Town of Bassano

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About

The Town of Bassano is located 140km (80miles) east of Calgary and 160km (95miles) west of Medicine Hat on Highway 1.  Bassano is situated on the western edge of the County of Newell #4 and 50 km west of the City of Brooks.

Miles and Miles of irrigation establishes the Bassano area as one of Canada's most productive and stable growing environments. Potatoes, zucchini, carrots, lettuce and millions of heads of cabbage flow from Bassano to markets world-wide and regional. Bassano is the area's second largest center, with 1,390 people making their home here. Other local enterprises include electronics assembly, meat packing, food processing, metal fabrication, a newly established computerized tomato greenhouse and a good commercial base. Bassano is home to one of the largest dams of its type, the 24 spillway gravity dam that provides Bow River water to local irrigation operations. The irrigation system also hosts fishing, boating, waterskiing, swimming and camping. Be sure to stop over at the Crawling Valley Reservoir north of town. A newly developed campground accommodates 80 sites. Services located at Bassano include the RCMP, a Kindergarten to Grade 12 school, hospital, golf course, curling rink, bowling lanes, arena, pool, rodeo grounds, parks, campsites, library, seniors' drop-in, motels, restaurants and liquor stores.

Housing

Although the region's hot economy continues to remain strong, the housing market offers many attractive options whether you are looking at building a home, buying a home, or checking out rental accommodations.

The Town has residential lots available for sale. Contact Town office (Tel: 403-641-3788) for more information.

Magnuson Realty Ltd - Wanda Wallace is a local realtor who can help you find your home.

The Town has a variety of rental accommodations:

  • B&C Ventures – Tel: 403-641-3953
  • Bassano Mobile Home – Tel: 403-641-4666
  • Kay Schaffer – Tel: 403-641-3799
  • Kend Ventures – K. Branson – Tel: 403-641-3602
  • Molly Douglass – Tel: 403-641-2562
  • Wm. & E. Zibell – Tel: 403-641-3655
For more information
  • CMHC - A national site that has lots of general information about buying, renting, and renovating homes. You will also find detailed information and links about housing costs, financial assistance programs, legal information and specialized housing issues. Links to various related Government sites also assist with housing related information.
  • MLS Canada - A searchable data base that lists homes for sale. Property searches by community are available.

Community Services

Palliser region communities have many services available for residents to keep them safe and secure.  A diverse range of recreational facilities and places of worship provide families the opportunity to stay active and maintain spiritual well-being.  All Palliser communities have a library or are part of a library system. 

Emergency Services and Fire Protection
  • Policing – Bassano RCMP Detachment; City of Brooks Municipal Enforcement Unit.
  • Ambulance, Fire, Rescue – Volunteer Fire Department.  911 service
  • Justice Infrastructure – Provincial Court of Brooks
Parks & Recreation

The Town of Bassano supports a wide range of recreation facilities and parks. Several green areas throughout the Town provide opportunity for picnics, field activities or meditation. The town maintains the cemetery, the Homecoming Camp Ground, the soccer and baseball fields, as well as several vacant green areas around Town.

  • Swimming Pool
  • Baseball Diamonds
  • Soccer Fields
  • Artificial Ice Arena
  • Recreation Complex
  • Bowling Alley
  • Curling Rink
  • Bassano School Gymnasium
  • Rodeo Grounds
  • Gun Club Facility
  • Tennis Courts
  • Fishing and Hunting
Other Municipal Facilities
  • Bassano Sage & Thistle Golf Course
  • Kinsmen Park
  • Community Hall
  • Pioneer Damsiters Drop-In Centre
Religious Services
  • Evangelical Free Church – 202-8th Street; Tel: 403-641-3937
  • Knox Presbyterian Church – 334-3rd Avenue; Tel: 403-641-4090
  • St. Columba Roman Catholic Church  - 601 – 5th Avenue; Tel: 403-641-4811
Library
  • Bassano Memorial Library

Climate

Sunshine coupled with warm dry summers means more time to spend outdoors and exploring our region.  The low altitude of the region produces a very warm climate, with particular areas often matching or surpassing the “hot spot” of Canada.  Winters have become very mild over the last few years with average temperatures on the rise.

Bassano’s climate is considered semi-arid, which means lots of sunshine.  The average rainfall for the year is 39 cm while the number of frost free days is 118.  The average temperature in July is 17.3 degrees Celsius and the average temperature in January is -13.9 degrees Celsius.

Taxes

Residential property taxes are definitely a factor to consider when relocating. Although taxes vary depending on the community, Albertans pay low provincial and municipal taxes, overall, in Canada.

Mill Rates
2009 Taxation Year

Residential

9.035

Commercial

16.985
Additional Information

Property tax is either provided as a percentage or as a millage rate. A mill is one-thousandth of a dollar. To calculate the property tax, the assessed value of property is multiplied by the mill rate and then divided by 1,000. For example, property assessed at $100,000 located in a municipality with a mill rate of 20 mills would have a property tax bill of $2,000 per year.

Utilities

Utilities including natural gas, power, and water are necessary expenses to consider for both homeowners and renters. Communities in south east Alberta boast some of the lowest rates in the country.

Electrical Power
Natural Gas
Cable Television
Telephone
Internet Service
Water, Waste & Sewer Management

Town of Bassano
Box 299
Bassano, Alberta, T0J 0B0
Tel: 403-641-3788

The source of water is the Eastern Irrigation District . The untreated water reservoir capacity is 120 million gallons, while the treated water reservoir capacity is 750,000 gallons. Alberta's commitment to water resources is three-fold: a safe, secure drinking water supply, healthy aquatic ecosystems, and reliable, quality water supplies for a sustainable economy.

Specific utility rates can be found at:www.bassano.ca/bylaws

Sewage treatment is provided by 4 anaerobic cells and 1 long lagoon. The Newell Regional Solid Waste Management Authority Ltd. is responsible for the safe and environmentally responsible collection of wastes for the recycling or disposal at the regional landfill.

The Recycling Depot - B.A.R.R.A (Bassano And Area Resource Recovery Association) is located at 702 -1st Avenue. Access is available on a 24 hour basis.

For more information

The Office of the Utilities Consumer Advocate (UCA) provides consumers with information about Alberta's restructured electricity and natural gas markets.

Health

Under the Canada Health Act, Alberta has a publicly administered and funded health care system that guarantees Albertans receive universal access to medically necessary hospital and health care services.

All eligible Alberta residents are covered under the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) to access healthcare services. An eligible resident of Alberta is a person who is:

  • Legally entitled to be or to remain in Canada and makes his/her permanent home in Alberta;
  • Committed to being physically present in Alberta for at least 183 days in a 12 month period;
  • Not claiming residency or obtaining benefits under a claim of residency in another province, territory or country;
  • Any other person deemed by the regulations to be a resident not including a tourist, transient or visitor to Alberta.

Effective January 1, 2009, Albertans are no longer required to pay AHCIP premiums.

An Alberta Health Care card gives you access to the public health care system including medical checkups and hospital visits. Private clinics exist, but are permitted to perform only elective services not included as part of the primary care available through our health care system.

Alberta Health Services provides a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.

Bassano Health Center

The Bassano Health Center has 4 acute care beds, 1 palliative care bed, 8 continuing care beds as well as 1 respite care bed.

Bassano Health Centre
P.O. Box 120
608 - 5th Avenue
Bassano, Alberta, T0J 0B0

Service is provided based on a primary health care model and includes 2 physicians and 2 primary care nurses located on site.

The Health Center underwent renovations in late 1997 and the basement area was converted into a clinical area for physicians and a number of offices for members of an integrated multi-disciplinary team which will be providing a broad range of primary health services to the Bassano community. The area contains a newly renovated physical therapy department and an area for the visiting respiratory therapist. Locally one physical therapist, one physical therapist assistant and one occupational therapist provide therapy services.

Playfair Lodge

Playfair Lodge is a congregate, living facility serving functionally independent senior citizens 65 years of age and over. The Lodge provides housekeeping service, full meal service, laundry service, basic room furnishings, building security, 24 hour non-medical staffing and opportunities for socializing.

Playfair Lodge - Newell Foundation
315 -7th Street
Bassano, Alberta
Tel: 403-641-3000

For more information
  • Alberta Health Care Insurance - The Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) is a publicly administered and funded health care system that guarantees Albertans receive universal access to medically necessary hospital and medical services. AHCIP forms, information on premium and drug assistance, answers to common questions and more are available at this site.
  • Alberta Health and Wellness – Alberta's Health and Wellness provides information about Alberta's health care system including the forms needed for registration.
  • Service Alberta – The Health Care Professional section of this Service Alberta site provides information for the wide variety of health professionals in Alberta – doctors, nurses, ambulance operators, and many others who provide services for the maintenance and improvement of health.  Use this page to learn about Alberta Netcare, to look up Health Professionals, to find contact information for nursing homes and hospitals in Alberta, and much, much more.
  • Alberta Health Services – Alberta Health Services provides a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans. Use this site to access information about specific health care facilities and to get the latest news relating to health care.
  • Health Canada – The Health Canada site focuses on providing immigrants with information about health care coverage. It also contains good links to other helpful information on employment, health promotion, and more.

Education

Providing access to education and training opportunities is essential in creating a well-prepared workforce and strong communities. Southeast Alberta schools, college, other education institutions and have a lot to offer newcomers in lifelong learning.

Bassano is part of the Grasslands Regional School Division #6, headquartered in Brooks (Tel: 403-362-2555). Bassano School is a 360 student K-12 school serving the Town of Bassano, the surrounding area, and the neighboring Siksika First Nation. As a result, the school has a very multi-cultural feel to it. The school motto is "Best Efforts Equal Success" and the school goals are improving reading comprehension and promoting moral intelligence. The school is participating in an Alberta Initiative for School Improvement project (Focused Reading Comprehension), which involves a partnership with the University of Calgary. High School students have access to a welding and mechanics program through the "Innovation Award" winning mobile CTS lab that is provided by Grasslands Public Schools and Alberta Learning.

Sports is an integral part of our school culture - "Go Broncos".

Post Secondary Education
  • The Brooks campus of Medicine Hat College is only 50 km away from Bassano and provides post-secondary technical and business certificate courses, plus first and second year university transfer programs. With internationally recognized post secondary institutions, the Wild Rose Region is attracting students from around the world.
  • Medicine Hat College (MHC) has been serving students in southeastern Alberta and beyond since 1965. Situated in Canada's sunniest city, MHC's main campus services almost 3,000 students each year with another 200 attending Brooks Campus, located 100 km west of Medicine Hat. With some of the lowest student-to-instructor ratios in the province, MHC offers a very personal, one-on-one student experience. MHC offers a wide variety of programs to meet the ever-changing needs of students from southeastern Alberta and around the world.
  • Athabasca University, Canada's Open University, is dedicated to the removal of barriers that restrict access to and success in university-level study and to increasing equality of educational opportunity for adult learners worldwide.
Other Educational Opportunities within close proximity are:
  • Prairie Bible Institute offers a wide range of programs, including ministry, aviation, business administration, outdoor leadership, child care, practical nursing and paramedic, to students from over 20 countries around the world. Students can earn a one-year certificate to a four-year degree.
  • Rosebud School of the Arts offers a unique blend of practical and theoretical training in the performing arts. In addition to the arts program, Rosebud provides apprenticeship programs in the hospitality industry.
For more information
  • ALIS (Alberta Learning Information Service) – This site provides information on education, training, financial assistance, grants, bursaries, transfers, on-line student services, and more.
  • Alberta Education Curriculum - Excellent information and resources for parents of students is provided on this site; it includes information on school choices, summaries of required curriculum, and "homework" help.
  • Alberta Education - Schools - A complete list of schools and school boards is available here.
  • Alberta Children's Services – This site provides information and check-lists to help parents find quality child care; information and links about child care subsidies, adoption, parent support services; and phone numbers for the Kids Help Line, and the Child Care Help Line for Parents.
  • Child Care Subsidy – If you have child care costs for preschool children, you may not be aware that all eligible Albertans may qualify for the Child Care Subsidy Program. Go to this site to get complete information about the Child Care Subsidy or to try the Estimator.
  • Monthly Living Allowance - Information from the Alberta Student Finance Board is available at this site.
  • National Child Benefit (Low Income Families) - This program provides financial and social support to low-income families.

Education

The job market in Southeast Alberta is strong! There are lots of great career opportunities in many different industries from trades to healthcare to manufacturing and many, many more. There is demand for all levels of positions, from entry-level to senior positions.

Check them out at www.findingwork.ca

Community Profiles

Employer Profiles
Occupational Profiles
For more information
  • Alberta Government Learning Information Services - Alberta's leading on-line source for career, learning and employment information and services. Here you'll find the resources you need to make the most of your future.
  • Alberta Occupational Profiles - Information about a variety of career occupations, and advice about how to develop careers in Alberta, including information about current job markets is available at this site. There is a searchable database that makes it easy to research career options by interest, professional title, or industry.
  • Alberta Wage & Salary data  - The Alberta Wage and Salary Survey covers over 400 occupations and provides information on wages and salaries for full-time and part-time employees in Alberta by occupation, geographic area, and industry group.
  • Alberta Works - Alberta Works focuses on training people for employment.
  • Service Alberta's Job Seekers provides information for those looking for employment.  Here, you will find the Alberta Work Search Online, the Federal Job Bank, and even a free e-Résumé Review Service.
  • The Government of Canada has bilingual information about Citizenship and Immigration Canada, Service Canada, Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, and Foreign Credentials Referral Office.
  • The Government of Alberta provides information on immigration process for Canada and Alberta, as well as about programs and services designed to help immigrants before and after they arrive.
  • Canadian Information Centre for Immigrants - A bilingual site that provides a thorough overview of information about credentials, education, qualification, and employment in Canada. It is well organized and easy to navigate.
  • Job Bank Canada - Job Bank is the largest web-based network of job postings available to Canadians.

Community Lifestyle

Community lifestyle is one of the most important factors when considering a move. Sports, recreation, community involvement, cultural events, hospitality, and safety are just a few of the many reasons why people choose southeast Alberta as an excellent place to live.

Bassano is part of the Wild Rose Region. Many residents and business owners choose to locate in the region because of the safety and security of small town living. Bassano offers residents rural community values and an affordable country lifestyle close to the amenities within the region and the neighboring metropolitan centers. Favorable economic growth is enhanced by affordable housing and living in the Wild Rose Region.

Recreation & Parks

The Town of Bassano supports a wide range of recreation facilities and parks. Several green areas throughout the Town provide opportunity for picnics, field activities or meditation. The town maintains the cemetery, the Homecoming Camp Ground, the soccer and baseball fields, as well as several vacant green areas around Town.

  •  Bassano Dam - One of the largest dams in the world, Bassano's 24 spillway gravity dam provides some of southern Alberta's best recreational sites and activities. Fishing, boating, water skiing, swimming and camping at the "Little Dam" is one of the reservoirs fed from Bassano's dam-site. The water is crystal clear and the air is pollution free.
  • Crawling Valley Reservoir is a large, newly created off stream storage reservoir for the Eastern Irrigation System. Camping, fishing, boating are popular activities. Facilities include: 100 campsites, phone, picnic tables, tap water, showers, sewage disposal & boat launch. There are no boating restrictions but General Federal Regulations are in effect. The reservoir provides excellent fishing for Northern Pike and Walleye (catch & release for walleye).
  • Swimming Pool – The outdoor swimming pool and new 4,000 square foot joint-use facility is completely barrier free. The swimming pool is located in Bassano at 253 - 6 Avenue. Tel: 403-641-4025
  • Baseball Diamonds - Bassano has two maintained ball diamonds with red shale infield and grass outfields.
  • Soccer Fields - Bassano is a member of the Grasslands Soccer Association, attracting games with competitors from Duchess, Brooks and Tilley.
  • Bassano & District Centennial Arena -. In the summer the facility has been used for street hockey, 4H achievement, Homecoming activities and wrestling but the winter is the facility's' busy time. Activities such as hockey, figure skating, ringette, and skate-a-thons provide hours of winter activity and fun for area residents of all ages.
  • Kinsmen Park –This barrier-free playground is located beside the Community Hall across the street from Homecoming campground.
  • Community Hall – Cultural events, weddings, family reunions, conferences and fund raisers are held in this hall that seats upwards of 300 people. The Hall is located at 610-2nd Avenue. Tel: 403-641-3637
  • Pioneer Damsiters Drop-In Centre is a great gathering place for senior citizens. The Drop-In Centre is located at 315-2nd Avenue. Tel: 403-641-4072.
Additional recreational facilities within the Town include:
  • Recreation Complex
  • Bowling Alley
  • Curling Rink
  • Bassano School Gymnasium
  • Rodeo Grounds
  • Gun Club Facility
  • Tennis Courts
  • Fishing and Hunting
Bassano Sage & Thistle Golf Course

This 9-hole, par 36 golf course is designed to play as an 18-hole course. The quaint golf course is flanked by numerous trees and ponds, its lush fairways lead to small but impressive grass greens. Golfers have a fleet of rental carts at their disposal and the licensed clubroom consists of a kitchen, bar and seating area downstairs and a spacious lounge area upstairs especially suited for tournaments.

Bassano Sage & Thistle Golf Course
#1 - 7th Avenue
Bassano, Alberta
Tel: 403-641-4016

Other Golf Courses Include
  • Brooks Golf Club Tel: 403-362-2998
  • Duchess Golf Club Tel: 403-378-4710
  • Meadows Par 3 Golf Course Tel: 403-362-6477
  • Hidden Valley Resort Tel: 403-734-3965
Annual events include
  • Bassano Amateur Rodeo-- Last Saturday of June annually
  • The Crawling Valley Annual Fish Derby - March
  • Canada Day Celebrations - July 1st - Rodeo Grounds.
  • Sportsman Dinner - Third Thursday of October annually.

A complete list of past, present and upcoming Community Events along with their contacts can be viewed by clicking here.

Community Organizations

Local recreation and community organizations include:

  • Masonic Lodge
  • Pioneer Damsiters
  • Curling Club
  • Royal Purple
  • Gun Club
  • Willing Wokers
  • Hockey Club
  • 4-H Clubs
  • Ringette Club
  • Agricultural Society
  • Figure Skating Club
  • Tennis Club
  • Gymnastics Club
  • Elks Club
  • Parent Council
  • Cubs
  • Scouts
  • Golf Club
  • Bassano Barrel Racers
  • Bassano Arts Council

A complete list of Clubs and Organizations along with their contacts can be viewed by clicking here.

Religious Services
  • Evangelical Free Church – 202-8th Street; Tel: 403-641-3937
  • Knox Presbyterian Church – 334-3rd Avenue; Tel: 403-641-4090
  • St. Columba Roman Catholic Church - 601 – 5th Avenue; Tel: 403-641-4811
Campgrounds

The Homecoming Camp Ground (Tel: 403-641-3788) located on Main Street is complete with power, washroom and shower facilities. Camping is enhanced by the large shade trees and the nearby Kinsmen Park.

Other campgrounds include:
  • Midway Motel Campground - Tel: 403-641-3858
  • Poplar Grove Campground - Tel: 403-793-3396
  • Crawling Valley Resort - Tel: 403-641-4095
  • Desert Sands Campground – Tel: 403-641-4508
  • Shady Nook Campground – Tel: 403-641-3858
Accommodations
  • Imperial Hotel – Tel: 403-641-3544
  • Prairie Schooner II – Tel: 403-641-3978
  • Mid-Way Motel –Tel: 403-641-3858
Restaurants
  • Rosie's Roadside Grill - #1 Highway – Tel: 403-641-4293
  • Harry's Restaurant & Lounge – 438-2nd Avenue –Tel: 403-641-4334
  • Armando's Restaurant & Lounge – 308- 2nd Avenue – Tel: 403-641-2848
For more information
  • Service Alberta helps caregivers by providing information on resources available for persons or organizations that care for individuals who need support due to age, or physical or mental illness or disability.
  • Service Alberta has information for parents on topics such as Alberta Centennial Education Savings Plan, Bully Free Alberta, and Passports for Children. There is even a day care look-up at this site.
  • Rural residents can obtain information specific to their needs through Service Alberta. Here, rural residents can look for links to information and publications about the Rural Development Initiative, water wells, the weekly Agri-News, hunting licenses and more.
  • Seniors can find links to the government information and services that apply to seniors, covering topics such as pensions, health care, retirement and more at this site.

Business Directory

Click here to access the Bassano business directory.

More Info
Website

http://www.bassano.ca

Driving Maps
Additional Community Information
Government of Alberta Services
  • Service Alberta provides information on vehicle licensing, employment, property and more.
  • Moving to or Around Alberta includes information on health care services, electrical rates, population, housing support services, immigration and more.
Print Media

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