1.1 Introduction to the Community

• The Municipal District of Big Lakes encompasses some breath taking countryside and phenomenal recreational opportunities. Residents enjoy the advantage of living in a community surrounded by golden prairies, lush forests and numerous lakes.

• The Municipal District of Big Lakes includes the "Jewel of the North", which is Lesser Slave Lake, one of Alberta's largest lakes. The west half of the lake is a geographical focal point within the M.D.

• The Municipal District of Big Lakes head office is just outside the Town of High Prairie, which is a modern, urban and thriving community of approximately 3000 people.

• Many lake side locations provide a chance to linger over a warm, sunny evenings in the summer, or to enjoy swimming, fishing, golfing, water skiing and maybe even a northern lights display!

• Some of the communities within the M.D. of Big lakes include:

• Village of Kinuso – A lively village with a lot of history, Kinuso offers many shopping amenities a fascinating museum, an agricultural fair, rodeo and places to eat.
• Hamlet of Faust – situated on a well-protected bay, Faust offers camping, fishing and ample supplies. This is the location for Enchanted Charter Tours – a company ready to provide you with the most eye opening scenic experience on the lake.
• Hamlet of Joussard – a picturesque lakeside hamlet with a laid back lifestyle, famous for its fishing and home of the North Country Fair.
• Hamlet of Enilda – this friendly little hamlet is where you can find bowling and a monthly farmers market if you're camping on the south side of the lake.
• Hamlet of Grouard – another little hamlet of 400 people that has huge historical importance. Named after a French Canadian missionary whose diocese took in virtually all of Alberta north of St. Albert. Grouard boasts one of the oldest catholic places of worship at the Saint Bernard mission Church, as well as the Native Cultural museum.
• Town of High Prairie – with all of its travel amenities and services for the tourist, is the center of activity at the West End of Lesser Slave Lake. It has become a major tourist town complete with swimming pool, golf course, cinema, all recreational facilities, hospital and the popular centennial museum.
• Town of Swan Hills - is nature's playground and the Town where people are important. Approximately 2000 people live in the highest municipality east of the Rocky Mountains. The plentiful moose, deer, bear and big game make it a hunter's paradise.

1.2 Historical Development

• The famous explorer, David Thompson, experienced the "JEWEL OF THE NORTH" in 1798 as he and his exploration party trekked across what is now Municipal District of Big Lakes

• The original inhabitants of the region were the Beaver Nation. The Cree Indians named the district "Muskatayosipi" meaning "Prairie River," after the main stream in the district.

• Fur trade posts were established throughout the fur rich area, during the 1700’s and 1800’s.

• At the end of the nineteenth century prospectors travelled through the area on their way to seek their fortune in the Klondike gold rush. Many prospectors returned to the region to settle on homesteads and to farm the fertile land.

• In 1914, with the building of the Northern Alberta Railway came the agricultural "boom". Eager settlers established farms on the fertile soils. The lake provided the basis for an extensive mink ranching and commercial fishing industry.

• The quest for Oil & Gas in the 1960’s gave a tremendous boost to he local economy. Exploration and development of energy resources continues to be a major source of employment and business opportunity.

• The Forest Industry has also had a comfortable existence in the region for over 30 years with 2 mills being the single biggest employers in the region.

• On January 1, 1995 Improvement District 17 Central was incorporated to the Municipal District of Big Lakes

• The "Jewel of the North" has something for everyone and everyone can find something to enjoy with the Municipal District of Big Lakes

 
 

M.D. of Big Lakes:

1.3 Geophysical Attributes
 

Soil Classifications Class 2 and Class 3 (Soils in Classes 1,2,3, &4 are considered capable of sustained use for cultivated field crops. Class 1 being the best.)

Elevation Varies throughout the district. High Prairie is 594 meters above sea level. Swan Hills is 1210 meters above sea level.

* Source: The Canada Land Inventory Soil Capability for Agriculture
 
 
 

Land Development for the Municipal District of Big Lakes (See Map)
Agricultural Lands  Annual Crops  Improved Lands  Hay Land  Public Land Dispositions  Grazing Leases and Permits  Crown Lands(Green Zone)	66,775.5 hectares  21,853.8 hectares  5,665.8 hectares  5,261.1 hectares  5,665.8 hectares  28,329.0 hectares  1,011,750.0 hectares
Land Area in the Municipal District of Big Lakes - 14,487.55km2 *

*Statistics Canada

1.4 Climate

Precipitation* Annual Total Precipitation ......479mm  Annual Total Rainfall ..............392mm  Annual Total Snowfall ..............89cm	Seasonal Averages* January ....................13.8 C  April......................... .4.5 C  July............................15.9 C  October........................4.4 C
Average Frost Free Days 95 ..........Average Annual hours of Sunshine 2160

*Source: Environment Canada 1998 (Data collected between 1980-1993)