HIGH LEVEL

The Town of High Level is located approximately 253 km north of Peace River or approximately 800 km north of Edmonton, Alberta. Population of 3,641 people (2011 stats) living in 1,272 dwellings, and serving a trading area of about 20,000. One of Alberta's newest communities located in the Footner Lake Forest, the largest in Alberta covering 29,694 square miles.

High Level, Located at mile 180 of the Mackenzie Highway 35, midway between Edmonton and Yellowknife, Northwest Territories.
MORE PHOTOS: Click on the mini-pictures above to enlarge photo.

The name High Level described the height of the land that separates the Peace River and the Hay River. In 1786 fur traders arrived in the area and it wasn't until 1947 that the first settlers arrived. High Level Company was started in High Level in 1957 and a year later the Northland Utilities established the first power plant. The first post office was established in 1958 with Jesse Matheson, the first postmaster. For many years High Level was known as Tloc Moi (Hay Meadow). In those early years when many Beaver Indians roamed the area, it was a stopping place for trappers on their way from Hay Lakes to Fort Vermilion dating back to 1788. Oilfields were discovered in the area in the 1960's. The railway finally came to the area in 1963 and the first hotel was built in High Level in 1964. (It was torn down in 1997) The town was incorporated in 1965.

Main industries include forestry, oil & gas, and agriculture. Major exports are timber and grain.

Footner Forest Products Limited uses the aspen in their OSB plant and employs 425 people from the area. Opened in 2000. DMI High Level Lumber has the largest sawmill in Alberta. It harvests about 1 million cubic meters of timber each year and employs about 300 people. In 1990 Daishowa sawmill merged with Mrubeni to become DMI. In 1999 Tolko Industries Ltd purchased the sawmill from DMI and have averaged 1.25 million m3/year of deliveries over the past 4 years. (2005)
Nov 2007- Ainsworth announced it is closing its High Level mill (jointly owned by Footner Forest Products) effective December 20, 2007. 150 employees will be layed off indefinitely.
Feb 2007- Tolko closes its plant in High Prairie putting more than a 100 employees out of work.
Nov 2009- Tolko Industries has closed its High Level sawmill until further notice putting 300 people out of work as well as contractors will be affected. In 2010 the plant re-opened.



There is plenty of good fishing in the area for Northern Pike, Walleye, Perch, Whitefish, Grayling and Goldeye. Hunters can find moose, deer, bear and geese. There are over 150 species of birds that nest in the area.

Activities In High Level:
Spring fling, dinner and dance. Summer rodeo presented by the High Level and District Agricultural Society. (The first rodeo and parade took place in August of 1969, sponsored by the High Level Agriculture Society.) Canada Day Celebrations are held in Centennial Park. Heritage Day is held at the museum each year in August. Chamber of Commerce holds its annual trade Fair in September.
High Level Agriculture Society. (780) 926-3464.

NOW POSTED: 2013 Events of the Peace Country

High Levels Town Offices and the regions Provincial Government offices are located in the Provincial Building.
For more information on High Level visit the Town of High Level website
Town of High Level (780) 926-2201.
High Level Chamber of Commerce

The Northwestern Regional Health Centre is located on the west outskirts of High Level along Highway 58. The High Level Hospital provides health care for High Level and surrounding area.

The High Level Airport is located north of High Level at Footner Lake. Opened in 1989 and has 5000 foot paved air strip.

The High Level Library, is now located in the Town Hall building at 10601-103 Street. 780- 926-2097.

High Level Echo is a weekly newspaper published every Wednesday. Circulation of about 1570 papers. 10006-97 Street. (780) 926-2000.