The City of Camrose is located in the Battle River Alliance for Economic Development (BRAED) region. Nestled in the heart of Alberta, Camrose is home to over 18,000 residents who regularly enjoy the Rose City’s beautiful park system and world-class recreational facilities and events. The City is located in East Central Alberta, 100 kilometres southeast of the provincial capital city of Edmonton. New major retailers such as Wal-Mart and Superstore have helped establish Camrose as the leading regional shopping center in East Central Alberta. In addition to the healthy business and manufacturing climate in Camrose, there exists a quality of life second to none.
Camrose is a major regional center with ample educational opportunities, housing, health services, , and recreation. Located in the heart of Alberta, the City’s transportation needs are served by five highways and two railways. Camrose is the home of a modern hospital with full emergency services, operating facility and several medical specialists. Educational institutions range from play schools to the University of Alberta, Augustana Campus. Camrose is a warm and friendly city made up of people just like you who look forward to welcoming you to share this beautiful city.
The Camrose Economy
When entrepreneurs plan to start or expand their business they look for a place like Camrose. Camrose is an economic oasis and success story. One of the few Alberta communities not driven by oil and gas, Camrose’s diversified economy grew steadily even during Alberta’s recent economic downturn. Camrose is a key service and shopping hub for the Eastern Alberta region. Located 95 kilometres southeast of Edmonton and home to over 18,700 residents, the City’s trading area exceeds 150,000.
Camrose is a great place to operate a business. We have:
- A skilled, well-educated workforce and business-friendly City Hall.
- A low effective tax rate and land and building cost index lower than most other centres.
- Businesses and entrepreneurs who are supported by the Camrose Chamber of Commerce,
- Downtown Camrose Business Improvement Area and numerous other business support groups.
Labour Snapshot
| Totals | % | |
|---|---|---|
| In the labour force | 9,825 | 65.20% |
| Participation rate | 65.20% | |
| Unemployment rate | 9.40% | |
| Management occupations | 1010 | 10.43% |
| Business, finance and administration occupations | 1270 | 13.12% |
| Natural and applied sciences and related occupations | 340 | 3.51% |
| Health occupations | 970 | 10.02% |
| Occupations in education, law and social, community and government services | 965 | 9.97% |
| Occupations in art, culture, recreation and sport | 145 | 1.50% |
| Sales and service occupations | 2485 | 25.67% |
| Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations | 1655 | 17.10% |
| Natural resources, agriculture and related production occupations | 350 | 3.62% |
| Occupations in manufacturing and utilities | 490 | 5.06% |
Oil and Gas
Expanding drilling and exploration operations throughout the region mean a greater foundation for the oil and gas industry in Camrose. As such, a large number of companies are involved in the oil and gas service industries. These companies provide goods and services for exploration, and also to the production and delivery side of the industry resulting in high industrial concentration within in the city.
Agriculture
Located amid some of the richest farmland in the prairies, Camrose is a major economic center for communities in the area. Agriculture is one of the primary regional industries with sales of grains, oil seeds, beef cattle, hogs and dairy products. We have become a strong and effective service center with support by grain elevators, machinery agents, farm supply distributors, veterinary and government services.
Health Care
Camrose is one of the 40 communities in Alberta that has a Primary Care Network (PCN). As well as committing to a cooperative approach to general primary care, the Camrose PCN collaborates to develop additional services available. The Camrose PCN uses a grassroots approach, with programs and services developed by healthcare providers who work in the community. Incidentally, health care is our largest industry!
Transportation
Camrose is located in East Central Alberta, 100 km southeast of the provincial capital city of Edmonton. Highway 13, which runs through the centre of Camrose, connects us to the Queen Elizabeth II Edmonton – Calgary corridor 60 km to the west. The Edmonton International Airport is located 70 km northwest of Camrose via Highways 21 and 625. Highways 26 and 56 also terminate in Camrose from the east and south.
Business Taxes
The non-residential municipal tax rate in Camrose is: 12.3632
Alberta general corporate tax rate: 12.5%
Alberta small business tax rate: 2%
Annual Business Limit (ABL)/Small Business Threshold: $500,000
Canadian general corporate tax rate: 15%
Canada small business tax rate: 10.5%
The City of Camrose has a robust business development presence online with many useful tools for entrepreneurs and investors. Through the Economic Development Department you’ll find a thriving, dynamic business community ready to welcome you.
Making Camrose Home
| Totals | % | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 18,742 | |
| Median age of the population | 41.9 | |
| Total number of census families in private households | 5,215 | |
| Total number of private households by tenure | 8,055 | |
| Owner | 5,335 | 66.23% |
| Renter | 2,720 | 33.77% |
| Average value of dwellings ($) | $321,019 | |
| Residential municipal tax rate | 7.5740% |
Housing
There is a variety of housing options on and around Camrose. When Searching for a house in Camrose you will notice that our friendly, active community also features very affordable housing options compared to larger urban centres. Visit our website for more info on City Owned Lots.
Education
Education is a vital part of our community. Camrose is well served by public, separate and francophone school systems. Local school are part of:
According to the 2016 Statistics Canada Census on Education, 50% of Camrose residents have a Postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree. Nearby post-secondary and training options include:
- University Alberta’s Augustana Campus
- Lakeland College
- Portage College
- Flagstaff Community Adult Learning
- Alberta Learning Information Service
Recreation
Recreation is important part of living in Camrose. Whatever your recreational pleasure you can find it in Camrose. Whether you are enjoying the city’s extensive paved and groomed trail system, playing golf, taking a painting class, skating in one of the arenas or swimming in the pool, Camrose has an abundance of exciting recreational, arts and culture opportunities to benefit all ages. Recreational Amenities include:
- Museums
- Recreation Centre
- Sport Development Centre
- Theatres and arts centres
- 38 kms of trails
- Regional 18-hole golf courses
- Big Valley Jamboree, Canada’s largest outdoor country music festival
- Three indoor arenas
- Jaywalkers Jamboree Annual Street Festival
- Aquatic Centre with water slide
- Home of the Camrose Kodiaks and Augustana Vikings
- Two indoor walking/running tracks
- Indoor soccer field
Contact Camrose
The City of Camrose
5204-50 Avenue
Camrose, AB T4V 0S8
Phone: (780) 672-4426
Fax: (780) 672-2469
Website: www.camrose.ca
