Lac La Biche County
http://LacLaBicheCounty.com
Welcome
Lac La Biche County is located in the scenic Alberta's Lakeland Region in northeast Alberta. With a mix of oil and gas, forestry, and agriculture as well as an abundance of recreational and cultural amenities, the region provides opportunities and a lot of fun for the whole family in an area rich in cultural diversity and heritage.
Visit the
Lac La Biche County Economic Development Website for more information
Area Overview
Lac La Biche County, situated approximately 200 kilometres northeast of Edmonton, is a multi-faceted region of natural resources, rich history, cultural diversity and stable growth. From its beginnings as a major portage that connected Canada’s Churchill Basin to the Athabasca – McKenzie Basin, the region and its people have evolved as a community that takes pride in its history, builds upon its multi-cultural strength and progresses into the future on the strength of its developed industries and undeveloped resources.
The incorporated rural and urban municipality was formed on August 1, 2007 when the former Town of Lac La Biche and the former Lakeland County were amalgamated. Lac La Biche County is 17,709 square kilometres (6,840 square miles) in area and houses a population of 9,123. While the majority of the municipality consists of a rural area, the county also includes the main Hamlet of Lac La Biche which serves as an urban service area and the business hub to the entire region and the Hamlet of Plamondon, which offers business, educational and retail services. The county also encompasses three smaller hamlets and approximately 48 rural subdivisions with excellent potential for further growth.
The county is supported by a mixture of agriculture (mostly cow/calf operations), oil and gas, forestry and tourism, as well as an abundance of recreational and cultural amenities. Local and provincial government regional and district offices are centralized in Lac La Biche and immediate area. Portage College, a forestry air tanker base, health services (including air ambulance), and a host of commercial, professional, and industry service sector businesses (including fabrication shops, transportation companies, and air, helicopter and rail service) are also located in the community.
Lac La Biche County is strategically situated in the heart of the northeastern Alberta’s natural gas fields and at the crossroads between Fort McMurray and Cold Lake, two major oil sands formations of global significance. The strategic position bodes well for growth in the industry service sector.
The county is a land of lakes and forests. Within its bounds and borders, Lac La Biche County boasts Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park, and Lakeland Provincial Park and Lakeland Recreational Area. These provincial parks and numerous private campground operators attract close to 175,000 campers, fishermen and outdoor enthusiasts to the area every year.
Visit the Lac La Biche County Economic Development Website for more information.
Location
Lac La Biche County is located in the scenic Alberta's Lakeland Region of northeast Alberta, approximately 2 1/2 hours northeast of Edmonton. For maps of Lac La Biche County and other sites of interest.
A unique geographical feature of Lac La Biche County is that it straddles the 'Little Divide'. An elevation of land between Lac La Biche lake and Beaver Lake determines the flow of water. Lac La Biche lake water eventually empty into the Arctic Ocean, while the waters of Beaver Lake empty into Hudson's Bay.
Economic Base
Oil and natural gas exploration and extraction, timber harvesting, education & government services, agriculture (farm and ranch), tourism and recreation are the main industries in the County. The Lac La Biche is strategically situated at the crossroads of two major oil sands producing areas in Fort McMurrary and Cold Lake. Drilling,seismic,and pipeline construction contribute significantly to the local economy. Opportunities for expansion and new ventures exist in servicing steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) developments.
Forestry
Forestry in the Lac La Biche Region has increased substantially in past years. A major pulp mill, Alberta Pacific Forest Industries, as well as a strong demand for wood products has facilitated the development of a diversified forestry sector.
Tourism
Tourism has grown as the demand for new services and unique wilderness opportunities have grown. This northern lake country has long attracted outdoor enthusiasts to view and enjoy the pristine beauty of the lakes and forests. The region consistently attracts over 175.000 tourists annually.
Retail Sales
Lac La Biche has a primary trading area of about 16,500 people with a thriving business and service sector meeting most everyone's needs.
Agriculture
Approximately 70% of the agricultural revenue consists of cow/calf operations. Production consists of a variety of domestic and specialty livestock. The major crops are hay, pasture,followed by oats, barley and canola.
Manufacturing
The community has two 'Ready-To-Move' housing manufactures and a truss manufacturing plant as well as several welding/fabrication shops and valve repair servicing.
Visit the www.LacLaBicheCounty.com for additional information
Economic Facts
Lac La Biche County Development Permit Values
Bldg Permits
In Thousands (000's) of $
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Commercial: 5,357 4,667 42,371 108,260 81,382
Industrial: 1,117 1,398 see comm. see comm. see comm.
Institutional: 633 249 see comm. see comm. 65,000
Residential: 9,028 12,666 40,503 41,222 45,389
Total: 16,135 18,980 82,874 149,482 126,771
Housing Starts: 54 63 N/A 139 108
Alberta Pacific Forestry Indistries Inc.
Alpac's economic contibution to the County's residents is approx. $60,000,000 annually.
View the Lac La Biche County Economic Development Website for more detailed economic development information.
Utilities
Electrical Power
Epcor : visit the Epcor website for current prices, contracts and services
Natural Gas
Natural gas services in the rural areas is provided by Lac La Biche County public works # 780-623-1747.
Water & Sewer
Regional Water and Sewer is available by the county. A major water and sewer development is planned for the county. Delivery of potable water is available for areas currently not serviced.
Waste Management
Waste Management is accomplished through various landfill sites.
Waste Management companies servicing our area include:
- Pagwa Disposal Ltd. - (780) 623-7871
- Canadian Waste Management - 1-800-648-3433
- Macor Holdings Ltd. - (780) 623-2095
Recycling
- Big Jim's Recycling Centre (780) 623-4146
- Lac La Biche Bottle Depot (780) 623-8010
Telephone
Telephone - for telus service, visit the Telus website for more info.
Wireless
Digital and analog services are both available in the region through all the major wireless providers.
Internet
Dial up and ADSL internet available in Lac La Biche County. Providers are Telus and MCSNet.
Print Media - Local
Lac La Biche Post
Print Media - Regional
Edmonton Journal
National Post
Edmonton Sun
- daily delivery
- weekly delivery
Radio - Local
Big Dog 103.5 FM (http://www.1035bigdog.com/)
Cable & Satellite Television
Available throughout the region.
Cable: Eastlink
Satellite: Star Choice or Bell ExpressVu
Canada Post
Several of the region’s communities have resident Post Offices:
Rural route delivery is wide spread in the county.
Visit the www.LacLaBicheCounty.com for more information.
Taxation
Taxation Figures (2009)(Includes education requisitions)
- Residential Agricultural 2.1848
- Fire Services 0.1580
- Alberta Education Tax Rate 1.9482
- Seniors Lodge Tax Rate 0.0858
- Total 4.3710
- Industrial/Commercial 11.9053
- Fire Services 0.1580
- Alberta Education Tax Rate 3.0701
- Seniors Lodge Tax Rate 0.0858
- Total 15.2130
Transportation
Air Service
Located approximately 2 kilometres West of Lac La Biche on Highway 55 there is an all weather airport with a 1765 m (5800 ft.) paved and lighted runway. Fixed wing and helicopter charter service, Alberta Forestry air tanker base, and air ambulance services are available.
Charter services available:
- Alberta Central Airways Ltd.
Box 518 Lac
La Biche, Alberta T0A 2C0
Phone: (780) 623-4122
Fax: (780) 623-2232
- Delta Helicopters Ltd.
Lac La Biche
Office:(780)623-3490
Mailing Address: Box 1, RR# 1, Site 6,
St. Albert, AB T8N 1M8
Fax: to Head Office Branch: (780) 458-3591
- Canadian Helicopters Inc.
Site 638 Comp RR2
Lac La Biche, Alberta T0A 2C0
Phone: 780-623-2109
Fax: 780-623-3326
- Highland Helicopters
P.O. Box 1774
Lac La Biche, Alberta T0A 2C0
Phone: 780-623-7638
Fax: 780-623-3709
Highway/Ground transportation
A network of primary highways and secondary roads provides access to and within the region. Many routes are used extensively by industrial and commercial traffic, as well as tourists, offering an excellent way to see the pristine beauty, historic site and numerous lakes of the area. In 2002 the addition of a truck by-pass to the south of town has added convenience and safety to the road network.
Freight Service
Daily to Edmonton and Fort McMurray
Railway
Canadian National Railway operates the rail system from Fort McMurray through Lac La Biche to Boyle. It is the only railway serving the Athabasca oil sands and is capable of handling full 263,000 lb loading year-round (i.e. 89 tonnes per standard railcar) as well as dimensional loads.
Bus Service
Greyhound
- regularly scheduled departures to Edmonton and Ft. McMurray
Charter bus service
Seniors and Handicapped Handibus available for community use
Couriers & Taxis
Courier service is available from Greyhound Courier Express, Priority Post, Loomis and Purolator Couriers.
There are a few local taxi operators. Click on this link for more information.
Community Lifestyle
Lifestyle in the region reflects the values and interests of the local residents, which translates into a busy schedule of indoor and outdoor activities throughout all four seasons. While the events and pursuits vary from year to year, locals and guests to the region have a multitude of choices to satisfy their cultural, artistic, athletic and facilities recreational needs. The volunteer spirit is alive with many of the events and activities organized by residents with a strong sense of community pride. Many people also choose to live in the region because of the proximity to lakes and wilderness, and the numerous recreational activities available to individuals and families. The community is geared towards a rural family lifestyle with many after-school activities for children and teens. Adult recreational and leisure pursuits are not forgotten in Lac La Biche, and the community boasts an abundance of choices available to residents and guests alike. Newcomers are impressed with our wide range of clubs, associations and facilities.Best of all, it is affordable and convenient to take advantage of everything that the region has to offer.
Facilities:
- Community Halls
- Hockey & curlng rinks
- Senior and recreation centres
- Ball diamonds and soccer fields
- Indoor aquatics centre, racquet ball courts and climbing wall
- Fitness facilities
- Ranch Riding Stables
Activities:
- 18 hole golf course & driving range
- Bowling alley
- Movie theatre
- Paved walking/hiking & biking trails
- Canoe circuit
- ATV & off road trails
- Shaw Lake cross country ski circuit
- Recreation & clubs-for a complete list of clubs, click here and then download the community directory.
Don't forget about the 150 lakes and boreal forest that offer endles outdoor activity opportunities.
Religious Services
Several denominations are represented throughout the County.
For a list of religious denominations, click here and then download the community directory.
Community Organizations
Many community groups, sports clubs (indoor and outdoor), and service organizations operate in the County meeting the needs of all age groups. For a list of Community Organizations, click here and then download the community directory.
Recreational Facilities & Clubs
There are many recreation facilities and clubs, for any interest, throughout the county and surrounding area. For a complete list of clubs and facilities, click here and then download the community directory.
Campgrounds
The Lac La Biche Region has over 150 lakes with over 1200 campsites and several hotels and motels for visiting comfort.
Bed & Breakfasts
There are a few bed & breakfasts in the Lac La Biche Region. Click here for more.
Cabins & Resorts
There are several cabins and resorts in the Lac La Biche County & Kikino area for your enjoyment. Click here to learn more.
SPECIAL ANNUAL EVENTS/ATTRACTIONS 
- Western Canadian Ice Race Championships & On The Pond Hockey Tournament - March
- Lac La Biche Mission Historic Site/Celebration - July 1st
- Plamondon Motor Sports Club Mud Bog - August
- Lac La Biche Pow-Wow Days & Fish Derby - August Long Weekend
Visit the Community Events Calendar for more information and all the regional events.
Things To Do 
Other useful community-related links:
Education
The 10 public schools that operate in the local communities are under the jurisdiction of the Northern Lights School Division and East Central Francophone Education Region (ECER) #3,offering provincially certified instruction for grades K to 12. The curriculum has expanded to include language traing in French, Arabic, Cree and Russian.
Northern Lights School Division No. 69
Lac La Biche Sub-office
Phone: (780) 623-4414
Website: www.nlsd.ab.ca
Email: joanne.Kurek@nlsd.ab.ca
Ecole Beausejour (ECER #3)
Plamondon
Phone: (780) 798-2045
Website: www.cen3.ab.ca
Email: cen3@atrium.ca
The community is proud of the provincial recognition given to several teachers and students, who have received awards for excellence in teaching and scholastic achievement.
Post Secondary
Whatever your education and careeer goals, Portage College offers more than 30 certificate and diploma programs in seven major areas of study to choose from. 
Fields of Study:
- Business
- University Transfer Studies
- Human Services
- Health and Wellness
- Native Arts and Culture
- Trades and Technical
- Academic Upgrading
- Learning and Employment Foundations
Toll Free: 1-866-623-5551
Phone: (780) 623- 5551
E-mail: info@portagecollege.ca
Website: www.portagecollege.ca
Health Care
Personal and family health care needs of the residents are met by the William J. Cadzow Community Health Centre. This modern acute care medical facility is equipped with up to date medical equipment and staffed by well-trained, patient oriented professionals. The facility’s also houses an Extended Care unit with rehabilitation services.
Two fully equipped medical clinics are located in the community of Lac La Biche, providing area residents with daily medical care. Three dental clinics, psychologists, chiropractors, and optometrists also service the region.
Public Health Nurses and Environmental Health Inspectors service the area from the regionally operated Lac La Biche Health Unit. The Unit also provides other services, including sexual education, nutrition, home care, dental health, early intervention and rehabilitation services, and water testing.
For additional information on health care 780-623-4404
Emergency Services
Lac La Biche County is served by 911
Fire Protection
Lac La Biche County has 5 volunteer fire departments that service the region. The fire departments are located in Lac La Biche, Hylo, Owl River, Rich Lake, and Plamondon.
Police Services
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) services Lac La Biche County, which includes the Hamlet of Lac La Biche, Hamlet of Plamondon, and the surrounding area. For non-emergency queries, call 780-623-4012.
Ambulance Services
The Lac La Biche Regional E.M.S. services the area. Air Ambulance services are also provided to our area.
Community Services
Municipal
Lac La Biche County 
10107 - 102 Avenue
Lac La Biche, Alberta TOA 2C0
Administration Office - (780)623-1747
Administration Fax - (780)623-2039
Public Works Office - (780)623-4468
Public Works Fax - (780)623-1706
Provincial
Several provincial government departments have offices in Lac La Biche, including Employment and Immigration and Children Services, Rural Development, Public Lands Division, Alberta Environmental Protection, Alberta Alcohol & Drug Use Commission, Alberta Mental Health Board, Community Corrections Federal.
Federal departments with offices in Lac La Biche include Canada Post, Indian and Northern Affairs, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
For additional information on community services click here and then download the community directory.
Climate
Temperature - Daily Averages:
January -18.4 C ( -1.1 F)
April 2.1 C (35.8 F)
July 17.0 C (62.6 F)
October 4.7 C (40.5 F)
Annual Precipitation:
Total 53.3 cm (20.2 in.)
Rain 36.5 cm (14.0 in.)
Snow 133.0 cm (52.4 in.)
Frost Free Days:
105
Hours of Sunshine/Year:
2240
Key Contacts
Municipal
Lac La Biche County
Mayor: Peter Kirylchuk
C.A.O: Duane Coleman
Box 1679 Lac La Biche, AB
T0A 2C0
main.office@laclabichecounty.com
www.LacLaBicheCounty.com
Community Futures Lac La Biche
Box 2188
Lac La Biche, AB
T0A 2C0
Tel: 780-623-2662
Fax: 780-623-2671
cfllb@telus.net
Lac La Biche & District Chamber of Commerce
President: Gail Broadbent
Box 804
Lac La Biche, AB
T0A 2C0
780-623-2818
llbcofc@telusplanet.net
Provincial (Updated December 2009)
Alberta Finance & Enterprise
Box 412
Room 308, Provincial Building
5025 - 49 Avenue
St. Paul, Alberta
T0A 3A4
Tel: 780-645-6358
Fax: 780-645-6241
Rick Bastow, Regional Manager
Maryann Robinson, Client Service Representative
Northern Alberta Development Council
Cynthia Arku, Senior Development Officer
Phone: (780) 623-6982
Website: Opportunity North
Ray Danyluk
Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA)
Lac La Biche - St. Paul Constituency
Constituency Office
P.O. Box 1848; #108, 5002-48 Street
St. Paul, AB
T0A 3A0
Phone: (780) 623-1730
Fax: (780) 645-5787
laclabiche.stpaul@assembly.ab.ca
Legislature Office
#319, 10800-97 Avenue
Edmonton, AB T5K - 2B6
Phone: (780) 415-9578
Fax: (780) 422-1671
Federal (Updated December 2009)
Brian Jean
Member of Parliament [MP]
Fort Mcmurray-Athabasca Constituency
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6
Constituency Office:
102 - 9912 Franklin Avenue
Fort McMurray AB T9H 2K5
Tel: 780-743-2201
Fax: 780-743-2287
Toll Free: 1-800-877-532-6272
E-mail: jeanb1@parl.gc.ca
Financial Institutions
- Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce - Lac La Biche 623-4418
- Bank of Nova Scotia - Lac La Biche 623-4445
- Alberta Treasury Branch - Lac La Biche 623-4446 / Plamondon 798-3783
- Servus Credit Union - Lac La Biche 623-8121 / Plamondon 798-3877
- Lac La Biche Regional Community Development Corporation - 623-2662
Real Estate
Google Map
Lac La Biche County, Alberta, Canada