Canby, Oregon

Growing and thriving like the produce and flowers for which it is known -- the community of Canby is nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, just beyond the lights of the Big City.

Over 100 years ago, Canby's first families recognized that a patch of ground known as Baker Prairie was choice land - perfect for growing crops, growing families and growing a town! The fertile soil, majestic forests, and abundant water supply from the convergence of three rivers guaranteed this fledgling settlement would grow into the next century and beyond.

And grow, it did. That early farming settlement has grown to a modern day population of over 13,000 while the surrounding area remains prime farm land, contributing to Oregon's leading agricultural commodities of hay and nursery stock. All the while, that rural feeling beckoned families to Canby, turning the city into one of the most desirable bedroom communities of both the Portland and Salem Metropolitan areas. Portland lies just 25 miles north and Salem is just 30 miles to the south.

Growing families thrive in Canby, a city dedicated to its children. Canby School District is rated among the best in the state, with five elementary schools, one middle school and one four-year high school. Local citizens traditionally support school bonds and continually upgrade school facilities. A state-of-arts performing center fosters the performing arts for both students and community groups. Local sports programs for all ages operate year round, based on the solid support of dedicated volunteers.

Outdoor summer concerts, dubbed "Slice of Summer", are held during the summer on Sunday evenings in Wait Park, Canby's signature park featuring an old fashioned gazebo. The Fourth of July sees General Canby Day, known for its parade, fireworks and traditional family festivities. In August Canby also proudly hosts the Clackamas County Fair and Rodeo at the Clackamas County Fair and Event Center, one of Oregon's largest and most popular fairs.

While the big cities are close at hand, the buffer of farm and nursery land around Canby establishes a clear sense of identity, which fosters a feeling of ownership and responsibility in the local citizens. City government is held in the hands of the people, through an elected mayor and city council who are local friends, neighbors, and business owners. An historic City Hall lies in the heart of Downtown, with an open door to everyone. Necessary services - electricity, water, sewer, garbage and recycling, and telephone - are locally owned and operated. Rates are among the lowest in the state. City police and fire protection departments offer superior service.

On the heels of residential growth, business and industry are discovering the geographic and service amenities of Canby. While much of the commercial and retail business is centered in the traditional downtown core and along the four-lane state highway intersecting the city, a new 216,000 square foot commercial development on the northeast end of town opened in early 2000. Established and new retail trade will serve the needs of a thriving residential community.

Industrial growth has been spurred by the development of the three phase Logging Road Industrial Park, the cumulative effort of local landowners and the city of Canby. Several sites have been developed with industrial, electronic and manufacturing businesses, blazing the way for future growth.

Partnering with the Chamber, the Canby Business Revitalization (CBR) is working to preserve and serve the core historic and commercial district, helping property and business owners thrive. It is the union of this group and the Chamber that provides the structure through which Canby can maintain and enhance its strong heritage and unique livability for commercial enterprises and the residents of Canby.

It all comes together in Canby - the community events, a solid school system, comfortable neighborhoods and locally controlled government and services. The city of Canby is progressing into the future, still retaining the warm, country-like quality of life. Just as the surrounding farms and nurseries grow and thrive, the families, businesses and industries of Canby are growing and flourishing, fueled by a sense of pride and ownership from Canby's greatest resource, its people.

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