Athabasca

Welcome

Message from the Mayor

Thank you for visiting our Town website. Just to let you know, Athabasca is one of the oldest communities in Alberta, getting its start during the era of the fur trade due to its natural location on the Athabasca River. Indeed, at one point, steam-powered paddle-wheeled boats were a common site on the Athabasca River, being constructed in the area what is now the Town Riverfront.

In the pre-1905 period, Athabasca was even considered a contender when our Provincial forefather's were choosing the Provincial capital. Currently, Athabasca's location and intersecting network of highways and roads do indeed make it a "Gateway to the Great New North". In addition to the oil, gas and forestry industry, Athabasca plays host to many tourists and travelers alike throughout the year.

Every year sees the welcome addition of many new residents in addition to new business and industry. We are proud of our Town, its residents and our position in the greater community as a whole.

We are interested in promoting our Town, and if I may personally be of assistance to you in any way, please do not hesitate to call or let me know your concerns.

Regards, 

Richard Verhaeghe
Mayor

Area Overview

Point to the centre of a map of Alberta and you're pointing at Athabasca Country - "Land of the Whispering Hills" - a land with a rich past, an exciting present, and a promising future.

Come to Athabasca Country for unspoiled lakes and rivers, experience a part of Alberta's past, and find a community with a fine blend of activities, facilities, and friendliness. Athabasca is nestled among the hills along a bend in the Athabasca River, which flows northeast from its source high in the Rocky Mountains to Lake Athabasca.

Athabasca comes from the Cree Indian word "Athapaskan", the name the Cree gave to Indians living around Lake Athabasca. Athapaskan refers to the lake and might mean "where there are reeds" or "meeting place of many waters". First named Athabasca Landing by the Hudson's Bay Company, the town's name was shortened to Athabasca in 1913.

Community Services

Municipal Town of Athabasca 4705-49th Avenue Athabasca, Alberta T9S 1B7 Telephone: (780)675-2063 Fax: (780)675-4242 Provincial Alberta Alcohol & Drug Abuse Commission Alberta Agriculture Development Corporation - Lending Division Family & Employment Support Services Community Corrections Alberta Sustainable Resources Forestry Family and Social Services Mental Health Clinic Provincial Court Public Lands Public Works Supply and Services Transportation and Utilities Federal Canada Post Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Community Lifestyle

Recreation
Take a look at what Athabasca Country offers - tennis courts, ball parks, walking trails, curling rink, artificial ice arena as well as outdoor skating rinks, groomed cross-country ski trails, a world-class 18-hole golf course with grass greens, an indoor swimming pool complete with sauna and whirlpool, and rodeo grounds.

One of the world's few unpolluted major rivers, the 1,231 kilometre-long [765 miles] Athabasca River provides a recreational wonderland for canoeing, sport fishing, and jet boating right in the heart of Athabasca Country.

The spectacular valleys of the Athabasca River, Tawatinaw Creek and Muskeg Creek Ravine dominate the scenery and give the region its distinctive geography. Campers, either with tent or recreational vehicle, have many sites from which to choose. The town's site at the meeting of the Tawatinaw Creek and Athabasca River provides washroom and shower facilities, sanitary disposal, and a kitchen shelter. More sites can be found at nearby County and Provincial parks.

Nearby, sparkling lakes with sandy beaches invite boating, water skiing, swimming, wind surfing, and sailing. The naturalist and outdoor enthusiast will find excellent fish and wildlife habitat.

Golfing is available at the Athabasca Golf and Country Club. Downhill and cross-country skiing are available at the Long Lake Ski Area and the Tawatinaw Ski Area .

A Tourist Information Centre [railroad caboose] is located next to the [historic train station] downtown. The TIC is open in the summer months.

Community Organizations

• Athabasca Lions Club
• Knights Of Columbus
• Order Of The Royal Purple
• Rotary Club Of Athabasca
• Royal Canadian Legion
• Royal Canadian Legion Women's AuxiliaryTawatinaw Masonic Lodge
• Athabasca Agricultural
• Society Athabasca & District
• Seniors Society
• Athabasca Fish & Game Association (Nrs)
• Water Fish &Wildlife; Parks
• Athabasca Music Festival
• Athabasca Native Friendship Centre Society
• Athabasca Volunteer Fire
• Athabasca Women Aglow
• Catholic Women's League
• Ducks Unlimited
• Foster Parents Association
• Friends Of The Athabasca Environment Association
• Full Gospel Businessmens Fellowship
• International Hospital Volunteers Clubs & Associations
• Athabasca Air Cadets
• Athabasca District Guiding
• Athabasca Co-Ed Volleyball League
• Athabasca Canoe Club
• Athabasca Curling Club
• Athabasca Dance Society
• Athabasca District Minor Hockey Association
• Athabasca Figure Skating Club
• Athabasca Flips Gymnastics Club
• Athabasca 4-H Beef Club
• Athabasca Gun Club
• Athabasca Metis Nation Of Alberta
• Athabasca Hockey Parents Association
• Athabasca Minor Ball Association
• Athabasca Nordic Ski Club
• Athabasca Oldtimers Hockey
• Athabasca Players
• Athabasca Pottery Club
• Athabasca Red Army Hockey Club
• Athabasca River Runners Snowmobile Club
• Athabasca Slow Pitch Association
• Athabasca Soccer Association
• Scouts Canada 1st
• Athabasca Scouts
• Cubs & Beavers
• Athabasca Toastmasters
• Athabasca Teen Centre Society
• Athabasca Ukrainian Folk Dance Club
• Junior Forest Wardens' Camp Ladies' Fastball
• Northern Light Junior Forest Wardens

            Religious Services

• Zion Lutheran Church
• Aspen Ridge Christian Fellowship
• Athabasca Missionary Church
• United Church of Canada
• Anglican Church of Canada
• Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada
• Ukrainian Catholic Church
• Athabasca Ukrainian Orthodox Church
• Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses
• Riverview Community Church
• Shiloh Tabernacle United Reformed Church
• St. Gabriel's Roman Catholic Church

Special Annual Events/Attractions
The Performing Arts Centre, a multi-use theatre created in 1981 with the renovation of a wing of the Brick School, provides Athabascans with entertainment and cultural activities ranging from the Athabasca Live Arts Society season to special events.

An active community theatre and music program tells a lot about how much Athabascans love to get into the act themselves.  

•  Athabasca & District Music Festival -- March/April
• Annual Open House and Pottery Sale -- May
• Ladies Open Golf Tournament -- June
• Athabasca University Convocation -- June
• Chamber of Commerce Retail Promotion -- June
• Canada Day Celebrations -- July 1
• Men's Open Golf Tournament -- July
• Junior Open Golf Tournament -- August
• Athabasca Fair and Rodeo -- June
• Senior Open Golf and Tournament -- August
• Harvest Gold Old Time Fiddler Contest -- September
• Whispering Hills Country Music-Talent Show -- October
• Ducks Unlimited Supper & Auction -- November
• Chamber of Commerce Moonlight Madness -- November

Hospitality
Accommodations

• Northern Lights Bed & Breakfast
• Top of the Town Bed & Breakfast
• Athabasca Hillside Motel Ltd.
• Athabasca Inn -
• Best Western
• Athabasca Lodge
• Motel Super 8
• Union Hotel

Restaurants

• Happy Gardens Restaurant
• Athabasca Burger Bar
• Neighbours Pub
• Greenspot Restaurant
• Athabasca Inn Restaurant
• Golden Fountain
• Giorgios Mike's Pizza & Restaurant
• Riverhouse Cravings
• Davina's Elsa's Maple Tree Clubhouse
• Subway
• A & W
• Union Cafe

Economic Base

The economy of the Athabasca region is based on agriculture, natural gas, forestry and, more recently, tourism. The principle economic activity of the Athabasca area is agriculture, although its importance has decreased over the past few years.

The area is well suited to forage production. Barley is the main grain crop, but significant acreage of wheat, oats, and rapeseed are also grown. Beef cattle is the major livestock industry in the area, but there are also a number of specialized dairy, sheep, swine, and beef feed lot operations.

The development of gas fields in the area has had a profound impact on the economy in recent years. As the demand for natural gas stabilizes, it is expected this industry will increase in the Athabasca region, along with the potential for the development of tar sands activity north of Athabasca.

Timber has been and continues to be a major source of employment in the Athabasca area. Presently, the major areas are Smith, Calling Lake, and Wandering River, in the northern portion of the Athabasca trading area. In addition, there are many small lumber mills in the immediate area which are operated by farmers on a part-time basis.

The local retail/service sectors have also grown significantly in the past five years in response to developments within these other industry sectors.

Athabasca lies in the heart of some beautiful lake country, offering a wide range of recreational pursuits. The region also has a rich history. Several organizations have been active in making the area the leaders in north-central Alberta for tourism and related activities.

Economic Facts

            Major Businesses Products/Services
Alberta Pacific Forest Industries Inc. Light industrial parks are located within Town limits and eastern outskirts. 

           Financial Institutions

• Bank of Nova Scotia
• ATB Finiancial
• Canadian Imperial
• Bank of Commerce
• Common Wealth
• Credit Union

Education

The Educational Systems is under the jurisdiction of the Aspen View Regional Division #19, headquartered in Athabasca Telephone: (780)675-7080

Daycare/Nursery
Athabasca University Day Care Services

Private day homes in Athabasca

Public schools located in Athabasca include:

• Whispering Hills Primary School [K-3]
  
• Landing Trail Intermediate School [4-7]
  
• Edwin Parr Composite High School [8-12]

Emergency Services

Fire Protection
Athabasca is served by a volunteer fire department

Mailing Address: 
4705 - 49 Avenue
Athabasca, AB 
T9S 1B7
Telephone: (780)675-2063
Fax: (780)675-4242

Police Services
Police Protection
R.C.M.P. (12 Person detachment)
4806 - 46th Ave
Athabasca, Alberta
T9S 1M7

Administration/Information
Telephone (780)675-5122
Complaints (24 Hours)
Telephone (780)675-4252
Fax: (780)675-4355

A By-Law officer serves the Town of Athabasca for 30 hours per week. Emergency: 911

Health Care

The Athabasca Health Care Centre has 42 acute care beds, 23 long term auxiliary beds and 8 bassinettes. There are also 3 medical centres including: doctors, dentists, physiotherapists, dieticians, chiropractors, massage therapists, and optometrist along with public services provided by the Regional Health Unit [Aspen Health Services].

Senior services provided: a nursing home, a senior citizen lodge, and senior citizens housing complexes.

The Aspen Health Services [Athabasca office] is committed to the concept of "Healthy Albertans in a Healthy Alberta". Serving over 30,000 residents living in 60,000 square kilometres, it offers services which promote healthy lifestyles and independent living. Services include: adult health services, Alberta Aids to Daily Living, communicable disease control, rehabilitation services, dental services, early intervention program, environmental health, health education/promotion, Well Baby and immunization clinics, hereditary disease program, home care & hospital liaison, nutrition programs, prenatal classes, preschool screening, school health services, sexuality education, and speech language services.

Services to disabled/handicapped persons is supplied through Blue Heron Enterprises.
Contact: Arno Birkigt Telephone: (780)675-3891

Family and Community Support Services [FCSS] programs are offered through the entire region.
Contact: Serena Koons Telephone: (780)675-2623

Key Contacts for Business Development

Municipal
Town of Athabasca
4705 - 49th Avenue
Athabasca, Alberta
T9S 1B7
Tel: (780)675-2063
Fax: (780)675-4242

Richard Albert Verhaeghe
Mayor Doug B.
Topinka Chief Administrative

Officer Athabasca District Chamber of Commerce
Ty Hart,
President
4705-49th Avenue
Athabasca, Alberta
T9S 1B7
Telephone: (780)675-3046
Fax: (780)675-3872

Provincial
Alberta Economic Development
Regional Development Branch
4th Floor,
Commerce Place
10155 - 102 Street
Edmonton, AB
T5J 4L6

Contact: Audrey Alberecht-Lee
Telephone: (780)427-6075
Fax: (780)422-9127

(updated May 10, 2004)
Jan Couper,
Client Services Representative
Tel: 780-427-6291
E-Mail: jan.couper@gov.ab.ca

Mike Cardinal
Member of the Legislative Assembly [MLA]

Athabasca-Redwater Constituency
324 Legislature Building,
10800 - 97 Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta
T5K 2B6
Telephone: (780)675-3232

(Athabasca)
Fax: (780)675-2396
Telephone: (780)415-4800

(Edmonton)
Federal Brian Jean

Member of Parliament [MP]
Fort McMurray - Athabasca
Athabasca Office:
5101 - 50 Avenue
Athabasca AB
T9S 1T2

Ottawa Office:
513 Confederation Building
House of Commons
Ottawa, ON
K1A 0A6
Telephone: (613)992-1154
Fax: (613)992-4603

Fort McMurray Office:
102-9912 Franklin Avenue
Fort McMurray, AB
T9H 2K5
Telephone: (780)743-2201
Fax: (780)743-2287

Location

The Town of Athabasca is located in the County of Athabasca No. 12, in north-central Alberta. Three highways meet at Athabasca. Highway 2 parallels much of the historic Athabasca Landing Trail and leads 145 kilometres south to Edmonton. Secondary Highway 813 leads north to the Slave Lake Forest and the sandy white beaches and provincial park at Calling Lake. Highway 2 north and Highway 55 east - the Northern Woods and Water Route - link the Town to Saskatchewan and British Columbia, and lead to other nearby provincial parks and recreation areas.

Post Secondary Education

Athabasca University has an international reputation for distance education, and is a model for the future. With more than 150 staff, Athabasca University offers several undergraduate degree programs, and credit transfer arrangements can be made to and from other institutions.

The campus includes a library, archives, daycare centre, recreation area, and events such as films, seminars, workshops, and cultural activities.

Northern Lakes College Telephone: (780)675-9484
Other facilities include: a library and archives in the Historic Brick School Complex in Athabasca.

Taxation

	Residential/Farmland	Non-Residential
2005
Municipal Tax Rate	11.064	16.945
Education - Alberta School Foundation Fund Tax Rate	4.499	6.924
Seniors Lodge Accommodation Tax Rate	0.124	0.124

Mill Rates [2005]

Residential-Public 15.687
Non-Residential-Public 23.993

Transportation

Air Services
The Athabasca Municipal Airport has all-weather facilities. Alberta Central Airways provides scheduled/charter service. The nearest commercial and air freight service is at Edmonton International Airport, located 157 km south of Athabasca.
Telephone: (780)675-5225

Highways
Athabasca is served by three main highways: Highway 2 south to Edmonton and north to Slave Lake, Highway 55 east to Lac La Biche and Saskatchewan, and Secondary Highway 813 north to Calling Lake and onward to Wabasca/Desmarais.

Bus Services
Greyhound Bus Lines provides regular scheduled daily inter-community service.

Couriers and Taxis
Loomis, Purolator, and UPS provide service to the Athabasca area.

There are two taxi companies located in Athabasca.

Utilities

Power
Epcor
Customer Service: 310-4300(local call)
For Outages call: 310-9473(local call)

Natural Gas
AltaGas
Telephone: 1-866-222-2067

Telephone
Telus Communications Inc.
P.O. Box 2422 ,
Stn Main Edmonton, AB
T5J 2S7

Residential Customers: 
Telephone Toll-Free: 310-2255
Commercial Customers: Telephone
Toll Free: 310-3100

Water Supply
The source of water is the Athabasca River [2 reservoirs].

Waste Management
Sewage treatment is provided by aerated lagoons.

Garbage Method/Frequency of Collection: Weekly Industrial/Commercial - owner's responsibility

Residential - Weekly pick-up (Tuesdays or Fridays)
Garbage For Pick-Up or Questions, call: Athabasca Recycle & Transfer Site at
(780)675-1117
Recycle For Pick-Up or Questions, call Dr. Recycle at (780)689-8271

Population

Total Population 1991-2001

Athabasca Population by Age Group (2001)

Education Statistics

Athabasca Highest Level of Schooling 2001

Labour Force

Athabasca Labour Force By Industry - 2001

Income

Family Expenditure

Athabasca Family Expenditures (1996)

Building Permits

Total Housing Starts

Value of Building Permits

Dwellings

Projects

Summary of Projects in Athabasca as of September 2006

Value of Projects by Sector (as of September 2006)

Largest Projects in Athabasca as of September 2006