Manning

Welcome

'Land of the Mighty Moose!'

 This friendly, vibrant community expands beyond the town boundaries to encompass the surrounding area. Although primarily economically-driven by Petroleum, Forestry, and Agriculture, the area also provides opportunity for tourism ventures, with an amazing natural recreational environment.

Area Overview

Manning is a picturesque town nestled beside the Notikewin River, in an area known as the Peace Country, within Northwestern Alberta. The Municipal District of Northern Lights, which surrounds Manning, contains rolling hills and beautiful valleys of agricultural land, along with several rivers.

An area 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.

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.

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 the online Community Directory.

Community Lifestyle

The residents of Manning and the Municipal District of Northern Lights enjoy a laid-back, recreation-filled lifestyle. There are always several activities to enjoy, whether in summer or winter. Consult the online Community Directory for a comprehensive list of groups, organizations, and activities.

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.

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.

The Manning Wellness Association - a non-profit society - operates a fitness centre in the basement of the Royal Canadian Legion building. Also, the Manning Boxing Club offer fitness sessions to compliment its competitive/non-competitive coaching.

The Condy Meadows Golf Course and Recreation Area is located 10 km north of the Town of Manning and features a 9-hole (grass green) course that is second to none. Pro shop on site, golf cart rental.

Condy Meadows also includes campsites that are equipped with power hookups, and a playground. Lion’s campground is located in town - along the river - with power hookups. Water and sanitary dumping station available.

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.

A Walking Trail is located along the scenic Notikewin River and in the northwest quadrant of the town, with plans for additional walking trails.

Click here for more information about Sports & Recreation in Manning.

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.

BP, Apache Corporation, 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, Manning 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.

For the historian, Manning is also home to the Battle River Pioneer Museum and the restored Battle River Hospital

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. A valuable source for information on the retail sector is the Manning & District Board of Trade.

Economic Facts

Market Research & Demographic Information Statistics Canada information is located at the end of this profile. Click here if you would like to view this information 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
• Price Comparison Survey - Completed by Alberta Economic Development in May 2004
• Alberta Finance Statistics also contains much information which may be useful.

Business Licensing and Development Permits

Town of Manning
Box 125
Manning, Alberta
T0H 2M0
Phone: 780-836-3606
Fax: 780-836-3570

Real Estate

Online real estate listings available at: MLS.ca, Exit Realty Discovery, Century 21.

Still in development is a land inventory for the Town of Manning and the M.D. of Northern Lights. In the meantime if you have any questions about available land in the area you can contact the Manning & Area Economic Development Society: (780) 836-3340.

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

Education

Peace River School Division No. 10 is the Public School Division represented in Manning.
Holy Family Catholic Regional Division #37 is the Separate School Division represented in Manning.

School	Location	Phone Number	Grades
Manning Elementary School	Manning	(780) 836-3532	K – 6
Paul Rowe Junior/Senior High School	Manning	(780) 836-3397	7 – 12
Dixonville School	Dixonville	(780) 971-3770	K - 9
Breaking Point School	Manning	(780) 836-3397	K – 11
Rosary School	Manning	(780) 836-3625	ECS - 9
Manning & District Further Education Council	Manning	(780) 836-2664	Adult

Emergency Services

The Manning & District Fire Department
Emergency Calls: 911

Serving the area for more than 40 years, the service area reaches from Manning, north to Keg River, east to the Peace River, west to the BC border, and south to Dixonville. Fire coverage is approximately 2800 km², and rescue coverage area is approximately 19,000 km². Local volunteer members possess the ability to extinguish fires efficiently, extricate occupants from motor vehicle accidents, and currently are developing techniques for water rescue.

Ambulance Service
Emergency Calls: 911

Based out of the Manning Community Health Centre, the town of Manning has advanced life support ambulance services operated by Peace Country Health.

Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Emergency Calls: 911
Non-emergency: 780-836-3769

This three member detachment is responsible for Manning and a sizable surrounding area.

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. Click here for more in-depth information about the Manning Community Health Centre.

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.

Key Contacts for Business Development

Manning & Area Economic Development Society (MAEDS)
Box 846
Manning, Alberta
T0H 2M0
Phone: 780-836-3340
Fax: 780-836-3342
Scott Kelly
Economic Development Officer

Town of Manning
Box 125
Manning, Alberta
T0H 2M0
Phone: 780-836-3606
Fax: 780-836-3570

Alberta Economic Development
Room 105 Provincial Building
9621-96 Avenue
Peace River, Alberta
T8S 1T4
Tel: 780-624-6114
Fax: 780-624-6490
Michael Cheeks
Regional Manager

Back to Directory

Provincial

Mr. Frank Oberle (PC)
MLA for Peace River

Constituency Office
P.O. Box 6299
10003 - 99 Avenue
Peace River, AB
T8S 1S2
Phone: (780) 624-5400
Fax: (780) 624-5464
peace.river@assembly.ab.ca

Legislature Office
513 Legislature Building
10800 - 97 Avenue
Edmonton, AB
T5K 2B6
Phone: (780) 427-1843
Fax: (780) 427-1835

Federal

Member of Parliament-Peace River, Alberta
Warkentin, Chris (Conservative)

Parliamentary Address
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6
Telephone: (613) 992-5685
Fax: (613) 947-4782
E-Mail: Warkentin.C@parl.gc.ca

Constituency Address
207 - 10605 West Side Drive
Grande Prairie, Alberta
T8V 8E6
Telephone: (780) 538-1677
Fax: (780) 538-9257

Location

The Town of Manning is located within the Municipal District of Northern Lights No. 22 on the Mackenzie Highway #35. The town is situated 99 km northwest of the Town of Peace River and roughly 250 km northeast of the City of Grande Prairie, and just under 600 km northwest of Edmonton.

Click here or on the map above to explore the comprehensive interactive map developed by Northern Alberta Development Council (NADC)

Post Secondary Education

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 Back to Directory

Taxation

Assessment [2005]

$61,748,710

Mill Rates [2005]

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 for inside the Town of Manning can be found on page 63 and 121. (Look for NthL abbreviation) Other traffic counts within the M.D. Northern Lights can be found on pages: 62, 63, 121, 123, 124, 151.

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.

Utilities

Electrical Power:	Direct Energy Services
Natural Gas:	Town of Manning
Water/Wastewater:	Town of Manning
Waste Management:	Town of Manning

Communication/Media

Cable Television:	Persona Communications (local TV Guide)
Satellite Television:	Star Choice
	Bell ExpressVu
Telephone:	Telus Communications (land-line and mobile)
Internet Services:	Telus Communications

Local/Regional Newspapers

Name	Phone Number
The Banner Post	(780) 836-3588

Radio Stations

Name	Phone Number	Fax Number
KIX 106	(800) 610-3610	(780) 624-5424
YL Country	(800) 610-3610	(780) 624-5424

Population

Total Population 1991-2001

Manning Population by Age Group (2001)

Education Statistics

Manning Highest Level of Schooling 2001

Labour Force

Manning Labour Force By Industry - 2001

Income

Family Expenditure

Manning Family Expenditures (1996)

Building Permits

Total Housing Starts

Value of Building Permits

Dwellings

Projects

Summary of Projects in Manning as of September 2006

Value of Projects by Sector (as of September 2006)

Largest Projects in Manning as of September 2006