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14. Quality of Life
     
    14.1 Quality of Life in the Municipal District of Big Lakes
     
      • M.D. of Big Lakes includes some of Northern Alberta's finest countryside – a sight for sore urban eyes!
      • Long summer evenings, spectacular sunsets, warm shallow water, hot sunny days, white sandy beaches and fish that won't stop biting!
      • During the day, get set for boating, fishing, swimming, or water skiing!
      • For the more adventurous there is nature hiking and hunting.
      • At night witness incredible Northern lights as they were meant to be seen- dancing among the stars!
      • Our largest lake, Lesser Slave Lake, has 5 choice lakeside locations to spend the time of your life!
      • Other big lakes in the area include Snipe Lake and Winagami Lake, both choice locations for fishing and camping.
      • You can find adventure in the following communities located with the M.D. :
        • FAUST – For the outdoor lover – Faust is a must! Situated on a well-protected bay, making a safe haven for small boats. Come and enjoy fishing, camping, and keep your eyes open for blue heron, moose, deer and bear which abound in the area. Snow Mobiling and ice fishing are great for those crisp winter days!
        • JOUSSARD – Picturesque and friendly, this charming lakeshore fishing village has it all for the laid-back leisure lifestyle. There's superb fishing, camping, swimming and you can even a tour a fish packing plant!
        • ENILDA – Friendly Enilda offers baseball, tennis, bowling and the great outdoors! Come and visit the quiet, restful and peace of mind of a small community of under 200 people.
        • GROUARD – home of the world's most spectacular sunsets. Being one of the oldest communities in northern Alberta, Grouard is rich in history, which is magnified their fascinating Native culture Arts Museum. Fishing and hunting are a way of life and visitors can watch thousands of migratory waterfowl stop and rest before continuing their journey.
      • History abounds from as far back as David Thompson times (1789) and the Klondike Gold Rush (1898)
      • Agriculture is a main stay in the M.D. being one of the richest farming areas in northern Alberta.
      • The forest industry also continues to grow because of the wealth of flourishing timber within the M.D.
      • As new research and drilling activity proceeds, the gas and oil industry continues to develop.
      • The M.D. of Big Lakes is not only a summer vacation destination, but also a winter wonderland for the entire family! Visit us soon and fond memories will be yours!

     

    14.2 Residential Development
     

      Urban Areas within the Municipal District of Big Lakes
       
      Type of Homes
      # of Homes
      Single-detached house
      1,305
      Semi-detached house
      70
      Row house
      40
      Apartment, detached duplex
      0
      Apartment building, five or more stories
      0
      Apartment building, less than five stories
      0
      Other single attached house
      0
      Movable dwelling
      475
      Total number of occupied private homes 
      1,890
      *Source: Statistics Canada, Census 1996 (FRED: Friendly Regional Economic Database)

     

    14.3 Recreation
     

      A) High Prairie and District Recreation Board
      Recreation facilities are offered thorough the High Prairie & District Recreation Board which is funded by both the Town of High Prairie and the Municipal District of Big Lakes. The purpose is to provide recreational services to people of the area. 
       
        Public recreational facilities include:
        • wading pool
        • outdoor swimming pool
        • Jaycee Park
        • Arena
        • tennis courts


        The outdoor swimming pool offers:

        • swimming lessons
        • public swimming
        • competitive swimming
        • private rental


        The arena offers:

        • Public skating
        • Minor hockey
        • Ringette
        • Figure skating


        Jaycee Park is popular for:

        • 12 Registered campground sites
        • Tent & meeting area
        • 2 Regulation softball diamonds
        • 1 Regulation baseball diamond
        • Horseshoe pits

          •  
        For more information contact: 
        Recreation Office
        Box 329
        Regional Services Bldg.
        High Prairie, Alberta
        TOG 1E0
        Phone: 1-(403)-523-5902 
        Internet address: Clark@Int.norh.ca


      B) Other recreation associations within the Municipal District of Big Lakes include:

     
    Recreation Association  Locations
    Faust Community League Faust
    Grouard Awasisak Working Committee Society Grouard
    Joussard Community Association Joussard
    Enilda and District Society for Recreation and Culture Enilda
    Kinuso and District Recreation Board Kinuso
      C) The Municipal District of Big Lakes also supports local Community Halls for recreational use in the following areas:
       
      Community Hall Associations Location
      Banana Belt Recreation Hall Association  25 km south of High Prairie on Highway #749
      Big Meadow Community Hall Assoc. 4 km southwest of Grouard on Highway #750 and 2 east
      Enilda and District Society for Recreation and Culture Enilda
      Prairie Echo community League 15 km north and east of High Prairie on Highway #749
      Salt Prairie Settlement Community Club 7 km north east of Grouard on Highway #750
      Sunset House Community Association Sunset House
      Pioneer Thresherman’s Association  Jct. Of Highway #2 & #2A

       
    14.4 Arts and Culture
     
    Organization Service Phone #
    Arts and Culture Society Art club which charges a nominal fee and presents at least two art shows a year 523-5830
    Badminton Club Recreation badminton club 523-4267
    Competitive Swim Club "The Dolphins" is a competitive summer swim team for youth 523-3988
    Curling Association  Recreational Curling Club 523-3588
    Elks Club The Elks Club in High Prairie is a small but very active club in the community with various events throughout the year. 523-3724
    Figure Skating Club This club is for recreational and competitive figure skating 524-2915
    Girl Guides of Canada A girls club to teach young women some life skills, have fun and foster friendships 523-4026
    High Prairie Museum This group features various activities and information regarding the historical past of the High Prairie area. 523-2601
    High Prairie Golden Age Club   523-3142
    High Prairie Gun Range    523-2376
    High Prairie Native Friendship Center This center acts as a referral agency for individuals in the community , operates the food bank and any welcoming or hospitality services in the community 523-4511

    523-4512
    High Prairie Play Program    523-5700
    High Prairie Players Theatre Group 523-4260
    High Prairie Public Library Public library 523-3838
    Judo Club Recreational club for Judo 523-5861
    Junior Forest Wardens  An outdoor club for boys and girls ages 6 – 18 523-2840
    Karate Club Recreational club for karate 523-5707
    Minor Hockey Club Minor hockey league 523-4024
    Park Theatre Movie theatre 523-3923
    Men's Hockey Club Men's Hockey League – team is called "The Regals" 523-4073

    523-3861
    Repertoire Dance Dance Academy 523-2787
    Ringette Association   523-4648
    Rodeo Association    523-2188
    Royal Canadian Air Cadets Military club for youth  523-2000
    Scouts of Canada A boys club to teach young men some life skills, have fun and foster friendships 523-5211
    Slow Pitch Association    523-3988
    Snow Drag Association   523-2297
    Tae Kwon Do Association   523-4531
    Tai Chi Club   523-3030
    Tennis Club   523-3988
    Ukrainian Culture Society   523-2591
    Ventures Club The last stage in the girl guides and Scouts Canada where individuals camp, enjoy the outdoors and build strong friendships  523-4214

     
    14.5 Community Services and Organizations
     
    ORGANIZATION
    SERVICES
    		 PHONE #
    Adolescent Treatment Addictions Counselling for adolescents 523-5785
    Agriculture Society Encourage improvement in agriculture & quality of life 523-2359
    Alberta Community Development Assist communities to help themselves 523-6536
    Alberta Agriculture Information and support for agriculture 523-6500
    Alberta Drug & Alcohol Abuse Commission (AADAC) Addictions prevention and treatment 523-6640
    Alberta Family & Social Services Help with financial and social needs 523-6650
    Alberta Mental Health Enhance mental health 523-6700
    Alberta Vocational College (AVC) Provide educational services 523-6690
    Auxiliary to the Regional Health Complex Assist the health complex and nursing home 523-4647
    Best of Friends of Day Care Provide quality child care 523-4663
    Bethel Baptist Church Meet the spiritual needs of people 523-3812
    Big Lake Country Tourism Promote tourism 1-800-267-4654
    Big Lakes Family Community

    Social Services (FCSS) 

    		 Promotes quality of life through preventative strategies. 523-4441
    Bingo Association Facilities for Bingo 523-5411
    Brighter Futures Promote the well being of children and  Families 523-2715
    Canada Employment Center Provide labour market programs and  Services 523-4218
    Catholic Women's League of Canada (CWL) Promote spiritual and social enrichment 523-2052
    High Prairie Chamber of Commerce Promote business relations , tourism and Industry 523-3505
    CKVH Radio Radio station 523-5111
    Crisis Line  Crisis intervention 1-800-232-7288
    Early Childhood Services Provide kindergarten program 523-3337
    Elks Club # 279 (BPOE) Organize annual rodeo and support Community projects 523-3724
    Food Bank Society Provide the needy with confidential food support 523-5777
    High Prairie Regals Club Promote the High Prairie Regals team 523-2576
    High Prairie Arts and Cultural Society Encourage participation in the arts 523-4558
    High Prairie Associate Clinic Medical Services 523-2868
    High Prairie Christian Center Establishing individuals in relationship to God 523-3916
    High Prairie Curling Association Provide curling opportunities 523-3249
    High Prairie Day Care Center Provide day care facilities and programs 523-4042
    High Prairie Fish and Game Fish and Game Association  523-3995
    High Prairie Golden Age Club Provide a social network for seniors 523-3142
    High Prairie Lions Club Support Various Activities 523-4647
    High Prairie Medical Clinic Medical services 523-4501
    High Prairie Municipal Library Provide reading and reference materials 523-3838
    High Prairie Native Friendship Center Support self-determined activities 523-4511
    High Prairie Play Program Provide play/learning activities for children 523-5700
    High Prairie Ringette Promote ringette 523-4648
    High Prairie School Division #48 Provide educational services 523-3337
    ORGANIZATION
    SERVICES
    		 PHONE #
    High Prairie United Church To worship God 523-3669
    High Prairie Veterinary services  To promote animal health care 523-3826
    Holy Family Catholic Regional

    Division #37 (CRD)

    		 Provide educational services in a catholic setting 523-3771
    Hospital  Medical Services 523-6440
    Jehovah Witness To extend bible education 523-4830
    Keeweetinok Lakes Regional Health Authority  Health services 523-6641
    Ladies Auxiliary Royal Canadian Legion Assistance to Royal Canadian Legion 523-3780
    Literary Project To provide one on one tutoring 523-5850
    Marigold Enterprises Integration and employment for handicapped people 523-4588
    Metis Indian Town Alcohol 

    Association (MITAA)

    		 A detoxification center, assessment, counselling 523-3372
    Municipal District (M.D.) of Big Lakes To provide services to rural residents 523-5955
    Museum Collect, preserve, research and exhibit local history 523-2601
    Native Counselling Services Provide services for those in conflict with the law 523-3282
    Nazarene Church To spread the Gospel of Christ 523-3280
    Northern Alberta Job Corps Opportunity Corps, Alberta Career Resource Center  523-6630
    Palliative Care Society To provide information to work through grief 523-4178
    Pleasantview Lodge Provide room and board for senior citizens 523-5282
    Probation To supervise and assist criminal offenders 523-6530
    REAC To promote recycling
    Recreation Board Provide recreation facilities & opportunities 523-3988
    Rodeo Association Provide Rodeo opportunities  523-3509
    Royal Canadian Legion  Support the air cadets and other organizations 523-3780
    Royal Purple of Canada For the betterment of the community 523-3724
    Scouts of Canada Help youth develop their character 523-5211
    South Peace Neetsan Society Crisis intervention , youth crisis line, public education 523-4880
    South Peace News Publish a weekly newspaper  523-4484
    St. Mark’s Anglican Church  Sharing in a loving Christian Community 523-3996
    St. Paul's Roman Catholic Church To welcome all members of the Christian Community 523-3140
    Ukrainian Culture society To promote Ukrainian culture 523-2552
    United Church Women To unite women of the congregation for fellowship 523-3669
    Victim Assistance Society Assist victims of crime 523-3490
    Whole Life Counselling To aid in the general well being of people 523-3592
    Youth Assessment Center Provide care, assessment and treatment for adolescents 523-4541
    Youth Crisis Line Crisis Intervention 523-2717

     
    14.6 Churches
     
    Church Phone # Address
    High Prairie 
    Anglican Church of Canada 1-(780) 523-3996 4701 53 Ave.
    Christ the King Ukrainian Catholic Church 1-(780) 523-4139  
    High Prairie Christian Centre 1-(780) 523-3916  
    Bethel Baptist Church 1-(780) 523-3251 4944 55 Ave.
    Jehovah Witness Congregation 1-(780) 523-4830 48 Ave. & 46 St.
    Lutheran Church of Canada 1-(780) 523-3712 Box 2620 (Riverside Plaza)
    Nazarene Church 1- (780) 523-3280 4900 59 Avenue
    St. Paul's Roman Catholic Church 1-(780) 523-3140  
    United Church of Canada 1- (780) 523-3669 4704 56 Avenue
    Grouard
    St. Bernard's Roman Catholic Church 1-(780) 751-3760 Grouard
    Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 1- (780) 751-2171 Grouard
    Swan Hills
    Baptist Church 1 (780) 333-2006  Box 630
    Pentecostal Assembly 1 (780) 333-4899 Box 269
    St. Johns Roman Catholic Church 1 (780) 333-4684 Box 12
    United Church 1 (780) 333-2150 Box 695
    Kinuso
    St. Felix Catholic Church    

     
    14.7 Shopping
     
    Type of Store Swan Hills High Prairie  Kinuso
    Antique   1  
    Book Store   1  
    Dry Goods   2  
    Florist 1 1  
    Gifts/Crafts/ Hobbies 1 5  
    Pharmacies/drug Stores 1 3  
    Speciality Foods   1  
    Video Rentals 2 2  
    Appliances 1 1  
    Computers/Electronics 3 1  
    Convenience 3 5 1
    Clothing 2 5 2
    Furniture   2  
    Hardware 1 3 1
    Grocery Stores 1 2 2
    Liquor Stores 1 3  
    Fabric Stores   2  
    *All other urban communities within the Municipal District of Big Lakes have at
    least one store offering a variety of goods.
14.8 Automotive Services
Service Swan Hills High Prairie  Kinuso
Bulk Fuel Stations 2 2 1
Gas, Oil & Repairs 3 23 3
Towing 1 1 -
*All other urban communities within the Municipal District of Big Lakes have at
least one gas station.
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