Community Highlights and Accomplishments

Community Highlights and Accomplishments

Total MD population of 5400 including reserves consists of 7 small quiet communities with a minimal rural population.

• 3.14 million hectares of vast pristine forest, lakes and rivers.
• Low residential and farm tax at a mill rate of 2.4
• Development Incentives
• Healthy Industrial assessment revenue at a mill rate of 21.5
• Total Industrial and Linear assessment $2.6 billion

Total 2008 Capital Projects Budget:

Total 2009 Capital Projects Budget :  $77.3 million

Total 2010 Capital Projects Budget:

Total 2011 Capital Projects Budget:

Total Projected 2012 Capital Projects Budget:

Vehicle and machinery replacement

Paving and Road Improvement Projects

New Water, Sewer and Lift Station Projects

Improvement and New building Structures:

Fire Hall (3), Wabasca, Calling Lake & Red Earth Creek

Youth Centres – all communities

Day Cares – all communities

Community Halls – all communities

Physician Duplexes - Wabasca

Administration Office – Wabasca, Calling Lake & Red Earth Creek

Recreation Development Projects:

                Water Spray Park

                Skate Board Park – Wabasca, Sandy Lake, Calling Lake, Red Earth Creek

                Eagle Ridge Golf & Country Club

Land Development Projects:

                Residential Lots

                Downtown

                Recreation and Culture Site

Lot Development:

40 Residential Lot Subdivision (Wabasca)

19 residential Lot Subdivision (Red Earth Creek)

Available Residential lots in Calling Lake

Residential lots $10,000 per ½ acre

Development Incentives:

For new buildings and dwellings assessed at $50,000 or greater:

Residential: Free Municipal improvement taxes for 3 years, Free Municipal Utilities

Commercial:  Free Municipal improvement taxes for 3 years

Free Subdivisions

                Developer pays $10,000 deposit

                MD covers subdivision costs (survey, local improvements)

                If developer constructs dwelling within 2 years, the $10,000 deposit is refunded

Proposed Downtown Wabasca Business & Recreation:

Existing Pool and Fitness Centre

Future Site for: Fieldhouse & Conference Centre

                1500 capacity hall

                Tennis Court

                Mini Golf

Downtown Commercial Development:

             Retail Stores

             Financial Institution and offices

             Professional Center

Future High Density Residential

Accomplishments

Retention and growth of existing businesses, new business attraction, jobs, investment, residential development and new commercial/industrial assessment – these are just some of the benefits to be realized through a well-focused economic and community development strategy. 

Long-term community sustainability depends on the ability to maintain a healthy balance and harmony between economic, municipal fiscal/financial (including governance), social (including cultural) and environmental sustainability.

While each of these sustainability pillars is equally important, many would argue that economic sustainability is the “engine” that ultimately drives and sustains a community.

Without a strong, dynamic and innovative economy – an economy capable of sustaining a diversified and growing assessment base –  the other pillars could find themselves somewhat constrained in terms of the financial resources available to continue to meet public expectations.

Research has shown that “communities of choice” are increasingly replacing “communities of necessity” for many highly-skilled workers in the more rural and suburban regions.

These individuals are increasingly looking to live in affordable, high quality of life communities – with excellent recreational amenities and clean, safe and family-oriented neighbourhoods – but they are also looking to minimize commuting times associated with travel to and from work.

Clearly, the M.D.'s well-developed social and community infrastructure, natural environment, recreational and outdoor amenities, and strong and growing economy all contribute – and contribute significantly – to this high quality of life.

Directly and indirectly, these quality of life attributes and perceptions will continue to be a major locational draw for the region.

The overall fiscal capacity of the Municipal District of Opportunity to continue providing the services, programs and infrastructure that residents expect, while maintaining reasonable levels of taxation for both residential and non-residential ratepayers, is also important to long-term community sustainability.

This is another area where the M.D. has acted both prudently and responsibly in managing its budget and delivering infrastructure improvements and new investments in all communities.