rails, boxes and jumps- Parent & Tot learn to ski run- 2,580 foot long tubing runs- Snowmaking capability
333333333Winter Recreation Park set to Winter Recreation Park set to open this winteropen this winter
Parks & Beautifi cation
Highlights for 2014:• Participation in the Provincial Communities In
Bloom Competition
• Development of a Memorial Garden
• Rotary Park enhancements which include:
the construction of the beach volleyball court;
additional lighting; and completion of the
walking trails to 47 Street
• Landscaping and parking lot enhancements at
the Millar Centre and Scott Safety Centre
• Re-development of stairs along Highway 43
by Memorial Point
• Development of a Backyard Composting
Program in partnership with the Communities
In Bloom Committee
• Continuation of the annual Mountain Pine
Beetle Program
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www.whitecourt.ca
Recreation & Culture
High quality recreation facilities are essential to making communities great places to live – and invest in. Not only do they provide opportunities to residents, but they also drive growth
and tourism to the area. We want Whitecourt to be a leader and embrace active, culturally enriched lives. The Town of Whitecourt will continue to invest in and research recreational
opportunities, and provide leadership to cultural development within our community.
Highlights for 2014:• Construction of a Winter Recreation Park in
partnership with the Winter Recreation Park
Society and Woodlands County
• Installation of playground equipment at
Powers Cove/Reay Court
• McLeod Rink change room fl ooring, key fob
system, and installation of new shower tiles at
the Scott Safety Centre
• Continuation of the successful Arts In The Park
summer event series
• Participation in a joint study for a Performing
Arts Facility with Living Waters School Division
and Woodlands County
• Creation of an Arts & Culture Coordinator
position to coordinate with arts/culture
programs and services
• Enhanced summer youth programs throughout
the community, including Rotary Park
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TOWN OF WHITECOURT
5004 52 AVENUE, BOX 509
WHITECOURT AB T7S 1N6
PHONE: 780-778-2273
CONTACT USCONTACT USTOWN OF WH EMERGENCY AFTER HOURS: 780-778-7707
FAX: 780-778-4166
EMAIL: [email protected]