Northern Lights No. 22, M.D. of
http://www.mdnorth22.ab.ca
Welcome
... to the Municipal District of Northern Lights!
The Municipal District of Northern Lights is situated in an area known as the Peace Country, within Northwestern Alberta. The area contains rolling hills and beautiful valleys of agricultural land, along with several rivers and lakes.
The Municipal District (M.D.) is serviced by three towns Manning is the major service centre located within the Municipal District, Peace River and Grimshaw which are located just south of the M.D.'s Boundaries.
Northern Lights is rich in natural resources, the community particularly thrives in the winter when the petroleum and forestry industries boom. In the spring, the area comes alive with agriculture.
When viewing this profile please note that further information can be found at the Manning & Area Economic Development Society website including a printable version of the region's map/brochure.
One more thing to bring to your attention is a local news source: Kix 106 or YL Country.No, these stations did not pay for a spot at the front of the profile but they take the time to post the region's news, and this may give you a 'feel for the area'.
Enjoy your visit!
Economic Base
Industry Sector Profiles
Forest Sector
There are two forestry companies operating within the Municipal District of Northern Lights. Located north of town, Manning Diversified Forest Products Ltd. (MDFP) is an integrated value-added wood processing facility. On site are: a primary wood processing facility with an output of 100 million board feet annually; a planer mill; and a chipping facility, which enables supplying of chips to local pulp mills. Outputs include dimensional lumber and several value-added wood products such as decking, fencing and siding components. The mill employs over 150 people with an additional 100 seasonal jobs in the woodlands.
South of Manning is Daishowa Marubeni International Ltd. (DMI), a pulp mill that annually produces approximately 480,000 air dried metric tonnes of kraft pulp.
Oil & Gas Sector
There are several gas plants located in the Chinchaga area, northwest of Manning. Companies with operations in the area include:
BP, TransCanada Pipelines , Talisman Energy, and Penn West Energy Trust among others. These extraction companies are serviced by several local companies specializing in everything from contruction to road building to wireline testing.
Agriculture Sector
Agriculture is also a large sector given the long days in the summer and the top quality soils found the area. Wheat, canola, oats, barley and peas are the primary crops produced in the region. There are also livestock operations consisting of beef, bison and elk. As well, many honey producers call Manning home. The area is also an important producer of forage seeds such as smooth brome and timothy.
Research Sector
Research activities also play a vital role in the local economy. Established by MDFP in 1993, the Manning Forestry Research Fund (MFRF) with a goal of "...sustainability of the social, cultural, and economic values in the Northwest boreal region of Alberta" contributes significantly to several projects in northwest Alberta.
Manning is also home to the North Peace Applied Research Association (NPARA), which primarily carries out research in the agricultural sector.
Contributions from MFRF and NPARA have recently lead to the development of an essential oil extractor facility known as the Aurora Natural Products and Essential Oils Cooperative in the Town of Manning. The facility's main source of material for extraction comes from logging operations; branches from conifers are used to produce essential oils.
Currently there are also several other projects underway in the agriculture and health and wellness sector.
Tourism Sector
Situated along the Deh Cho Travel Connection, The M.D. of Northern Lights offers a lot to the recreational tourist. With three provincial parks nearby: Notikewin, Twin Lakes, and Sulphur Lake, along with two private campgrounds (one in town, one at the golf course) there are plenty of amenities for the outdoorsperson.
Activities to experience in the region include: hiking, fishing, camping, golfing, water recreation, off-highway vehicle riding, canoe/kayaking. In the fall and winter there is hunting, ice fishing, snowmobiling.
Manning is a member of the Mighty Peace Tourist Association. Travel Alberta North is also a great resource when looking at vacationing in northern Alberta.
Retail Sector
Manning enjoys a complete compliment of retail amenities, including two grocery stores, two pharmacies, as well as general merchandise and convenience stores.
Economic Facts
Market Research & Demographic Information
Sites to visit for Further In-depth Economic Information
Business Licensing and Development Permits
Municipal District of Northern Lights
600 7th Avenue NW
Manning, Alberta T0H 2M0
Phone: 780-836-3348
Fax: 780-836-3663
Gloria Dechant
Development Clerk
Real Estate
Online real estate listings available at: MLS.ca, Exit Realty Discovery, Century 21.
Business Support Services
Several area companies service the primary and secondary industries of the region in a variety of capacities, examples of the services provided are:
| Oilfield Construction/Maintenance |
Road Building/Maintenance |
| Commercial & Industrial Fencing |
Hot Shot |
| Insulators/Pilings |
Logging/Rentals |
| Passports/Maps |
Plumbing/Heating |
| Trucking/Hauling |
Vacuum/Steam |
| Water Hauling |
Wireline/Pressure Testing |
| Welding/Electrical |
Equipment Rental |
Financial Institutions
ATB Financial
Caisse Horizon Credit Union
Utilities
Communication/Media
Local/Regional Newspapers
Radio Stations
| Name |
Phone Number |
Fax Number |
| KIX 106 |
(800) 610-3610 |
(780) 624-5424 |
| YL Country
| (800) 610-3610 |
(780) 624-5424 |
Taxation
Assessment [2007]
$1,147,425,810
Mill Rates [2007]
|
| General Municipal |
6.6500 |
11.8100 |
| Education |
3.4779 |
4.9034 |
| Total |
10.1279 |
16.7134 |
There is No Provincial Sales Tax (PST) in Alberta.
There is a 6% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on most purchases in Canada.
Transportation
Air Service
The Manning Airport is located 3 km north of the town and is owned and operated by the Municipal District of Northern Lights. The airport is used for general aviation of all aircraft up to Code 3 designation/category (which use Instrument Flight Regulations and Visual Flight Regulations). There is also a terminal constructed to accommodate passenger flights.
Radio controlled runway lighting (ARCAL) has been installed to save on power costs. These lights remain off until an aircraft arrives and the pilot then switches on the lights using the aircraft’s radio. The lights stay on for approximately 20 minutes before shutting off automatically.
The airport is also home to a provincial forestry tanker base for fire suppression operations. Medivac services are also strong users of the airport.
The nearest airport with passenger service is in Peace River. Grande Prairie Airport has expanded passenger service.
Rail Transport
Manning is serviced by CN Rail. Click here for a map of all Alberta Railways.
Highways
The Mackenzie Highway (Highway 35) is the major route north/south through Manning.
There are several Secondary Routes with in the surrounding M.D. of Northern Lights, most notable route 986 - which connects with Highway 88 to the east, south of Red Earth Creek.
Click here for traffic counts. Traffic counts can be found on page 59, 60, 115, 118, and 144. (page number on the report, Look for NthL abbreviation)
Distances to Major Centres
Passenger Bus Service
Greyhound Canada operates daily scheduled passenger and parcel express service to Peace River, Grande Prairie, and Edmonton.
Taxi, Transportation/Courier Services
Courier businesses such as DHL and Purolator and are also located in Manning. There are also Hot Shot services available.
Community Lifestyle
Recreation
Manning has outstanding recreational facilities including a sports centre with arena and curling rink. A summer pool, tennis court, two outdoor rinks, family fitness centre, several ball diamonds and playgrounds are available for family outdoor and fitness activities.
An overnight Lion’s campground is located in the centre of town along the river with power hookups. Water and sanitary dumping station available.
The Condy Meadows Golf Course and Recreation Area is located 10 km north of the Town of Manning and features a 9-hole course that is second to none. Grass greens, golf carts and a pro shop are found on site. There are campsites available that are equipped with power hookups, and a playground.
There are also three local day parks that are enjoyed by all ages: The Lion’s Park, The Millenium Park and The Elks Park. These all offer playground equipment for children and picnic areas for the whole family.
The Centennial Library is a modern facility with over 10,000 books and up to date computer technology for the public use. The library is a member of the Peace Library System which assists in catering to the literary needs of all ages including those with special needs.
A Walking Trail is located along the scenic Notikewin River and in the northwest quadrant of the town with progress on additional walking trials.
Post Secondary
Northern Lakes College has a campus located in Manning. The college offers the following programs:
- University Transfer Programs
- Career Programs
- Workforce Development
- Academic Upgrading Programs
- Community Learning Services
The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) has a campus located in Fairview which is located approximately 1.5 hours southwest.
Grande Prairie Regional College is located in Grande Prairie approximately 2.5 hours southwest.
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
Health Care
Manning and area residents celebrated the opening of a new health care facility in July 2003. Manning Community Health Centre, administered by the Peace Country Health Region employs approximately 115 people. Our new health facility offers 24-hour emergency care, 10 acute care beds, 16 long term care beds and 1 palliative care room.
Senior Citizen Housing
Manning is proud to have a modern 44-bed senior citizen’s lodge. Recently expanded and renovated, the Del-Air Lodge is situated on the banks of the Notikewin River.
Emergency Services
Town of Manning has advanced life support ambulance services operated by Peace Country Health.
The Manning & District Fire Department has been serving the area for more than 40 years. We service Manning, north to Keg River, east to the Peace River, west to the BC border, and south to Dixonville. Our fire coverage is approximately 2800 km², and our rescue coverage area is approximately 19,000 km². Our local volunteer members possess the ability to extinguish fires efficiently, extricate occupants from motor vehicle accidents, and currently are developing techniques for water rescue.
Community Services
The Family & Community Support Services (FCSS) organization offers a variety of services for families in our area. Manning is also home to an Aboriginal Resource Centre.
Click here to view (and even print) the Community Directory, outlining all services available.
Climate
Environment Canada measures the climate normals around Peace River. Based upon Manning's proximity to Peace River, those climate normals are utilized as an approximation.
Google Map
Northern Lights No. 22, M.D. of, Alberta, Canada