Photo courtesy of Omar Mosleh
The Town of
Beaumont:
Postcard Perfect
There is something for everyone in one of the fastest growing communities in Canada. by Nerissa McNaughton
I
magine it’s the end of the workday. You’re tired, hungry and looking forward to going home. You’re on the highway, stuck in traffic, but as you near home, everything changes. The traffic thins out and you’re surrounded by beautiful trees. As you turn into town, the rich foliage makes the streets come alive. You go up the hill, passing boutique shops lined with flowerpots. Take a right at the church, a beautiful landmark of red brick and old-world charm. Then turn down your side road to hear the laughter of children and the sound of family life taking place. Sniff the steaks on the grill, the fresh cut grass and the clean air. This isn’t Pleasantville, it’s better: it’s Beaumont, and for the many that live, work and play here, this is their daily reality. Beaumont is the seventh fastest growing community in Canada and it’s easy to see why. It’s located 3.5 kilometres from Edmonton’s south side and a quick nine kilometre jaunt to the Edmonton International Airport. Add in the 22+ kilometres of walking/biking pathways, safe neighbourhoods, the Aqua-Fit Centre, festivals and great schools and you can see why the bilingual town has grown 104 per cent over 10 years.
It’s not just people looking to live here. Businesses are quickly recognizing how building in Beaumont can attract and draw in customers. “The opportunities for businesses have never been better,” says Beaumont’s mayor, Camille Bérubé. “We know that 2015 has been a year of change and uncertainty, but there is a safe harbour in our community. With Beaumont’s population growing at about six per cent per year, the short- and long-term potential is obvious. Now is the time to establish your business in Beaumont.” From the small business owner to the top names in development, businesses are looking to Beaumont for their next profitable chapter. Cameron Developments, the company behind high-profile projects such as South Edmonton Common and Costco Clareview Centre, is one such investor. “Having been a small part of Beaumont’s commercial development landscape for almost 10 years now, we feel privileged to be included in the town’s continued growth and look forward to further growing our relationship and presence,” says Cameron’s Tony Rota, director of leasing. Town of Beaumont | Page 1
of private residences, which indicates the town needs strong retail outlets and office development. The Beaumont residents have one of the highest per capita spending levels in Alberta, but more than 50 per cent of this spending is flowing out of town. This leakage could be plugged by offering residents local shopping opportunities.” Beaumont is well-poised to take full advantage businesses’ growing interests. The Downtown Urban Design Concept Plan is in place to redevelop the Centre-Ville neighbourhood and includes plans for retail opportunities. It provides a long term vision with 26 action items spanning from the present through 2021 and beyond. However, this plan isn’t the only way Beaumont is preparing for a robust future. “Beaumont is undergoing an annexation proposal. We are in the final stages of the process,” informs Bert Roach, economic development officer with the Town of Beaumont. He goes on to explain that the rapid growth has left the Town with just a small inventory of lots for commercial development, so the annexation process was initiated, in part, to accommodate more commercial growth. “The biggest draw we have right now is the local market,” continues Roach of the reasons why commercial development is on the rise. “We have families with disposable income and our residents want more local businesses. Strategically, the Town wants more local business too. We expect great opportunities as a result of continued growth.” When you think commercial businesses in Beaumont, think outside the box. Sure retailers are eyeing the prime real estate, but so is independent Canadian film director Tim McKort.
“Beaumont is, truly, a gem of a community; those who live and work there are justified in singing its praises.” Raj Sidhu of Ocean Rock Group, a business happy to invest in commercial real estate in Beaumont, also shares his reasons of why this community is at the top of their list. “Beaumont is a comfortable size of community with close proximity to major centres south of Edmonton, which make it more desirable for people to live, enjoy and raise families here. The town has more than 400 businesses, more than 250 are operating out
Director, writer and producer, McKort is the man behind the Sure Shot Dombrowski series and the upcoming Q-4: Dream Corporation movie. Next year he’s heading to Beaumont to shoot scenes for a family-friendly film. “Over 100 residents will be involved with more coming on as extras in front and behind the camera,” says Roach with pride. The movie gives Beaumont another chance to shine – not just because of its postcard-perfect, movie-ready looks, but because of the wealth of talent seen in the actors and equipment operators that will take part in the film.
“The opportunities for business have never been better!” ~Mayor Camille Bérubé
COMMUNITY roots in Beaumont 780.929.8561 Town of Beaumont | Page 2
70 YEARS
BUILDING
for
www.beaumontcu.com
Your Customers are Waiting….
Local economic development has identified several niche markets where there are great opportunities: • Retail & Commercial • Small Business & Entrepreneurship • Service & Supply in Support of Alberta’s Hydrocarbon Industry • Office Development • Eco & Tech Development • Business & Professional Services • Transportation & Logistics • Hospitality
The town’s 2015 census shows 30 – 44 year-olds making up the bulk of the population; and 24.7 per cent of the population is under the age of 15. This translates into a young, agile, skilled labour force and plenty of parents motivated to provide for their families. Over 68 per cent have some form of postsecondary education. Our resident, skilled labour force provides yet another advantage for commercial investors. Families also benefit from a strong housing market. Last year’s average house was valued at $423,382 and those wishing to sell saw a short 55 days on the market. As Beaumont headed into 2015, the average house price was $485,000, but those looking for starter or downsized homes had a choice of residences
starting from $259,000. Those looking for larger homes in the beauty of the countryside with the amenities of a city choose from the upper range of $700,000. Life is better in Beaumont. Commercial and residential opportunities abound. From the cottage industry to the international commercial developer, from the student to the graduate, the young family to the retiree and the commuter to the traveller – whatever your lifestyle, your business or your dreams, you’ll find what you need in Beaumont. Commercial retailers find their market. Developers find opportunity. Families find a safe haven and everyone finds that postcard perfect town where there is plenty to do, see, love and learn every day.
SHOW HOMES NOW OPEN
Call 780.435.1388 for more information. www.forestheightsbeaumont.com Town of Beaumont | Page 3