Lac La Biche County facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lac La Biche County
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Specialized municipality
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| Motto(s):
Welcoming By Nature
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Location within Alberta
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| Country | Canada | |
| Province | Alberta | |
| Region | Northern Alberta | |
| Planning region | Lower Athabasca | |
| Incorporated | ||
| • Municipal district | August 1, 2007 | |
| • Specialized municipality | January 1, 2018 | |
| Area
(2021)
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| • Land | 12,528.25 km2 (4,837.18 sq mi) | |
| Elevation | 574 m (1,882 ft) | |
| Population
(2021)
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| • Total | 7,673 | |
| • Density | 0.6/km2 (2/sq mi) | |
| • Municipal census (2016) | 8,544 | |
| Time zone | UTC−7 (MST) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−6 (MDT) | |
| Area code(s) | 780 | |
Lac La Biche County is a special type of municipality in northern Alberta, Canada. It was created in 2007 when the Town of Lac La Biche and Lakeland County joined together. This area is known for its beautiful lakes and forests.
Contents
A Look Back at Lac La Biche County's History
Lac La Biche County was formed on August 1, 2007. Before that, it was two separate areas: Lakeland County and the Town of Lac La Biche. Lakeland County itself was created in 1998. In 2018, Lac La Biche County changed its status to become a 'specialized municipality'. This means it has a unique way of being governed.
Exploring the Geography of Lac La Biche County
Lac La Biche County is located in the northeast part of Alberta. It shares borders with several other regions. To the north is the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. To the east is the Municipal District of Bonnyville No. 87.
The county is home to many lakes and rivers. The large Lac la Biche is in the southwest part of the county. The Athabasca River forms part of its western border. Other important water bodies include Beaver Lake, Pinehurst Lake, and Touchwood Lake.
Communities and Localities in the County
Lac La Biche County includes several smaller communities. These are places where people live and work.
Hamlets in Lac La Biche County
- Beaver Lake
- Hylo
- Lac La Biche (This is where the main county office is located)
- Plamondon
- Venice
Other Localities in the County
- Avenir
- Barnegat
- Behan
- Bone Town
- Brièreville
- Craigend
- Fork Lake
- Helina
- Imperial Mills
- Lac La Biche Mission
- Margie
- Noral
- Normandeau
- Owl River
- Pelican Portage
- Philomena
- Rich Lake
- Rossian
- Snug Cove
- Sunset Bay
- Tweedie
The Lac La Biche Settlement is also found within the county.
First Nations Reserves
Several First Nations have Indian reserves within Lac La Biche County:
- Beaver Lake 131
- Heart Lake 167
- White Fish Lake 128 (a portion of this reserve is in the county)
Population and Demographics
A census is like a big count of all the people living in an area. It helps us understand how many people live somewhere and how communities are changing.
In the 2021 Census, Lac La Biche County had a population of 7,673 people. These people lived in 2,949 homes. This was a small decrease from its population of 8,330 in 2016. The county covers a large land area of about 12,528 square kilometers. This means there are not many people living in each square kilometer.
The county also conducts its own counts, called municipal censuses. The 2019 municipal census counted 8,654 people. This count also included temporary residents.
What Drives the Economy in Lac La Biche County
The economy of Lac La Biche County is mainly based on a few key industries. These include the oil and gas industry. Agriculture is also important, with farming activities taking place. Tourism is another big part of the economy, as many people visit the area for its natural beauty. There are also some sawmills operating in the county.
Fun Places and Attractions
Lac La Biche County offers many places to visit and enjoy nature.
Provincial Parks and Protected Areas
- Crow Lake Provincial Park
- Lakeland Provincial Park
- Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park
Other Attractions and Campgrounds
- Lac La Biche Mission (a historic site)
- Lac La Biche Golf and Country Club
- Diesel Own Hoot Cabins & Campgrounds
- Elinor Lake Resort
- Fish’N Friends Beaver Lake Campground
- Fork Lake
- Kinsmen Park Beaver Lake Group Camp Area
- Plamondon White Sands
- Spruce Point Resort
- Steepbank Wilderness Resort
- Young's Beach Campground
Community halls are also important gathering places in areas like Craigend, Hylo, Owl River, Plamondon, and Rich Lake.
Transportation and Infrastructure
Getting around Lac La Biche County is possible by air, rail, and road.
Air Travel
The Lac La Biche Airport offers full air services. It is located west of the Hamlet of Lac La Biche. The airport's runway is long enough for large planes like 737 jets. It is also used by Alberta Air Spray for wildfire protection, which uses big water tankers.
Rail Lines
A train line runs through Lac La Biche County. It passes through the hamlets of Hylo, Venice, and Lac La Biche. This rail line is operated by Canadian National.
Major Roads
Several provincial highways serve Lac La Biche County, making it easy to travel by car:
Hwy 36 (Veterans Memorial Highway)
Hwy 55 (Northern Woods and Water Route)
Hwy 63
Hwy 663
Hwy 855
Hwy 858
Hwy 866
Hwy 867
Hwy 881
Education in Lac La Biche County
Students in Lac La Biche County attend schools managed by different school divisions.
Northern Lights School Division No. 69
- Vera M Welsh Elementary (Kindergarten to Grade 3)
- Aurora Middle School (Grades 4 to 8)
- J.A. Williams High School (Grades 9 to 12)
- Off Campus High School
- Portage College (for post-secondary education)
Lakeland Catholic Schools
- Light of Christ Catholic School
Conseil Centre-Est
- École Sainte-Catherine (Kindergarten to Grade 3)
Media and Communication
Local news and entertainment are available through newspapers and radio stations.
Newspapers
Lac La Biche County has two weekly newspapers:
- Lac La Biche Post
- Town and Country
Radio Stations
Two FM radio stations broadcast from Lac La Biche:
- BOOM (CILB FM 103.5)
- Aboriginal Radio (CFWE FM 89.9)
