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COMMUNITY PROFILE

December 2014

www.townofwatrous.com

Town of Watrous Community Profile – Update December, 2014 2

The Watrous Advantage

The Town of Watrous is located in Central Saskatchewan, approximately 110 kilometres (kms)

southeast of Saskatoon and 175 kms northwest of Regina. The Town is provided with excellent

transportation service, as it is located on the Transcontinental Line of the CN Railway and on

Provincial Highway #2. It is also located 6 kms south of Manitou Beach, a resort area famous for

its mineral water. Watrous is located within the Rural Municipality (RM) of Morris #312.

The Town of Watrous is growing steadily and maintains an industrious and diversified business

district, supported by an active Chamber of Commerce, a Regional Economic Development

Authority, and a progressive Town Council. The Town of Watrous currently has a population of

1,743. The Town of Watrous is an administrative center for a number of government

departments. These departments include Federal Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Association Office

and the Saskatchewan Water Corporation. Three potash mines (Allan PCS, Colonsay Mosaic

and Lanigan PCS) located near Watrous are also major employers of residents.

The community of Watrous came into being in 1906, when the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway was

established a divisional point at the town site. The community was named after Frank Watrous

Morse. Watrous was incorporated as a village in 1908 and as a town in 1909. The people soon

realized the medicinal properties of Manitou Lake, and today, thousands of people visit

Watrous and Manitou Beach to float in the healing waters of Little Manitou Lake.

The Town of Watrous is part of the Mid Sask. Municipal Alliance. (MSMA). The MSMA is a

regional planning district comprised of 13 communities and rural municipalities located in

Central Saskatchewan. Through the MSMA a regional planning document and official

Community Plan has been completed for the Town of Watrous. Copies of those documents can

be found at midsaskmunicipalalliance.ca


Area Map


Community Map


Municipal Administration

Form of Government Mayor – Ed Collins Aldermen - Jody Lewis, Neil McDonald, John Gunderson, Jim Coulter, Jean Margettes,

and Pat Isherwood-Thomas Town Administrator – Orrin Reddin Civic elections occur every 3rd year on the 4th Wednesday of October.

Departments

Administration Engineering and Public Works Building and License Inspector Tourism/Economic Development (Watrous Manitou Marketing Group) Volunteer Fire Department Parks and Recreation Department

Tax Structure Year Total Taxable

Assessment Combined Mill Rate

2014

2013

2012

103,835,731

100,149,377

49,583,066

5.88

5.88

5.88

Building Permits Though the amount of building permits issued in recent years to 26 in 2014, the peak was in 2012 when 36 Building Permits were issued for a total of $13,791,900. This includes residential, commercial and industrial.

Population The total population for the Town of Watrous is as of the 2011 Census was 1857. The following table provides a detailed look at the age characteristics for the Town of Watrous.


Characteristic

Total

Population in 2011 1,857

Population in 2006 1,743

2006 to 2011 population change (%) 6.5

Total private dwellings 862

Private dwellings occupied by usual residents 817

Population density per square kilometre 166.2

Land area (square km) 11.17

Male Female

Total population by age group 1,855 890 965

0 to 4 years 110 55 55

5 to 9 years 95 50 40

10 to 14 years 110 50 65

15 to 19 years 115 50 65

15 years 30 15 15

16 years 20 10 20

17 years 20 10 10

18 years 20 10 15

19 years 25 10 15

20 to 24 years 75 40 35

25 to 29 years 105 50 50

30 to 34 years 95 55 40

35 to 39 years 115 55 60

40 to 44 years 95 50 45

45 to 49 years 145 75 75

50 to 54 years 125 65 65

55 to 59 years 130 65 65

60 to 64 years 110 50 55

65 to 69 years 85 40 40

70 to 74 years 70 30 45

75 to 79 years 75 30 45

80 to 84 years 85 35 50

85 years and over 115 45 70

Median age of the population 45.5 43.6 46.8

% of the population aged 15 and over 82.9 81.9 83.4

Census Data courtesy of:

http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2011/dp-

pd/prof/details/page.cfm?Lang=E&Geo1=POPC&Code1=1007&Geo2=P

R&Code2=47&Data=Count&SearchText=Watrous&SearchType=Begins

&SearchPR=01&B1=All&Custom=&TABID=1

The population radius surrounding Watrous is important to note. In 2013, the Saskatoon Health Region had 336,405* people. This population radius is approx. 125 kms around Watrous would include Saskatoon but exclude Regina which is only 180km away. The Watrous Manitou Marketing Group estimates approx. 80% of Saskatchewan’s total population is within a 250 KM radius of Watrous. *2013 Saskatchewan Covered Population Statistics

http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2011/dp-pd/prof/details/page.cfm?Lang=E&Geo1=POPC&Code1=1007&Geo2=PR&Code2=47&Data=Count&SearchText=Watrous&SearchType=Begins&SearchPR=01&B1=All&Custom=&TABID=1





Municipal Services

Law Enforcement The town of Watrous has a contract with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to provide police services to the town. The detachment employs five officers including a sergeant, of which two members patrol the rural municipality and two members patrol the urban municipality. The RCMP can be contacted at 306-946-3316 or in an emergency at 911. Fire Protection The Fire Department has a volunteer staff of 17 members including a Fire Chief. There are two Pumper Units one of which is for rural protection and a Rescue Unit. The fire department can be contacted at 306-946-2000 or in an emergency at 911. Ambulance The town is serviced by a well-trained volunteer staff and features two ambulance vehicles. This unit is closely associated with the fire department and therefore has access to such rescue equipment as the “Jaws of Life”. Ambulance Services can be contacted at 306-946-3365 or in an emergency at 911. Streets and Roads The town of Watrous has approximately seventeen kilometers of paved streets and two kilometers of graveled streets. Many of the paved streets have various construction designs so that in some areas the roadways have only asphalt paving, some have concrete curb and asphalt paving, and some have monolithic sidewalks and asphalt paving. Town Utility Rates Monthly Water Up to 159 Cubic Feet - $17.00 Over 159 – 3.9 cents per cubic feet Sewer $22.00 every 2 months To better serve future growth and rising infrastructure costs the Town of Watrous adds a Monthly Infrastructure Fee of $11.00 to Utility Bills. This will be used on maintenance projects to items such as the Water Treatment Plant, Lagoon expansion, Water and Sewer Lines, etc.


Housing The Town of Watrous has a wide variety of residential housing options to service all ages of the population. The Watrous Housing Authority has 21 family units available for rent (18 town houses and 3 bungalows), there is also several private individuals that have apartments, duplexes and houses for rent. Many Watrous residents also offer room and board as an alternative to private rentals. Houses generally rent from $800 to $1200 per month. The realty market in Watrous is currently experiencing short supply, leading to an increase in the number of new housing starts. Watrous home prices are still very competitively priced allowing 1st time home buyers to enter the market as well as providing options for people looking for higher end housing. The following table depicts the household characteristics for the Town of Watrous.

Selected household characteristics

Watrous, Town

Saskatchewan

Total Male Female Total Male Female

Total private households23 815 409,645

Households containing a couple (married or common-law) with children24

205 114,595

Households containing a couple (married or common-law) without children25

245 107,102

One-person households 285 114,385

Other household types26 180 86,755

Average household size 2.2 2.5


Local Economy

Small to Medium Sized Businesses Watrous and Manitou Beach business directory is made up of approximately 200 businesses (storefront & home-based). Included in this is Saskatchewan’s largest GM dealership which attracts buyers from around the province to view their stock of between 700-800 vehicles at any given time. The small business sector services approximately 12,000 people within a 50km radius of Watrous. Potash Mining Saskatchewan is home to the world's richest deposits of potash. One-third of the world's supply of potash comes from Saskatchewan. Saskatchewan has enough potash to supply the world for several hundred years. The Potash Industry is flourishing in the Watrous area. There are 3 world class potash mines located within commuting distance of Watrous. These include the Allan PCS mine, the Colonsay Mosiac mine and the Lanigan PCS mine. Within the region BHP Billiton is also constructing the world’s largest potash mine at Jansen Lake. When complete and in operation by 2020, the mine could see 1000 new jobs into the region. Agriculture Agriculture is vital to the economy of nearly every community in Saskatchewan. Watrous serves a diverse agricultural base. Watrous is situated in the center of the dark brown soil zone. The major soil associations include soils ranging from Weyburn loam to Elstow clay-loam. The average long-term yields of spring wheat are approximately 30 bushels per acre. Considering that there are 107 frost free days on average, fall frosts are generally not much of a concern. Average rainfall from April 1 to September 1 is 249.6 mm (9.8 inches). Crops grown in the area include; wheat (red spring and soft white), barley, flax, canola, mustard, oats, lentils, field peas, soybeans, and corn (for cattle feed). There are a number of livestock producers in the area. The livestock enterprises vary from those utilizing areas of pasture and marginal land to intensive dairy and hog operations. Forage production is an option that a number of farmers have investigated. Watrous is close to the Poundmaker Livestock Feed Lot and Ethanol Plant which is located outside of Lanigan. Seed growers, seed cleaning plants, and pesticide and fertilizer suppliers are located in the area. The farm equipment dealers service and sell most of the major lines of machinery available on the market. Grain handling facilities are readily accessible. The CNR mainline passes through Watrous. A CPR branch line is within 20 miles of town. Located south of Watrous is Parrish & Heimbecker Terminal which handles grain throughout the area. Watrous Grain Export is a locally owned former Sask Wheat Pool elevator in town limits that is used to load producer cars.


Other local Ag-related businesses include Viterra, Crop Production Services, Blair’s Feritlizer, Watrous New Holland, and Cervus Equipment. Tourism Watrous and Manitou Beach are major tourism destinations in Saskatchewan. Visitors from all over the world come to Manitou Beach to experience the legendary healing mineral waters found in Little Manitou Lake. The town of Watrous is located just five kilometers up the highway from Manitou Beach and serves as the gateway and service center for visitors. The impact of tourism is felt in every sector of the community. Retailers and the hospitality industry have access to a market of around 150,000 visitors on an annual basis which has allowed businesses to grow and thrive in Watrous and the surrounding communities.

Agriculture Potash Mine

Annual Watrous Show ‘n Shine and Fun Run (below)


Education Nursery School Watrous Co-operative Nursery School offers children ages 3 and 4 the opportunity to interact and learn in a structured environment. The Nursery School program operates with 1 paid pre-school teacher and volunteer parental help. There are currently 36 children enrolled. Elementary and High Schools Watrous is home to two of the forty-five operating schools in the Horizon School Division. Watrous Elementary School is a Kindergarten to Grade 7 School, with a staff of 14.25 full time staff plus 8.75 full time support staff and approximately 211 students. Winston High School is a Grade 8 to 12 school with a staff of 13.17 full time teachers plus 5 full time support staff and approximately 174 students. Students from Grade 7 to 12 have opportunities for Home Economics and Industrial Arts. Core French is offered from Gr. 1 to 12 (compulsory up to Grade 8). As well, various programs in Computer Education are offered at all grade levels. Band programs are offered in Grade 5 and continue to Grade 12. The schools in Watrous are modern, well equipped facilities that offer a comprehensive extracurricular program, including music, drama, student leadership activities, yearbook and many sports activities. Universities and Technical Schools Watrous is home to Carlton Trail Regional College, which offers full time Saskatchewan Polytechnic accredited on campus classes in Licensed Practical Nursing and Electrician programs as well a range of entry level University courses, continuing education classes, personal interest classes, Industry and Trades training, exam invigilation site, and free career and guidance counseling services. Other University and Technical Schools are located within relatively close proximity to Watrous. These include:

University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon – 110km University of Regina, Regina – 180km Saskatchewan Polytechnic: Regina Campus- 180km Saskatoon Campus – 110km Moose Jaw Campus – 155km Prince Albert Campus– 190km St. Peter’s College, Muenster – 90km


Medical Services Hospitals

Watrous Hospital Constructed in 1988 14 beds (4 acute care beds and 10 long care beds) Outpatient department Lab and x-ray services For information contact the Hospital manager at 946-1200

Long-Term Care

A long term care facility addition to the hospital was completed in 2012, and the hospital was renovated. In the Watrous Health Complex there are now 8 acute care beds and 14 long-term care units. The Complex also now houses 2 emergency/outpatient rooms, a palliative care room, and an isolation unit.

For more information contact the Hospital Manager at 306.946.1200.

Senior Citizens Housing Watrous Housing Authority offers 62 senior housing units. This includes 28 duplex units, 24 units located in Diamond Jubilee Court and 10 units at West Ridge Manor. Diamond Jubilee and West Ridge offer programming which provides education, exercise and social opportunities to the residents. Home Care Services The Saskatoon Health Region offers Home Care services in Watrous providing home support and nursing services to assist residents of Watrous and area to maintain independent living and to remain in their own homes. Meals on Wheels is an active program available in Watrous 365 days a year. Mental Health Services The Saskatoon Health Region provides mental health services to adults, children, youth and families to Watrous and area. Medical & Dental Clinics The Watrous Medical Clinic located on Main Street is serviced by two full time doctors. Watrous Dental Centre located at 107 3rd Ave East is serviced by two dentist and assistant staff. Ambulance Services 2 ambulances are operated by Watrous and District under the Saskatoon Health Region.


Professional Services

Chartered Accountants Lawyer Funeral Director Veterinarian Doctors(Medical) Optometrist Physiotherapist Dentist Pharmacist Public Health Nurse Income Tax Consultant Dietician Chiropodist(Foot Specialist) Chiropractor Speech Therapist Automobile Dealers Contractors Grocery Stores Restaurants

Financial Services

Chartered Banks Royal Bank Of Canada: 306-946-3391 Credit Unions Affinity Credit Union (Watrous Branch): 306-946-3312 Insurance Companies Tri-Central Insurance: 306-946-2864 Watrous Insurance Brokers: 306-946-3655

Transportation

Rail line service is supplied by VIA Rail on the Canadian National Railway mainline. Bus Service is supplied by the Saskatchewan Transportation Company (STC) with connections to and Saskatoon. Freight service is on a daily basis to Saskatoon and Regina Courier service is available from Watrous Town & Country Pump, DHL, Purolator and STC

Manitou Springs Hotel and Mineral Spa


Express Airstrip - 3 runways Highway #2 and #365 run through Watrous, and they connect to the Yellowhead #16 highway and Highway #11, the main thoroughfare connecting Saskatoon and Regina. Postal Facilities Postal Service in Watrous is handled through the main post office located in downtown Watrous. Home and Business delivery is provided through the mail box system on a 24 hour a day basis. Electricity Electricity is supplied by Sask-Power. For information phone 1-888-757-6937 Gas Gas is supplied by Sask-Energy. For information phone 1-800-667-3075. Telephone and Internet Access Telephone services are handled by SaskTel. For rates contact 1-800-303-9779. Watrous residents have access to highspeed internet, as well as wireless internet connections available at the Regional Library, Tourism Information Booth and the Watrous Civic Centre. There is a CAP Site located at the Wheatland Regional Library Branch. A CAP site is a publicly accessible Internet service funded in part through grants provided by Industry Canada.

Manitou Beach Golf Course


Social and Cultural Amenities

Cultural Groups People from many diverse countries form our community. Through the activities of each ethnic group we are able to gain a better understanding and appreciation of life as it is lived in other areas of the world Watrous Music Festival Association The Watrous Music Festival Association, a member of the Sask. Music Festival Association, sponsors an adjudicated competition in early spring each year in order to stimulate participation and achievement on the part of those studying and to create greater interest in, and awareness of music in the community.

Watrous & Area Arts Council The Watrous & Area Arts Council, a member of the Organization of Saskatchewan Arts Council, was formed in 1979 to create greater awareness of, appreciation for, and participation in the visual and performing arts. The organization sponsors a variety of programs in the community such as the Performing Arts Series, Art classes and Touring Art exhibitions.

Parks and Recreation

The Town of Watrous has much to offer its citizens and tourists in the form of recreation. It is near a regional park, a 9 hole grass green golf course, world class horseshoe pits, the world famous Danceland Dancehall, and a Drive-In movie theater at Manitou Beach. The Watrous Civic Center, located on Main Street provides accommodations for large banquets, dances and various recreational activities and the newly renovated Heritage Room provides space for meetings up to 80 people. The Kinsmen Club Room can be used for smaller gatherings. The Watrous Arena has concrete floors, artificial ice surface and is capable of holding approximately 400 people. A curling rink with four sheets of artificial ice was constructed in 1997. A six lane bowling alley is also used by residents. During the summer, citizens enjoy the use of a new outdoor swimming pool, four ball diamonds, two play parks and one senior citizen park, strategically located within the town. The Watrous Library became a branch of Wheatland Regional Library System in 1967. It has approximately 9500 books. There is a interlibrary request system with other Wheatland Regional Libraries and Provincially through interlibrary loans. The Watrous Library also offers free internet access on provided computers.


Churches

Denomination Church Name

Anglican All Saints Church

Baptist Watrous Baptist Church

Jehovah’s Witness Kingdom Hall Of Jehovah’s Witness

Lutheran Our Redeemer’s Church

Mennonite Philadelphia Mennonite Brethren Church

Pentecostal Pentecostal Assemblies Of Canada Church

Roman Catholic St. Ann’s Roman Catholic Church

United Watrous United Church

All Saints Anglican Church – Historic Stain Glass Window


APPENDIX

Town of Watrous

Policy #06-30 Residential Development Incentive Policy Page 1 of 3

Adopted

Revised & Adopted

February 19/01

May 7/01, Feb 25/04, July 24/06, Nov 2/09, Dec 5/12

Town of Watrous Residential Development Incentive Policy

1. Policy Statement

The Council of the Town of Watrous wishes to create incentives to encourage residential

development within the municipal boundaries of the Town of Watrous. This policy

statement defines property tax concessions for new residential developments.

2. Policy Definitions

Council:

Council is defined as the Municipal Council of the Town of Watrous.

Frontage Tax:

Shall mean either frontage taxes or local improvement levies.

New Construction:

Shall be defined as having a construction value, based on the approved build

permit, of not less than $200,000.00.

Property Assessment:

Shall mean the assessment resulting from the new construction or relocated home

as well as the land assessment if the land was exempt in the previous year and was

purchased from the Town of Watrous. The Saskatchewan Assessment

Management Agency, or any other professional assessor appointed by Council,

shall determine the property assessment.

Property Tax:

Shall be defined as current Municipal property taxes. Where permitted by

provincial legislation or agreement with the School Division, property tax shall

mean current municipal and current school property taxes.

Relocations:

Shall be defined as homes moved from outside the municipal boundaries of the


Town of Watrous into the Town of Watrous. These homes must meet the existing

policies and bylaws of the Town of Watrous and have a construction value of not

less than $200,000.00 based on the approved Building Permit.

Tax Concessions:

Shall mean the amount of property taxes cancelled in any given year. In the event

ownership of a property changes the tax concessions remain with the property as

long the property assessment remains taxable.

Tax Roll:

Shall mean the tax roll of the Town of Watrous.

3. Policy

3.1 No property taxes shall be levied on land purchased from the Town of Watrous in

the calendar year in which the land is purchased. When land is purchased from

the Town of Watrous after November 1st (defined as the date Council approves an

offer to purchase agreement) the following year shall be considered year 1 of the

Tax Incentive Agreement.

3.2 Exempt properties paying full Grants-In-Lieu of taxes shall also be eligible.

3.3 Tax concessions shall be calculated only on the portion of the property taxes

resulting from the new construction or relocation as defined in this policy

statement.

3.4 Tax concessions for residential developments that meet the eligibility criteria

established in this policy are as follows;

Year 1 shall be defined as the earlier of (a) the year property (land) is purchased

from the Town of Watrous (b) the year construction commences or (c) another

date established by motion passed by the Council of the Town of Watrous.

The tax concessions shall be as follows:

Year 1 – 100% Assessment Exemption




3.5 In the event that any municipal, school or frontage taxes or levies are unpaid at

December 31st in the year of levy, the property shall immediately become

ineligible to receive any further tax concessions not already entered on the tax or

assessment roll.

3.6 Tax concessions remain with the property regardless of ownership.


3.7 All owners or developers must make a written request to Council to be eligible to

participate in this policy. Council shall issue written confirmation of approved tax

concessions.

3.8 Additions, renovations, accessory buildings, decks and landscaping are

specifically excluded from this policy regardless of their construction value or

changes in assessment.

3.9 Tax concessions shall not apply to any frontage taxes or local improvement

levies.

3.10 The Town Administrator shall administer this policy.

3.11 This policy shall take effect on the date of adoption by resolution of Council.

Town of Watrous

Policy #06-40

Commercial/Industrial Development Incentive Policy Pg 1 of 3

Adopted

Revised & Adopted

February 19/01

May 7/01, Feb 25/04, July 24/06, Dec 5/12

Town of Watrous

Commercial/Industrial Development Incentive Policy

1. Policy Statement

The Council of the Town of Watrous wishes to create development incentives to enhance

business development and growth opportunities in the commercial and industrial districts

within the municipal boundaries of the Town of Watrous through the use of property tax

concessions and defined development incentives.

2. Policy Definitions

Council:

Council is defined as the municipal Council of the Town of Watrous.

Frontage Tax:

Shall mean either frontage taxes or local improvement levies.

New Construction and New Additions:


Shall be defined as structural alterations having a construction value, based on the

Building Permit approved by the Town of Watrous, of not less than $100,000.00.

Property Assessment:

Shall mean the assessment resulting from the new construction as well as the land

assessment if the land was exempt in the previous year and was purchased from

the Town of Watrous. The Saskatchewan Assessment Management Agency, or

any other professional assessor appointed by Council, shall determine the

property assessment.

Property Tax:

Shall be defined as current Municipal property taxes. Where permitted either by

provincial legislation or by agreement with the School Division, property tax shall

mean current municipal and school property taxes.

Tax Concessions:

Shall mean the amount of property taxes cancelled in any given year. In the event

ownership of a property changes the tax concessions remain with the property as

long the property assessment remains taxable.

Tax Roll:

Shall mean the tax roll of the Town of Watrous.

3. Policy

3.11 No property taxes shall be levied on land purchased from the Town of Watrous in

the calendar year in which the land is purchased. When land is purchased from

the Town of Watrous after November 1st (defined as the date Council approves an

offer to purchase agreement) the following year shall be considered Year 1 of the

tax concessions.

3.12 You must have a taxable assessment to qualify for any development incentives

identified in this policy. Exempt properties paying full Grants-In-Lieu shall also

be eligible.

3.3 Tax concessions will be calculated only on the property taxes resulting from the

property assessment associated with the new construction as defined in this policy

statement. When a build permit is issued after November 1st the following year

shall be considered Year 1 of the tax concession.

3.4 The tax concessions for commercial/industrial development that meet the

eligibility criteria established in this policy statement are as follows:

(see paragraphs 3.2 and 3.3 for determining Year 1)

Year 1 100% tax concession






3.5 Tax concessions apply to the current annual levy(s) only and do not apply to any

current penalties added to the tax roll. All property taxes not eligible for a tax

concession, as well as all frontage taxes and local improvements, must be paid in

full before the tax concession will be entered on the tax roll.

3.6 In the event any municipal, school or frontage taxes or levies are unpaid at

December 31st in the year of levy, the property shall immediately become

ineligible to receive any further tax concessions not already entered on the tax

roll.

3.7 In the event an eligible property is sold, the tax concession will transfer to the new

owner subject to all other requirements of this policy.

All owners or developers must make a written request to Council to be eligible to

participate in this policy. Council shall issue written confirmation of approved

tax concessions.

3.8 Tax concessions shall not apply to any frontage taxes or local improvement levies.

3.9 The Town Administrator shall administer this policy.

3.10 This policy shall take effect on the date of adoption by resolution of Council.

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