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Slave Lake

Slave Lake is a town in northern Alberta, Canada, situated on the southeastern shore of Lesser Slave Lake, approximately 255 km northwest of Edmonton.^[1] Incorporated as a village in 1961 and as a town in 1965, it functions as a regional hub for resource extraction industries and outdoor recreation, with a population of 6,836 according to the 2021 Canadian census and a 2024 estimated population of 7,110.^[2]^[3]^[4] The town's history is rooted in early 19th-century fur trade activities, with European explorers like David Thompson visiting the area in 1799 and multiple trading posts established around Lesser Slave Lake by the Hudson's Bay Company and North West Company.^[2] Settlement began in the early 1900s at Sawridge, near the mouth of the Lesser Slave River, but a devastating flood in the 1930s prompted relocation southward to the current site.^[2] A major event in modern history was the 2011 wildfires, which destroyed over 500 structures in Slave Lake and surrounding areas, including homes, businesses, and community buildings, leading to a coordinated recovery effort supported by provincial and federal governments.^[2] Economically, Slave Lake thrives on oil and gas production from the nearby Marten Hills reservoir, alongside a robust forestry sector that includes several mills in the Mitsue Industrial Park, 15 km east of town.^[3] The region also promotes tourism through Lesser Slave Lake Provincial Park, featuring approximately 3 km of white-sand beaches at Devonshire Beach, year-round activities such as fishing, hiking, boating, and skiing, and events like Riverboat Daze festivals.^[3]^[5] These assets position Slave Lake as a gateway to northern Alberta's natural landscapes, including Marten Mountain and the Lesser Slave Lake Bird Observatory.^[3]

History

Early settlement and fur trade

The region surrounding Lesser Slave Lake has been inhabited by Indigenous peoples, including the Cree and Dene (particularly the Slavey subgroup), for millennia, with archaeological evidence indicating human occupation dating back at least 10,000 years through seasonal campsites used for fishing abundant species like whitefish and pike, as well as serving as key nodes in overland trade networks connecting the Athabasca River watershed to the Mackenzie River basin.^[6] These groups relied on the lake's resources for sustenance and inter-tribal exchange of goods such as furs, tools, and dried fish prior to European contact, with the Cree maintaining woodland hunting territories and the Dene utilizing the area for caribou and moose pursuits during migrations.^[7] The first recorded European exploration of the Lesser Slave Lake area occurred in 1799 when surveyor and fur trader David Thompson, working for the North West Company (NWC), arrived at the mouth of the Lesser Slave River on April 28 and became the first non-Indigenous person to document the lake, mapping its shores and noting its potential as a transportation route for canoes.^[8] Thompson established an initial NWC trading post at the junction of the Lesser Slave and Athabasca Rivers that year to facilitate fur exchanges with local Indigenous trappers, relocating it to the lake's outlet in 1802 to better access beaver pelts and provisions like pemmican supplied by Cree and Dene hunters.^[9] Intensifying competition in the fur trade led the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) to establish a rival post directly across the river from the NWC's site in 1815, sparking a brief period of rivalry that included aggressive tactics to secure Indigenous loyalty through better trade goods and alcohol distribution, until the companies merged in 1821 under HBC control.^[9] Nearby, Fort Assiniboine was founded by the HBC in 1823 on the Athabasca River approximately 100 km southeast of the lake, serving as a supply depot and transport hub for furs bound for Fort Edmonton via a vital winter road that bypassed the lake's challenging navigation.^[10] The name "Slave Lake" for the body of water originated in the late 18th century from European traders adopting the Cree exonym "Awokanak" (meaning "captives" or "slaves"), a derogatory term applied to the Dene peoples whom the Cree had historically subjugated in regional conflicts, with "Lesser" added to distinguish it from Great Slave Lake further north.^[11] By the late 19th century, the fur trade around Lesser Slave Lake had declined significantly due to overhunting of beaver populations, shifting European fashions away from beaver hats toward silk, and increasing competition from southern plains buffalo hunts, reducing annual returns at the HBC post to under 1,000 made beaver pelts by the 1880s.^[12] This downturn prompted early explorations of alternative resources, such as timber stands along the lake's shores, with HBC factors scouting pine forests for potential lumber export via the Athabasca River as settlement pressures grew in the 1890s.^[13]

Incorporation and growth

The settlement known as Sawridge was established in the early 20th century at the mouth of the Lesser Slave River, serving as a hub for local activities following earlier fur trade posts. In 1923, the community was renamed Slave Lake to reflect its proximity to Lesser Slave Lake, whose name originated from Cree references to the Dene people as "strangers" or "slaves."^[8] A major flood in 1935 devastated Sawridge, destroying much of the infrastructure and prompting residents to relocate the entire community approximately 5 km south to higher ground along the lakeshore. This relocation addressed ongoing flood vulnerabilities from the Lesser Slave River and stabilized the settlement's foundation for future development.^[2]^[14] The rebuilt community was formally incorporated as the Village of Slave Lake on January 1, 1961, with a population of approximately 500 residents, and it achieved town status on August 2, 1965, amid increasing economic activity.^[2]^[15] Following World War II, Slave Lake experienced significant growth fueled by oil discoveries in the surrounding region during the 1950s, which drew energy sector investments and workers, alongside expansion in the forestry industry that capitalized on the boreal timber resources. These sectors transformed the town into a key northern Alberta hub, with infrastructure improvements supporting industrial operations.^[16]^[17] In July 1988, intense rainfall caused severe flooding from Sawridge Creek, exacerbated by debris jams, which inundated over 800 homes and led to the evacuation of about 2,800 residents. In response, authorities modified the existing flood control channel—originally improved in 1971—and installed a debris control structure in 1992 to capture blockages and reduce overflow risks into the town.^[18]^[19] By the early 2000s, the town's population had surpassed 6,000, marking a tenfold increase from the 1960s and underscoring the sustained impact of resource-based development prior to later challenges.^[2]

2011 wildfire and recovery

The 2011 Slave Lake wildfire, part of the larger Flat Top Complex, broke out on May 14, 2011, amid extremely dry conditions and high winds, with all 189 provincial wildfires that week determined to be human-caused.^[20] Fueled by gusts up to 100 km/h, the fire rapidly spread into the town, prompting the evacuation of nearly 15,000 residents from Slave Lake and surrounding areas for approximately two weeks.^[20]^[21] The blaze destroyed or damaged about 40% of the town's structures, including 428 single-family homes, seven multi-family residences, and 19 non-residential buildings such as the municipal office and library.^[21]^[20] Insured losses exceeded $700 million CAD, with additional economic impacts to the oil and gas sector estimated at over $300 million CAD, making it one of Canada's costliest natural disasters at the time.^[20]^[22] In response, the Alberta government declared a provincial state of emergency, mobilizing over 1,700 responders and incurring $16 million in suppression costs.^[20] Federal aid supplemented provincial efforts, funding a regional recovery plan that emphasized resilient rebuilding with enhanced FireSmart principles and stricter fire-resistant building codes.^[20] The reconstruction timeline prioritized temporary housing to retain residents, leading to full repopulation by 2012 and the rebuilding of about 80% of lost homes within two years.^[23] Recovery milestones continued into later years, with ongoing investments in wildfire mitigation; by 2023, the Lesser Slave Regional Fire Service had completed community wildfire pre-planning for five areas and conducted FireSmart home assessments, alongside hazard reduction efforts covering over 65 hectares.^[24] These initiatives included free FireSmart evaluations for residents to reduce wildland-urban interface risks.^[25] The disaster yielded key lessons in emergency preparedness, prompting enhanced communication protocols, inter-agency coordination, and community resilience programs across Alberta, such as expanded FireSmart funding and psychological support for affected residents.^[20]^[23] These measures have helped maintain stable population levels and fostered a more fire-resilient community a decade later.^[23] In July 2025, a wildfire burning northeast of the town prompted an evacuation alert for Slave Lake and surrounding areas on July 21, which was lifted the next day after the fire was contained, with no reported structural damage.^[26]

Geography

Location and topography

Slave Lake is situated at coordinates 55°17′ N, 114°46′ W, with an elevation of 590 m (1,940 ft) above sea level.^[27]^[28] The town occupies the southeastern shore of Lesser Slave Lake, Alberta's largest lake entirely within the province, which spans 1,168 km².^[29] Positioned approximately 255 km northwest of Edmonton, Slave Lake lies at the junction of Alberta Highways 2 and 88, serving as a key access point to northern Alberta's interior.^[3]^[30] The town's land area measures 14.31 km² and is fully surrounded by the Municipal District of Lesser Slave River No. 124, a rural governance area that encompasses much of the surrounding boreal landscape.^[31]^[1] The topography of Slave Lake and its environs is characterized by dense boreal forest, forming part of Alberta's easternmost foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The area features rolling terrain with proximity to Marten Mountain, which rises to 1,020 m, and the nearby Pelican Mountain range. River systems, including the Lesser Slave River that drains the lake eastward into the Athabasca River, shape the local hydrology. Environmental highlights include extensive wetlands that support biodiversity, as well as established bird migration routes along the lake's shores, monitored by the Lesser Slave Lake Bird Observatory. Adjacent to the town is Lesser Slave Lake Provincial Park, offering natural beaches and forested trails along the lake's northeastern edge.^[3]^[29]^[32]^[33]

Climate

Slave Lake features a humid continental climate with subarctic influences, classified as Dfb in the Köppen-Geiger system. The average annual temperature is 1.5°C (34.7°F), reflecting the region's cold, continental conditions moderated slightly by its northern latitude and proximity to water bodies. Seasonal variations are pronounced, with long, harsh winters dominating much of the year and brief, mild summers providing relief. This climate pattern supports a boreal forest ecosystem but also contributes to challenges like extended snow cover and periodic extreme weather events.^[34] Summers in Slave Lake are mild and relatively short, typically lasting from late May to early September, with average daily highs reaching around 23°C (73°F) in July, the warmest month. Winters are severe and prolonged, spanning November to March, where average daily lows drop to -25°C (-13°F) in January, accompanied by frequent sub-zero temperatures and strong winds that amplify the chill. Spring and fall serve as transitional periods with rapid temperature shifts, often marked by thawing or freezing rains that can lead to icy conditions. These temperature ranges underscore the area's strong seasonality, with over 200 frost days annually.^[34] Annual precipitation averages 476 mm, distributed unevenly with the majority occurring as convective summer rainfall between June and August, while winter months contribute through snowfall totaling about 140 cm. Snow cover typically persists for 150-170 days, peaking in January and February, which influences local hydrology and transportation. The Lesser Slave Lake provides some moderation by tempering temperature extremes through its thermal inertia, extending the frost-free period slightly compared to inland areas. However, prolonged dry spells, particularly in late spring and early summer, heighten wildfire risks, as evidenced by the hot, arid conditions that fueled the 2011 fires.^[34]^[35] Temperature extremes highlight the climate's variability: the record high of 35.0°C (95.0°F) was set on August 6, 1998, while the record low of -42.8°C (−45.0°F) occurred in January. Such outliers are driven by occasional influxes of warm Pacific air in summer or intense Arctic outbreaks in winter, though lake proximity helps mitigate some spikes and dips. Overall, these patterns align with broader subarctic trends in northern Alberta, emphasizing resilience to cold but vulnerability to drought-related hazards.^[36]

Demographics and society

Population and ethnic composition

According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, the Town of Slave Lake had a total population of 6,836, representing a 2.8% increase from 6,651 in 2016.^[31]^[37] As of 2024, the estimated population is 7,110.^[4] This growth occurred over a land area of 14.31 square kilometres, resulting in a population density of 477.7 people per square kilometre.^[31] The town's population serves as a hub for a broader regional trading area encompassing approximately 21,000 residents within a 120-kilometre radius.^[3] The demographic composition of Slave Lake reflects a diverse mix, with approximately 53% of residents identifying as being of European descent, forming the largest group. Indigenous peoples, including First Nations and Métis, constitute about 26% of the population, totaling 1,780 individuals.^[38]^[39] Visible minorities account for roughly 19% of the population, or 1,290 people, with the largest subgroup being Filipino at 715 individuals, followed by Arab (185) and Black (90).^[38]^[40] The age distribution indicates a relatively young community, with a median age of 34.6 years—younger than the Alberta provincial average of 39 years. About 22% of the population is under 15 years old, while seniors aged 65 and over represent approximately 9% (615 individuals).^[41]^[1]^[42] English is the primary language spoken in Slave Lake, serving as the mother tongue for the vast majority of residents. Indigenous languages are spoken by a small but notable portion of the population as mother tongue, approximately 2%, reflecting the community's Indigenous heritage.^[43]

Education and community services

Education in Slave Lake is primarily provided through the High Prairie School Division, which operates public schools serving students from kindergarten to grade 12. Key institutions include C.J. Schurter School for grades K-3, E.G. Wahlstrom School for grades 4-6, and Roland Michener Secondary School for grades 7-12, offering academic, special education, and outreach programs tailored to diverse student needs, including alternative learning options like the Lakeside Outreach School for flexible, individualized high school programming.^[44]^[45]^[46]^[30] Catholic education is available via the Living Waters Catholic Separate School Division, with St. Mary of the Lake Catholic School (PreK-6) providing instruction that integrates First Nations, Métis, and Inuit cultural elements, and St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy (grades 7-12) focusing on faith-based learning.^[47]^[48]^[49] Alternative programs supporting Indigenous students emphasize cultural infusion and community partnerships, such as those at St. Mary of the Lake and outreach initiatives within the public system.^[50] Post-secondary education is accessible through the Northern Lakes College Slave Lake campus, which delivers adult upgrading, trades training, and certificate programs, including options in Indigenous administration to support local workforce development and lifelong learning.^[51]^[52] Healthcare services in Slave Lake center on the Slave Lake Healthcare Centre, operated by Alberta Health Services, which offers acute care, 24/7 emergency services, public health immunizations, and long-term residential care for those with complex needs.^[53]^[54] For Indigenous communities, the Bigstone Health Commission provides targeted services such as pharmacy operations through Slave Lake Apple Drugs, community health programs, home care, and wellness initiatives for Bigstone Cree Nation members in the region.^[55]^[56] Social services are coordinated through the Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) of Slave Lake, which operates family resource centers offering preventive programs like parenting workshops, early childhood playgroups, and support for caregivers to enhance family well-being.^[57]^[58] Youth programs under FCSS and partners include skill-building activities, employment readiness through initiatives like YESS/YOU for ages 18-30, and Métis-specific events such as youth camps and cultural workshops.^[57]^[59]^[60] Following the 2011 wildfire, mental health support initiatives were expanded, including school-based counseling for children, community resiliency programs, and ongoing access to psychological services through Alberta Health Services to address trauma and promote recovery.^[61]^[62]^[63] Community resources include the Rotary Club of Slave Lake Public Library, which provides free access to books, e-resources, computers, internet, and programs like children's storytimes to foster literacy and social connections across all ages.^[64]^[65] Multicultural integration efforts are supported by the Lesser Slave Lake Multicultural Association, which promotes cultural understanding through events, workshops, and resources like the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Toolkit for workplaces, alongside projects such as the OMNI initiative for inclusive community narratives.^[66]^[67]^[68]

Economy

Primary industries

The economy of Slave Lake has historically transitioned from reliance on the fur trade and logging to a resource-based model dominated by oil and gas extraction, beginning with significant discoveries in the 1950s and accelerating during the early 1960s oil boom.^[16]^[69] This shift transformed the town into a hub for energy development, with the oil and gas sector now contributing substantially to the regional GDP alongside forestry. In the broader Lesser Slave River area encompassing Slave Lake, heavy industries including oil, gas, and forestry generated over $1.6 billion in provincial GDP contributions in 2024, underscoring their economic scale.^[70] The oil and gas industry centers on the Marten Hills reservoir in the Clearwater Formation, located northeast of Slave Lake, where heavy oil production has seen rapid growth since 2020 through horizontal drilling and multi-stage fracturing techniques. Acquired assets from Cenovus Energy in late 2020 by Headwater Exploration have driven substantial output increases, with Clearwater play-wide production rising from approximately 23,500 barrels of oil per day in 2020 to over 170,000 barrels of oil per day as of 2025, reflecting more than a sevenfold increase overall and tripling in some operator portfolios amid favorable economics.^[71]^[72] As of 2025, Headwater Exploration forecasts annual production of approximately 20,600 barrels of heavy oil per day from its assets.^[73] Forestry operations emphasize sustainable logging in the surrounding boreal forests, governed by the 2021 Lesser Slave Lake Regional Forest Management Plan, which balances timber harvesting with environmental protection through detailed annual allowable cuts and reforestation requirements. The Mitsue Industrial Park, 15 kilometers east of Slave Lake, hosts four major mills producing lumber, veneer, and pulp, including facilities operated by West Fraser and Millar Western Forest Products, which process spruce, pine, and fir from local Crown lands.^[74]^[3] In the 2021 Census, Slave Lake's labour force totaled approximately 3,755 individuals, with 255 workers (7.5%) employed in mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction; 565 workers (16.6%) in manufacturing; and 105 workers (3.1%) in agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting, based on a total of 3,400 employed individuals across industries.^[75]^[76] These industries face challenges from boom-bust cycles tied to global oil prices, which have led to employment volatility, compounded by a 9.5% average drop in total income in the seven years following the 2011 wildfire. Post-2011 environmental regulations have intensified, mandating FireSmart principles and enhanced vegetation management around industrial sites to mitigate wildfire risks in the boreal landscape.^[76]^[77]^[78]

Tourism and development

Tourism serves as a significant economic driver in Slave Lake, drawing visitors primarily to the expansive beaches along Lesser Slave Lake and various fishing tournaments that highlight the area's renowned angling opportunities. Devonshire Beach, featuring seven kilometers of pristine white sand, attracts summer crowds for swimming, sunbathing, and water activities, while events like the annual Canadian Tire Anglers' Cup and the Larry Dahlgren Walleye Tournament bring competitive anglers to the region, boosting local spending on lodging, equipment, and services. In 2019, tourism contributed approximately $51.5 million to the gross domestic product of the Lesser Slave Lake region, underscoring its role in economic diversification beyond resource industries.^[79] Recent commercial developments have enhanced the town's appeal to both residents and tourists, with the Cornerstone Slave Lake retail center serving as a key hub for big-box stores including Sobeys, Canadian Tire, Shoppers Drug Mart, and Staples, spanning over 123,000 square feet of leasable space. To further stimulate business attraction, the Town of Slave Lake enacted Bylaw No. 18-2023 in August 2023, offering municipal tax incentives for new or expanding commercial and industrial operations, aimed at fostering long-term growth in retail and services. These initiatives complement the natural attractions, such as the lake's recreational sites, by providing convenient amenities for visitors. In 2024 and 2025, tourism trends in Slave Lake have emphasized eco-tourism recovery post-pandemic, with increased focus on sustainable outdoor experiences amid Alberta's broader visitor spending surge to $14.4 billion province-wide in 2024. Regional grants, including $90,000 from provincial funding to Community Futures Lesser Slave Lake for entrepreneurship and workforce development, alongside support through the Northern Regional Economic Development and Tourism Growth Program, have aided in promoting low-impact activities like guided nature tours and wildlife viewing. Employment in accommodation and food services accounts for about 11% of the local workforce, with 380 individuals employed in the sector as of the 2021 census, experiencing seasonal peaks during summer tourism highs that can double staffing needs in hotels and restaurants.^[80] Following the 2011 wildfire, recovery efforts prioritized resilient tourism infrastructure, integrating fire-resistant designs in rebuilt facilities and pathways to ensure sustained access to lakefront areas, as outlined in the Lesser Slave Lake Regional Wildfire Recovery Plan, which emphasized environmental protection and economic rebound through enhanced visitor amenities.^[81] This approach has supported ongoing sustainability, aligning tourism growth with conservation of the boreal landscape surrounding Lesser Slave Lake.^[3]^[82]^[83]^[84]^[85]^[86]^[87]^[88]^[89]

Government and infrastructure

Local administration

The Town of Slave Lake is governed by a municipal council comprising one mayor and six councillors, all elected to four-year terms. Following the October 2025 municipal election, which resulted in an acclamation, the current council includes Mayor Francesca Ward (re-elected for her second term), Deputy Mayor Shawn Gramlich, and Councillors Kimberly Hughes, Andrew Achoba, Lynn Bowes, Craig Hudson, and Cindy Williams.^[90]^[91]^[92] The council holds primary responsibility for enacting bylaws to regulate land use and development, approving the annual operating and capital budgets, and coordinating emergency management protocols. In August 2023, it adopted Bylaw #18-2023 to provide tax incentives exempting a portion of municipal property taxes for qualifying commercial and industrial investments, aimed at fostering economic growth. Regular and Committee of the Whole meetings occur bi-weekly, with the 2025–2026 schedule approved by council on October 28, 2025.^[88]^[93] The town's 2025 operating budget is balanced with a net zero position, drawing primarily from property taxes generating approximately $9.9 million in revenue alongside grants and other sources to support municipal services. Capital expenditures for the year total around $7.3 million, funding infrastructure renewals and community projects without requiring a tax rate increase.^[94]^[95]^[96] In response to the 2011 wildfires that destroyed about one-third of the town, local administration implemented post-disaster reforms, including strengthened emergency planning committees and integration into a regional emergency management framework to improve response coordination and community resilience.^[97]^[78] Slave Lake maintains close regional ties through collaboration with the Municipal District of Lesser Slave River No. 124, including a 2015 intermunicipal development plan for coordinated growth.^[98]

Transportation and utilities

Slave Lake's road network is anchored by Alberta Highway 2, which provides direct connectivity southward to Edmonton, approximately 255 kilometers away, facilitating regional trade and commuter access. To the north, Highway 2 continues to High Prairie, about 117 kilometers distant, supporting links to further northern communities and resource corridors.^[99] Alberta Highway 88 intersects at the town's core, extending northeast through remote areas toward Red Earth Creek, primarily serving industrial and forestry transport needs. The local road infrastructure was extensively rebuilt following the 2011 wildfires, which destroyed significant portions of the network; by 2016, approximately 95 percent of the town's overall rebuilding, including roadways, was complete, enhancing resilience with improved paving and alignment.^[100] Rail transport in Slave Lake includes a Canadian National Railway (CN) spur line integrated into the broader northern Alberta network, utilized for industrial freight such as timber and oilfield materials, connecting to main lines near Grimshaw.^[101] The Slave Lake Airport (IATA: YZH), located adjacent to the town on the eastern shore of Lesser Slave Lake, serves general aviation needs, including charters, flight training, and cargo operations, with a paved runway supporting small aircraft up to 150 miles north of Edmonton.^[102] It handles regional connectivity without scheduled commercial flights, relying on nearby Edmonton International Airport for larger travel.^[103] Utilities in Slave Lake are managed through municipal and provincial systems to support residential and industrial demands. The town operates a municipal water supply system, billing residents based on metered consumption at $1.80 per cubic meter, drawn from local sources to serve the community's needs.^[104] Electricity distribution is provided by ATCO Electric, which maintains the grid for over 1.6 million customers across Alberta, including Slave Lake's service area with facilities at 104 Birch Road NE.^[105] Natural gas delivery falls under ATCO Gas and Pipelines Ltd., operating under a franchise agreement renewed in 2019 that grants exclusive rights within the town boundaries, ensuring reliable supply for heating and industry.^[106] Public transit options within Slave Lake are limited, with no extensive local bus system; residents primarily rely on personal vehicles for daily mobility, supplemented by intercity services like Cold Shot and Northern Express for routes to Edmonton and beyond.^[107] Recent infrastructure upgrades include a 2024 fiber optic expansion by Slave Lake Communications, installing underground cabling to enhance broadband access for residential and community users, part of broader provincial efforts to connect rural areas with high-speed internet up to 50 Mbps download speeds.^[108] This initiative builds on ongoing network growth to nearby hamlets, improving digital connectivity for remote work and services.^[109]

Culture and attractions

Events and festivals

Slave Lake hosts a variety of annual events and festivals that celebrate its community spirit, cultural heritage, and natural surroundings, drawing residents and visitors alike throughout the year.^[110] One of the highlights is Riverboat Daze, a summer festival organized by the Slave Lake and District Chamber of Commerce, held in early July. The event features a parade, live music, fireworks, a family dance, a farmers market, carnival rides, and food vendors, transforming downtown Slave Lake into a vibrant gathering spot.^[111] Indigenous events play a significant role in the region's cultural calendar, including the Driftpile Cree Nation's Annual Powwow in mid-August, a drug- and alcohol-free celebration of Cree traditions with competitive dancing, drumming, singing, and family-friendly activities.^[112] Métis gatherings, such as the Métis Mingle organized by the Otipemisiwak Métis Government in early March, focus on strengthening family bonds, well-being, and cultural practices through community workshops and sharing sessions.^[113] The Summer Beach Fest, occurring in early August at Devonshire Beach, offers beachside entertainment including a sandcastle competition, volleyball tournament, tug-of-war, relay races, sunrise yoga, a scavenger hunt, live music with Indigenous performers, and fireworks.^[114] Fishing enthusiasts participate in seasonal tournaments on Lesser Slave Lake, such as the Larry Dahlgren Walleye Tournament in late May, which attracts anglers for catch-and-release competitions regardless of water levels.^[83] Winter brings ice fishing derbies like multi-weekend events where participants track catches via a mobile app for prizes across species. Additional community gatherings include the Slave Lake Airport Fly-In Air Fair in mid-August, a free family event marking the airport's 60th anniversary with aircraft displays, helicopters, medevac demos, kids' activities, music, and food.^[115] In the winter, Moonlight Madness serves as a holiday kickoff festival in mid-November, featuring a Santa parade, Christmas markets, and festive lighting to celebrate the season.^[116]

Natural and recreational sites

Slave Lake is renowned for its access to Lesser Slave Lake, a large lake that freezes over completely during winter and a hub for outdoor recreation. The lake's approximately 241-kilometer shoreline offers diverse natural features, including sandy beaches and forested areas ideal for water-based and land activities.^[117] Key sites within and around the town emphasize the region's boreal forest ecosystem and aquatic environments, attracting visitors for both summer and winter pursuits. Devonshire Beach, located within Lesser Slave Lake Provincial Park, features a 3-kilometer stretch of natural white sand shoreline along the lake's southeastern edge. This groomed and ungroomed beach supports swimming in shallow, warm waters during summer months, with facilities including day-use parking and picnic areas. Stand-up paddleboards and kayaks are available for rent on-site through automated kiosks, making water access convenient for beginners on calm days.^[118]^[5]^[119] Lesser Slave Lake Provincial Park encompasses 7,617 hectares of protected land, providing extensive camping options at sites like Devonshire and Marten River campgrounds, alongside hiking trails through jack pine forests and dunes.^[120] Boating is popular, with hand launches for canoes and kayaks at multiple access points, while the park's marshes and beaches serve as critical habitats for waterfowl and moose. The park includes the Lesser Slave Lake Bird Observatory, established in 1994, which monitors migratory and breeding birds through banding programs that have documented thousands of individuals across dozens of species, contributing to boreal avian research. Complementing this is the Boreal Centre for Bird Conservation, an education and research facility within the park offering interactive exhibits, interpretive programs, and school outreach on local birdlife and conservation.^[121]^[122]^[123] Marten Mountain, rising to an elevation of 1,020 meters above sea level in the park's northern section, offers year-round trails for hiking in summer amid old-growth forests and viewpoints overlooking the lake and foothills. In winter, the mountain's paths support cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, with routes like the 1.6-kilometer Marten River Snowshoe Trail featuring a 30-meter elevation change through scenic terrain.^[124]^[125]^[126] Beyond the park, winter recreation includes snowmobiling on the frozen surface of Lesser Slave Lake itself, permitted only on the lake to protect surrounding habitats, with nearby areas like Nine Mile Point offering over 10 kilometers of groomed trails for powered vehicles. The lake's automobile-accessible shores enhance overall reachability, allowing easy vehicle launches for boats and rentals such as kayaks and stand-up paddleboards from local outfitters like Mike's Kayak Shak, which serve the broader Slave Lake area.^[127]^[128]^[129]

Sports and media

Local sports teams and events

The Slave Lake Wolves were a Junior B ice hockey team based in the town, competing in the North West Junior Hockey League from 1994 until taking a hiatus in 2014.^[130]^[131] The team played home games at the local arena and contributed to the community's strong hockey culture, with the league operating in the Peace River region of Alberta and British Columbia.^[131] Key sports facilities in Slave Lake include the Multi Recreation Centre, which features two ice surfaces for hockey and other winter activities, a field house supporting basketball, volleyball, indoor soccer, and pickleball, and an indoor running track.^[132] Adjacent to the centre is the Northern Lights Aquatic Centre, offering a 25-meter pool, zero-depth entry area, waterslide, and hot tub for swimming programs and community events.^[133] For golf enthusiasts, the Gilwood Golf & Country Club provides an 18-hole public course carved through boreal forest alongside Lesser Slave Lake, with a par of 72 and length up to 6,883 yards.^[134]^[135] Slave Lake has hosted significant sporting events, including the 13th Arctic Winter Games in March 1994, which drew approximately 1,200 athletes from circumpolar regions for competitions in sports like speed skating, curling, and volleyball across local venues.^[136] The town continues to host local tournaments, such as provincial curling qualifiers and bonspiels at the Slave Lake Curling Club, including the annual Oilmen's Cash Spiel and Ladies' Bonspiel.^[137]^[138] In baseball, the Slave Lake Heat minor baseball team organizes youth programs and hosts events like the 18U AA Tier 5 Provincial Championships at Charity Park.^[139]^[140] Community leagues emphasize inclusive participation, with the Slave Lake Minor Soccer Association offering programs from T-ball through U17 competitive levels, including twice-weekly practices and games for youth.^[141]^[142] The Slave Lake Volleyball Club supports club teams for ages 16U and 18U in both girls' and boys' divisions, hosting tournaments like the Season Primer at the Multi Recreation Centre.^[143]^[144] Youth development is further aided by organizations like KidSport Slave Lake, which provides up to $300 annual grants per child for registration fees in various sports.^[145] Following the 2011 wildfires that damaged local infrastructure, including sports facilities, Slave Lake's recovery efforts rebuilt and enhanced recreational assets, with the Multi Recreation Centre and Northern Lights Aquatic Centre reopening to full operation by the mid-2010s as part of broader community resilience initiatives.^[81]^[146] This restoration supported the resumption of leagues and events, fostering ongoing community engagement in sports.^[147]

Media outlets

The primary print media outlet serving Slave Lake is the Lakeside Leader, a weekly community newspaper published every Wednesday. Established in 1972 as the North Land Free Press, it provides comprehensive coverage of local news, including business developments, obituaries, classified advertisements, and community events.^[148] In radio broadcasting, BOOM 92.7 FM (CHSL-FM) operates as the main local station, offering an adult contemporary format with classic hits from the 1970s to the present, alongside community announcements, news updates, and weather reports.^[149]^[150] The station emphasizes local content to connect with residents in Slave Lake and surrounding areas like Wabasca.^[151] Digital media in Slave Lake includes the official town website at slavelake.ca, which disseminates emergency alerts, municipal news, and public service announcements.^[152] Complementing this are regional digital platforms such as the Slave Lake Region website (slavelakeregion.ca), which highlights tourism, economic opportunities, and local attractions through articles and updates.^[153] Local media outlets focus their reporting on key issues like wildfires, economic growth, and community events. For instance, between 2023 and 2025, the Lakeside Leader has featured stories on town council decisions, infrastructure development, and responses to wildfires, including a 2025 blaze near the community.^[154] BOOM 92.7 FM similarly prioritizes timely community broadcasts on these topics. These outlets also provide brief coverage of local sports events, though detailed reporting appears in dedicated sections elsewhere.^[155] Historically, Slave Lake's media played a vital role during the 2011 wildfires, which destroyed about one-third of the town. The Lakeside Leader documented the recovery process extensively in subsequent issues, aiding community rebuilding efforts.^[156] Meanwhile, BOOM 92.7 FM—then branded as 92.7 Lake FM—continued broadcasting evacuation updates and safety information until its studio was destroyed, shifting to internet streaming to maintain communication for evacuees.^[157]^[158] This event underscored the outlets' importance in crisis response and information dissemination.

References

[1]
Slave Lake - Alberta Regional Dashboard
Description: Slave Lake is a town in northern Alberta, Canada, surrounded by the Municipal District of Lesser Slave River No. 124.
[2]
Town History | Slave Lake, AB
The Village of Slave Lake was incorporated in 1961 with 500 residents, and it was officially incorporated as a town in 1965.
[3]
About Slave Lake
Slave Lake is a progressive, dynamic town and one of Canada's ten youngest communities. A tourist hub, within 15 minutes of the town you will discover ...
[4]
[PDF] Fish, Food and the Fur Trade - ERA
... fish in the diet and trade of the HBC and Indigenous peoples, this research explores this lesser known aspect of the trade. Through a series of regional ...<|separator|>
[5]
Insights from Cree Knowledge of the Lesser Slave Lake - jstor
Drawing on the traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) of the Lesser Slave Lake Cree, this paper shares understanding of how resource development has affected ...
[6]
The History of Slave Lake
Thompson established a trading post for the North West Company at the junction of the Lesser Slave River and the Athabasca River. In 1802 it was moved to the ...
[7]
Alberta Forts: page 2 - North American Forts
Aug 12, 2025 · The Hudson's Bay Company post at Lesser Slave Lake was established in 1815 to oppose the North West Company's presence on the lake. There ...
[8]
Fort Assiniboine National Historic Site of Canada
A fur trade post was built here by the Hudson's Bay Company in 1823. Two years later, with the completion of a road from Edmonton House, Fort Assiniboine became ...
[9]
Slave (tribe) | Research Starters - EBSCO
The name "Slave" is derived from their subservient position during conflicts with the Cree, particularly after European contact began in the late 18th century.
[10]
[PDF] An Environmental History of the Hudson's Bay Company's Fur Trade ...
the HBC recognized in the 1840s that the fur trade was in serious decline, due both to decreasing populations of fur-bearing animals and to changing tastes in ...
[11]
[PDF] Freemen and the Edmonton House Fur Trade, 1821- 1828
... Lesser Slave Lake to the Rocky. Mountains and, for the most part, they took their trade to all companies.”15 In the early 1800s however, the Northwest ...
[12]
1935 Slave Lake flood | Lakeside Leader
Dec 16, 2020 · In 1935, the Village of Slave Lake flooded so badly that the town was moved to its current location. At the time, it was on both sides of the ...Missing: 1930s | Show results with:1930s
[13]
Municipal Boundary Document Search
Jun 2, 2016 · Town, Aug 02, 1965, Creation. Order No. 1444, Town of Slave Lake, Town, Sep 15, 1964, Annexation. Incorporation of the Village of Slave Lake ...
[14]
Step into Slave Lake - Alberta Energy Regulator
Oct 8, 2024 · The town of Slave Lake, once known as Sawridge, was established back in 1799 and is located on the southern shore of one of Alberta's largest lakes.
[15]
[PDF] Slave Lake Pulp Corporation 2000 Detailed Forest Management Plan
On November 15, 1990, Slave Lake Pulp entered into a twenty year Forest Management. Agreement with the Province of Alberta for 450,000 ha public land of the ...
[16]
[PDF] Slave Lake - Sawridge Creek - Flood Hazard Study - Summary
Significant flooding in 1988, initiated by debris jams along Sawridge Creek, prompted modification of the flood control channel and implementation of debris ...Missing: mitigation | Show results with:mitigation
[17]
Trash racks have been protecting Slave Lake for over 30 years
Dec 24, 2023 · The trash rack was built after the 1988 flood to keep debris out of town and has been protecting Slave Lake for over 30 years.Missing: mitigation | Show results with:mitigation
[18]
[PDF] Flat Top Complex Wildfire Review Committee
May 18, 2012 · On May 15, 2011, one of the wildfires entered the Town of Slave Lake and destroyed 428 single- family dwellings, seven multi-family residences, ...
[19]
Fire destroys 40% of Slave Lake | CBC News
May 16, 2011 · Almost all 7,000 residents have been evacuated from the town, hundreds going to evacuation shelters in Athabasca, Westlock and Edmonton. As ...
[20]
Slave Lake wildfire becomes arson investigation | CBC News
Nov 1, 2011 · The Alberta government now believes a fire that caused about $700 million in damages after sweeping into Slave Lake on May 15 was deliberately set.
[21]
Ten years later: Five things to know about the Slave Lake wildfire
May 9, 2021 · A wildfire burned about one-third of Slave Lake in northern Alberta in May 2011. Nearly 400 homes and businesses, including an apartment complex ...
[22]
[PDF] Lesser Slave Regional Fire Service 2023 Annual Report
This report will briefly illustrate some of the statistics for the 2023 response year and highlight some of the challenges faced as well look ahead to the ...Missing: recovery | Show results with:recovery
[23]
FireSmart | Slave Lake, AB
We currently provide FireSmart home assessments free of charge to any resident in the Town of Slave Lake or in the MD of Lesser Slave River.Missing: 2023 | Show results with:2023
[24]
Slave Lake - Place names
Location, 31-72-5-W5. Province/Territory, Alberta. Latitude - Longitude (DMS), 55° 16′ 56″ N, 114° 46′ 13″ W. Latitude - Longitude (decimal), 55.2822222 ...Missing: exact | Show results with:exact
[25]
Slave Lake Map & Directions - MapQuest
Located at the longitude and latitude of -114.771000, 55.285300 and situated at an elevation of 590 meters. In the 2016 Statistics Canada Census, Slave Lake ...Missing: geographical coordinates
[26]
Lesser Slave Lake | The Canadian Encyclopedia
Nov 12, 2008 · The first non-Indigenous to arrive at Lesser Slave Lake was David Thompson in 1799 and he traversed it in 1802. The earliest non-Indigenous ...
[27]
Facilities • Lakeside Outreach School - Town of Slave Lake
It is located 257 km north of Edmonton on the southeast shore of Lesser Slave Lake at the junction of Highway 2 and Highway 88. The school offers an ...
[28]
Focus on Geography Series, 2021 Census of Population
In 2021, Slave Lake's population was 6,836, a 2.8% increase from 2016, with 2,405 dwellings, a 3.3% increase, and a density of 477.7 people per square ...
[29]
Lesser Slave Lake Bird Observatory
### Summary of Environmental Features, Wetlands, and Bird Migration Routes near Slave Lake
[30]
Lesser Slave Lake Provincial Park
Lesser Slave Lake Provincial Park · Camping · Trails · Advisories · Boreal Centre · Education · Day Use · Events ...Marten River Campground · Information & Facilities · Park Contacts · Marten River
[31]
https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2021/as-sa/fogs-spg/page.cfm?lang=E&topic=1&dguid=2021A00054817029
[32]
[PDF] Soil Survey of Lesser Slave Lake Provincial Park Study Area and ...
The Lesser Slave Lake park region has a cold snowy forest climate with humid winters, characterized by frozen ground and snow cover lasting several months.
[33]
https://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/north/lesser-slave-lake-pp/
[34]
2021 Census: Opportunity has more Indigenous than non ...
Dec 16, 2022 · Indigenous people are found in all communities in the Slave Lake and Wabasca area, says the Census. These are the majority in some communities ...Missing: demographics composition
[35]
Slave Lake - Aboriginal Population - Alberta Regional Dashboard
Feb 28, 2023 · Slave Lake had 1,780 people who identified as aboriginal in 2021. The aboriginal population of Slave Lake increased 10.9% in the last five years ...Missing: percentage | Show results with:percentage
[36]
Counts of visible minority groups[2], Slave Lake (Town), 2016, 2021
Dec 16, 2022 · Counts of visible minority groups, Slave Lake (Town), 2016, 2021 ; Black, 115, 90 ; Filipino, 550, 715 ; Arab, 155, 185 ; Latin American, 25, 15.Missing: Alberta percentage
[37]
Slave Lake, AB Demographics: Population, Income, and More
83.5% non-immigrants (5,560 residents) · 14.3% immigrants (955 residents) · 2.1% non-permanent residents (140 residents) ...Missing: ethnic composition
[38]
Slave Lake (Town) – Age distribution, 2016 to 2021
Slave Lake (Town) – Age distribution, 2016 to 2021 ; 15 to 64, 2016, 4,640 ; 15 to 64 · 2021, 4,610 ; 65 and over, 2016, 440 ; 65 and over · 2021, 615 ...Missing: percentage | Show results with:percentage
[39]
Slave Lake (Town, Canada) - Population Statistics, Charts, Map and ...
Mother Tongue (C 2021). English, 5,500. French, 100. Indigenous language, 110. Other language, 830. Multiple languages, 275. Located in: Division No. 17 census ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[40]
C.J. Schurter School: Home
Schurter School (K to Grade 3). Learn More. Family Portal. Learn More. Scroll ... Schurter School. 300-6 Ave NE, Slave Lake, AB, T0G 2A2. P: (780) 849-4344 ...
[41]
E.G. Wahlstrom School - High Prairie School Division
Slave Lake, AB, T0G 2A1. P: (780) 849-3539 | Text: (780) 805-9407 · E: egw@hpsd ... Copyright © 2025 High Prairie School Division Website by Imagine Everything.School Council · School News · Bell Times · Calendar
[42]
Roland Michener Secondary School: Home
Roland Michener Secondary School · 106-7 St SE, Slave Lake, AB, T0G 2A3 · Senior High P: (780) 849-3064 | Junior High P: (780) 849-5300 · E: rms@hpsd.ca ...Bell Times · Calendar · Parents and Students · Contact Us<|control11|><|separator|>
[43]
St. Mary of the Lake Catholic School
St. Mary of the Lake Catholic School is located in Slave Lake, Alberta ... 409 - 6 Avenue SW, Slave Lake, AB T0G 2A4 SMOTL.info@livingwaters.ab.ca Phone ...
[44]
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School - Slave Lake
Our goal is that every child who enters our doors will graduate from a faith-filled safe and caring environment prepared for future success.
[45]
Our Schools - Living Waters Catholic Separate School Division
Our Schools ; Grades: 7 - 12 ; Phone: (780) 849-5245 ; Address: 1700 Main Street SW Slave Lake, Alberta TOG 2A0 ; Principal: David Waselenak.
[46]
First Nations, Metis, Inuit - St. Mary of the Lake Catholic School
At St Mary of the Lake, we infuse First Nations, Métis, and Inuit culture into all aspects of education. We invite traditional knowledge keepers from the ...
[47]
Northern Lakes College: Quality Education in Alberta
Creating opportunities is what we do best. Northern Lakes College offers a range of programs and courses with flexible delivery options!
[48]
Continuing Education - Programs & Courses - Northern Lakes College
Continuing Education & Corporate Training (CE&CT;) is your one-stop shop for efficient, and effective employment-related training.
[49]
Slave Lake Healthcare Centre | Alberta Health Services
This facility provides a range of healthcare services including a 24 / 7 emergency department. 7808053500. 309 6 Street NE Slave Lake, Alberta, T0G 2A0. Get ...
[50]
Slave Lake Healthcare Centre - Hospitals - Alberta Health Services
309 6 Street NE Slave Lake, Alberta T0G 2A0 Telephone 780-805-3500 Fax 780-805-3574 Hours of Operation Available 24 hour service Note Visiting Hours 11:00
[51]
Bigstone Health Commission: Home
The Bigstone Health Center is dedicated to providing each and every community member with accessible health care programs designed to nourish the body and the ...Bigstone Health Jobs · Contact Us · Bigstone Health Benefits · Bigstone Pharmacy
[52]
Slave Lake Apple Drugs - Bigstone Health Commission
Services · Prescription Filling · Direct bill to most major drug plans · Compounding · Medication Review and Education · Tobacco Reduction and Cessation ...
[53]
Family & Community Support Services | Slave Lake, AB
Current Programs. Mother Goose · Positive Parenting Program (Triple P) · Early Childhood Play and Learn · Youth Program · Contact Us. FCSS Coordinator. Email ...
[54]
Family and Community Support Services of Slave Lake
To develop locally driven preventive social initiatives to enhance the well-being of individuals, families, and community.
[55]
Youth Programs - Lesser Slave Lake Métis District
Events for youth include Youth Camps, the Headstrong Summit, Youth & Seniors Gatherings, Provincial Events, workshops for everything from beading to Food Safe, ...
[56]
YESS/YOU - Community Futures Lesser Slave Lake
The YESS/YOU Program is looking for both employers looking to hire and workers who are looking for a new job. The project is focused on youth (18-30 years) ...
[57]
View of Counselling Children After Wildfires: A School-Based ...
The present focus is on what school counsellors can do to provide developmentally appropriate interventions to children who have experienced wildfires. We begin ...Missing: post- | Show results with:post-
[58]
Past disasters show how evacuees rebuild and recover ... - CBC
May 9, 2016 · Mental health support is available by calling Alberta's 24-hour ... The Slave Lake, Alta., wildfire of 2011 and the flood in High River ...
[59]
[PDF] Responses to Wildfires— Links to Community Resiliency
Provide additional mental health services for all rural community members that experience wild- fires and psychological support for local leaders and ...
[60]
Rotary Club of Slave Lake Public Library
Search the library's online catalogue at TRACPAC.ab.ca, place holds, renew items you've checked out, and more! Find out more.Membership and Borrowing · Contact Us · About Us · Computers and Internet Usage
[61]
Rotary Club of Slave Lake Public Library | Canada's Alberta
A wide variety of services and programs, including reserving and renewing books, e-resources, free Wifi and computer access, children's programming.
[62]
Lesser Slave Lake Multicultural Association
LSLMA is a group of community members operating as a Not for Profit Society that aim to support ethno-cultural groups in High Prairie, Slave Lake, and Wabasca.Missing: integration | Show results with:integration
[63]
OMNI Project | Community Futures Lesser Slave Lake Region
The Opening-up Multicultural Narrative and Inclusiveness (OMNI) project stands as a visionary, community-driven initiative dedicated to nurturing cultural ...Missing: integration | Show results with:integration
[64]
Lesser Slave Community Futures releases diversity toolkit - CHAT
Jan 22, 2025 · A Lesser Slave Lake region multicultural project has released an online resource called Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Toolkit for Workplaces.
[65]
Cree & Oil in Alberta - Fossil Fuel Connections
Over time, Slave Lake developed into a logging town with a largely inconsequential economy until the 1960s when oil reserves were discovered. A few decades ...Missing: 1950s | Show results with:1950s
[66]
Reeve Kerik Voices Concerns Over Provincial Budget 2025
Mar 4, 2025 · In 2024, our heavy industry players contributed more than $1.6 billion to the Province's GDP; specifically: Forestry Stumpage: $157,000,000.00. ...
[67]
Clearwater Regional Hydrodynamics and Reservoir Study
The Clearwater has now emerged as the top “conventional” oil play in Canada. CDL's 2020 study quoted a production rate of 23,500 bopd, just five years later ...Missing: Lake tripled post-
[68]
The Marten Hills Clearwater Oil Play: From Open Land to High ...
Sep 25, 2019 · Over 6 mmbo have been produced to mid-July 2019. The main players are Spur and Deltastream, with Highwood, Cenovus and CNRL also active (map). A ...
[69]
Lesser Slave Lake Regional : 2021 forest management plan
Forest management plans (FMPs) detail when, where and how timber on Alberta Crown land will be managed in order to balance social, economic and environmental ...
[70]
Profile table, Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population - Slave Lake [Population centre], Alberta
### Summary of 2021 Census Data for Slave Lake, Alberta
[71]
Demographics of Slave Lake, Alberta - Career Beacon
6,836. 2.8%. Population, 2016: 6,651. Land area in square kilometres, 2021: 14.3. Population ...
[72]
Evidence from the Slave Lake Wildfire
We find that the wildfire led to a drop in total income of 9.5% on average in the seven years following the wildfire, mainly explained by a decrease in ...Missing: challenges boom- bust cycles post-
[73]
[PDF] SLAVE LAKE - Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction
The Flat Top Complex of wildfires was particularly destructive, resulting in a total of 484 single-family homes and many other structures destroyed throughout ...
[74]
Study finds tourism operators should keep better stats | Spare News
Mar 13, 2025 · The study found that in 2019, tourism was worth $51.5 million gross domestic product (GDP) for the region, says Churchill. ... Slave Lake Region ...
[75]
Profile table, Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population - Slave ...
Statistics Canada's Census Profile presents information from the 2021 Census of Population - Slave Lake [Population centre], Alberta.
[76]
[PDF] Lesser Slave Lake regional wildfire recovery plan
The objective of the Slave Lake Regional Recovery Plan is to return the region to its pre-disaster state while ensuring that the communities are not socially, ...Missing: 2023 | Show results with:2023
[77]
Canadian Tire Anglers' Cup
The Canadian Tire Anglers' Cup is June 20-21, 2025 in Slave Lake, Alberta, with a guaranteed $15,000 top prize and a youth prize.
[78]
Larry Dahlgren Walleye Tournament - Slave Lake Region
May 23, 2025 · The Larry Dahlgren Walleye Tournament is May 23-24 at Spruce Point Park in Kinuso, AB, starting at 8:00 am and ending at 5:00 pm.
[79]
Tourism powers Alberta's economic growth - Oyen Echo
Oct 29, 2025 · Tourism continues to flourish in Alberta, with visitor spending hitting a record $14.4 billion in 2024, up 12 per cent from the previous year.
[80]
Provincial Funding to Rural and Remote communities
Jun 11, 2024 · Grant amount: $90,000. Community Futures Lesser Slave Lake Region. The region will enhance entrepreneurship, workforce skills and economic ...
[81]
[PDF] Request for Decision - Slave Lake regional Tourism Society - eScribe
Nov 13, 2024 · approve a letter of confirmed support to include with their 2024/2025 Northern Regional. Economic Development and Tourism Growth Program grant ...
[82]
1500 Main St, Slave Lake, AB T0G 2A4 - LoopNet
Aug 12, 2025 · SELECT TENANTS AT CORNERSTONE SLAVE LAKE · Canadian Tire Retailer · Shoppers Drug Mart Retailer · Sobeys Retailer · Staples Retailer · Tim Hortons ...
[83]
Commercial and Industrial Municipal Tax Incentive Bylaw
Dec 12, 2023 · Town of Slave Lake Council passed the Commercial and Industrial Municipal Tax Incentive Bylaw in August 2023 with the intention of providing ...
[84]
Study finds tourism operators should keep better stats
Mar 12, 2025 · The study found that the Lesser Slave Lake region was under-represented online, says Churchill. Many of the tourism providers don't have ...
[85]
Meet Our Council | Slave Lake, AB
2025 - 2029 Council. (Left to Right) Top Row: Councillor/Deputy Mayor Gramlich, Councillor Hudson, Councillor Achoba. Bottom Row: Councillor Williams, ...
[86]
Town of Slave Lake council swore in on Oct. 22 | Lakeside Leader
Oct 29, 2025 · This seven person council has four incumbents Mayor Francesca Ward, Andrew Achoba, Shawn Gramlich, and Kimberly Hughes, and three new ...<|separator|>
[87]
Slave Lake Mayor Ward excited for another term | Lakeside Leader
Oct 29, 2025 · Pearl Lorentzen Local Journalism Initiative Reporter. Town of Slave Lake Mayor Francesca Ward is starting her second term on council.
[88]
https://www.slavelake.ca/CivicAlerts.asp?AID=2024
[89]
[PDF] 2025 Operating Budget - Engage Slave Lake
2025 Budget Summary. TAXATION. 2023 Actual 2023 Budget 2024 Budget 2025 Budget. % Change. 2024/2025. Revenues. Taxes. $9,921,911 $9,676,058 $9,868,455 ...
[90]
Capital and Operations Budget 2025 | Engage Slave Lake
Funding of new projects will amounts to $7,259,500. Carry forward projects and annual projects will require $460,000 in funding. Total funding required in 2024: ...
[91]
No increase in town budget | Lakeside Leader
Mar 4, 2025 · Slave Lake's town council has approved a budget that should result in a zero per cent tax increase, overall, for 2025. The budget was passed at ...Missing: total | Show results with:total
[92]
[PDF] New Developments in Emergency Preparedness in Alberta
Following the 2011 Slave Lake wildfires, the Alberta government introduced several changes to Alberta's emergency preparedness system in Alberta under ...Missing: post- reforms
[93]
[PDF] Tri-Council Intermunicipal Development Plan ... - Town of Slave Lake
Feb 23, 2015 · Box 326, Slave Lake AB T0G 2A0. Municipal District of Lesser Slave River No, 124 (“M.D. 124”). Box 722, Slave Lake AB T0G 2A0. Town of Slave ...
[94]
Town - The Town of Slave Lake and the MD of Lesser ... - Facebook
Jun 16, 2025 · The Town of Slave Lake and the MD of Lesser Slave River No. 124 are pleased to announce they have jointly received a $1,090,000 grant from ...Missing: District | Show results with:District
[95]
Slave Lake - Wikipedia
Slave Lake is a town in northern Alberta, Canada that is surrounded by the Municipal District of Lesser Slave River No. 124. It is approximately 255 km (158 ...
[96]
Slave Lake to High Prairie - 2 ways to travel via bus, and car
Yes, there is a direct bus departing from Slave Lake, AB and arriving at High Prairie, AB. Services depart four times a day, and operate every day. The journey ...
[97]
Alberta Highway 88 - Wikipedia
Highway 88 begins at its intersection with Highway 2 at the Town of Slave Lake, passing through Red Earth Creek and Fort Vermilion and ending at Highway 58.
[98]
Fort McMurray recovery: lessons from the Slave Lake rebuild - CBC
May 14, 2016 · Town officials say about 95 per cent of Slave Lake is rebuilt. It was a process that required patience, organization and the disposal of tremendous piles of ...
[99]
[PDF] 2025-07-11 EN CN Three Year Network Plan.xlsx
Jul 11, 2025 · Slave Lake. 130.90. 263.50. 132.60. Retain. Alberta. Smoky. 263.50. 274.30 ... CN Three-Year Rail Network Plan. Canadian Network. Revised July 11 ...
[100]
Slave Lake Airport
The airport is located on the eastern shore of Lesser Slave Lake approximately 150 miles north of Edmonton Alberta, Canada.Air Charter · Airport Statistics · Car Rental · News
[101]
Airports Near Me - Slave Lake, Alberta - Travelmath
The closest major airport to Slave Lake, Alberta is Edmonton International Airport (YEG / CYEG). This airport is in Edmonton, Canada and is 286 km from the ...
[102]
Utility Rates | Slave Lake, AB
All Town of Slave Lake properties pay $1.80 per cubic meter of water consumed. Water consumption is measured by your water meter and billed on a monthly basis.
[103]
Distribution Facility Maps - ATCO Electric
ATCO Electric develops regulated distribution and transmission projects and plays a key role in the growth of Alberta's industrial sector.
[104]
News Flash • Slave Lake, AB • CivicEngage
Dec 9, 2024 · The current franchise agreement, which took effect in April of 2019, grants ATCO Gas and Pipelines Ltd. the exclusive right to deliver natural ...
[105]
Cold Shot Bus Service | Alberta Intercity Bus & Parcel Delivery
Book affordable intercity bus tickets across Alberta and ship parcels reliably with Cold Shot. Check schedules, stops, fares, and track parcels online.
[106]
New Fibre Installation - Slave Lake - Canada.ca
Slave Lake Communications plans to install underground fiber optic cabling, for Internet purposes, to all residential homes in the Slave Lake.
[107]
Fiber Internet Services - Slave Lake Communications
We're actively expanding our fiber network to bring lightning-fast internet to these communities: ... 508 Birch Rd NE, Slave Lake, Alberta T0G 2A2. Phone: 780-849 ...
[108]
Community Events - Slave Lake Region
Canada Day festivities in Canyon Creek and Slave Lake include BBQs and fireworks and outdoor events for the whole family. Our small and connected communities ...Missing: light | Show results with:light
[109]
Slave Lake Riverboat Daze
Jul 4, 2025 · Riverboat Daze is a summer celebration from July 4-6 with a parade, food, live music, fireworks, a family dance, a farmers market, and a band ...
[110]
Driftpile Cree Nation's Annual Pow Wow 2025 - Slave Lake Region
Driftpile Cree Nation's Annual Powwow will be held from August 15 to August 17, 2025. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details.
[111]
Métis Mingle: Slave Lake - Otipemisiwak Métis Government
Mar 8, 2025 · Métis Mingle: Building Blocks for Family, Well-being, and Culture aims to bring together Métis families and knowledge-holders to strengthen family bonds.Missing: gatherings | Show results with:gatherings<|control11|><|separator|>
[112]
Summer Beach Fest 2025 - Slave Lake Region
The Summer Beach Fest 2025 is on August 9-10 at Devonshire Beach, Range Road 55, Slave Lake, Alberta, Canada.
[113]
Slave Lake Slam - GlobalNews Events
Ice Fishing Tournament during the 4 weekends in February on Slave Lake. The tournament is hosted through the app “MyCatch” by Angler's Atlas and anglers ...
[114]
Don't Miss the Slave Lake Airport Fly-In –… - Lesser Slave River
Aug 13, 2025 · A free, family-friendly event is just around the corner · This Saturday, come together with community members, friends, and family to celebrate ...
[115]
Moonlight Madness - Lesser Slave River
Nov 22, 2024 · Moonlight Madness is a winter festival organized by the Slave Lake and District Chamber of Commerce. The 2024 theme is Gingerbread.Missing: holiday light
[116]
Devonshire Beach South Day Use - Lesser Slave Lake Provincial Park
Oct 10, 2025 · Devonshire is a 3 km-long natural sand beach with groomed and ungroomed sections. Day use parking is available. Maps & Guides.
[117]
Devonshire Beach North Day Use - Lesser Slave Lake Provincial Park
Oct 10, 2025 · Devonshire is a 3 km-long natural sand beach with groomed and ungroomed sections. Day use parking is available. Stand-up paddleboards and kayaks ...
[118]
Kayakomat Kiosk Devonshire Beach | Canada's Alberta
A paddle on a kayak or SUP on this large lake never disappoints and on a calm day, is suitable for beginners. Motorized boats also use the lake and windy days ...
[119]
Marten River Day Use - Lesser Slave Lake Provincial Park
Jul 15, 2025 · Hand boat launch is for canoes, kayaks, and similar small boats that you can carry only. For heavier boats, please use the Municipal ...Missing: SUP | Show results with:SUP
[120]
About the LSLBO | Lesser Slave Lake Bird Observatory
Very near to the eastern shore of the lake is Marten Mountain which has an elevation of 1,020 metres above sea level. The mountain serves as another natural ...
[121]
Boreal Centre for Bird Conservation - Lesser Slave Lake Provincial ...
The Boreal Centre for Bird Conservation is a hub for a variety of programs offered to schools and day camps from Slave Lake and surrounding communities. Lesser ...
[122]
Marten Mountain Viewpoint - Lesser Slave River
The Majesty of Marten Mountain. With an elevation of 1,020 metres (3,346 ft.) above sea level, Marten Mountain is easily visible from many parts of the MD.Missing: hiking | Show results with:hiking
[123]
[PDF] Lesser Slave Lake Provincial Park
Ski through an old-growth jack pine forest. Marten River Campground. Snowshoe Trail – 1.6 km; 30 m elevation change. Enjoy snowshoeing this pretty trail through ...<|separator|>
[124]
Marten Mountain Road Trail - Lesser Slave Lake Provincial Park
Oct 24, 2025 · Length, 5.9 km one-way / 11.8 km return ; Elevation: 341 m ; Difficulty ; Summer ; Winter.Missing: hiking | Show results with:hiking
[125]
Winter Activities - Lesser Slave Lake Provincial Park - Alberta Parks
Mar 20, 2025 · Snowmobiling is permitted ONLY on Lesser Slave Lake. Snowmobiling is not permitted anywhere else in the park. Winter Safety Tips & Rules.
[126]
Winter Sports - Slave Lake Region
The Nine Mile Point recreation area near Wagner has more than 10 km of groomed trails. We get plenty of snow and you're sure to find fresh places to adventure.
[127]
MIKE'S KAYAK SHAK (2025) All You MUST Know Before You Go (w
Rentals of single kayaks, double kayaks, fishing kayaks and stand up paddle boards for Slave Lake and surrounding area.
[128]
Slave Lake Wolves to take one year hiatus from North West Junior ...
The Wolves executive approached the league about taking the single season sabbatical from the league and the request was granted.
[129]
North West Junior Hockey League - Powered By esportsdesk.com
The first NWJHL game was played in the fall of 1994. Slave Lake won the championship that year and Grande Prairie and Sexsmith met in the provincial Junior C ...
[130]
Facilities • Multi Recreation Centre - Town of Slave Lake
The Multi Recreation Centre features concessions, a field house, ice surfaces, indoor play area, indoor running track, and a racquet center for pickleball and ...
[131]
Facilities • Northern Lights Aquatics Centre - Town of Slave Lake
Located at the Northern Lakes College, the Northern Lights Aquatic Centre includes a 25-meter main tank, a zero depth pool, water slide, and hot tub.
[132]
Gilwood Golf Club: Homepage
Gilwood Golf & Country Club is a 18 hole public golf course located in the Lesser Slave Lake provincial park.Book a Tee TimeRatesUpcoming EventsMembershipMenu
[133]
Gilwood Golf and CC Tee Times - Acme AB - GolfNow
Carved through thick forestland and situated beside Lesser Slave Lake, Gilwood Golf and Country Club is an 18-hole public course in Lesser Slave Lake ...
[134]
1994 Slave Lake - Arctic Winter Games International Committee
River of praises runs deep for community. March 9, 1994 1994-03-09 Enthusiastic youth makes Games a success.
[135]
2022/23 Men's Provincial Qualifier - Slave Lake Curling Club
Teams will be given two chances to win a provincial berth through provincial qualifying events. If a team is unsuccessful at one of the qualifying events ( ...
[136]
Calendar | Slave Lake Curling A
Bonspiel Schedule ; Junior Bonspiel. Sat, Nov 01 ; Cashspiel. Fri, Nov 07 ; Family Bonspiel. Sat, Jan 31 ; Ladies' Bonspiel. Fri, Feb 13 ; High School Provincials.Missing: tournaments | Show results with:tournaments
[137]
Schedules & Hosts | Baseball Alberta
Schedule Link. 18U AA Tier 5 - July 25-27, 2025. Host: Slave Lake Heat. Location: Charity Park, Slave Lake. Schedule Link. 18U AA Tier 6 - July 25-27, 2025.
[138]
Slave Lake to host 18U baseball provs. - Lakeside Leader
Jul 5, 2025 · Slave Lake will host the 18U Tier 5 provincial championships. It goes the last weekend of July, the 25th through the 27th.
[139]
Slave Lake Minor Soccer Association - Facebook
Rating 5.0 (8) Full schedule & location will be shared once registration closes. Competitive options for U13–U17 (highly recommended if your child wants to play competitively ...Missing: community volleyball
[140]
Two options for Slave Lake youth soccer this year
Apr 25, 2022 · Kids can't be in both leagues. With Minor Soccer, each age group meets twice a week for six weeks. Each session includes practice and a game.Missing: programs | Show results with:programs
[141]
Slave Lake Volleyball Club - Facebook
Slave Lake Volleyball Club is excited to host our first ever Season Primer Tournament, February 15 & 16, 2025 at the Multi Recreation Centre in Slave Lake.Missing: community | Show results with:community
[142]
Club volleyball | Lakeside Leader
Jan 27, 2024 · The Slave Lake Volleyball Club has three teams this year. The 18U and 16U girls and the 18U boys. The 16U girls and U18 boys are new this year.Missing: soccer youth
[143]
Home - KidSport Slave Lake
KidSport Slave Lake provides grants up to $300 per child/year for registration fees, with all funds staying local to help kids play sports.Missing: soccer leagues
[144]
Resiliency key in Jasper recovery, says mayor who saw Slave Lake ...
Aug 15, 2024 · 10 years later: Former Slave Lake mayor remembers wildfire · The Jasper wildfire is the worst to hit the national park in more than a century.
[145]
What to expect when you're rebuilding: Slave Lake wrote the book ...
May 13, 2016 · It is a holistic, how-to guide for recovery from the ravages of wildfire, based on that community's experiences during and after the May 2011 blaze.Missing: tourism | Show results with:tourism
[146]
About | Lakeside Leader
The Lakeside Leader started in 1972 as the North Land Free Press in Slave Lake, Alberta. Since then, it has published a community paper weekly.
[147]
CHSL boom 92.7 Radio – Listen Live & Stream Online - Radio.net
Rating 3.0 (5) Listen to CHSL boom 92.7 internet radio online. Access the free radio live stream and discover more online radio and radio fm stations at a glance.
[148]
Boom 92.7 - CHSL-FM - FM 92.7 - Slave Lake, AB - Streema
Boom 92.7 - CHSL-FM is a broadcast radio station from Slave Lake, Alberta, Canada, providing Community Information, News, and Weather.Missing: format | Show results with:format
[149]
boom 92.7 - Facebook
boom 92.7. 5312 likes · 23 talking about this. Boom 92.7 in Slave Lake and 94.3 in Wabasca!!!!Missing: format | Show results with:format
[150]
Slave Lake, AB | Official Website
Slave Lake is committed to building opportunities by growing business, industry and population, while promoting ourselves and our exceptional quality of life.Staff Directory · Government · Finance · Planning & Development
[151]
Slave Lake Region™ | Discover Adventure, Opportunity, and ...
Experience The Slave Lake Region and discover adventure, shopping, community living, jobs, tourism & business investment in Northern Alberta.Missing: economic impact
[152]
Lakeside Leader | Slave Lake's Local News
Slave Lake news, Slave Lake newspaper, Alberta, classified ads, business directory, business guide, Slave Lake ads, ads, Slave Lake Alberta, obituaries, ...News · Obituaries · Page 2 of 1009 · AdsMissing: radio | Show results with:radio
[153]
boom 92.7
TOM COCHRANE. I WISH YOU WELL ; THE TRAGICALLY HIP. BOOTS OR HEARTS ; GLASS TIGER. YOU'RE WHAT I LOOK FOR ; THE SPOONS. NOVA HEART ; BARNEY BENTALL & THE LEGENDARY ...Stingray Radio Streaming · On Air · Player · Contact Us
[154]
10th anniversary of the 2011 Slave Lake wildfire: 'Beauty from ashes ...
May 12, 2021 · ... Lakeside Leader Wally Rude is the incumbent trustee representing Calling Lake on… 41p-Kinuso-Roberta-Hunt Hunt seeks re-election for Kinuso ...
[155]
Destroyed Slave Lake radio station turns to internet | CBC News
May 17, 2011 · The studio and transmitter of 92.7 Lake FM went up in flames on Sunday evening, when wildfires ripped through the northern Alberta town of 7,000 ...Missing: BOOM | Show results with:BOOM
[156]
The Lake Rises From Wildfire Ashes - Radio World
Nov 1, 2011 · The fires ripped through the town of Slave Lake on May 15, 2011. Despite the encroaching flames, the staff at The Lake kept broadcasting. But ...