alberta, canada - County of Grande Prairie No. 1

ALBERTA, CANADA
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This brochure has been prepared under the direction of
the Council of the County of Grande Prairie. It is hoped it
will assist individuals and commercial ventures to assess
and understand the people, places and opportunities
within the County of Grande Prairie.
The County would like to thank the many people who
assisted in the production of this publication.
Writer - Sue Farrell Holler
Graphic Designer - Larry Richard, Menzies Printers Ltd.
Photographer - Rob Ganzeveld, FX Photo Graphic
Printer - Menzies Printers Ltd.
© 2002
County of Grande Prairie No. 1
A gentle mix of rolling hills and prairie provide grand,
breathtaking vistas in this land of endless sky and days
filled with sunshine. Add to those blessings a near perfect
union of wilderness, small-town life with big-city
amenities, and industry to find the County of Grande
Prairie.
Located in Alberta's northwest, the County of Grande
Prairie stretches east from the British Columbia border to
the Smoky River, and south from the Saddle Hills to the
Wapiti River. Covered partly with a lush, mixed forest, and
with the rich, dark soil that makes grain farming a natural
here, the County of Grande Prairie is sprinkled with small
towns and hamlets. The ease and welcome of the
communities of Sexsmith and Clairmont to the north,
Wembley, Beaverlodge and Hythe to the west, Valhalla
Centre and LaGlace to the northwest, Teepee Creek to the
northeast, Bezanson to the east, and Wedgewood to the
south are found within the first-established county in
Alberta. Within its borders also lies the City of Grande
Prairie, a vibrant regional service centre for northwestern
Alberta, northeastern British Columbia and the Northwest
Territories.
The County of Grande Prairie is home to innovative
farming practices, progressive industry, diverse recreational
opportunities, and the small-town friendliness that makes
everyone feel at home.
1
AGRICULTURE
It's summer in the County of Grande Prairie when daylight
lingers nearly to midnight and the sun crests the horizon
at 4 a.m. giving rise to hearty, plentiful crops. Many area
fields turn bright yellow in July as the county is one of the
largest growing areas for canola, so named for "Canada
oil," an oilseed gaining renown as the healthy choice for
cooking oil. Wheat, barley, rye, oats, field peas, and flax
are among the traditional crops harvested here each
fall. Alfalfa, timothy, clover, and forage seed provide hay
for a variety of livestock. A unique crop is fescue; the
County of Grande Prairie is one of the few areas in the
world where this top-notch grass will set seed. Hemp is
another emerging crop providing diversification to the
industry.
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The pioneering spirit that forged the County of Grande
Prairie as Alberta's first county lives today. While careful
to pay homage to its history, its people are willing to try
new ideas. County fields foster minimum tillage and no till
grain farms. Game farms make up a growing proportion
of agricultural operations with exotic livestock such as
emus, rheas and alpacas, and native species of elk, deer
and bison. Not to be forgotten are the operators of
traditional beef and dairy cattle, swine, and poultry, who
provide meat products, milk, butter, eggs and other
foodstuffs for regional, national and international
markets.
The Peace Region is also a major honey producer,
providing nearly one-third of Canada's honey production.
The Peace Value-Added Food & Ag Association produces
herbs, organic foods, preserves, honey, wool, and meat
such as bison, lamb, and pastured poultry.
3
INDUSTRY
Dense forests and an abundance of water have given rise
to major forestry operations. Pulp fibre from northwestern Alberta is sought after particularly for its "holding
power;" the slow growing northern trees make for longer
pulp fibres that bind with lesser quality fibres to give
strength to paper toweling and tissues. Lumber from these
northern trees is also highly valued.
Among the major players in the sawmilling and pulping
operations of the region are Weyerhaeuser Canada,
Canadian Forest Products (Canfor), and in the orientated
strandboard (OSB) field, Ainsworth Lumber.
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Pooled beneath the surface are yet more resources oil and
natural gas. First discovered in the area in 1916, the
petroleum industry is now responsible for nearly 600 oil
and gas related service and supply firms located within the
region.
The Elmworth gas field just south of Beaverlodge has the
largest known natural gas deposit in western Canada.
Operated by Burlington Resources (formerly Canadian
Hunter), the Elmworth processing plant is estimated to
have one billion barrels of recoverable petroleum.
The recently constructed Alliance Pipeline stretches from
Fort St. John, B.C. to Chicago, Illinois to supply natural gas
to markets in the United States.
Operators such as EnCana, Conoco, Burlington Resources,
Nova, Talisman, TransCanada Pipelines, Suncor, Petro
Canada, Esso, and Husky have proven to be fine corporate
citizens concerned for the environment and supporting
local efforts to improve the quality of life.
The County of Grande Prairie values the environment as
much as its natural resources and the wealth they bring.
County officials work closely with the Government of
Alberta and the companies who operate in the area for
continued improvement to environmental performance.
5
RESIDENTIAL
DEVELOPMENT
In addition to the private farms and acreages that dot the
countryside, the County of Grande Prairie has a number of
unique country residential subdivisions, most within a few
minutes drive of urban amenities.
Heritage Point is near the historic Flying Shot Lake
Settlement, a natural wetland for migrating waterfowl.
To the east of the city are the beautifully landscaped lots
of Sandy Ridge Estates, the site of a former tree nursery, as
well as, Woodlake Estates, Green Acres and Laura Estates.
Natural sand dunes, kept cool by shady pine trees, border
a world-class golf courses in the Dunes subdivision, while
Riverview Pines and Spring Creek Estates border the
Wapiti River.
Natural forests of aspen, pine and spruce are the
backdrops for numerous residential subdivisions, including
Aspen Ridge, Willowood Estates, Pine Valley Estates,
Sprucewood Park, Pinebrook Estates, Woodland Acres, and
Lakeview Estates. These quality subdivisions provide
residents with quiet, pristine country living within a short
drive of the City of Grande Prairie.
Travelling west of Grande Prairie, the scenery changes,
with a number of subdivisions such as Catherine Estates,
located just outside of Beaverlodge that offer a view of
the Rocky Mountains in the distance. The nearby towns of
Beaverlodge, Wembley, and Hythe offer full amenities
with the welcome and hospitality of small towns.
East and west of the City of Grande Prairie are the scenic
Richmond Hill Estates and Rio Bend Estates. Other county
subdivisions include Saskatoon Mountain, Spring Mountain
Estates, Spruce Villa Estates, Sunrise Estates, Wapiti Heights
Estates, Westridge Estates, and Windwood Lane.
6
EDUCATION
Often the heart of their communities, rural schools have a
reputation for quality education and recreation. Schools in
the County of Grande Prairie, including the 650-student
K-8 Harry Balfour School and the Peace Wapiti Academy
within the City of Grande Prairie, are run by the Peace
Wapiti School Division. Peace Wapiti also operates schools
in Beaverlodge, Hythe, Wembley, Sexsmith, Bezanson,
LaGlace, Valhalla, Teepee Creek, and Elmworth.
Additionally, the Grande Prairie and District Catholic
School Division operates 10 schools within the region.
Following high school, students can opt to continue their
post-secondary education within the region at Grande
Prairie Regional College, Fairview College to the north, or
the Peace River Bible Institute in Sexsmith. Those seeking
a career in business can pursue their studies at the
Business Career College and Mayfair Business Career
College in Grande Prairie.
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SPORTS
Cross-country skiing, hiking,
mountain biking
Cross-country skiers delight in the 35 km of groomed trails
that wind through the natural forest of poplar, spruce and
tamarack at the Wapiti Nordic Centre, 6 km south of
Grande Prairie.
Home to the nordic events of the 1995
Canada Games, the trails -- 4.5 km of
which are lighted for nighttime
skiing range from challenging
to easy. In addition to
sanctioned races, lessons
and moonlight tours, the
centre has a magnificent
log chalet outfitted with
a wax room and
showers.
In summer the shaded, forest trails of the Wapiti Nordic
Centre are a haven for hikers and mountain bikers. The
facility is also available for rent for social functions and
business retreats.
Cross-country skiers also take to trails at Saskatoon Island
Park, northeast of Wembley; at Spring Lake near Hythe; at
Muskoseepi Park in the heart of the City of Grande Prairie;
and at Saskatoon Mountain, east of Beaverlodge.
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Alpine Skiing
Nitehawk, 16 km south of Grande Prairie just off
Highway 40, has a variety of challenging downhill ski
runs from beginner to black diamond. Operated by
the non-profit Grande Prairie Ski Club, the hill has
snow-making equipment, a beginners' hill, chair lift
and lighted runs for night skiing. In addition to an
annual New Year's Eve party with a torch light
parade down the river hill, the hilltop chalet is
available for rent for summer functions.
Near Hythe, the Spring Lake Recreation Area
offers several downhill runs. Weary skiers stop
at the chalet for rest and refreshment, while
non-alpine skiers can enjoy a view of the action on the
hill, take to the cross-country trails, snow shoe or ice fish.
Also, within a four hour drive from the County are the
Rocky Mountain ski resorts of Marmot Basin and Powder
King.
Golf
Golf courses abound in the County of Grande Prairie. From
the picturesque nine-hole Riverbend Golf Course in the
west county to the championship 18-hole courses of the
Dunes Golf & Winter Club and Grande Prairie Golf &
Country Club south of the City of Grande Prairie. There is a
golf course to challenge every playing level.
Try Pipestone Putters, Morningview, Spruce Meadows, Bear
Creek as well as pitch and putt and mini-golf courses
throughout the area.
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Ball diamonds, skating, curling,
swimming
Pick up a baseball bat, a curling broom or don a pair of
skates in just about any town, village or hamlet in the
County of Grande Prairie for relaxing or competitive
recreation. Residents and visitors socialize and stay active
at ball diamonds, community skating rinks, arenas, curling
rinks and campgrounds throughout the county. In
addition to an indoor and outdoor pool in Grande Prairie,
both Hythe and Beaverlodge have well-kept, supervised
outdoor pools.
Fishing & Hunting
Bordered on two sides by rivers and on two sides by
forests, the County of Grande Prairie is a true-to-life
paradise for hunters and fishermen.
Fishing and hunting are a way of life here. In addition to
its rivers, the locals have a number of favorite fishing holes
in the county's numerous streams, smaller rivers and lakes.
Fishermen with a hankering for trout are likely to be
found at the well-stocked Spring Lake near Hythe or at
Cutbank Lake near Wembley. More fishing is available just
south of the County of Grande Prairie at the natural areas
of Kakwa and Two Lakes.
Moderate temperatures permit abundant forests that
provide an ideal habitat for white tail deer, mule deer,
moose, and elk.
In the midst of the largest migratory prairie fly-way, the
County of Grande Prairie is also a prime hunting area for
geese and ducks.
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Kleskun Hill
Capture a glimpse of the northernmost badlands at
Kleskun Hill park, 20 km east of Grande Prairie on
Highway 43. Here cactus grow in the arid, desert-like
conditions where layers of rock and sediment from
prehistoric lakes and seas are visible in the exposed hills.
A protected Natural Area with more than 160 flowering
plants, Kleskun Hill Park boasts one of the most diverse
and extensive areas of native upland vegetation in the
Peace River Parkland.
HISTORIC
SITES
The area was once a gathering area for Native people who
picked the plentiful berries while using the land for
grazing and hunting. Early pioneers, the imprints of
whose travels can be found in a portion of the park, used
the white mud from the Kleskun Hills to fill the gaps of
their log homes.
Within this natural area is a Native burial ground, the
original East Kleskun School, teacherage, barn and
outbuildings. The first post office and the Catholic church,
Our Lady of Perpetual Help, were moved to the site when
Highway 43 was widened.
Walking trails and a small campground complement this
historic site.
11
Pipestone Creek
A dramatic drive down the river valley where Pipestone
Creek meets the Wapiti River lies the hidden valley of
Pipestone Creek Park and the resting spot of the
largest-ever find of a pacyrhinosaurus skeleton. Prior to its
discovery in the 1980s, there were no known skeletons of
this dinosaur in the world. Pipestone Creek, so named for
the pipes Native People used to fashion from the river clay,
is western Canada's second richest known dinosaur area.
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A small Native cemetery overlooking Pipestone Creek and
evidence of the Pipestone Ferry, which crossed the Wapiti
River to Grovedale prior to a bridge being built at O'Brien
Park, are also found here.
Walking trails to the creek and a day-use picnic site
overlooking the Wapiti River are complemented by a 99site campground with a shower house, ball diamond,
horseshoe pits, playground, and a large group campsite.
Old Bezanson Townsite
Along the banks of the Smoky River just 12 km southeast
of Bezanson is the Old Bezanson Townsite and what
remains of the dream of A.M. Bezanson. In the early
1900s, he started building a city here in anticipation of the
rail link. When the line passed through Grande Prairie
instead, his dreams for Bezanson died. What remains are
imprints of the foundations of the original buildings,
marked with small signs.
The site has a campground, picnic area and walking trails.
Melsness Mercantile
Three-foot, hand-carved wooden trolls greet visitors to the
Melsness Mercantile in Valhalla Centre, paying tribute to
the area's Scandinavian heritage. Valhalla was intended
to be a "Norwegian Heaven" to the primarily Norwegian
descendants of those who pioneered the area.
Now a provincial historic site, the restored 1925 Melsness
Mercantile was an important part of the community when
it served as a general store and post office. Originally
built by Brown and North in 1925 and sold to the Ole
Melsness family in 1925 or 1926, the mercantile operated
until 1943 when the community formed a co-op and
purchased the mercantile's stock. The Ole Melsness family
continued to run the post office from the building until
1951.
The mercantile is now a coffee shop that serves
homemade food, a museum that illustrates the stories of
the past, and a space that doubles as a studio for local
artists and a meeting room for use by the community. A
heritage garden to the west of the mercantile preserves
flowers of the past on this historic site.
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Sexsmith Blacksmith Shop
Red hot coals in Sexsmith's blacksmith shop give insight
into the craftsmanship of a smithy. Built in 1916, and now
a provincial historic site, the log shop was operated by
Nels Johnson until he was 84 years old. Next to the smithy
is the livery barn where customers left their horses while
they were in town for business.
Across the street is an example of a typical Peace Country
farmhouse. Donated and moved to town, is the restored
Paszkowski family home. Also of note is the restored
Northern Alberta Railway station on the town's Main
Street.
Sunderman Tack Shop
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The Village of Hythe traces its roots to 1920 when Kelly
Sunderman first built his log tack shop. The restored
building along the railway tracks is now a volunteer-run
tourist information centre. Old photographs within the
building depict the area's early history.
South Peace Centennial Museum
The South Peace Centennial Museum just outside of
Beaverlodge comes alive with steam-powered machinery
on the third Saturday and Sunday of July for a weekendlong demonstration of olden days equipment, including
steel-wheeled tractors, a belt-driven sawmill and threshing
machine. Antique car buffs enjoy the display of privatelyowned vintage vehicles, courtesy of the McLean Family
and other collectors. The vehicle display grows during
the July "Pioneer Days" when car clubs from near and far
compete for prizes in categories from muscle cars to
antiques.
Although the huge, lumbering steam engines are the
feature attraction, the outdoor clay oven has fans of its
own. Appreciative customers eagerly await the aromatic
homemade bread and cinnamon buns produced each hour.
For those who prefer to do their baking at home, the grist
mill produces freshly ground whole wheat flour under the
SPCM label. Fresh bread and flour can be purchased
during Pioneer Days.
A band stand ensures a constant supply of local
entertainment throughout the Pioneer Days weekend.
Food and unserviced, free camping are available on-site.
The museum, with machinery not in action, is open for
viewing seven days-a-week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from
the long weekend in May until Labour Day. Unserviced
camping is free throughout the summer.
The South Peace Centennial Museum is also home to the
Peace Country Gospel Jamboree during the first weekend
in August.
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Grande Prairie Museum
Along Bear Creek in Grande Prairie's sprawling
Muskoseepi Park, the Grande Prairie Museum pays
particular tribute to area pioneers with local artifacts. The
museum boasts a village of historic buildings moved to the
site, including a church, homes, a barn, post office,
general store, school, and a caboose, often used by
pioneers as they navigated to their homesteads. Naturalist
displays and Native artifacts round out the collection.
The museum comes alive on July 1 of each year with
costumed staff, homemade ice cream, running antique
vehicles and horse-drawn wagon rides. Once
temperatures drop in the autumn, prepare for the annual
Lantern Tour when costumed actors give insight into the
life of pioneers. Take a relaxed walk or bike ride from the
museum to Centre 2000 on the west side of
Muskoseepi Park to learn more about the agricultural
history of the South Peace.
The Grande Prairie Museum is also home to the South
Peace Regional Archives. This public archives has papers,
photographs, maps, sound and video recordings that
document the history of the South Peace from 1905 to
2000. Open year-round, the archives are
accessible during museum hours.
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Straw Church
Built with 400 bales of rye straw, a tiny church at Bad
Heart, northeast of Sexsmith, is the only historic, straw
building in Canada.
The idea to build a straw church came from the late
brother of then parish priest Father Francis Dales. To help
raise the $605 cost of building it in 1954, Fr. Dales also
designed six private homes, but the hall and houses were
never constructed.
Pipes were bolted together between the rows of bales to
compress the straw and hold it in place before a layer of
stucco and a shingled roof were added. Although the
building had fallen into disuse prior to its restoration in
1983, many of the original fixtures, such as altars, pews
and a kneeling rail are still intact.
Saskatoon Mountain
Panoramic views to the south, west and north are the gift
of Saskatoon Mountain, located six miles east and five
miles north of Beaverlodge. The highest point in the
County of Grande Prairie, this "mountain" is believed to
be the only point untouched by the Ice Age. Evidence has
been found of human occupation dating back 9,000 to
10,000 years.
A natural viewpoint, the site was used by Natives to seek
out game, and was the location of the first fire tower in
the area. From 1953 to 1988, the site was "off-limits"
as it served as a radar base in the Pine Tree Line. However,
in 1988, the buildings were removed and "The Base," as it
was known to locals, became a natural area. Fourteen
quarters of land, totaling 2,200 acres, are now available
for bird watching, hiking, picnics and cross-country skiing.
The County of Grande Prairie and local residents are in the
process of developing an overnight camping area at this
historic site.
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CULTURE
Teepee Creek Stampede
See and smell the action up close at the Teepee Creek
Stampede in July. Run annually since 1916, the Teepee
Creek Stampede, 16 km east of Sexsmith, is one of the
longest running rodeos and chuckwagon races in Alberta.
Free camping is available on the grounds.
Rio Grande Old Timer’s Rodeo
Old timers -- those more than 40 years old -- take to the
saddle for three days in August during Rio Grande's Old
Timers' Rodeo. Located in the west county on the Red
Willow River south of Rio Grande, this is a professional
seniors' rodeo with competitors from western Canada and
the United States. Sanctioned by the Canadian Senior Pro
Rodeo Association, it is classed as the biggest senior rodeo
in western Canada.
Rio Grande Rodeo
The rodeo tradition lives in Rio Grande each July during
the Canada Day weekend when cheering fans and the
dust of many hooves fills the air. This long-running
rodeo includes professional chuckwagon races, a slow
pitch ball tournament and an open-air dance.
Beaverlodge Area Cultural Centre
A local landmark for many years, the historic Beaverlodge
Hospital was relocated about 10 years ago to the east
entrance of the town. It is now
the Beaverlodge Area
Cultural Centre, which
houses an active pottery
club, weaving club,
historical society,
Agricultural Hall of Fame,
and archives.
Run entirely by
volunteers, the quaint,
historic building features
a formal gallery that
highlights the work of
local artists, including the
work of famed Beaverlodge
artist Euphemia McNaught. A
gift shop and a tea room with
tempting homemade desserts
add to the country welcome.
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ATTRACTIONS
Evergreen Park
Built in the sand dunes south of Grande Prairie is the
sprawling Evergreen Park, which hosts a year-round roster
of events that includes shows and sales of elk, bison,
horses and cattle, a dog show, and 4-H Days.
The Peace Country Classic Agri-Show is a sign of spring for
farmers and city folk alike. A major event, the agri-show
showcases the region's agricultural base with a seed fair of
pedigree seed, horse and cattle show, major equipment
and more. Every two years, Evergreen Park plays host
to a well-attended international forestry show.
The all amateur Whispering Pines Rodeo is a warm-up
event for the first weekend of June when the pro rodeo
and chuck wagon races of the Grande Prairie Stompede
come to life with the dust and mud of western cowboy
life.
As the agricultural show heralds spring, the guitars and
country tunes of Bud Country Fever in July lets everyone
know summer has arrived. The weekend jamboree
features top entertainers on the country music scene.
In winter, horse-drawn sleigh rides at Evergreen Park
whisk skaters to the largest outdoor skating rink in the
region. Open from freeze-up to thaw, this old-time,
family-oriented rink has open firepits for warming chilly
hands or roasting hotdogs and marshmallows. The
backdrop during the Christmas season is Northern SPIRIT, a
Celebration of Light. With more attractions each year, this
large, animated Christmas display is quickly becoming one
of the largest drive-through displays in Alberta.
Parimutuel racing takes centre stage in July and August
when fans place their bets on their favorite horses.
Equine fans can also spot their favorites at the South
Peace Horse Club Gymkhana Horse Show. Additionally,
Evergreen Park is the site of the Grande Prairie Farmers'
Market. Open 51 Saturdays per year, the market features
fresh produce, preserves and locally-made products.
Evergreen Park also has a large, serviced campground, ball
diamonds, an archery range, horseshoe pits and stabling
for horses. A number of facilities, including the Oldtimers'
Cabin, Lewis Hawkes' Pavilion, Gordon Badger Stadium,
The Loft and Clarkson Hall, are available for rent for
special events.
For local attractions and events visit our website:
www.countygp.ab.ca or phone our County of Grande
Prairie office: (780) 532-9722.
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9
Saskatoon Island Provincial Park
So named for the "many flowers" that bloom each spring
on saskatoon bushes, Saskatoon Island Provincial Park is a
popular destination for campers, boaters, bird watchers,
star gazers, berry pickers and hikers. In winter, the park
turns over to cross-country skiers, families skating at the
outdoor rink, and sky watchers in search of clear views of
planets and northern lights.
Located 25 km west of Grande Prairie, the park
encompasses the shallow Little Lake and Saskatoon Lake.
The area is a Federal Migratory Bird Sanctuary designed
to protect particularly the Trumpeter Swan habitat and
native plants.
The world's largest waterfowl -- and once an endangered
species -- Trumpeter Swans were first studied and
documented by the Audubon Society on a county lake
near Clairmont. County of Grande Prairie lakes are now
recognized as the second largest Trumpeter Swan nesting
area in North America.
Spring Lake Resort
Stocked with rainbow trout, Spring Lake near Hythe is a
campground with year-round hiking along lakeside trails.
The lake boasts a swimming area, dock and boat launch.
In winter, snow shoe enthusiasts and cross-country skiers
take to the trails while others don downhill skis for a
trip down the groomed hill. Still others can be found
fishing on the ice-covered lake.
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Camp Tamarack
Designed with wheelchairs in mind, Camp Tamarack, 5 km
south of Grande Prairie, is set among a natural, mixed
forest lined extensively with trails. The wheelchair
accessible hiking trails of Camp Tamarack join with the
slightly more rugged trails of the Dunes.
Originally started as a camp for people with disabilities,
Camp Tamarack's programs are now fully integrated. It
offers adult and special needs camps and programs
throughout the summer. This fully wheelchair accessible
site has a spacious main hall, cabins, bunkhouses, shower
and bathroom facilities. Winter facility rentals are also
available.
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Bear Lake
North and west of Grande Prairie, the impressive Bear
Lake is ideal for windsurfing, canoeing, running personal
watercraft and other water sports. Some four miles wide
and six miles long, Bear Lake is less than six feet at its
deepest, making it a safe place to learn or practice new
sports.
Just northwest of Clairmont, Bear Lake has a campground
operated by the County of Grande Prairie. The 12-site
campground has a small beach area, boat launch and
washrooms.
Bear Lake Bible Camp operates summer camps for children
of all ethnic or religious backgrounds. It also hosts winter
retreats, and has many scheduled fun events throughout
the year.
The Dunes
Ancient sand dunes blown in millions of years ago create a
landscape unique to the Peace River Country. Covered
largely with lodgepole pine, the area south of Grande
Prairie is known locally as "The Dunes."
Numerous small lakes, wetlands, hills, valleys and two
major waterways make this area a wildlife haven for
thousands of large and small animals and birds.
With more than 25,000 acres to explore, this natural area
is perfect for walking, mountain biking, hiking, crosscountry skiing, and horseback riding. Because the natural
vegetation is extremely fragile, ATVs and snowmobiles are
allowed only on existing trails.
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Getting There
The route to this still developing county in northwestern
Alberta is a modern highway system. Visitors arrive either
via the twinned Highway 43 from Edmonton or via
Highway 40, the Big Horn Route that veers north from
Hinton. Out-of-province and out-of-country licence plates
are the norm in parking lots in and around the county
during the summer months as tourists refresh themselves
and reload supplies en route to the Alaska Highway.
An upscale visitors' centre, dominated by a mammoth
sundial on the Highway 43 bypass in the City of Grande
Prairie, provides tourist information services as do smaller
centres in towns and villages throughout the region.
A large selection of hotels, motels, restaurants, campgrounds and Bed & Breakfast operations are located within
the City of Grande Prairie and surrounding communities.
Municipal Co-operation
The County of Grande Prairie is a full partner with its
towns, villages and with the City of Grande Prairie. Rural
Crime Watch, fire protection services, 911 service, a regional
landfill, law enforcement, regional ambulance service,
seniors' housing, a co-operative recycling program, and
regional archives are but a few examples.
Airline Transportation
The local Grande Prairie Airport offers daily airline service
to major cities in Alberta and British Columbia. The Airport
is located 6.5 kilometres west of the city centre and is
operated and managed by the City of Grande Prairie.
Major airlines such as Air Canada, West Jet, Peace Air and
Swanberg Air provide direct and connecting flights. Also
available are helicopter and aircraft charters.
Highway
The construction of the CANAMEX (Canada-AmericanMexico) Highway will eventually connect Alberta to U.S.
and Mexico. This will have a positive impact in
strengthening Alberta and Western Canada’s trade in the
manufacturing and distribution of goods.
The network of roads locally known as Highway 43, will
extend from the B.C. border to Grande Prairie, Edmonton,
Calgary and the CANAMEX Trade Corridor at Coutts on the
Montana border.
Highway 2 north of Grande Prairie and Highway 35, the
Mackenzie Highway, leads to the Northwest Territories.
Highway 40 south of Grande Prairie connects to the Yellowhead Highway just slightly east of Jasper National Park.
Rail
Alberta Railnet provides regular scheduled freight service
connecting the County with Canadian National Railways
transcontinental mainline to offer immediate access to the
Pacific Rim, Eastern Canadian and Gulf markets.
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Law Enforcement
Fire Protection
The County of Grande Prairie has its own law enforcement
department, which assists the RCMP whenever possible.
The county force is made up of five special constables,
plus the Grande Prairie and Beaverlodge detachments of
the RCMP.
Two volunteer fire departments within the County of
Grande Prairie work with the towns of Beaverlodge,
Wembley, and Sexsmith and the Village of Hythe to
provide volunteer fire services in rural areas. The Fire Aid
Agreement with the City of Grande Prairie enhances the
existing services.
Ambulance Services
The Grande Prairie Emergency Medical Services (GPREMS)
provides ground and air ambulance service to residents in
the County of Grande Prairie with a dedicated air
ambulance available 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week.
Operated from its headquarters within the City of Grande
Prairie, GPREMS provides the highest level of emergency
medical services possible. Advanced Life Support (ALS)
services are available from four Peace Country
communities, including the Town of Beaverlodge.
Health Services
The Mistahia Health Region provides health services within
the County of Grande Prairie through public health units,
an 18-bed hospital with 24-hour emergency care in
Beaverlodge, and a 28-bed nursing home in Hythe. Public
Health Nurses offer child health clinics, seniors wellness
clinics and home care.
Within the City of Grande Prairie is the Queen Elizabeth II
Hospital, a regional referral centre for northwestern
Alberta, northeastern B.C. and the Northwest Territories.
In addition to acute and emergency care, the QEII Hospital
provides a number of specialist services. It also has the
most northern Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) unit in
Canada.
Family Programs
Family and Community Support Services is active in
providing home support services and school liaison
workers to residents of the County of Grande Prairie.
The home support program offers light housekeeping to
seniors and families in which the main caregiver is ill or
injured. Staff is also available to drive rural residents to
medical appointments and to help prepare nutritious
meals in the home.
A community school liaison program teaches positive life
skills as it helps children and families through emotional
and behavioral difficulties.
Playschool programs for three and four-year-olds, which
focus on learning social skills and preparing for
kindergarten, are available in most of the rural centres
The County of Grande Prairie also helps organize and
sponsor family-oriented programs and educational sessions
throughout the area. The contributions of seniors and
volunteers are recognized regularly at events throughout
the year.
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Hamlet of Bezanson
Located about 20 kilometres east of Grande Prairie along
the much-travelled Highway 43, the Hamlet of Bezanson
was relocated from its original site along the banks of
the Smoky River. The remnants of the Old Bezanson
Townsite remain as a provincial historic site and
campground.
The 85 residents of this service-oriented, country hamlet
provide services to a rural community of about 1,200
residents. This busy spot, with a well-stocked general
store and restaurant, is a favorite stop for travellers.
At a Glance
Population 85
Amenities
Curling rink, community hall, ball diamonds,
Legion Hall, motel, restaurant, general store,
a Catholic church and an Evangelical Free
church
Schools
Bezanson School (K-9)
Hamlet of Clairmont
The community of Clairmont has a reputation for topnotch ice on its curling rink and top-notch friendliness of
its people.
Located just five kilometres north of the City of Grande
Prairie, manufactured and modular homes have played a
major role in the hamlet's development. It was near the
shallow Clairmont Lake that Trumpeter Swans were first
studied. Popular with bird watchers, the lake remains
home to many species of birds.
Throughout the year, the Clairmont Agricultural Society
hosts a number of family-oriented events.
At a Glance
Population 1,367
Amenities
Curling rink, ice arena, ball diamonds, fullyserviced campground, day-use area,
playground, gas bar, general store, United
Church, Clairmont Community Church,
German Canadian Hall, and a seniors' centre.
Schools
Students bussed to Grande Prairie and
Sexsmith for school
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Hamlet of LaGlace
Some 30 kilometres west of Sexsmith, the Hamlet of
LaGlace traces its roots to the early 1900s when a trading
post was located southwest of the present-day hamlet.
Local folklore has it that the area took its name from Chief
LaGlace who drowned about 1909 in nearby Valhalla Lake
while trapping muskrat on the then called "Rat Lake."
The brick-pathed LaGlace Heritage Park pays tribute to its
pioneers with a cairn that tells the history of the
community and lists the names of early pioneers. A
stainless steel time capsule buried on the site is filled with
memorbilia, the predictions of LaGlace children and a
scroll signed by residents. The time capsule will be opened
in 2026.
At a Glance
Population
217
Amenities
Arena, restaurant, gas bar, tennis courts,
campground, public library, LaGlace Bible
Fellowship, LaGlace Reformed Church, Calvery
Lutheran Church
Schools
LaGlace School (K-9)
26
Hamlet of Valhalla Centre
Norwegian descendants still inhabit the sprawling, rural
area of Valhalla Centre and continue to inject the spirit of
their forbears into this close-knit community 70 kilometres
northwest of Grande Prairie.
Valhalla residents have a reputation for pulling together
for a good cause. The curling and skating rink, for
instance, were built solely with volunteer labor. In 1994,
neighbors also pulled together to save a local landmark,
the Melsness Mercantile. Thanks to the efforts of the
Valhalla Heritage Society, what had once been a rundown, abandoned building has found new life in
Valhalla Centre as a coffee shop that serves homemade
food, a museum that illustrates the stories of the past, and
an area that doubles as a studio for local artists
and a meeting room for use by the community.
At a Glance
Population 57
Amenities
Curling rink, skating rink, restaurant,
campground, playground, public library
Schools
Valhalla School (K-6)
27
Hamlet of Wedgewood
At a Glance
Just minutes south of Grande Prairie, playgrounds, parks
and an 18-hole golf course meanders through the upscale
Hamlet of Wedgewood. Originally a country-style
subdivision in the County of Grande Prairie, Wedgewood
became a hamlet in 2000.
Population 519
28
Amenities
Playgrounds and parks
Schools
Students bussed to school in nearby Grande
Prairie.
Village of Hythe
Engines roar just outside of Hythe from May to September
as stock cars take to one of the fastest tracks in the
country. The Hythe Motor Speedway features a 3/8 oval
paved track. Working with the Grande Prairie Stock Car
Association, the high-powered speedway races include cars
from northeastern British Columbia and Alberta.
Otherwise, this is a quiet village of 700 people who take
pride in their volunteer and community spirit. A "can do"
attitude built a covered, outdoor swimming pool, arena
and three-sheet curling rink. Hythe also hosts an oldfashioned Agricultural Fair, with displays of local art,
crafts, canning, flowers, quilting and heavy horse
demonstrations. The popular Newcomers Potluck
Dinner in the fall welcomes the new faces to the
community while local performers take to the stage for
the family-style Christmas Bonfest complete with sleigh
rides, hot chocolate and fireworks.
History and seniors are obviously important in this town.
Old photos in the historic Sunderman Tack Shop depict
some of the area's early history. Families can glimpse the
days of rail as the showers and washrooms of the village's
campground are housed in a vintage Northern Alberta
Railway car. At the campground, families can also try to
work their way through the saskatoon bush maze.
Hythe tries to keep its aging, early pioneers within the
community they built. The village has the Pioneer Home
for seniors, a continuing care centre, an apartment-style
seniors' complex, a Golden Age Centre, and a library.
At a Glance
Population 712
Amenities
Arena, curling rink, campground, nursing
home, library, outdoor swimming pool, gym,
business services, Riverbend Golf Course and
Spring Lake Resort nearby
Schools
Hythe Elementary (K-6)
Hythe Regional Junior High (7-9)
High school students travel to nearby
Beaverlodge to attend Beaverlodge
Regional High
29
Town of Beaverlodge
Agriculture and related industries are the cornerstones of
the economy of Beaverlodge. With 2,000 residents, this
picturesque town with tree-lined streets is the largest
town in the County of Grande Prairie.
Residents here have a reputation for pulling together to
build what's needed, including an outdoor swimming
pool, well-groomed campground, playgrounds, soccer
field, ball diamonds, a dance studio, indoor ice arena,
curling rink, community centre, library, fitness centre, and
a vet clinic.
The annual Agricultural Fair showcases traditional rural
and artistic skills in a community where there are more
than 130 activities and services for young people, in
addition to schools and churches.
Seniors are an important part of Beaverlodge's population
mix. Amisk Court is an assisted-living apartment building
for seniors, located near the health unit and 18-bed, acute
care hospital. An additional six-unit seniors complex is
located next to Amisk Court.
A favorite stop for Alaskan-bound tourists, the Tourist
Information Booth is housed in another historic building -a restored one-room, log schoolhouse. Located near the
serviced campground at the west-end, the information
centre is staffed by local seniors.
The Federal Northern Research Farm established by an
area farmer in early 1900s is now a national centre for
apiculture, the management of honey bees. It also focuses
on cereal, canola and forage seed production, and soil
studies.
At the east-end of Beaverlodge are seven acres of
greenhouses where the Pacific Regeneration Technologies
Tree Nursery annually produces 11 million spruce and pine
seedlings for reforestation.
Meanwhile, the UFFDA Sawmill manufactures wood
products from the plentiful aspen and tamarack. The
owners are committed to attending international wood
shows and extensive research on new uses for these wood
products.
The former hospital, relocated 10 years ago near the east
entrance of Beaverlodge, is the quaint Beaverlodge Area
Cultural Centre. Here visitors catch a glimpse of locally
produced art, including that of the legendary Beaverlodge
artist Euphemia McNaught. Visitors are assured a country
welcome and homemade goodies in the tea room and gift
shop.
At a Glance
Population 2,000
30
Amenities
Outdoor swimming pool, campground,
playgrounds, soccer field, ball diamonds,
dance studio, indoor ice arena, curling rink,
community centre, agricultural complex,
bingo hall, modern playgrounds, library, vet
clinic, hospital, health and dental clinics,
ambulance service, retail and service-related
businesses, motels and restaurants, Riverbend
Golf Course nearby, Red Willow Boys and Girls
Camp is one of the oldest operating camps in
the county. It offers camp sessions for youths
of all ages.
Schools
Beaverlodge Elementary (K-6)
Beaverlodge Regional High (10-12)
St. Mary's Catholic School (K-9)
Junior High students are bussed to nearby
Hythe Regional Junior High
Town of Sexsmith
Visiting the Town of Sexsmith is a step back in time as
many of the buildings on the main street have been
refurbished to a 1920s-era look. Once the Grain Capital of
the British Empire, Sexsmith was the lead town in 1949 for
the export of wheat.
The town draws its name from David Sexsmith, a trapper
and trader who set up a stopping place just north of the
present town.
With a population of 1,250 Sexsmith has a definite family
atmosphere where activities and celebrations are planned
with children and getting together with neighbors in
mind.
Chatauqua Days in June is an old-fashioned family day
inspired by the travelling entertainers who first brought
theatre to the prairies. Main Street becomes dedicated to
games for children, dunk tanks, wagon rides, a petting
zoo and the sale of locally made crafts. The Christmas
season officially kicks off with a reverse Santa Claus
parade, in which the children are encouraged to join the
fun by being picked up along the way. The town also
hosts a family-oriented New Year's Eve celebration.
Affordable housing in the town just 16 kilometres north of
Grande Prairie is designed to meet the needs of everyone from young families to retired couples. Sunset Homes
for seniors has self-contained units with a recreation
centre to ensure a community atmosphere.
In addition to an arena and curling rink, the town
maintains the Heritage Park Campground with a quaint
fish pond, at the south entrance.
At a Glance
Population 1250
Amenities
Arena, curling rink, campground, library, ball
diamonds, museum, retail and business
sectors, and churches - Emmanuel Anglican,
Grace Bible Fellowship, Emaculate Conception
Roman Catholic, Christ Lutheran
Schools
Sexsmith Elementary (K-6)
Sexsmith Secondary (7-12)
St. Mary's School (K-6)
Peace River Bible Institute (college level)
31
Town of Wembley
At a Glance
An easy commute on a divided highway 20 kilometres
west of Grande Prairie is the quiet Town of Wembley.
Home to energetic, young families, the town was first
incorporated as a village in 1928. It grew to town status
in 1980.
Population 1400
Named after Wembley, England, the town has traditionally
served the agricultural sector. As it pays tribute to its rural
nature, this neighborly community gets together to
celebrate the Town and Farm Trade Show, Farmers' Market
and Lions Rodeo.
Beyond the residential streets, in the southwest corner of
the town, is Sunset Lake Park, a natural area perfect for
bird watchers and nature walks.
32
Amenities
Curling rink, skating rink, soccer, football and
baseball fields, campground
Schools
Helen E. Taylor School (K-9)
COUNTY OF
GRANDE PRAIRIE NO. 1
For More Information Contact:
County Administrator
County of Grande Prairie No. 1
Phone: (780) 532-9722
Website: (780) www.countygp.ab.ca
Email: [email protected]