Drayton Valley is a vibrant community offering a quality of life that compares favourably with that found
anywhere in the world. In recent years we’ve shown our ability to adapt to changing circumstances and
to find innovative solutions to complex problems. We have developed a Blue
Bag recycling program. We have built a state of the art early childhood
development centre. We have affordable housing in place. We are working to
attract new and sustainable industry to our Bio‐Mile. …Download Drayton Valley’s MSP…

The Town of Drayton Valley is looking to tomorrow. We are developing a plan that will lay out a prosperous future for our municipality. Our aim is to build a robust, viable community that will provide generous employment opportunities, quality education, and a high standard of services for current and future generations. Annexation is an important part of that process.

Frequently asked questions regarding the Town of Drayton Valley’s annexation request.

1. Why does the Town of Drayton Valley need to annex so much land when they still have land available from the last annexation?

Most of the land annexed in 2001 has been developed. That includes what is now Apex Common, Power Centre, Meraw Estates, Sunrise on the Park, Shire Estates and parts of Aspenview. The portion that remains is either earmarked for future growth or is not available because the landowner has chosen not to develop.

We are asking for less than 1.5% of Brazeau County’s total land area. While it’s a small portion of the County, this land is a vital part of a fifty-year plan for the orderly development of the Town of Drayton Valley.

When calculating how much land we needed a large number of factors were considered including:

a) The rate of growth in industrial, commercial and residential development the Town has experienced since 2001;
b) The rate and scale of development that requires town services;
c) The need to manage ongoing expansion in the fringe area, some of which does not meet current planning standards;
d) The number of failed attempts by the Town and County to jointly plan and manage growth.

The boundary of the proposed expansion area was designed to take into account historical growth patterns, the area of the County which already receives services from the Town, the cost effectiveness of providing municipal services and existing topographic features.

Annexation is a divisive and costly process. However, it is necessary in order to ensure logical and properly planned municipal growth. Our commitment to taxpayers is that we will continue to approach this annexation request with an eye to the long-term future. By doing so we will eliminate the need for additional annexation reviews and associated costs for many years.

2. Does the Town have a development plan in place for the land covered in the annexation request?

The Town’s need for room to grow was first recognized through the Intermunicipal Development Plan. That was a joint venture approved by both Brazeau County and the Town of Drayton Valley seven years ago.

As a municipality, Drayton Valley urgently needs to address its increasing population and static land base. In 2006, the average Alberta town had a population density of 280 people/km2. In Drayton Valley we had 562 people/km2. Not only is that figure higher than what’s found in other resource towns like Edson, Hinton and Whitecourt, it’s also significantly higher than the population density of the metropolitan areas of either Edmonton or Calgary. Simply put, we have too many people and not enough room.

It will be much easier to attract new investment to Drayton Valley if we have an adequate supply of land for future residential and business growth.

3. I am currently a land owner in Brazeau County and my land is within the area noted in the annexation request. If the annexation request is approved:

a) What will happen to my property taxes?

We guarantee that mill rates will remain the same as those used in the County for the first 10 years after annexation. That will only change if the landowner chooses to subdivide or rezone their property during that time. This is the same agreement which was successfully implemented after the 2001 annexation.

b) How will my community services be affected?

Town residents normally enjoy a higher level of service than County residents. At the very least services in the annexed land will be maintained at current levels. It’s our expectation that the general level of services will improve significantly over time.

c) How will the Town’s Land Use/Zoning Bylaws affect the uses of my land?

The Town of Drayton Valley will not change existing land uses in the annexation area unless that change is initiated by the landowner. A clear illustration of our commitment to protecting land uses in the annexation area can be shown through a review of Sekura Auctions. During the 2001 annexation process, critics of the Town were certain that the auction mart would be made to move. Many years later, the auction mart continues to prosper in its original location and is a valued member of the Drayton Valley business community.

4. I am currently a resident of Brazeau County and my land is not inside the annexation area. What impact will this land transfer have on my County taxes?

Our annexation request is not a tax grab. Brazeau County has estimated that approval of the annexation request will result in a loss of 6.5% of the County’s assessment base. However, that number doesn’t tell the whole story since the costs of providing services to the annexed area would now be borne by the Town.

5. I am currently a resident of the Town of Drayton Valley. What will happen to my taxes and services if the annexation request is approved?

Services for existing residents will continue at current levels. The annexation is not expected to have any direct impact on the level of taxation within the Town in the short term.

In the longer term we expect that, by boosting the local economy and promoting economic development, annexation will have a positive impact on the rate of taxation.

6. What really is annexation? How far along is the process and when might it be completed?

Annexation is the legal incorporation and transfer of land administered by one municipality to another municipality. Ownership of the land doesn’t change – only the municipal jurisdiction of the land changes.

This application for annexation began in 2007 at the suggestion of the County. Despite negotiations and independent mediation, the Town of Drayton Valley and Brazeau County have been unable to reach an agreement. As a result, the Town is now working with the County to advance the proposed annexation to the Municipal Government Board for a hearing.

The Town of Drayton Valley remains committed to providing information to interested residents and affected parties. Questions can be directed to info@draytonvalley.ca or by contacting the Town Office at 780-514-2200.

Targeted immunization of children, pregnant women to begin later this week

Due to the unexpected national shortage of the H1N1 vaccine, Alberta Health Services and Alberta Health and Wellness today announced plans to begin targeted immunization of Albertans at high risk.

Starting on Thursday, Alberta Health Services (AHS) will begin targeting children aged six months to under five years as of November 1st. Proof of age (Health Care card, birth certificate or other valid identification) must be provided. … more …

November 3, 2009

H1N1 vaccine clinics: high risk groups

Beginning November 5, clinics will provide the H1N1 vaccine to Albertans at high risk. At this
time, the vaccine will not be available to other Albertans.

Children six to 60 months – beginning November 5 … more …

November 3, 2009

Edmonton & Calgary high risk vaccination clinic locations … more …

Vision

Drayton Valley places people first through its initiatives to encourage an active, creative and engaged community. By building partnerships and connecting people, Drayton Valley ensures an enduring economy as it moves towards a sustainable future. The spirit of our heritage and entrepreneurship shows in our community’s leadership in innovation and is demonstrated in our progressive actions in creating opportunities.

Mission

To ensure our community’s needs are met and to have a positive impact on future generations by:

• Placing people first
• Increasing awareness of how we impact the world around us
• Fostering cooperation and planning
• Creating opportunities and encouraging innovation
• Demonstrating leadership in sustainability
• Teaching and sharing our collective knowledge