Woodlands County
http://www.woodlands.ab.ca
Welcome
Welcome to Woodlands County on AlbertaFirst.com
Woodlands County is a vibrant area located approximately 170 km northwest of Edmonton that encompasses a wide variety of established businesses primarily in forestry, petroleum and agriculture. Its rich natural landscape corresponds with a thriving recreational base and diverse group of communities.
Woodlands County takes great pride in providing services to both private and corporate citizens. As a strong supporter of small business and economic growth, the municipality has the right tools and resources to get your business started or relocated with one of the lowest tax rates in the province of Alberta, and the necessary programs, bylaws and policies in place to make development easier.
Area Overview
Woodlands County provides the perfect location for everyone—whether you’re an entrepreneur, a seasoned professional, a member of industry or just looking for an active community to call home.
The municipality incorporates a unique balance of both urban and rural culture and is rapidly growing with a population of approximately 4,100. Conveniently located, it is close to Edmonton and Jasper and is also adjacent to the booming community of Whitecourt, which has a separate population of over 9,000 residents. The hamlets of Blue Ridge, Goose Lake and Fort Assiniboine are also located in the region, as well as the rich farming area of Anselmo.
The Blue Ridge welcome sign as you enter the hamlet |
The beautiful hamlet of Fort Assiniboine |
A breathtaking view of Goose Lake |
The total area of the municipality is 759,959 hectares, and consists of a diverse landscape that supports an array of industries—primarily agriculture, forestry and petroleum. The scenic area also presents a variety of recreational opportunities including fishing, swimming, hiking, tubing, boating, hunting, ATV riding, and camping.
Location
Woodlands County is located approximately 170 km northwest of the City of Edmonton. It is surrounded by the following municipal districts and counties:
- County of Barrhead
- Municipal District of Greenview
- Lac Ste. Anne County
- Municipal District of Lesser Slave River
- Westlock County
- Yellowhead County
Woodlands County is close to both Edmonton and Jasper. It is located along the Canamex Corridor, which links Alaska to Mexico and allows the transportation of goods and services across international borders.
Economic Base
As with the rest of Alberta, Woodlands County has experienced considerable growth in the past seven years. Between 2001 and 2008, the population has jumped 8.9 per cent from 3,818 to 4,158.
Agriculture is one of the main industries in the area |
An aerial view of the Alberta Newsprint Company, which is the only newsprint mill in Alberta |
The major industries in the area include agriculture, forestry and petroleum. A wide variety of companies call Woodlands County home, including Alberta’s only newsprint mill, the Alberta Newsprint Company, and other forest producers Millar Western Forest Products and Blue Ridge Lumber. Many oil and gas companies are also based in the region, creating ample employment opportunities.
Woodlands County also houses a host of major business outlets. The hamlet of Fort Assiniboine welcomed petroleum-based exploration companies Trident Exploration and Nexen Inc. More major companies are also bringing their businesses to nearby Whitecourt, such as Wal-mart and Canadian Tire. Mixing large-scale outfitters with local businesses creates a unique experience that blends the convenience of city shopping with small-town service.
Woodlands County also works together with other organizations and municipalities to enhance economic growth. The County is a member of the Grande Alberta Economic Region (GAER), which promotes core aspects including abundant natural resources, industrious people, endless outdoor recreation, major transportation routes, and proximity to urban markets. The County is also a member of GROWTH Alberta, which consists of municipalities that support economic development initiatives in the northwest region of Alberta.
Adding to local economic activity, Woodlands County has worked industriously to develop strong municipal partnerships and a community services funding formula to support the initiatives of local organizations, many that have brought world-class events to the area. Residents and those from across Alberta have enjoyed the World Jet Boat Races, the Party in the Park outdoor concert (past headlining acts include April Wine and Trooper), and the Wings Over Whitecourt Air Show, which took place at the Woodlands County airport and featured the Canadian Forces Snowbirds. In 2009, the Whitecourt Trailblazers Snowmobile Club will host a snowmobile freestyle event within Woodlands County that will feature professional riders from the Winter X Games, live music and fireworks displays.
Other economic staples in the region include the brand new $28-million Allan and Jean Millar Centre in Whitecourt—a facility featuring an aquatic centre, walking/running track, state-of-the-art fitness centre, community rental spaces and more. The facility also has corporate membership packages available. The Eagle River Casino and Travel Plaza is also a brand new attraction in the region, located just 8 km north of Whitecourt. Along with gaming, the casino features a classic grill-style restaurant and bar, and world-class entertainment.
Economic Facts
- Woodlands County has a population of 4,158 (2006 Statistics Canada)
- Approximately 60% of the population over 20 years of age has a high school diploma or greater
- The median family income is $77,556 (2005 Statistics Canada)
- In 2006, building permits valued 31.7 million dollars.
- As of March 2004, infrastructure and institutional projects totalled 8.75 million dollars
- Woodlands County boasts a low unemployment rate of 3.4 per cent - lower than the provincial average of 4.3 per cent
Utilities
Power
Epcor
Phone: 310-4300
Website: www.epcor.ca
Fortis Alberta
Phone: 310-WIRE (310-9473)
Website: www.fortisalberta.com
Natural Gas
ATCO Gas (Whitecourt)
Phone: (780) 778-8481 or (780) 310-5678
Website: www.atcogas.com
TRL Gas (Blue Ridge)
Phone: (780) 648-2172
Email: trgadmin@telusplanet.net
AltaGas Utilities (Barrhead)
Phone: 1-800-242-3477
Telephone
TELUS (Edmonton)
Phone: (780) 310-2255
Taxation
One of our goals is to provide businesses and residents with some of the lowest property taxes in the region.
| Municipal Tax Rate |
2.2856
|
6.4400
|
| Education - Alberta School Foundation Fund Tax Rate |
2.0481
|
4.3068
|
| Education Opted Out Tax Rate |
2.0481
|
4.3068
|
| Seniors Lodge Accommodation Tax Rate |
.1501
|
.1501
|
For more information about Woodlands County property taxes, contact Maurice Gushta, Director of Corporate Services:
Tel: (780) 778-8400
Fax: (780) 778-8402
Email: maurice.gushta@woodlands.ab.ca
Transportation
-
Air - Woodlands County is one of the only counties within the province of Alberta that owns and maintains a full air-service airport. The airport is the ninth-busiest in Alberta. The primary users of the airport include forestry, aviation photography and oilfield companies. Up to 32,000 aircraft use the site each year, including the largest helicopter in the world, the Mi-26. Our airport also provides a large base for water-bombers, which are critical for forest-fire suppression efforts. Competitive lease rates are also available for land at the airport (i.e. to house a private aircraft). Another great feature about the airport is that it does not charge landing fees.
- Airborne Energy Solutions
Phone: 1-888-496-3222
Fax: (780) 778-6652
Web site: www.airbornesolutions.com
- Taiga Helicopters
Phone: (780) 778-3674
Fax: (780) 778-3854
Web site: www.taigahelicopters.com
- Highland Helicopters
Phone: (780) 778-4246
Fax: (780) 778-6554
Web site: www.highland.ca
- Rail – The Canadian National Railway branch line from Edmonton serves Whitecourt, Blue Ridge and travels south of Fox Creek. Industrial spurs and yards are available. Intermodal services are provided in Edmonton and Calgary. For more information, visit www.cn.ca.
- Highway – Highways 43 and 32 lead to Woodlands County, as well as several secondary highways. The Highway 16 corridor is approximately 45 minutes away.
- Bus Service – Greyhound provides regular service to Whitecourt and Fort Assiniboine. Chartered buses are provided by Cardinal Coach Lines.
- Greyhound Bus
Afterhours passenger information – 1-800-661-8747
Whitecourt Depot – (780) 778-2850
Fort Assiniboine Depot – (780) 584-3883
Website – www.greyhound.ca
- Cardinal Coach Lines
Whitecourt – (780) 778-2850
Email – cclwct@telusplanet.net
- Rental Cars/Trucks
- Visa Truck Rentals
Whitecourt (Baron Oil Supply) – (780) 779-5222
Website – www.visatrucks.com
- National Car and Truck Rentals
Whitecourt – (780) 778-3775
Website – www.nationalcar.ca
- Thrifty Car Rental
Whitecourt – (780) 706-1016
- Couriers
- Purolator
- DHL
- UPS
- Canada Post
- Taxi Services
- Ken’s Cabs
Whitecourt – (780) 778-4449
- Sparky’s Taxi
Whitecourt – (780) 778-8994
- Star Taxi
Whitecourt – (780) 778-3496
Community Lifestyle
Work
Woodlands County boasts an industrious workforce, plentiful natural resources, beautiful terrain, excellent transportation routes and a close proximity to major markets. With three pulp mills, and numerous oil and gas service companies, there are many job opportunities available in the region. Woodlands County boasts a low unemployment rate of 3.4 per cent, lower than the provincial average of 4.3 per cent (Source: 2006 Statistics Canada Census).
Play
Woodlands County is very diverse in geographical features making it a popular location for parks and year-round recreational activities. Several streams and rivers flow through the region including the Athabasca, Freeman and McLeod Rivers.
[Athabasca River image courtesy of the Geological Survey of Canada (Photo 2002-619 by Denis St-Onge)]
Provincial Parks
Carson-Pegasus Provincial Park is a popular, full service provincial recreation area that is located 15 km northeast of Whitecourt, just off of Highway 32. Enjoy excellent year round trout fishing in the clear waters of McLeod and Pegasus lakes. The park also has an abundance of trails that are used by hikers in the summer and are groomed for skiers throughout the winter.
Another popular provincial park is the Fort Assiniboine Sandhills Wildland Park, spanning 79 square km. It is home to an assortment of wildlife, wetlands and lush forests. The park harbours species such as woodpeckers, various wood warblers, flying squirrels and sandhill cranes.
Natural Wonders
Also located on Highway 32 north, approximately 13 km from Whitecourt, is the Eric S. Huestis Demonstration Forest. It is a 10 square km forest area that demonstrates how a forest can sustain recreation, wildlife habitat and resource harvesting over a long period of time. Twenty-six interpretive sites along a seven-kilometer trail provide information on the various stages of forest life where the impacts of forest management practices can be viewed first hand. To book a tour of the Demonstration Forest, contact the Whitecourt and District Chamber of Commerce at (780) 778-5363 (tours are held between May and August).
Hard Luck Falls also provides an excellent example of the natural beauty found in the area. The falls are located approximately 20 km from the Town of Whitecourt and are best viewed during the spring thaw.
History
A favourite tourism highlight in Woodlands County is the hamlet of Fort Assiniboine. Registered as the second oldest fort in Alberta, the community of Fort Assiniboine holds a very important place in the province's history. Its name is presumably derived from the Assiniboine Natives, and records dating back to the Hudson’s Bay era indicate that the location was once used as a transportation and supply point.
To commemorate the history of the Hudson’s Bay era (between 1823 and 1877), a museum was constructed, which reflects the fur trade and houses historical artifacts from the area. The Fort Assiniboine Hudson’s Bay-style building was officially opened on October 4, 1980. It is now referred to as the Fort Assiniboine Museum and Friendship Club Drop-in Centre. Today, the museum is a very popular tourist attraction.
The World's Largest Wagon Wheel and Pick Axe also stand in Fort Assiniboine. The wagon wheel is 7.32 metres high and the pick axe is just over 6 metres high. It was constructed by Studio Y Creations of hand carved EPS foam, hard coated with SYC weather coat and painted with an enamel finish. The grand opening for the monument was held July 20, 2005, and this roadside attraction has already become a tourist favorite.
During the Klondike Gold Rush, the North West Territories government dispatched T.W. Chalmers to cut a trail from Klondike City to Lessor Slave Lake, and part of the famous Klondike Trail passes through Woodlands County. This trail was used during the 1897-1898 Klondike Gold Rush and was promoted by the Edmonton Bulletin, Edmonton merchants, and the Government of Canada as an “All-Canadian route to the easy gold of the Yukon.” The gold rush seekers camped at Klondike City (about 20 km north of Fort Assiniboine) in the winter of 1898-1899. Today, the Chalmers portion of the Klondike Trail is being mapped and preserved by The Klondike Trail Society.
Recreation
Woodlands County also presents a variety of recreational facilities, including the new Allan and Jean Millar Centre in Whitecourt which opened on Sept. 4, 2008. The $28-million facility boasts a state-of-the-art fitness centre, field house, aquatic centre featuring various pools and a water slide, an indoor play area and community rental spaces. The County also possesses an array of trails, including the 120 km Eagle River Snowmobile Area, and cross-country ski paths. For the summer months, enjoy the many natural areas to hike and a conglomerate of walking paths.
Another great recreational spot is the Blue Ridge Spray Park, which features 13 different water features—the perfect place to spend a hot summer day with your family.
The Eagle River Casino also held its grand opening during 2008 and features world-class entertainment just minutes from Whitecourt.
Festivals and more
Realizing the value of recreational pursuits, Woodlands County has worked industriously to develop strong municipal partnerships and a community services funding formula to support the initiatives of local organizations, many that have brought world-class events to the area. Residents and those from across Alberta have enjoyed the World Jet Boat Races, the Party in the Park outdoor concert (past headlining acts include April Wine and Trooper), and the Wings Over Whitecourt Air Show, which took place at the Woodlands County airport and featured the Canadian Forces Snowbirds. In 2009, the Whitecourt Trailblazers Snowmobile Club will host a snowmobile freestyle event that will feature professional riders from the Winter X Games, live music and fireworks displays.
The Whitecourt Rodeo and Fort Assiniboine Hamlet Hoedown are also popular festivals that residents and tourists look forward to enjoying each year.
Education
Woodlands County offers excellent scholarship and bursary opportunities, as well as an Agriculture Services bursary. More about these programs can be found on the Woodlands County web site at www.woodlands.ab.ca under the "Community Services" link.
School Divisions
Northern Gateway Public Schools
4104 Kepler St. Whitecourt, AB
Tel: (780) 778-2800
Fax: (780) 778-6719
Web site: www.ngrd.ab.ca
| Central Elementary School (K to 5) |
(780) 778-2136 |
| Pat Hardy Elementary School (K to 5) |
(780) 778-6266 |
| Percy Baxter School (Grades 6 to 8) |
(780) 778-3898 |
| Hilltop High School (Grades 9 to 12) |
(780) 778-2446 |
Living Waters Catholic School Division No. 42
4204 Kepler St. Whitecourt, AB
Tel: (780) 778-5666
Fax: (780) 778-2727
Web site: www.livingwaters.ab.ca
| St. Mary School (K to Grade 3) |
(780) 778-2050 |
| St. Joseph School (Grades 4 to 12) |
(780) 778-2345 |
Pembina Hills School Board Division No. 7
Tel: (780) 674-8500
Fax: (780) 674-3262
Web site: www.phrd.ab.ca
| Fort Assiniboine School (K to Grade 12) |
(780) 584-3751 |
Post-secondary Institutions
Pembina Educational Consortium
4739 - 50 Ave. Whitecourt, AB
Tel: (780) 778-2000
Fax: (780) 778-2257
Web site: www.pec.ab.ca
The Pembina Educational Consortium in Whitecourt offers programs from Red Deer College, Grant MacEwan College, the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, NorQuest College and Athabasca University.
Post Secondary
The Pembina Educational Consortium is located in the Town of Whitecourt and offers programs from accredited Alberta institutions including Red Deer College, Grant MacEwan College, the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, NorQuest College and Athabasca University.
Pembina Educational Consortium
Phone: (780) 778-2000
Website: www.pec.ab.ca
The University of Alberta, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology and Grant MacEwan College main campuses are located just 170 km away in Edmonton.
Health Care
Woodlands County focuses a great deal on the health care services available to its residents. The municipality recently partnered with the Town of Whitecourt as part of a physician recruitment plan that has already brought additional doctors to the area.
The Woodlands County region is served by health facilities in Whitecourt. The Whitecourt Healthcare Centre is a 24-bed accredited facility including two special care beds, and one palliative care bed that has served the community since 1966.
The healthcare centre employs a team of health professionals and support staff in the following departments: Administration, Cardiac Stress Testing, Central Supply, Continuing Care, Emergency, Food Services, Health Records, Housekeeping, Lab, Laundry, Maintenance, Materiel Management, Nursing, Nutrition, Operating Room, Outpatients, Pharmacy, Renal Dialysis, Rehabilitation, Ultrasound and X-ray.
The Town of Whitecourt also hosts a medical clinic and a walk-in medical clinic.
For senior residents, the Spruceview Lodge in Whitecourt supplies long-term care. The facility, which is managed by the Lac Ste. Anne Foundation, recently received extensive renovations and expansion as a means to improve the quality of life and level of service offered to residents. It is a 50-room facility with the addition of 30 apartment-style suites complete with kitchenettes.
The recently renovated Spruceview Lodge in Whitecourt
Other nearby healthcare centres are located in Mayerthorpe, Barrhead and Fox Creek.
Whitecourt Healthcare Centre - (780) 778-2285
Mayerthorpe Healthcare Centre - (780) 786-2261
Barrhead Healthcare Centre - (780) 674-2221
Fox Creek Hospital - (780) 622-3545
Emergency Services
Woodlands County provides outstanding emergency services and is a part of the “911” network.
Police
There are Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) stations located in Barrhead, Mayerthorpe, Swan Hills and Whitecourt that serve the County.
- Barrhead RCMP – (780) 674-4848
- Mayerthorpe RCMP – (780) 786-2291
- Swan Hills RCMP – (780) 333-4450
- Whitecourt RCMP – (780) 778-2238
Woodlands County also has its own Patrol Services department that consists of two full-time Peace Officers. County Peace Officers are committed to maintaining safe communities and providing a range of enforcement services including:
-
Bylaws
-
Provincial statutes
-
Traffic safety
-
Off-Highway vehicle use
-
Commercial vehicle use
-
Complaints
-
Animal control
-
Liquor matters
Ambulance Service
- Associated Ambulance – (780) 778-2223 or 911
- Barrhead Ambulance – (780) 674-3301 or 911
- Ste. Anne Regional Ambulance Authority - 911
Fire Services
Fire departments are located in Anselmo, Blue Ridge, Fort Assiniboine, Goose Lake and Whitecourt.
- Anselmo Fire Department
(780) 786-0005
- Blue Ridge Fire Department
(780) 648-2335
- Fort Assiniboine Fire Department
(780) 584-3922
- Goose Lake Fire Department
(780) 305-8783 (dept. cell)
- Whitecourt Fire Department
(780) 778-2342
Community Services
Woodlands County
Box 60
#1 Woodlands Lane
Whitecourt, AB T7S 1C7
Tel: (780) 778-8400
Fax: (780) 778-8402
Web: www.woodlands.ab.ca
The Woodlands County Community Services Department facilitates recreational and cultural activities and Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) in the communities of Anselmo, Blue Ridge, Fort Assiniboine, Timeu, Topland, rural Whitecourt and Goose Lake. The FCSS team encourages your organization to come forward should you require help or direction with any upcoming programs.
The following municipal services are also offered by Woodlands County:
- Infrastructure Services
- Agriculture Services
- Planning and Development
- Corporate Services
- Emergency Services
- Patrol Services
The following provincial services are available in Whitecourt:
- AADAC
- Alberta Registries
- Alberta Employment and Immigration
- Alberta Solicitor General and Public Security Correctional Services
- North Central Alberta Child and Family Services Authority
- Office of the Public Guardian
- Persons with Development Disabilities
- Sustainable Resource Development
The following services are located in Woodlands County or surrounding areas:
- Canada Post (Whitecourt, Fort Assiniboine)
- RCMP (Whitecourt, Swan Hills, Mayerthorpe, Barrhead)
Climate
| January |
-4 |
-18 |
-11 |
| April |
11 |
-3 |
3 |
| July |
22 |
8 |
15 |
| October |
11 |
-2 |
4 |
Overlooking the beautiful Athabasca River basin north of Whitecourt on a warm summer day. (Photo courtesy of the Geological Survey of Canada - photo 2002-619 by Denis St-Onge)
For current weather information visit the Woodlands County website at www.woodlands.ab.ca
*Data obtained from www.theweathernetwork.com for Whitecourt, AB
Google Map
Woodlands County, Alberta, Canada