Forestburg is located in the Battle River Alliance for Economic Development (BRAED) region. BRAED is a partnership of communities in East Central Alberta whose purpose is to address community economic development issues from a regional perspective. Forestburg is a vibrant, friendly community that offers an exciting blend of recreational and cultural opportunities and business services. We are proud of our quality of life and the recreational and cultural facilities we have to offer. Forestburg has the perfect balance of educational opportunities, seniors’ facilities, recreational facilities, cultural amenities and a vibrant business community.
The Forestburg Economy
Investors will find the Village of Forestburg to be profitable through its main economic base of agriculture, coal mining, power generation, oil and gas activity, and business and retail services.
Labour Snapshot
| Totals | % | |
|---|---|---|
| In the labour force | 400 | 57.60% |
| Participation rate | 57.60% | |
| Unemployment rate | 11.20% | |
| Management occupations | 25 | 6.25% |
| Business, finance and administration occupations | 35 | 8.75% |
| Natural and applied sciences and related occupations | 10 | 7.50% |
| Health occupations | 30 | 7.50% |
| Occupations in education, law and social, community and government services | 30 | 8.70% |
| Occupations in art, culture, recreation and sport | 0 | 0.00% |
| Sales and service occupations | 75 | 18.75% |
| Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations | 120 | 30.00% |
| Natural resources, agriculture and related production occupations | 20 | 30.00% |
| Occupations in manufacturing and utilities | 55 | 13.75% |
Coal Mining
The Paintearth Mine is a 6,226 hectare surface strip coal mine located 15 kilometres southwest of Forestburg. The mine operates two active pits and has been in operation since 1956. In addition to providing employment opportunities to the residents of the village, the mine creates numerous opportunities in transportation, manufacturing and other ventures that act as support services for the industry.
Agriculture
There is a great diversification in Forestburg agriculture. The rich black soil allows traditional crops such as wheat, oats and barley to thrive in the area. In addition, there has been an increase in market gardens and greenhouse operations. The agricultural base is further diversified by farming traditional livestock such as cattle, hogs and poultry amid alternatives such as bison, elk and honey bees.
Manufacturing
Forestburg has an innovative and vibrant manufacturing sector for items such as agricultural implements, refuse containers, garments for the oil and gas industry, truck parts and accessories, and specialized equipment for the oil and coal industries, etc. The Village and surrounding area boast a number of highly qualified and innovative welders undertaking custom steel fabrication and manufacturing.
Transportation
Forestburg is located approximately 80 kilometers southeast of Camrose, at the junction of Highways 53 and 856. We are in close proximity to the High Load Corridor (Highway 36). The nearest commercial and air freight services are available at Edmonton International Airport.
Business Taxes
The non-residential municipal tax rate in Forestburg is: 20.7203
Alberta general corporate tax rate: 12%
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%
Canadian Small Business Threshold: $500,000
Business Directory
Making Forestburg Home
| Totals | % | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 875 | |
| Median age of the population | 47 | |
| Total number of census families in private households | 260 | 0 |
| Total number of private households by tenure | 360 | |
| Owner | 320 | 88.89% |
| Renter | 40 | 11.11% |
| Average value of dwellings ($) | $214,783 | |
| Average income $ | $51,272 | |
| Average household total income $ | $95,658 | |
| Residential municipal tax rate | 10.1331% |
Housing
There is a variety of housing options on and around the Forestburg. When Searching for a house in Forestburg you will notice that our friendly, active community also features very affordable housing options compared to urban centres.
Education
Education is a vital part of our community. Forestburg schools are part of the Battle River School Division. Forestburg School serves over 200 students from K-12. Forestburg Learn and Play School is located in the School Facilities.
According to the 2016 Statistics Canada Census on Education, over 50% of Forestburg 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
The Village of Forestburg is home to many recreation facilities including a multi-purpose arena, outdoor pool, tennis courts, baseball fields, soccer pitches, curling rink, indoor riding arena, new children’s playground and a nine-hole golf course. Please contact out Forestburg Sport Organizations for more information.
Contact Forestburg
The Village of Forestburg
4902 50th Street, Box 210
Forestburg, AB, T0B 1N0
Phone: (780) 582-3668
Fax: (780) 582-2233
www.forestburg.ca