High Prairie
http:www.highprairie.ca
Welcome
The Town of High Prairie is a thriving community of just under 3,000 people located within the Municipal District of Big Lakes near the west end of Lesser Slave Lake.
High Prairie presents an exceptionally attractive living environment with the advantages of a modern urban community combined with those of a vast natural playground. To make your journey through the profile easier, a directory has been included below. So if you need to get directly to a topic of interest you can, but please also take the time to leisurely scroll through the entire profile.
Area Overview
Surrounded by boreal forest and open plains yielding rich farmland, High Prairie enjoys a dry, sub-humid climate with warm summers and cool winters. High Prairie and, its rural neighbor, the Municipal District of Big Lakes share a glacial-age history that has left in its wake many unique ecological sites, reminders of Lesser Slave Lake’s former vastness.
These special attractions, along with an environment rich with beauty and natural resources, are conveniently accessed by a system of air, rail and road networks that help cast High Prairie as a focal point for goods and services distribution.
High Prairie is a short 20-minute drive from the western end of Lesser Slave Lake; which is the largest lake entirely within Alberta’s boundaries – 108 kilometers long by 19 kilometers wide (widest point). World-class fishing takes place on Lesser Slave Lake (Walleye, Northern Pike, Perch), with several winter and summer derbies held annually.
Location
Located within the Peace Region of Alberta, High Prairie is on Highway 2 near the west end of the Lesser Slave Lake. It is approximately 350 km northwest of Edmonton, (Interactive Map) 200 km northeast of Grande Prairie, (Interactive Map) and 650 km northwest of Calgary. (Interactive Map)
Click here, or on the map, for a detailed, interactive map of Northern Alberta.
Economic Base
Economic Strengths
Steady growth has characterized High Prairie’s economic status throughout the past half-century. Predictions suggest this is not likely to change, although the economic drivers may shift in balance. Traditionally dependent on agriculture and forestry as its mainstay industries, the town is planning to capitalize on the expected growth of petroleum and tourism industry.
New oil and gas discoveries on the perimeter of High Prairie and heavy oil development north and west in the “Seal Lake” area have already generated increased economic activity. The town hopes to stimulate this promising trend by enhancing infrastructure and marketing affordable land for development. At the same time, the growing popularity of the region as a family holiday destination makes High Prairie an important centre for serving the needs of travelers.
Coupled with its traditional role as a service centre for a sizable population in surrounding hamlets, First Nations communities and Métis settlements, this increasing focus on High Prairie’s amenities makes it an entrepreneur’s paradise.
Industry Profiles The Regional Forestry Industry
Forestry is High Prairie’s single largest employment source. Buchanan Lumber’s sawmill, located in High Prairie, founded in 1946 has had a significant economic impact on the community.
Timber resources are expected to continue to play a major role in the regional economy. Alberta Land and Forest’s regional office in High Prairie helps to manage the Martin Hills Forest Area, which covers approximately 5.62 million hectares of forest and range crown land. The area is comprised of number of natural ecological sub regions inclusive of boreal highlands, central mixed wood, and dry mixed wood, lower and upper foothills. The Annual Allowable Cut (AAC) in the Lesser Slave Lake area is approximately 4 million m3.
The Oil and Gas Industry
Optimism runs high in terms of the petroleum industry’s future contributions to High Prairie’s fiscal health. Oil and gas activities have been a large part of the economic picture for the past several decades, as seismic crews and drilling operators searched for natural gas and oil reserves.
Many service and support businesses were established or expanded to accommodate this sector. Recent oil and gas discoveries in areas surrounding High Prairie, including Seal Lake north of High Prairie, translate into exciting opportunities for attracting oil company branch offices to town.
The town is working to entice complementary service companies and secondary industries, to locate in High Prairie with the goal of establishing a regional service centre for the Oil & Gas industry.
The Agriculture Industry
The farming area surrounding High Prairie includes some 67,000 hectares of prime agricultural land. Favourable growing conditions generally produce excellent quality wheat, barley, oats, and canola, seed and forage crops. In addition, a robust livestock industry is supported on this versatile land base.
High Prairie reaps the benefits of farming activity through provision of goods and services to producers. Although the relative prosperity of this sector is directly tied to commodity prices, the land’s agricultural value is expected to remain strong for years to come.
Soil Classification for this area is class 3 and class 4. Class 3 and 4 are considered capable of sustained use for cultivated field crops. Sandy soils located around the shores of Lesser Slave Lake, Lesser Slave River, and in the Smith area are more suitable for shrubs, Jack Pines, and Indian Rice Grass.
Those sandy soils are acetic soils that produce fruit plants such as blueberry and bearberry. Source: The Canada Land Inventory Soil Capability for Agriculture; Alberta Sustainable Resource Development
The Retail Service Industry
High Prairie has a full complement of retail goods and services. Should residents want expanded shopping options on occasion, they are only approximately one hour west of Slave Lake and two hours east of Grande Prairie. Also important is the fact that High Prairie is only 3.5 hours northwest of Edmonton.
The Tourism Industry
Just 20 minutes from the western shores of Lesser Slave Lake, High Prairie is primed and ready to meet the growing service needs of travelers to this tourist haven. Miles of sandy beaches and a myriad of water sports, along with special events such as the annual Golden Walleye Classic fishing tournament, captivate visitors.
Private resorts, as well as Hilliard’s Bay Provincial Park, which boasts world-class open water fishing, provide camping. Winagami Lake Provincial Park, just north of High Prairie, is gaining a reputation as a birder’s paradise, as is nearby Kimiwan Lake, the meeting point of three major bird migration paths. Winigami is also home to the Jackpines Wildland Park, an eco-site unique to northwestern Alberta and a fascinating locale in which to hike. Back to Directory
Economic Facts
Market Research & Demographic Information
Business Licensing and Development Permits
Town of High Prairie
Box 179
High Prairie, Alberta
T0G 1E0
Tel: 780-523-3388
Fax: 780-523-5930
E-mail: development@highprairie.ca
Website: www.highprairie.ca
Click here for a list of Business Support Services
Property Value Estimates
| Zoning - Lots Only |
Approximate Price |
| Residential |
$25,000 - $45,000 |
| Industrial |
$5,000 - $100,000 /acre |
| Commercial-Highway |
$50,000 |
| Commercial-Downtown |
$40,000 - $60,000 |
| Zoning |
Type |
Approximate Price |
| Residential |
1350 ft2 Three Bedroom Bungalow |
$120,000 - $180,000 |
| Industrial |
Lease |
$6.50 - $9.00/square foot |
| Commercial |
Lease |
$7.00 - $15.00/square foot |
*Information provided by various realtors in High Prairie
Major Regional Employers Private Sector
| Buchanan Lumber |
Sawmill & Logging |
| Charrois Motor Products |
New & Used Vehicles |
| Cox Brothers Contracting |
Sand & Gravel Hauling |
| Emerald Trucking Enterprises |
Tank Truck Service |
| Freson's IGA |
Groceries & Household Items |
| Gem Grant Energy & Maintenance |
Oilfield Maintenance & Construction |
| Monahan Ford |
New/Used Car & Truck Sales |
| Northwest Machine & Welding Ltd. |
Welding, Machining |
| Peyre Farm Equipment |
Farm Machinery Sales & Repair |
| Phoenix Foest Produsts |
Sawmill, Planer |
| Pioneer Home Hardware |
Hardware, Building Supplies |
| Shadow Creek Forest Products |
Forest Products |
|
|
| Torchinsky Engineering Ltd. |
Engineering |
| Trigil Energy Inc. |
Oilfield Maintenance |
| Williscroft RJ Construction Ltd. |
Logging & Oilfield Maintenance |
Public Sector
| Peace Country Health |
Regional Health Services |
| High Prairie Health Complex |
Hospital |
| Town of High Prairie |
Municipal Administration |
| Municipal District of Big Lakes |
Municipal Administration |
| High Prairie School Division |
Schools and Schools Administration |
| Living Waters Catholic Regional Division |
Schools and Schools Administration |
Financial Institutions
National Franchises/Companies
These are some of the national franchises/companies that have located in High Prairie.
| Best Western |
Subway |
KFC |
A&W |
| IGA |
Super A Foods |
SAAN |
Fields |
| Fountain Tire |
Kal Tire |
Home Hardware |
True Value Hardware |
| Rexall Drugs |
Mac's Convenience Store |
Napa Autoparts |
Circuit City |
Utilities
Click
here for more information regarding all the above Utilities, including rates, and more in-depth information about the area landfill, recycling, hazardous waste, and waste collection. Communication/Media
Local/Regional Newspapers
| Name |
Phone Number |
Fax Number |
| South Peace News |
(780) 523-4484 |
(780) 523-3039 |
| Tasc Media North |
(780) 523-2665 |
(780) 523-3088 |
| Lakeside Leader |
(780) 849-4380 |
(780) 849-3903 |
Radio Stations
| Name |
Phone Number |
Fax Number |
| CKVH Radio |
(780) 523-5111 |
(780) 523-3360 |
| CKYL/KIX 106 Peace River |
(800) 610-3610 |
(780) 624-5424 |
| CFWE FM Edmonton |
(780) 447-2393 |
(780) 454-2820 |
| 630 CHED AM Edmonton |
(780) 440-6300 |
(780) 469-5937 |
Taxation
Assessment [2008] $233,872,090.00 Mill Rates [2008]
| General Municipal |
9.5456 |
13.2307 |
| School Requisition |
2.8666 |
4.8154 |
| Seniors |
.1439 |
.1439 |
|
|
|
| Total |
15.2847 |
20.5643 |
Assessment [2009] $248,615,960.00 Mill Rates [2009]
| General Municipal |
10.1529 |
14.3623 |
| School Requisition |
2.4995 |
3.9240 |
| Seniors |
.1414 |
.1414 |
|
|
|
| Total |
12.7938 |
18.4277 |
There is No Provincial Sales Tax (PST) in Alberta. There is a 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on most purchases in Canada.
Transportation
High Prairie has a fully-developed transportation network. It includes access to air, rail and the highway systems. Highway #2 is a major transportation corridor linking central Alberta and destinations in the northwestern part of the province. Secondary Highways 749 and 750 connect communities within and surrounding the neighbouring Municipal District of Big Lakes.
Air Transportation
The High Prairie Airport is located 5 kilometres south on Secondary Highway #749. The landing strip is all-weather asphalt and is 3933 feet long and 75 feet wide. It is capable of handling light aircraft including helicopters and small business jets. Services at the airport include a public terminal building and night landing on a lighted runway. Fuel is not available on site.
There are 2 charter and 2 helicopter service companies located at the High Prairie Airport. The Slave Lake Airport is located 115 kilometres (72 miles) to the east and has full fuel facilities and the Edmonton International Airport is located 365 kilometres (230 miles) to the southeast. [See: Map (scroll down)]
Highways
Highway 2 is a major transportation corridor linking central Alberta and destinations in the northwestern part of the province.
Secondary Highway 749 services the High Prairie area including access to the Peavine Métis Settlement.
Secondary Highway 750 services the area just east of High Prairie including access to the Gift Lake Métis Settlement.
Clicking on Traffic Counts will take you to a report on the Alberta Transportation website. There are figures for highways within the M.D. of Big Lakes and near High Prairie on pages 12, 13, 60, 61,116, and 121.
Distances to Major Centres
| Slave Lake |
115 km |
| Edmonton |
370 km |
| Calgary |
650 km |
| Grande Prairie |
200 km |
| Saskatoon |
882 km |
| Vancouver |
1280 km |
| U.S. Border |
925 km |
Passenger Bus Service
Greyhound Canada has a bus depot located at Pureflo Bottle Water/Save on Freight at 5018 – 51st Avenue. Greyhound operates daily scheduled passenger and parcel express service to Edmonton and Peace River. Allan’s Coach Lines is a chartered bus service operating out of Allan’s Welding shop located in the industrial section of town.
Rail Transport
High Prairie is serviced by Mackenzie Northern Railway (RLGN)
Taxi, Transportation/Courier Services
|
Three taxi companies service High Prairie and area
Eight freight/courier companies service High Prairie and area
Several trucking companies service the Big Lakes region
|
Warehousing and Storage Facilities
|
Two warehousing and storage facilities service High Prairie and area Click here for more information regarding Transportation in, and around, High Prairie.
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Community Lifestyle
On any trip through the Town of High Prairie, it’s easy to see that the citizens care about their community. A dynamic, creative atmosphere invites visitors and residents, alike, to sample the fruits of small town life.
In addition to winning the 2002 Provincial Communities in Bloom competition, High Prairie is renowned for its beautiful Christmas light displays. High Prairie’s sparkle is a tribute to true citizenship. The talents and hard work of a community that welcomes cultural diversity have resulted in an impressive variety of social supports and recreational choices, driven by a dedicated volunteer sector.
An educational system that promotes life-long learning and healthcare facilities that subscribe to the highest standards enhance the community’s appeal for all age groups.
Recreation
Leisure and fitness seekers of all kinds have an enticing number of choices to satisfy their recreational appetites. Within the town limits are a multi-purpose arena, tennis courts, indoor swimming pool, splash pool, private fitness centres and seniors’ drop-in centre. An extensive paved trail system, along with ball diamonds and picnic areas, are well utilized in a natural setting along the West Prairie River.
High Prairie Regional Aquatic Centre hosts a leisure pool with zero depth entry, a 5-lane competitive pool, kids’ play zone, and waterslide, among other amenities. An indoor riding arena, two golf courses, and numerous private and public campgrounds are additional area attractions, along with nearby winter pursuits of cross-country and downhill skiing and snowboarding. And, of course, highlights for many people are found in the numerous water sports and shoreline activities to be enjoyed at nearby lakes in all seasons.
July brings on High Prairie’s biggest event of the summer season - the Elks Pro Rodeo. Spectators can watch some of the finest professional male and female rodeo competitors in the world. High Prairie is home to the Golden Walleye Classic on Lesser Slave Lake, Canada’s richest and North American’s largest fishing tournament.
Special Annual Events/Attractions
|
BULL " A" RAMA
|
March
|
|
North Country Fair
|
June
|
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High Prairie Amateur Rodeo
|
May Long Weekend
|
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Elks Pro Rodeo
|
End of July
|
|
Pioneer Thresherman
|
Canada Day
|
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High Prairie Golf Open
|
August
|
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Golden Walleye Classic
|
August
|
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Joussard Walleye Tournament
|
August
|
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Agricultural Fair
|
August
|
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Winter Light Up
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End of November
|
High Prairie Regional Aquatic Centre
Post Secondary
www.northernlakescollege.ca
Academic Upgrading Programs
Career Programs
University Transfer Programs (Sunrise Project)
Community Learning Services
Daycare Services
Workforce Development
www.athabascau.ca
Athabasca University is Canada’s leading Open University. It focuses on the delivery of courses and programs by distance and online methods. Registration is year-round and anyone 18 years of age or older is eligible to apply.
Three Year and Four Year Degrees
Graduate and Undergraduate Programs
Diploma Programs
Certificate Programs
University Transfer Programs
Student Services Back to Directory
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Health Care
High Prairie is serviced by the Peace Country Health Region.
A new regional health facility is in the planning and building stage to be located at the East end of High Prairie.
View the website for in-depth health service information.
While you're there, check out the High Prairie Health Complex.
Other services in High Prairie include 9 doctors, 2 dentists, 2 medical clinics, 1 health unit, 1 nursing home, and 35 continuing care beds. Air Ambulance is available.
Emergency Services
Emergency DIAL 911 Fire Protection
24 Hour Service for High Prairie and area residents within the Municipal District of Big Lakes who don’t have a volunteer fire department.
High Prairie Fire Department
| General Calls: |
(780) 523-3525 |
| Fire Chief: |
Ken Melnyk |
| Deputy Fire Chief: |
John McDermott |
| 31 Volunteer Fire Fighters |
|
Ambulance Service
High Prairie Ambulance services the Town of High Prairie and area residents (half-way to McLennen on the West and Spruce Point Park turn-off to the East)
High Prairie Ambulance Service
| Office: |
(780) 523-6426 |
| General Calls: |
(780) 523-2542 |
| Emergency Calls: |
911 |
Police and By-Law Enforcement Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) 5400 53 Avenue
High Prairie, AB
T0G 1E0
| General Calls: |
(780) 523-3370 |
| Personnel: |
16 members |
| Emergency Calls: |
911 |
Town of High Prairie – Bylaw Enforcement Officer
| Phone Number: |
(780) 523-3388 |
| Fax Number: |
(780) 523-5930 |
Community Services
High Prairie offers a wide range of community services.
For further information please contact the Town of High Prairie/M.D. of Big Lakes Family & Communities Support Services (FCSS) Coordinator at :780 523-5955.
Click here to learn more about the FCSS Program
Click here for more information about Community Services in, and around, High Prairie.
Climate
| Daily Mean(oC) |
-14.5 |
-11.7 |
-4.7 |
3.3 |
9.7 |
13.6 |
15.6 |
14.6 |
9.2 |
3.8 |
-6.1 |
-12.9 |
| Std. Dev. |
4.9 |
5.3 |
3.6 |
2.1 |
1.2 |
0.9 |
1.0 |
1.6 |
1.8 |
1.5 |
4.0 |
4.4 |
| Daily Maximum |
-9.4 |
-5.9 |
1.2 |
9.4 |
16.1 |
19.3 |
21.2 |
20.3 |
14.6 |
9.1 |
-1.6 |
-8.2 |
| Daily Minimum |
-19.6 |
-17.4 |
-10.6 |
-2.9 |
3.3 |
7.9 |
10.0 |
8.8 |
3.7 |
-1.5 |
-10.5 |
-17.7 |
| Rainfall (mm) |
0.6 |
1.0 |
1.7 |
12.1 |
40.9 |
88.2 |
95.6 |
72.4 |
48.8 |
18.0 |
3.1 |
2.0 |
| Snowfall (cm) |
29.9 |
21.2 |
20.8 |
10.4 |
2.7 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
2.2 |
9.7 |
19.7 |
29.8 |
Average Number of Frost Free Days Annually:
92 Average Number of Hours of Sunshine Annually:
2175
Google Map
High Prairie, Alberta, Canada