Athabasca
http:www.athabasca.ca
Welcome
Message from the Mayor
Welcome to Athabasca, Gateway to the Great New North. We are just north of the Edmonton Capital Region, about on hour and thirty minutes drive from Edmonton. From Athabasca, roads lead north to Slave Lake, Wabasca, and Fort McMurray making the Town a true gateway that both industry and people can take advantage of.
Athabascans are proud of their community and the positive steps that have been taken in beautification, developing the riverfront park and in telling Athabasca's story through the many interpretive sings throughout the downtown and the riverfront park.
We have a diversity of people that is somewhat unusual in a small town and this has generated a vibrant sense of community that produces large numbers of events and volunteers each year. Community activities run the gamut from hockey to ballet, and our local festivals such as the Magnificent River Rats bring in thousands of people each year.
Athabasca is home the Athabasca University, Canada's open university and the Town's largest employer. We are also the home to many oil and gas businesses, close to Alberta Pacific Forest Industries and a service centre for the agricultral community. We are the fastest growing town in this part of Alberta and we anticipate an increase in our commercial and industrial sectors.
Whether you are planning to visit Athabasca, move here or do business here please let our website introduce you to our community.
Colleen Powell
Mayor
Area Overview
Point to the centre of a map of Alberta and you're pointing at Athabasca Country - "Land of the Whispering Hills" - a land with a rich past, an exciting present, and a promising future.
Come to Athabasca Country for unspoiled lakes and rivers, experience a part of Alberta's past, and find a community with a fine blend of activities, facilities, and friendliness. Athabasca is nestled among the hills along a bend in the Athabasca River, which flows northeast from its source high in the Rocky Mountains to Lake Athabasca.
Athabasca comes from the Cree Indian word "Athapaskan", the name the Cree gave to Indians living around Lake Athabasca. Athapaskan refers to the lake and might mean "where there are reeds" or "meeting place of many waters". First named Athabasca Landing by the Hudson's Bay Company, the town's name was shortened to Athabasca in 1913.
Location
The Town of Athabasca is located in the Athabasca County, in north-central Alberta. Three highways meet at Athabasca. Highway 2 parallels much of the historic Athabasca Landing Trail and leads 145 kilometres south to Edmonton. Secondary Highway 813 leads north to the Slave Lake Forest and the sandy white beaches and provincial park at Calling Lake. Highway 2 north and Highway 55 east - the Northern Woods and Water Route - link the Town to Saskatchewan and British Columbia, and lead to other nearby provincial parks and recreation areas.
Economic Base
The economy of the Athabasca region is based on agriculture, natural gas, forestry and, more recently, tourism. The principle economic activity of the Athabasca area is agriculture, although its importance has decreased over the past few years.
The area is well suited to forage production. Barley is the main grain crop, but significant acreage of wheat, oats, and rapeseed are also grown. Beef cattle is the major livestock industry in the area, but there are also a number of specialized dairy, sheep, swine, and beef feed lot operations.
The development of gas fields in the area has had a profound impact on the economy in recent years. As the demand for natural gas stabilizes, it is expected this industry will increase in the Athabasca region, along with the potential for the development of tar sands activity north of Athabasca.
Timber has been and continues to be a major source of employment in the Athabasca area. Presently, the major areas are Smith, Calling Lake, and Wandering River, in the northern portion of the Athabasca trading area. In addition, there are many small lumber mills in the immediate area which are operated by farmers on a part-time basis.
The local retail/service sectors have also grown significantly in the past five years in response to developments within these other industry sectors.
Athabasca lies in the heart of some beautiful lake country, offering a wide range of recreational pursuits. The region also has a rich history. Several organizations have been active in making the area the leaders in north-central Alberta for tourism and related activities.
Economic Facts
Major Businesses Products/Services
Alberta Pacific Forest Industries Inc. Light industrial park is located within Town limits.
Financial Institutions
- Bank of Nova Scotia
- ATB Finiancial
- Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
- Servus Credit Union
Utilities
Power
Epcor
Customer Service: 310-4300(local call)
For Outages call: 310-9473(local call)
Natural Gas
AltaGas
Telephone: 1-866-222-2067
Telephone
Telus Communications Inc.
P.O. Box 2422 ,
Stn Main Edmonton, AB
T5J 2S7
Residential Customers
Telephone Toll-Free: 310-2255
Commercial Customers: Telephone
Toll Free: 310-3100
Water Supply
The source of water is the Athabasca River [2 reservoirs].
Waste Management
Sewage treatment is provided by aerated lagoons.
Garbage Method/Frequency of Collection
Weekly Industrial/Commercial - owner's responsibility
Residential - Weekly pick-up (Tuesdays or Fridays)
Garbage For Pick-Up or Questions, call: Athabasca Recycle & Transfer Site at
(780)675-1117
Recycle For Pick-Up or Questions, call Dr. Recycle at (780)689-8271
Taxation
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| Municipal Tax Rate |
7.3299 |
15.6054 |
| Education - Alberta School Foundation Fund Tax Rate |
2.0539 |
3.4798 |
| Greater North Foundation Tax Rate |
0.0855 |
0.0855 |
Mill Rates - 2010
Residential-Public - 9.4693
Non-Residential-Public - 19.1707
Transportation
Air Services
The Athabasca Airport is a registered Aerodrome located approximately 1.5 km east of Athabasca on Hwy 55, and approximately 1.5 km north on Range Road 221. The airport is jointly operated by the Town of Athabasca and the County of Athabasca. The airport has a lighted 4000 x 100 foot asphalt runway (16/34) with an elevation of 1971 ft/601m MSL. The radio frequency for the Athabasca Airport is 123.2 MHz. There is a small terminal building c/w washroom.
There is a $10.00 landing fee for commercial planes and no charge for private planes.
Tie downs are available.
Alberta Central Airways operates from the Athabasca Airport and has fuel available if prior arrangements are made: 780-675-5225
Any questions or concerns regarding the Athabasca Airport please contact:
Paul Bell
Manager of Facilities, Parks and Recreation
Athabasca County
780-675-2273
pbell@athabascacounty.com
Highways
Athabasca is served by three main highways: Highway 2 south to Edmonton and north to Slave Lake, Highway 55 east to Lac La Biche and Saskatchewan, and Secondary Highway 813 north to Calling Lake and onward to Wabasca/Desmarais.
Bus Services
Greyhound Bus Lines provides regular scheduled daily inter-community service (Three per day).
Couriers and Taxis
DHL, Purolator, and UPS provide service to the Athabasca area.
There are two taxi companies located in Athabasca.
Community Lifestyle
Recreation
Take a look at what the Town of Athabasca offers - tennis courts, ball parks, walking trails, and a new Multiplex that includes a field house, a curling rink, an arena, meeting rooms and a fitness center. Athabasca also offers outdoor skating rinks, groomed cross-country ski trails, a world-class 18-hole golf course with grass greens, an indoor swimming pool complete with sauna and whirlpool, and rodeo grounds.
One of the world's few unpolluted major rivers, the 1,231 kilometre-long [765 miles] Athabasca River provides a recreational wonderland for canoeing, sport fishing, and jet boating right in the heart of Athabasca Country.
The spectacular valleys of the Athabasca River, Tawatinaw Creek and Muskeg Creek Ravine dominate the scenery and give the region its distinctive geography. Campers, either with tent or recreational vehicle, have many sites from which to choose. The town's site at the meeting of the Tawatinaw Creek and Athabasca River provides washroom and shower facilities, sanitary disposal, and a kitchen shelter. More sites can be found at nearby County and Provincial parks.
Nearby, sparkling lakes with sandy beaches invite boating, water skiing, swimming, wind surfing, and sailing. The naturalist and outdoor enthusiast will find excellent fish and wildlife habitat.
Golfing is available at the Athabasca Golf and Country Club. Downhill and cross-country skiing are available at the Long Lake Ski Area and the Tawatinaw Ski Area .
A Visitor Information Centre is located along the Athabasca Riverfront in the Train Station. The VIC is open during the summer months.
Service Clubs & Organizations
- Athabasca & District Senior Citizen Society . . . 780-675-2945
- Athabasca District Music Festival Association . . . 780-675-4524
- Athabasca Farmers Market . . . 780-675-3928
- Athabasca Fish & Game Association . . . 780-698-2327
- Athabasca Garden Club . . . 780-675-5380
- Athabasca Heritage Society . . .
- Athabasca Kinsmen Club . . . 780-675-2730
- Athabasca Lions Club . . . 780-675-2538
- Athabasca Mentorship Program . . . 780-675-2623
- Athabasca Metis Nation of Alberta Local 1999 . . . 780-675-5920
- Athabasca Ministerial Association . . .
- Athabasca Native Friendship Centre . . . 780-675-3086
- Athabasca Pottery Club . . . 780-675-4598
- Athabasca Regional Victims Services Society . . . 780-675-5077
- Athabasca Toastmasters . . . 780-675-5099
- Ducks Unlimited . . . 780-675-2273
- Fish & Wildlife Div. - Athabasca District . . . 780-675-2419
- Foster Parents Association . . . 780-675-2243
- Heartwood Folk Club . . . 780-675-3130
- Hospital Volunteers . . . 780-675-6037
- Junior Forest Rangers Camp . . . 780-675-2276
- Knights Of Columbus . . . 780-675-4609
- Magnificent River Rats Festival Society . . . 780-675-6188
- Parents & Tots Playgroup . . . 780-675-9672
- George Monson Memorial Race Association . . . 780-675-3601
- Rotary Club Of Athabasca . . . 780-675-3810
- Royal Canadian Legion Athabasca #103 . . . 780-675-4715
- Royal Canadian Legion Women's Auxiliary . . . 780-675-7713
- Science Outreach Athabasca . . . 780-675-6653
- TOPS . . . 780-675-5879
- Water Fish & Wildlife Parks . . . 780-675-2419
- Whispering Hills Country Music Association . . . 780-675-4828
Sports & Recreation Organizations
- Aikito . . . 780-675-6143
- Athabasca & District Minor Hockey Association . . . 780-675-5162
- Athabasca Air Cadets . . . 780-675-4231
- Athabasca Canoe Club . . . 780-675-4116
- Athabasca Co-Ed Volleyball League . . . 780-675-5624
- Athabasca Curling Club . . . 780-675-2199
- Athabasca Dance Society . . . 780-675-9401
- Athabasca Figure Skating Club . . . 780-675-4946
- Athabasca Flips Gymnastics Club . . . 780-675-9530
- Athabasca 4-H Beef Club . . . 780-675-3445
- Athabasca Girl Guides . . . 780-675-9208
- Athabasca Golf & Country Club . . . 780-675-4599
- Athabasca Gun Club . . . 780-213-4383
- Athabasca Lacrosse Association . . . 780-675-4852
- Athabasca Minor Ball Association . . . 780-675-4927
- Athabasca Nordic Ski Club . . . 780-675-5248
- Athabasca Oldtimers Hockey . . .
- Athabasca Rapids Swim Club . . . 780-675-2077
- Athabasca Rec. Hockey . . . 780-675-4123
- Athabasca River Boaters Club . . . 780-675-5511
- Athabasca River Runners Snowmobile Club . . . 780-675-1160
- Athabasca Slo Pitch Association . . . 780-675-2967
- Athabasca Soccer Association . . . 780-675-6329
- Athabasca Teen Centre . . . 780-675-2285
- Athabasca Ukrainian Folk Dance Club . . . 780-675-5099
- Athabasca Weight Lifting Club . . . 780-675-7155
- Golden Memories Choir . . . 780-675-5516
- Green Dragon Kung Fu (Tai Chi) . . . 780-675-3352
- Ladies Fastball . . . 780-675-2512
- Red Dragon Self Defense Club . . . 780-675-3352
- Scouts Canada 1st Athabasca Scounts, Cubs and Beavers . . . 780-675-5900
- Tae Kwon Do . . .
- Wa-No Kai Karate Club . . . 780-675-5166
Church & Religious Organizations
- All Saints Anglican Church . . . 780-675-2477
- Aspen Ridge Christian Fellowship . . . 780-675-2695
- Bahai Faith . . . 780-675-4610
- Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints . . . 780-675-1867
- Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witnesses . . . 780-675-8260
- Missionary Church . . . 780-675-2454
- Reformed Congration of Athabasca . . . 780-675-3458
- Riverview Community Church . . . 780-675-2333
- St. Gabriel's Roman Catholic Church . . . 780-675-2411
- Shiloh Tabernacle . . . 780-675-3502
- Ukrainian Catholic Church . . . 780-675-2593
- Ukrainian Orthodox Church of St. Peter & St. Paul . . . 780-675-3208
- United Church of Canada . . . 780-675-2341
- Victory in Praise United Pentecostal Church . . . 780-675-5021
Special Annual Events/Attractions
The Performing Arts Centre, a multi-use theatre created in 1981 with the renovation of a wing of the Brick School, provides Athabascans with entertainment and cultural activities ranging from the Athabasca Live Arts Society season to special events.
An active community theatre and music program tells a lot about how much Athabascans love to get into the act themselves.
- Athabasca & District Music Festival -- March/April
- Annual Open House and Pottery Sale -- May
- Ladies Open Golf Tournament -- June
- Athabasca University Convocation -- June
- Chamber of Commerce Retail Promotion -- June
- Canada Day Celebrations -- July 1
- Men's Open Golf Tournament -- July
- Junior Open Golf Tournament -- August
- Athabasca Fair and Rodeo -- June
- Senior Open Golf and Tournament -- August
- Harvest Gold Old Time Fiddler Contest -- September
- Whispering Hills Country Music-Talent Show -- October
- Ducks Unlimited Supper & Auction -- November
- Chamber of Commerce Moonlight Madness -- November
Hospitality
Accommodations
- Athabasca Hillside Motel Ltd . . . 780-675-5111
- Athabasca Lodge Motel . . . 780-675-2266
- Days Inn . . . 780-675-7020
- Grand Union Hotel . . . 780-675-3140
- New Western Athabasca Inn . . . 780-675-2294
- Super 8 . . . 780-675-8888
Education
The Educational Systems is under the jurisdiction of the Aspen View Regional Division #19, headquartered in Athabasca Telephone: (780)675-7080
Daycare/Nursery
Whispering Hills Day Care
Private day homes in Athabasca
Public schools located in Athabasca include:
- Whispering Hills Primary School [K-3]
- Landing Trail Intermediate School [4-7]
- Edwin Parr Composite High School [8-12]
Post Secondary
Athabasca University has an international reputation for distance education, and is a model for the future. With more than 150 staff, Athabasca University offers several undergraduate degree programs, and credit transfer arrangements can be made to and from other institutions.
The campus includes a library, archives, daycare centre, recreation area, and events such as films, seminars, workshops, and cultural activities.
Northern Lakes College Telephone: (780)675-9484
Other facilities include: a library and archives in the Historic Brick School Complex in Athabasca.
Health Care
The Athabasca Health Care Centre has 27 acute care beds, 23 long term auxiliary beds and 2 bassinettes. There are also medical centres including: doctors, dentists, physiotherapists, dieticians, chiropractors, massage therapists, and optometrist along with public services provided by the Regional Health Unit [Aspen Health Services].
Senior services provided: a nursing home, a senior citizen lodge, and senior citizens housing complexes.
The Aspen Health Services [Athabasca office] is committed to the concept of "Healthy Albertans in a Healthy Alberta". Serving over 30,000 residents living in 60,000 square kilometres, it offers services which promote healthy lifestyles and independent living. Services include: adult health services, Alberta Aids to Daily Living, communicable disease control, rehabilitation services, dental services, early intervention program, environmental health, health education/promotion, Well Baby and immunization clinics, hereditary disease program, home care & hospital liaison, nutrition programs, prenatal classes, preschool screening, school health services, sexuality education, and speech language services.
Services to disabled/handicapped persons is supplied through Blue Heron Enterprises.
Contact: Arno Birkigt Telephone: (780)675-3891
Family and Community Support Services [FCSS] programs are offered through the entire region.
Contact: Terry Smith Telephone: (780)675-2623
Emergency Services
Fire Protection
Athabasca is served by a volunteer fire department
Mailing Address:
4705 - 49 Avenue
Athabasca, AB
T9S 1B7
Telephone: (780)675-2063
Fax: (780)675-4242
Police Services
Police Protection
R.C.M.P. (12 Person detachment)
3402 - 48th Avenue
Athabasca, Alberta
T9S 1V1
Administration/Information
Telephone (780)675-5122
Complaints (24 Hours)
Telephone (780)675-4252
Fax: (780)675-4355
Emergency: 911
A By-Law officer serves the Town of Athabasca for 40 hours per week.
Community Services
Municipal Town of Athabasca 4705-49th Avenue Athabasca, Alberta T9S 1B7 Telephone: (780)675-2063 Fax: (780)675-4242 Provincial Alberta Alcohol & Drug Abuse Commission Alberta Agriculture Development Corporation - Lending Division Family & Employment Support Services Community Corrections Alberta Sustainable Resources Forestry Family and Social Services Mental Health Clinic Provincial Court Public Lands Public Works Supply and Services Transportation and Utilities Federal Canada Post Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Google Map
Athabasca, Alberta, Canada