Our Communities

Town of Athabasca

View of Athabasca from riverAthabasca is the primary service centre for the region, and is the home of AVPS’s Division Office. The Town of Athabasca has a population of 2965. The town of Athabasca offers residents all key primary services, and also includes a Regional Multiplex fitness facility, Athabasca University, Northern Lake College, and a plethora of beautiful outdoor activities for everyone to enjoy. The beautiful Athabasca River runs alongside of the town.

Schools located within the Town of Athabasca are:

Whispering Hills Primary School

Whispering Hills Primary School (Pre-K-3)

 

Landing Trail Intermediate School

Landing Trail Intermediate School (Grades 4-6)

 

Edwin Parr Composite School

Edwin Parr Composite School (Grades 7-12)

 

Centre for Alternative & Virtual Education

The Centre for Alternative and Virtual Education (The CAVE) (Grades 7-12)

 

Athabasca County

Couple walking along river in autumnCovering approximately 6,327 square kilometers, the Athabasca County is rich in history and natural beauty, featuring an abundance of lakes and rivers, along with many scenic hiking and cross-country ski trails. Located just ninety minutes north of Edmonton in a mixed landscape of boreal forest, lakes, and farms, the Athabasca region thrives on the strength of its agriculture, forestry, and natural gas sectors. The region is also an affordable residential option for many who commute to the oil sands via Highways 2/55/63. Communities within the Athabasca County region include Athabasca, Boyle, Calling Lake, Colinton, Grassland, Rochester and Wandering River.

Schools contained within the County are:

Rochester School (K-9), Grassland School (K-9), Boyle School (K-12) and all schools located within the Town of Athabasca.

Village of Boyle

Gazebo in parkBoyle is located 160 km north of Edmonton on Highway 63 at a terrain ‘pinchpoint’ (lakes & hills!) where, in a 10 km wide swath, the main highway to Fort McMurray, the CN Railway to Fort McMurray, and 4 pipelines all come together. Boyle is at the southern end of a 100 km stretch of Highway 63 known as the ‘Alberta Energy Corridor’. This is strategically situated 100 km north of the ‘Industrial Heartland’ between Redwater and Fort Saskatchewan; 200 km south of Ft McMurray, 150 km west of Cold Lake, and 150 km SE of Wabasca. Boyle School (K-12) serves the Village of Boyle and surrounding area.

Town of Smoky Lake

Children playing on giant pumpkinsSmoky Lake is recognized as the Pumpkin Capital of Alberta and the home of the annual Great White North Pumpkin Fair. Residents and visitors enjoy a state of the art Golf Club, a Spray Park for the kids a Curling Rink and even the Complex Ice Arena. With many Restaurants, Hotels, Alberta Registries, Hardware Store, and even a fully equipped Hospital . The town offers most of the services of the city without the line ups and traffic. H.A. Kostash School (K-12) is located within the Town of Smoky Lake.

Smoky Lake County

Woman on dock overlooking lakeLocated just over an hour (120 km / 75 miles) northeast of Edmonton in Alberta's Lakeland, Smoky Lake County has over 5,000 residents and features great opportunities for affordable country living, recreation, agriculture and development. There are a large number of lakes and natural areas attractive to vacationers and wildlife enthusiasts, and a 50 mile stretch of the north shore of the North Saskatchewan River that is virtually undeveloped.  The schools located within Smoky Lake County are HA Kostash School in Smoky Lake (K-12) and Vilna School (K-12).

Village of Vilna

Large mushroom statues in parkThe Village of Vilna is a thriving community of approximately 300 residents located in the Lakeland and Kalyna Country tourism districts. The local economy is vibrant and varied, including agriculture, peat processing, retail, tourism, forestry, oilfield and  construction. Vilna is located in east-central Alberta in Smoky Lake County, approximately 1 1/2 hour’s drive from Edmonton’s east city limit and Cold Lake's west limit on Highway 28; 3 1/2 hours drive north to Fort McMurray; 3/4 hour to Lac La Biche and 1/2 hour drive east to the Town of St. Paul. Its great location is on a major transportation artery with proximity to farms, lake resorts and First Nations reserves. 20 minutes to the west is the Town of Smoky Lake. Vilna School (K-12) is located in the Village of Vilna.

Thorhild County

Welcome to Thorhild County signBusiness or pleasure, whatever brings you to Thorhild County, you're sure to get a warm welcome from area residents.  As a small community with a big heart, we enjoy sharing the beauty of our surroundings and our peaceful living attracts new residents from across the country to our Hamlets of Abee, Egremont, Newbrook, Radway, Thorhild, Opal and Long Lake. Residents enjoy small town living close to the Cities of Edmonton and Fort Saskatchewan, and we have also become popular as a commuter community for the workers in Fort McMurray The school located within Thorhild County is Thorhild Central School (K-12).

MD of Lesser Slave River

There are many wonderful places to live in the great region of Lesser Slave River. Whether it's the search for true work/life balance, the desire to be closer to friends and family, or the lure of an exciting career opportunity, Lesser Slave River has much to offer anyone with an open mind and an adventurous spirit. The halfway point between Edmonton and Fort McMurray, Lesser Slave River has an abundance of amenities, opportunities and recreational outlets. Above all, those who venture to our region for a short visit or a permanent home will find a close-knit network of family-first communities. The school located within the MD of Lesser Slave River is Smith School (K-9).


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