Rainbow Lake

www.rainbowlake.ca

Welcome

Welcome You are in a community that presents itself to visitor and resident alike in a prideful manner. Beautification and the clean-ups have dramatically changed the perception and attitudes of our citizens. Rainbow Lake is permanent home to 1200 people; but they are not always the same 1200 people. There is a core group of pioneers who have lived and worked here for over thirty years - right from the era when the discovery wells were brought on line and people were needed to drill, produce, and develop the infrastructure to one of Alberta’s major petroleum developments of the 60’s. These folks brought their families, spurring the evolution of a camp complex to a modern town, with the cultural, educational, recreational, and municipal services that are expected in a thriving Alberta community today. The next most senior group is the families who moved here in the 80’s, again in response to the need to further develop the patch. These are the people who came here for a job, but stayed here for reasons so much more fundamental: they enjoy the opportunity to work in state of the art technologies: they appreciate living in a community where every single person counts; they love living in an environment where access to wilderness and nature is literally a minute’s walk from any house in town.

People who move to town for career advancement and stay five or six years. These people bring with them fresh ideas, energy and drive to make changes for the better in our community.

Some folks choose to live in town who are in non-oil patch related work; commercial, forestry, educational and service sectors. These people bring a wider perspective and experience to the community.

Also we have a continual flow of people into town, or through town, who are here for a few weeks or a day. They may be Engineers who contribute to reservoir development, drilling crews on a rig, or Grandparents up to see the newest addition to their family. All the individuals in town, no matter how long they stay, have the ability to impact the quality of life here. Whatever their passion, there is the opportunity to contribute to the community.

Mayor John Watt



Area Overview

The Town of Rainbow Lake was incorporated as a “New Town” in 1966. It has grown and developed rapidly over the last few years. It is located 918 km Northwest of Edmonton, and 138 km West of High Level on Highway 58.

Climate

Residents enjoy some of the most spectacular displays of the northern lights during winter months, scenic snowfalls, and extended daylight hours in the summer, rainbows, and a fairly moderate climate throughout most of the year. To see what the weather conditionas are in Rainbow Lake today visit a Rainbow Lake weather

Community Services

In The Rainbow Center you find hotel rooms, a large coffee shop, a lounge, a tavern, a laundry mat, a gift/drugstore where prescriptions are sent out from High Level, photo developing, the Sears depot, magazines, school and office supplies, etc. Rainbow Transport and a 2 bay car wash.

Rainbow Lake has a variety of businesses. A majority are home based, including candle sales, incense, beauty products, crafts, fabrics, and quilting classes, kitchen and household utensils. We are lucky to have massage therapy and wellness therapies available here as well. There are also several bookkeepers, tax preparers and an accountant in town.

The industrial area is a hub of oilfield related businesses, like camps, heavy equipment, and construction businesses, trucking companies, welders, sandblasting and painting, landscapers, plumbers, electricians, gas fitters, home repair and much more. It may look like a small town at first glance but you will find as you spend a bit of time here that there is really not a lot missing in term of necessary services.

There are a number of community facilities and organizations available in Rainbow Lake. The Multi-Use Facility was opened in 1994 and houses the Dance Hall, Public Library, Health & Fitness Club, Curling Lounge, Concession Stand, Meeting Rooms, Three (Seasonal) Curling Sheets and a new Ice Arena. The Multi Use Facility is located at 1 Atco Road. A Youth Group is currently being operated out of the Youth Center. Other programs supported by FCSS include: the Summer Fun Program, Community Night and Steamblowers.

Communities in Bloom
Congratulations – We became a Two-Bloom Community. This first year of Communities in Bloom in Rainbow Lake was learning and growing experience for the whole town. In the past the community has done some clean-upincluding;
- spruce trees along Rainbow Drive
- Increased community participation
- Addition of more planters
- Beautification of Devonian park
- Christmas Lighting program
- Recycling depot and program
- Reduction of the fire hazard through the cleanup of all green zones

Religious Services
Rainbow Lake has many unique features. One is the use of one church for all fellowships and denominations. The building is owned by the Catholic Diocese and designated as a community church. The building was rebuilt in 1999 after a fire destroyed the original building. You will find yourself welcome at any of the services. The contact list will provide you with a name to find out when your preferred service is held.

Community Lifestyle

Recreation Center
The hub of recreation all year long; The Multi-Use Facility houses the Health and Fitness area, library, curling club, lounge, skating and curling rink, meeting rooms, and large hall with kitchen facilities for meetings, dances, and banquets. The ball diamonds are situated just outside the area complex. It is located in the down town area across from the health unit. In addition to the baseball diamonds and recreation center there is a tennis court and area for shooting baskets with friends. This area is free to use anytime and is maintained by the town. Residents make their own fun as well. This year a beach volley ball area was set up in the parking lot of the Rainbow center. Biking, quading, roller-blading and snowmobiling are some of the activities that you can find for your family to enjoy. There is also a walking path in progress for those who enjoy a leisurely stroll any time of day.

Children’s Center
This brand new facility was constructed by the Town to provide a dedicated building for child and youth programs. Its unique construction provides toddler through pre-teen space and furnishings on one side of the facility, and an area more suited to older youth on the other side. The Nursery School and the Youth Center are the prime tenants, with every child-oriented program encouraged to cooperate in using the structure.

Golf Course
This is more than just a place for golfers. The clubhouse is open for public dining in their lounge. It is a comfortable place for breakfast, lunch, dinner or a coffee or cool one with friends. The 9-hole course is always well maintained and a significant amount of work has been done over the last few years. It is situated on municipal land but is operated by a volunteer executive.



Economic Base

Oil and Gas has been a lucrative industry in Northwest Alberta since the discovery of a major oil field in Rainbow Lake in 1965. Husky Oil operates a large natural gas plant near Rainbow Lake and co-owns/operates a co-generation facility with Atco Power. The estimated regional production volumns for 2002 included 11.8 million barresl of oil. This accounted for 5.1 percent of oil production in Alberta.



Education

The school provides education for ECS to grade 12. The school currently serves a student population of approximately 220. This year the enrollment is made up of 131 elementary students and 74 at the junior and senior high level. Classroom teachers teach all students the basic subjects’ areas. Correspondence courses are taken only by choice. Currently, teleconferencing is offered to extend the course selection beyond what we would be able to offer a small student population. Videoconferencing is targeted to replace teleconferencing in the upcoming fall.

School facilities include a library, gymnasium, science lab, computer lab, small kitchen/concession, outdoor track and ball diamond, soccer field and playground. We maintain an annual calendar, newsletter and web site, which includes the monthly staff list which can be accessed through www.fvsd.ab.ca Mr Gregg McNeil is the Principal for the Rainbow Lake School and may be reached at:

 P.O. Box 116
Rainbow Lake, AB
T0H 2Y0
Phone: (780) 956-3851
Fax: (780) 956-2352

The school opened in 1968 with two portable units. There were 4 classrooms and grades 1-6.

A nursery school is operated as a society and provides early interaction for three to five year olds.

Rainbow Lake Nursery School
- (780) 956-3990
- A Society operated Nursery School
- Held in the Community Center.
- Gives three & four year olds an opportunity to interact with other children with games, crafts, and story time.

Summer Fun programs as well as the Youth Center provide supervised entertainment and recreation for our young people. The Youth Center is open year round for after school and evening early intervention and supervised fun.

Health Care

Dental clinics are held on a regular basis, with a dentist coming into the community for the clinics at a permanent dental facility.

The Health Unit includes a meeting room (previously Silver Birch) as well as treatment rooms & covered emergency entrance. A newly renovated, modern clinic is part of Northwestern Health Services Region. A doctor makes regular visits, usually once a week. There are full time nurses on staff and most community health services are provided here. We are fortunate to have both an ambulance services and fire department. Both are funded by the municipality and operated by volunteers within the community.

Key Contacts for Business Development

Municipal
Town of Rainbow Lake
PO Box 149
Rainbow Lake AB
T0H 2Y0
Tel: (780)956-3934
Fax: (780)956-3570
rainbowlake@telusplanet.net

John Watt, Mayor
Box 155
Rainbow Lake, AB
T0H 2Y0
(780) 956-8723

Grant Dixon
Chief Administrative Officer
Box 149
Rainbow Lake, AB
T0H 2Y0
(780) 956-3934

Rainbow Lake Chamber of Commerce
Box 272
Rainbow Lake, Alberta
T0H 2Y0
Phone: 780-956-3030
Fax: 780 956-3882
tschulter@rainbowcable.ca
www.rlchamber.com

Regional Contact

Mackenzie Economic Develpment Corporation
Box 210
High Level, Alberta
T0H 1Z0
Tel: (780) 926-4233
or 1-888-922-4233
Fax: (780) 926-2162
info@medc.ab.ca
www.medc.ab.ca

Regional Economic Development Initiative for Northwest Alberta
Box 210
High Level, Alberta
T0H 1Z0
Tel: (780) 926-7314
Fax: (780) 926-2161
info@rediregion.ca
www.rediregion.ca

Provincial (Updated March 2006)

Michael Cheeks, Regional Manager
Alberta Economic Development Postal Bag 900 - 3
105 Provincial Building
9626 - 96 Avenue
Peace River, Alberta
T8S 1T4
Tel: (780) 624-6114
Fax: (780) 624-6490
michael.cheeks@gov.ab.ca

Frank Oberle
Member of the Legislative Assembly [MLA]
Peace River Constituency

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
Chris Warkentin
Member of Parliament
Peace River Constituency

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

Community Groups and Contacts

  • Black Gold Snowmobile - Jocelyn Allison Phone: 780-956-3643
  • Chamber of Commerce - Boyd Langford Phone: 780-956-3979
  • Church of Hope - Michelle Kelly Phone: 780-956-3382
  • Co-ed Volleyball - Lisa Boles Phone: 1 780-956-3051
  • Girl Guides of Canada - Rhonda Drover Phone: 780-956-3060
  • Husky Social Committee - Perry Hilkowich Phone: 780-956-3626
  • Ladies Fitness - Darla Nielsen Phone: 780-956-3397
  • R L Young Anglers - Nancy Towers Phone: 780-956-3375
  • R L Christian Fellowship - Jim Zeiben Phone: 780-956-2977
  • R L Communities in bloom - Grace Dimond Phone:780-956-3691
  • R L Curling Association - Penny Murray Phone: 780-956-3099
  • R L Dart Club - Shirley Gosling Phone: 780-956-3982
  • R L Duck Unlimited - Shirley Gosling Phone: 780-956-3982
  • R L Golf & Country Club - Ian Ratcliffe Phone: 780-956-5676
  • R L Health Club - Harold Norberg Phone: 780-956-2297
  • R L Minor Hockey - Harold Norberg Phone: 780-956-2297
  • R L Nursery School - Peggie Barnhill Phone: 780-956-3889
  • R L Oilmen’s Association - Jim Stewart Phone: 780-956-2900
  • R L Oilwives - Marlane Quinton Phone: 780-956-3189
  • R L Rec Hockey - Andy Poggenpohl Phone: 780-956-3816
  • R L Skating Club - Tammy Pearson Phone:780-956-3089
  • R L Slow Pitch - Jim Weinmeier Phone: 780-956-3760
  • R L Youth Center - Darlene Harris Phone: 780-956-3228 
  • St Peter & St Paul Catholic Church- Gigi Alarcon Phone: 780-956-3432
  • Steamblowers - Nicole Timmerman Phone: 780-956-3398
  • T.O.P.S - Rhonda Drover Phone: 780-956-3060

Annual Events

  • Annual Christmas tree Lighting
  • Annual town clean-up
  • Boxing Day family fun spiel
  • Canada Day parade and celebration Church of Hope flea market
  • Community Night
  • Duck Unlimited supper and auction
  • Figure skating carnival
  • Glow ball tournaments
  • Hockey tournaments
  • Ladies Night out
  • Annual Father’s Day fish derby
  • Men’s ladies and junior golf tournament
  • Oilmen’s curling bonspiel Oilmen’s golf tournament
  • RCMP regimental ball
  • Red eye slow pitch tournament
  • School Christmas concert
  • School craft and bake sale
  • Snowmobile rally

In Closing

 “Whether you are planning to move here, or just coming for a visit, come with your eyes and mind open. It is with this attitude that you will see ALL that is here just for the asking. Rainbow Lake is a place of beauty, abundance and strength that I had never found in the many communities I lived in prior to this one.” Julie Melville

Taxation

Residential/Farmland Non-Residential
2005
Municipal Tax Rate 10.1760 10.1760
Education - Alberta School Foundation Fund Tax Rate 4.6590 6.6730
Seniors Lodge Accommodation Tax Rate .2070 .2070

Transportation

The Airport is the hub of quick travel in and out of the community. There are scheduled flights and chartered flights available with direct flights to Edmonton. The schedules change; therefore you are advised to check with the airlines for bookings and reservations well in advance.
Central Mountain Air
Phone: 780 956-3900
or 1 888 865-8585

Highway 58 West joins the rest of the Provincial Highway system at High Level.

Utilities

Electrical Power
Atco Electric
Box 298, Rainbow Lake, AB
T0H 2Y0
Phone: 1 (780) 956-8117
24 Hour emergency 1 (800) 668-5506
Customer Billing 1 (800) 668-2248

Natural Gas
Town of Rainbow Lake
Box 49 Rainbow Lake, AB
T0H 2Y0
Phone:1 (780) 956-3934

Telephone
Telus Residential Services
310-2255
Internet Services 310-4638

Water Supply
Surface water is collected in a reservoir that has enough volume for an eighteen-month supply. This reservoir is equipped with aeration to impede stratification and algae bloom. The existing water treatment plant has served the community since 1974, and construction of a new, state of the art membrane plant is scheduled for 2005. This project will also include treated water storage and delivery pressure stabilization. Current pricing structure for water consumed in town is a monthly fee of $30.00 for service including 40m3 of water. Each additional cube is $1.45. Bulk water for delivery outside the municipality is $6.67 per cubic meter.

Waste Management
Rainbow Lake is a member of the Mackenzie Regional Waste Commission. Garbage is collected at the local transfer site and trucked to the regional landfill near High Level. Residential pickup is made every Wednesday at the cost of $15.00 per month.

Sewage fees are pegged at 20% of the price of the water invoice. Bulk sewage disposal is $100.00 per truck load up to 16m3 each load.

Personal recycling initiatives are satisfied by bottle collecting fundraisers with transportation to the facility in High Level.

Population

Total Population    
Population 2004* 1,186
Population 2003* 1,186
Population 2002* 1,186
Population 2001** 975
Population 2000* 1,138
Population 1996** 1,138
Population 1991** 817
Population % change 1991-1996 28.21%
Population % change 1996-2001 4.05%
* Source: Official Population List, Alberta Municipal Affairs
** Source: Statistics Canada 1991, 1996, & 2001 Census

Total Population 1991-2001

Population by Age and Gender  1996 
Male 
1996 
Female 
1996 
Total 
2001 
Male 
2001 
Female 
2001 
Total 
Age 0 - 4 95 70 165 55 40 95
Age 5 - 14 100 110 210 105 70 175
Age 15 - 19 35 20 55 25 25 50
Age 20 - 24 55 50 105 35 30 65
Age 25 - 34 135 120 255 120 110 230
Age 35 - 44 120 90 210 110 90 200
Age 45 - 54 60 45 105 70 45 115
Age 55 - 64 15 5 20 20 25 45
Age 65 - 74 5 0 5 5 0 5
Age 75 and older 0 0 0 0 5 5
Total All Persons 620 515 1,135 545 430 975
Source: Statistics Canada 1996 & 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Rainbow Lake Population by Age Group (2001)

Education Statistics

Highest level of schooling for Population 20yrs and older  2001 
People without high school certificates 155 23.31%
People with high school certificates 135 20.30%
People with trades or non-university certificate or diploma 220 33.08%
People with post-secondary education (not completed) 90 13.53%
People with university diploma/certificate 0 0.00%
People with university degree 55 8.27%
Total Population 20 years and older 665 100.00%
Source: Statistics Canada 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Rainbow Lake Highest Level of Schooling 2001


Population with Post Secondary Qualifications  1996  2001 
Agriculture and biological sciences 10 3.03% 0 0.00%
Commerce, management and business administration 55 16.67% 45 15.79%
Educational, recreational and counseling services 15 4.55% 35 12.28%
Engineering and applied science tech. and trades 170 51.52% 130 45.61%
Engineering and applied sciences 20 6.06% 0 0.00%
Fine and applied arts 10 3.03% 10 3.51%
Health professionals, science and technologies 25 7.58% 40 14.04%
Humanities and related fields 0 0.00% 0 0.00%
Mathematics and physical sciences 0 0.00% 20 7.02%
Social sciences and related fields 10 3.03% 10 3.51%
Other and/or no specialization 0 0.00% 0 0.00%
Total people with post secondary qualifications 330 100.00% 285 100.00%
Females with post-secondary qualifications 130 39.39% 105 36.84%
Males with post-secondary qualifications 200 60.61% 180 63.16%
Source: Statistics Canada 1996 & 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Labour Force

Labour force by activity  1996  2001 
In the labour force, both sexes 650 610
Not in the labour force, both sexes 105 100
Total population 15 and over 755 710
Employed, both sexes 600 575
Unemployed, both sexes 50 30
Participation rate, both sexes 86.00% 86.00%
Unemployment rate, both sexes 7.00% 5.00%
Source: Statistics Canada 1996 & 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

 

Labour Force by Industry Division  1996  % of total  2001  % of total 
Agriculture 10 1.56% 0 0.00%
Mining 270 42.19% 165 27.05%
Manufacturing 45 7.03% 75 12.30%
Construction 60 9.38% 80 13.11%
Transportation. & Utilities 40 6.25% 70 11.48%
Retail and Wholesale 60 9.38% 35 5.74%
Finance 0 0.00% 10 1.64%
Business & Community Services 105 16.41% 140 22.95%
Public Administration 15 2.34% 25 4.10%
Total All Industries 640 100.00% 610 100.00%
Source: Statistics Canada 1996 & 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Rainbow Lake Labour Force By Industry - 2001


 
Labour Force by Major Occupational Groups  1996  2001 
Management occupations 55 8.59% 40 6.61%
Business, Finances and administrative occupations 90 14.06% 85 14.05%
Natural and applied sciences and related occupations 65 10.16% 75 12.40%
Health occupations 0 0.00% 20 3.31%
Occupations in social science; education; government and religion 30 4.69% 40 6.61%
Occupations in art; culture; recreation and sport 10 1.56% 0 0.00%
Sales and service occupations 105 16.41% 115 19.01%
Trades; transport; equipment operators and related occupations 100 15.63% 90 14.88%
Occupations unique to primary industry 45 7.03% 70 11.57%
Occupations unique to processing; manufacturing and utilities 125 19.53% 75 12.40%
Occupations not elsewhere classified 10 1.56% 0 0.00%
Total - All Occupations (major groups) 640 100.00% 605 100.00%
Females - All Occupations 215 33.59% 245 40.50%
Males - All Occupations 425 66.41% 365 60.33%
Source: Statistics Canada 1996 & 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Income

Family Income (Number of Families)  1996  2001 
less than $19,999 0 0.00% 10 4.65%
$20,000 - $39,999 35 12.50% 0 0.00%
$40,000 - $59,999 50 17.86% 35 16.28%
$60,000 and over 195 69.64% 160 74.42%
Total number of families 280 100.00% 205 95.35%
Average family income $83,073   $91,655  
Median family income $77,530   $90,414  
Source: Statistics Canada 1996 & 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Household Income (Number of Households)  1996  2001 
less than $19,999 10 2.74% 30 8.70%
$20,000 - $39,999 60 16.44% 25 7.25%
$40,000 - $59,999 60 16.44% 25 7.25%
$60,000 and over 40 10.96% 260 75.36%
Total number of households 365 100.00% 345 100.00%
Average household income $77,733   $84,210  
Median household income $73,280   $83,838  
Source: Statistics Canada 1996 & 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Building Permits

Total Building Permit Values  2001  2002  2003  2004  2005 
Building Permits Value, Commercial $24,000 $1,955,000 $1,200,000 $300,000 $63,000
Building Permits Value, Industrial $478,000 $200,000 $981,000 $87,000 $1,200,000
Building Permits Value, Institutional $600,000 $0 $0 $0 $0
Building Permits Value, Residential $786,000 $1,471,000 $564,000 $318,000 $613,000
Building Permits Value, Total $1,888,000 $3,626,000 $2,745,000 $705,000 $1,876,000
Total Housing Starts 7 10 3 5 5
Source: Statistics Canada 2000-2004 Building Permits (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Total Housing Starts

Value of Building Permits

Dwellings

Occupied Private Dwellings by Type  1996  % of total  2001  % of total 
Apartments 15 4.11% 5 1.45%
Detached Duplexes 0 0.00% 0 0.00%
Movable Dwellings 185 50.68% 120 34.78%
Other single attached house 0 0.00% 0 0.00%
Row and semi-detached house 60 16.44% 50 14.49%
Single-detached house 110 30.14% 170 49.28%
Total number of occupied private dwellings 365 100.00% 345 100.00%
Private dwellings, owned 115 31.51% 100 28.99%
Private Dwellings, rented 250 68.49% 240 69.57%
Source: Statistics Canada 1996 & 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)
Private Dwellings by Period of Construction  # of Dwellings  % of total 
Period of construction, before 1946 0 0.00%
Period of construction, 1946 - 1960 0 0.00%
Period of construction, 1961 - 1970 20 5.88%
Period of construction, 1971 - 1980 30 8.82%
Period of construction, 1981 - 1990 125 36.76%
Period of construction, 1991 - 2001 165 48.53%
Total number of private dwellings constructed 340 100.00%
Source: Statistics Canada 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Projects

Summary of Projects in Rainbow Lake as of September 2006

Project Sector  Number of Projects  Project Cost 
Infrastructure  $14,000,000 
Total $14,000,000 
This inventory lists projects in Alberta that have recently been completed, are under construction, or are proposed to start construction. Not all projects are listed due to reasons of confidentiality and/or due to information not being available at the time of printing. Project data is obtained from public information sources, where possible, this data has been verified with the project proponent/developer, users of the Inventory may wish to confirm project data with the proponent/developer. The inventory does not breakdown project expenditures by any given year. The cost of a project is the value of expenditures expected over all phases of project construction, which may span over two or more years. Cost of projects listed in the Inventory are estimated values only. Source: Alberta Economic Development, 2004.

Value of Projects by Sector (as of September 2006)

Project Status  Number of Projects  Project Cost 
Under Construction   $14,000,000 
Total $14,000,000 
This inventory lists projects in Alberta that have recently been completed, are under construction, or are proposed to start construction. Not all projects are listed due to reasons of confidentiality and/or due to information not being available at the time of printing. Project data is obtained from public information sources, where possible, this data has been verified with the project proponent/developer, users of the Inventory may wish to confirm project data with the proponent/developer. The inventory does not breakdown project expenditures by any given year. The cost of a project is the value of expenditures expected over all phases of project construction, which may span over two or more years. Cost of projects listed in the Inventory are estimated values only. Source: Alberta Economic Development, 2004.

Largest Projects in Rainbow Lake as of September 2006

Company Name  Project 
Description 
Project 
Location 
Project 
Cost 
Construction 
Schedule 
Status 
Town of Rainbow Lake  Water Treatment Plant  Rainbow Lake  $14,000,000  2006-2007  Under Construction  

 

 

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