Slave Lake

http://www.slavelake.ca/Rainbow

Welcome

The Town of Slave Lake welcomes your interest in our community. Whether you are looking at making a personal move to the area, relocating or establishing a business here, we hope that you find the information contained in this profile helpful and informative. In the heart of “Big Lake Country”, two and a half hours northwest of Edmonton, Slave Lake is a dynamic blend of frontier spirit and modern technological know-how.The area possesses seemingly boundless recreational opportunities—sandy beaches stretching for several kilometres, numerous campgrounds, trails for biking and off-road vehicles, sport fishing, hiking, and recreational boating are among the various adventures that the area has to offer. Slave Lake is making the most of its abundant natural resource setting and the creative energy of its citizens. With a population nearing 7,000 and a trading area of some 28,000, this gateway to the natural wealth of Northern Alberta is continuing to attract diverse development. Enterprising men and women recognize the almost unlimited potential for growth and spin-off business in the primary industries of petroleum and forestry, along with burgeoning activity in tourism. Forward-thinking community leaders understand that growth brings both opportunities and challenges, and have therefore adopted policies of managed expansion. This foresight is also reflected in the Town’s cooperation with the neighbouring Municipal District of Lesser Slave River on an inter-municipal economic development plan. A balanced approach allows for strong economic development, but not at the expense of the slower-paced lifestyle and unique personality that residents have made the hallmark of their community. Indeed, the natural beauty and economic prosperity that characterize Slave Lake make it an ideal locale in which to live, work and play.

Area Overview

Slave Lake is located 250 km northwest of Edmonton at the southeastern tip of Lesser Slave Lake, within the Municipal District of Lesser Slave River. This regional service centre lies at the foot of the lower slopes of the Swan Hills, at an elevation of 582 meters. Primarily boreal forest and some of the most easterly foothills in the province surround the community. The Boreal Plains region, within which Slave Lake falls, is characterized by a dry, sub-humid climate with warm summers and cool winters. It is part of the Mackenzie drainage system, drained by two major Alberta river systems – the Peace and the Athabasca. The area is comprised of a number of natural ecological sub regions including boreal highlands, central mixed wood, and dry mixed wood, lower and upper foothills.A characteristic microclimate, general topography, modal vegetation communities, plus dominant soil types dominate each of these areas.Within the area are also a number of protected parks and designated “Special Places”.Each area is administered by a management plan established (or in process) for its designated land (i.e. Grizzly Ridge Provincial Park).Generally none of the areas allow commercial development but do permit some degree of recreational use such as snowmobiling, mountain biking, or cross-country skiing. Historically known as the place “where trails meet”, Slave Lake’s establishment on major highway, railway and pipeline routes continues to render it a natural hub of industrial and commercial development

Location

Click here for a detailed, interactive map of Northern Alberta.

Economic Base

Economic Strengths Slave Lake has the third largest population base of any Alberta municipality north of Edmonton.Its economy has been driven throughout the past three decades by the Oil & Gas and Forest industries. In a continuing effort to diversify the economy, Slave Lake is encouraging increases in the tourism, manufacturing, and value-added sectors.In addition, Slave Lake is further evolving into an even greater regional service centre, with additional retail, education, health, financial, government, and transportation services. Mitsue Industrial Park Mitsue Industrial Park is located 8 km east of the Town of Slave Lake in the Municipal District of Lesser Slave River.This park is a major industrial subdivision which, in addition to several small businesses is the location for four wood processing facilities (soon to be 5), two gas plants, and a waste / product management service for oilfield services.Those facilities employ approximately 2000 people. (directly and indirectly) Industry Profiles The Regional Forestry Industry The Annual Allowable Cut (AAC) for the Lesser Slave Lake area is approximately 4 million m3.Manufactured wood products from all mills include: pulp, OSB, veneer plywood, dimensional lumber, woodchips, and pellets.Three lumber companies account for the bulk of activity in this industry within the Slave Lake area. West Fraser Timber operates Slave Lake Pulp and Alberta Plywood in the Mitsue Industrial Park.It also operates Seehta Forest Products located in Red Earth Creek, just north of the Municipal District of Lesser Slave River boundaries. Tolko Industries enhanced their presence in the area in 2003 when it purchased an Oriented Strand Board (OSB) Plant in the Mitsue Industrial Park.Construction of a new greenfield (OSB) plant in Slave Lake is set to begin in Spring 2006.This $200 million facility will provide 130 direct jobs in the mill and up to an additional 130 contract jobs in the woodlands. VanderwellContractors has operated in the Slave Lake area for over 30 years.This dimensional lumber mill employs approximately 250 people. The Oil and Gas Industry This industry remains very healthy as it strengthens its focus on natural gas development, to complement the strong oil sector.The initial discovery of oil and gas in the 1960's encouraged rapid growth in both primary and secondary (service) industries.Continued exploration and development in both sectors of the industry bodes well for its future success. Companies involved in resource development include: Acclaim Energy, Canadian Natural Resources, Husky Energy, Vermilion Resources, and Penn West Petroleum. The Retail Service Industry Currently under construction within the town (Completion end of 2005) is a retail 'power centre' which will include Walmart, Canadian Tire, Sobey's, Tim Hortons, among many other stores. The Tourism Industry Rapidly gaining distinction as Alberta’s northern playground, the area around Lesser Slave Lake has seen the number of visitors increase annually.Tourists are captivated by the panorama of the province’s largest automobile-accessible lake.When in the area, visitors can experience world-class fishing (walleye, pike, perch), kayak/canoe adventures, hiking expeditions, water recreation, and several camping venues - the complete outdoors experience.Also in the region, Canada's northernmost bird observatory, Lesser Slave Lake Bird Observatory is located in Lesser Slave Lake Provincial Park. Boasting their own popular attractions are three other lakes within the neighbouring Municipal District of Lesser Slave River – Fawcett Lake, Lawrence Lake, and Cross Lake – favourites with fishing, camping and boating enthusiasts.Residents and visitors can easily appreciate the Town of Slave Lake’s inclusion under the banner of Big Lake Country Tourism. Click here for more information regarding Tourism & Hospitality (Restaurants, Accommodations, Events, etc.) Click here for a more in-depth look into Industry Profiles.

Lesser Slave Lake Bird Observatory

Economic Facts

Market Research & Demographic Information

  • Consumer Marketing Survey - Completed December 2003
  • Business Marketing Survey - Completed December 2003
  • Price Comparison Survey - Completed by Alberta Economic Development in May 2004
    • Statistics Canada information is located at the end of this profile.Click here if you would like to view it now. Further In-depth Information
  • Municipal Profiles developed by Alberta's Ministry of Municipal Affairs
  • Alberta Weekly Economic Highlights developed by Alberta Economic Development
  • Alberta Economic Outlook developed by Alberta Economic Development
  • Alberta Export and Trade developed by Alberta Economic Development
  • Special Reports developed by Alberta Economic Development
  • Tourism Reports developed by Alberta Economic Development
  • Alberta Finance Statistics also contains much information which may be useful.
    • Business Licensing and Development Permits Town of Slave Lake 328 – 2 Street NE Slave Lake, AB T0G 2A3 Phone:(780) 849-8000 Fax:(780) 849-2633 E-mail:town@slavelake.ca Website:www.slavelake.ca Click here for a list of Business Support Services Or contact: Lesser Slave Lake Community Development Corporation Property Value Estimates
    Zoning - Lots OnlyApproximate Price
    Residential$60,000 - $80,000
    Industrial$75,000 - $100,000 /acre (serviced)
    Commercial-Highway$150,000 - $175,000 /acre (serviced)
    Commercial-Highway (South) $300,000 - $350,000 /acre (serviced)
    ZoningTypeApproximate Price
    Residential1350 ft2 Three Bedroom Bungalow$250,000 - $300,000
    IndustrialLease$10- $12 /square foot + triple net
    CommercialLease$12 - $15 /square foot + triple net
    *Information provided by Remax Slave Lake Realty, October 2005 Major Regional Employers Private Sector
    West Fraser TimberSawmill/Plywood/Pulp
    Acclaim EnergyOil & Gas
    Vanderwell Contractors (1971) Ltd.Mill/Sawmill
    Tolko Industries Ltd.Oriented Strand Board
    Canadian Natural ResourcesGas Plant
    Husky Energy Oil & Gas
    Penn West PetroleumOil & Gas
    Public Sector
    Aspen Regional Health AuthorityRegional Health Center (Hospital)
    North Central Alberta Children’s ServicesFamily Services
    Alberta Environment ProtectionForest Service and Parks
    Town of Slave LakeMunicipal Administration
    High Prairie School DivisionSchools and Schools Administration
    Living Waters Catholic Regional DivisionSchools and Schools Administration
    Financial Institutions
    Alberta Treasury Branch Financial(780) 849-3911
    Bank of Nova Scotia(780) 849-3770
    RBC Royal Bank(780) 849-8108
    Lesser Slave Lake Community Development Corporation(780) 849-3232

    Taxation

    Assessment [2006] $429,537,970 Mill Rates [2006]
    Residential Non-Residential
    General Municipal 10.600 12.145
    School Requisition 3.8574 5.3450
    Seniors .1116 .1116
    Total 14.569 17.6016
    There is No Provincial Sales Tax (PST) in Alberta. There is a 7% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on most purchases in Canada.


    Transportation

    Slave Lake 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. Primary Highways #2A, 44, and 88 connects communities within and surrounding the neighbouring Municipal District of Lesser Slave River. Air Transportation The Slave Lake Airport is located within the town limits of Slave Lake.The landing strip is all-weather asphalt and is approximately 5000 feet long.It is capable of handling most light aircraft including helicopters and small jets.The airport also accommodates night landing and has full fuel facilities. Edmonton International Airport is located approximately 275 kilometres (172 miles) 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. Highway 88, connecting to Highway 2, services large volumes of traffic traveling north and northeast of Slave Lake. It is used extensively for oil, gas, forestry, tourism, and recreational purposes. Click here for an interactive road map surrounding Slave Lake. Clicking on Traffic Counts will take you to a report on the Alberta Transportation website.There are figures for highways near Slave Lake on pages 12 and 89.

    Distances to Major Centres

    Edmonton250 km
    Calgary545 km
    Grande Prairie320 km
    Red Deer400 km
    Saskatoon770 km
    Vancouver 1190 km
    U.S. Border800 km
    Passenger Bus Service Greyhound Canada has a bus depot located in the Sawridge Truck Stop on Highway 88, on the northeast side of town.Greyhound operates daily scheduled passenger and parcel express service to Edmonton and Peace River. Rail Transport Slave Lake is serviced by Mackenzie Northern Railway (RLGN) Taxi, Transportation/Courier Services
  • Ten taxi companies service Slave Lake and area
  • Five freight/courier companies service Slave Lake and area
  • Several trucking companies service the Lesser Slave Lake region
    • Warehousing and Storage Facilities
  • Four warehousing and storage facilities service Slave Lake and area
    • Click here for more information regarding Transportation in, and around, Slave Lake.

    Community Lifestyle

    Slave Lake’s population of 6,600 is steeped in cultural and ethnic diversity. In its historic connections with aboriginal peoples and its warm welcome of Alberta immigrants, Slave Lake offers unique opportunities to build enriching friendships in vibrant neighbourhoods. Its small-town pace and natural environs create a quality of life second to none, enhanced by a plethora of recreational, cultural, educational, and social service facilities. A robust volunteer spirit is reflected in the sheer number of organizations devoted to community well-being and enjoyment. Along with groups dedicated to year-round sports and entertainment for all ages, cultural pursuits are supported through a library board, historical society, musical theatre association, and arts community. Social support groups, service clubs and religious organizations have many willing hands committed to building a strong, healthy community.Life-long learning is promoted through educational facilities for pre-schoolers right through to adults of all generations. Recreation Outdoor enthusiasts can experience a myriad of lake sports, hiking, cycling, off-road vehicle touring, camping and golfing activities, all within easy proximity to the town. Tennis, soccer, baseball/slowpitch, and skateboarding are all accommodated within town limits. A community trail system improves pedestrian access to shopping, schools, parks and playgrounds, or simply for a pleasant interlude with nature along Sawridge Creek or Lesser Slave River. Winter months are not without their special attractions. Cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and ice fishing are nearby pursuits, while curling and skating facilities (indoor and outdoor) are conveniently situated right within Slave Lake. A recently constructed aquatic center provides year-round swimming for all ages, and private fitness centers promote personal health. Click here for information regarding Recreation, Arts & Culture; facilities and programs.



    Camping

    Education

    Slave Lake is part of the High Prairie School Division #48, headquartered in High Prairie Living Waters Catholic Regional Division #42, is the separate school division represented within Slave Lake.
    SchoolLocationPhone NumberGrades
    C.J. Schurter SchoolSlave Lake(780) 849-4344K – Grade 2
    E.G. Wahlstrom SchoolSlave Lake(780) 849-3539Grades 3 – 6
    Koinonia Christian SchoolSlave Lake(780) 849-5400ECS – Grade 9
    Roland Michener High SchoolSlave Lake(780) 849-3064Grades 7 – 12
    St. Mary of the Lake CatholicSlave Lake(780) 849-5244K – Grade 12
    Lakeside Outreach SchoolSlave Lake(780) 849-2992Junior/Senior

    Post Secondary

    www.northernlakescollege.ca

    Northern Lakes College is an educational institution with a thirty year history of serving learners in rural, northern Alberta communities.  With campus facilities in 26 communities and covering a service region of over 130,000 kilometers, programs range from academic upgrading, certificate and diploma programs, university degree programs and personal and career development courses. 

     Distance learning using on-line technologies, teleconference and face to face instruction are key delivery modes that allow us to reach students throughout our service region.  Strong partnerships with industry, community stakeholders and other educational institutions are key to our success and come in many forms.  As industry is demanding specialized training in an ever-changing global economy, Workforce Development is meeting those needs through customized training. 

     The Slave Lake campus includes a cafeteria, day care centre, leisure/aquatic centre and gymnasium.

     We invite you to peruse our web site at www.northernlakescollege.ca or call us at 1-866-652-3456 for more information.

     

    Health Care

    Slave Lake is serviced by the Aspen Regional Health Authority.Click on Programs & Services on the website to find all relevant information about health care in the Slave Lake area. Click here for more information regarding Health Care.

    Emergency Services

    Fire Protection There is a regional agreement between the Town of Slave Lake and Municipal District of Lesser Slave River for fire protection services. Lesser Slave Regional Fire Service 901 – 4 Street NW Slave Lake, AB Fire Chief: Greg Gramiak General Calls: (780) 849-4110 Fire Alarm: (780) 849-3511 Emergency Calls: 911 Ambulance Service Slave Lake Ambulance 309 – 6 Street NE Slave Lake, AB General Calls: (780) 849-3614 Emergency Calls: 911 Police and By-Law Enforcement Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) 1005 – 6 Avenue SE Slave Lake, AB General Calls: (780) 849-3045 Emergency Calls: 911 Town of Slave Lake – Special Constable Phone Number:(780) 849-8000 Fax Number:(780) 849-2633

    Community Services

    Community Services, Organizations, and Churches There are several Community Organizations that provide various services throughout the area.A complete list of these organizations, and churches, can be viewed here. Family & Community Support Services (FCSS) operates out of the Town of Slave Lake Office Slave Lake Municipal Library

    Climate

    Temperature Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
    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

    Key Contacts

    Town of Slave Lake Box 1030 328 – 2 Street N.E Slave Lake, Alberta T0G 2A0 Main office (780) 849-8000 Toll Free (800) 661-2594 town@slavelake.ca Mayor - Karina Pillay-Kinnee Chief Administrative Officer - Betty Osmond Lesser Slave Lake Community Development Corporation PO Box 2100 Slave Lake, AB T0G 2A0 cdc1@telusplanet.net Executive Director - Terry Kurucz Alberta Employment Immigration & Industry: Edmonton Office 5th Floor, Commerce Place 10155 102 ST EDMONTON ABT5J 4L6 Phone: 780-415-8745 Fax:780-422-5804 Regional Director - Garry Krause Federal Representative Brian Jean Member of Parliament [MP] Fort McMurray--Athabasca, Alberta JEAN, Brian (Conservative) Parliamentary Address House of Commons Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A6 Telephone: (613) 992-1154 Fax: (613) 992-4603 E-Mail: Jean.B@parl.gc.ca Constituency Address 102 - 9912 Franklin Avenue Fort McMurray, Alberta T9H 2K4 Telephone: (780) 743-2201 1-877-532-6272 Fax: (780) 743-2287 Provincial Representative  Pearl Calahasen  Member of the Legislative Assembly [MLA] Constituency Office P.O. Box 598 5001 - 49 Street High Prairie, AB T0G 1E0 Phone: (780) 523-3171 Phone2: (780) 849-3479 (Slave Lake) Toll Free: 1-866-625-0648 Fax: (780) 523-5150 lesser.slavelake@assembly.ab.ca Legislature Office  622 Legislature Annex 9718 107 Street Edmonton, AB T5K 1E4 Phone: (780) 427-5285 Fax: (780) 415-0951

    Demographics Click here to return to Economic Facts

    Google Map

    Slave Lake, Alberta, Canada

    Statistics

     

     

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