The Village of Holden 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 work cooperatively and voluntarily to address community economic development issues from a regional perspective. The Village is situated on fairly flat land and enjoys a beautiful, big-sky prairie setting. Our location provides Holden the ability to offer its residents easy access to large city amenities, while still allowing them to enjoy a peaceful, safe and relaxing small-town lifestyle. Homes are well kept and residents take pride in their village and its heritage. Experience the charm of country living when visiting Holden.
The Holden Economy
If you are looking to invest in the oil and gas industry, then Holden has the opportunities you need. Holden’s major economic base is Agriculture and Natural Gas. Soils in the Holden area are among the most fertile in the province. There is 3 to 4 times as much nitrogen and organic matter in the surface foot as the average brown or grey wooded soil. This black soil zone, mostly class 2, is deep and holds moisture well. It offers moderate to high productivity for a wide range of crops.
Labour Snapshot
| Totals | % | |
|---|---|---|
| In the labour force | 170 | 63.00% |
| Participation rate | 63.00% | |
| Unemployment rate | 0.00% | |
| Management occupations | 35 | 20.00% |
| Business, finance and administration occupations | 20 | 11.43% |
| Natural and applied sciences and related occupations | 0 | 0.00% |
| Health occupations | 15 | 8.57% |
| Occupations in education, law and social, community and government services | 10 | 5.71% |
| Occupations in art, culture, recreation and sport | 0 | 0.00% |
| Sales and service occupations | 30 | 17.14% |
| Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations | 45 | 25.71% |
| Natural resources, agriculture and related production occupations | 10 | 5.71% |
| Occupations in manufacturing and utilities | 10 | 5.71% |
Oil and Gas
Holden is strategically located in proximity to Edmonton and near the South Athabasca Oil Sands area, which has a projected production of over 3.4M barrels of oil per day. Highway 14, a main High Load Corridor to the oil and gas fields in northeastern Alberta through Holden. Reasonable costs of living and direct access to oil and gas markets make Holden a wise choice for investment and opportunity.
Agriculture
Holden area soils are among the most fertile in the province with three to four times as much nitrogen and organic matter as average provincial soil. This black soil is deep, holds moisture well and offers moderate-high productivity for a wide range of crops. The area is known for cereal grains, barley, oats, canola and canary seed. Cattle and hog production is also a major contributor to the economics of the area.
Location - Land
Strategically located on Highway 14, Holden provides easy access to all major markets across the province including developing oil and gas exploration projects. The Village is committed to providing business with opportunities for sustainable growth. Housing is moderately priced, we offer lower land costs and lower tax rates than many areas, and we have an excellent infrastructure for business development.
Transportation
Holden is located on Highway 14 between the Towns of Tofield and Viking. Connecting highways are Highway 14, leading west and east, and secondary Highway 855, leading south to Highway 26. We are on the High Load Corridor and are served by a CN Railway main line. The two nearby airports are located in Tofield to the west and Viking to the east. The nearest commercial and air freight facilities are in Edmonton.
Business Taxes
The non-residential municipal tax rate in Holden is: 16.5274
Alberta general corporate tax rate: 12%
Alberta small business tax rate: 2%
Annual Business Limit (ABL)/Small Business Threshold: $500,000
Canadian general corporate tax rate: 15%
Canada small business tax rate: 10%
Making Holden Home
| Totals | % | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 350 | |
| Median age of the population | 51.5 | |
| Total number of census families in private households | 90 | |
| Total number of private households by tenure | 145 | |
| Owner | 125 | 86.21% |
| Renter | 25 | 17.24% |
| Average value of dwellings ($) | $215,400 | |
| Average income $ | $41,057 | |
| Average household total income $ | $70,081 | |
| Residential municipal tax rate | 12.0274% |
Housing
There is a variety of housing options on and around the Town of Holden. When Searching for a house in Holden you will notice that our friendly, active community also features very affordable housing options compared to urban centres. Also, please visit: Municipal Lots for Sale.
Education
Education is a vital part of our community. Holden School is part of the Battle River School Division. It serves the Villages of Holden & Ryley, plus the surrounding rural areas, with Kindergarten to Grade 6 classes. Students attend Ryley School for grades 7 – 12.
According to the 2016 Statistics Canada Census on Education, 40% of Holden 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 facilities include the Holden Complex Arena and show ring, three ball diamonds, a performing arts theatre, art gallery, playground, and spray park. Local community organizations include the Agricultural Society, Royal Canadian Legion, Municipal Library Board, Masonic Lodge, Historical Society, Minor Hockey Association, Senior’s Club, Holden Parent Nursery, Beaver Regional Arts Society, Beaverhill Players, Holden Economic Development Committee, Holden Community Hall Association, HEARTS, Beaverhill Players and the Studio 14 Art Association. Please visit the Community Directory for all services and facilities.
Contact Holden
The Village of Holden
Box 357, 4810-50 Street
Holden, AB, T0B 2C0
Phone: (780) 688-3928
Fax: (780) 688-2091
Website: holden.ca
