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: ADMINISTRATION@WHITECOURT.CA