Grande Cache

Welcome

Majestic vistas of mountain peaks and valleys encircle a small town sitting high in the front ranges and foothills of the Canadian Rockies. Grande Cache is a growing community with a wealth of opportunity in tourism, residential and resource industry development.

For More Information on the Town of Grande Cache visit: www.grandecache.ca

Area Overview

Modern living in Grande Cache is balanced with mountain wilderness, affordability, and a genuine small-town atmosphere. Built on a mountain plateau, the town faces south towards the Continental Divide and the pristine Willmore Wilderness Park. An elevation of 4200 feet gives a panoramic view of 21 mountain peaks and 2 river valleys. Grande Cache offers outstanding outdoor adventure, relaxed lifestyle and unparalleled potential. It is a growing community with a wealth of opportunity in tourism, residential, and resource industry development.

Due to the change in Grande Cache’s economy, the make-up of the town’s population has definitely changed since 2001.  While the 2006 Census indicates that the current population in Grande Cache is 3,783, the Town is confident that this number has now risen over 4,000 and the estimated population of Grande Cache is closer to 4,200. 

There are six aboriginal Co-ops within the area with a total of over 330 residents.  A number of work camps exist within the trading area, although these tend to be more transient based, therefore it is difficult to calculate actual population.

Many of our key industries are experiencing significant growth, which will affect our population in the near future with additional families being recruited to the community.

The Town of Grande Cache has developed into a mature community with a wide range of businesses and community services.  Retail development, hotels, and government services are concentrated in the Town Centre consisting of seven multi-purpose buildings located around common parking areas.  The Grande Cache Community Health Complex is located immediately north of the Town Centre. 

Private developers have purchased commercial mixed-use and industrial land immediately east of the Town Centre across Highway #40 at both the north and south ends of town.  Development has began in the fall of 2008.  The Town of Grande Cache is currently in the process of acquiring approximately 2,400 acres of land from the Province south of the community towards the Sulphur River to provide for additional residential, commercial, and recreational developments. 

Multi-family housing is located to the west of the Town Centre.  Large areas of predominantly single-family housing extend west and south from the Town Centre in six Stages.  New residential lots have been developed to support the town’s growth and are currently available for sale.

Climate

The weather is moderate. Winters are tempered by warm Chinook winds. Summers are mild with temperatures ranging between 15 to 25 degrees Celsius. The town’s northern location gives it more than 17 hours of daylight on a summer day.

Community Services

The Town of Grande Cache has a variety of services, which creates a self-sufficient community. Everything is close and convenient.

Recreation Facilities
Community Services
Other Services
Commercial Services
Accommodations

Recreation Facilities
The town offers a surprising range of facilities for its size: the Akasaka Recreation Center has a 25-meter heated pool, curling rink, indoor ice arena and fitness center. Outside the center is a basketball court in the summer and outdoor ice rink in the winter, a soccer/football field and volleyball, tennis/badminton courts and a skateboard ramp.  The redevelopment of the Akaska Recreation Centre is expected to begin Fall of 2009.  Highlights planned include a new aquatic facility. 

Within town limits are several baseball diamonds with dug-outs, a small BMX track, and a stunning 9-hole golf course and driving range.  Golfing at an elevation 4200 feet gives you the feeling of playing among the mountain tops.

Whether it’s family time, picnic time, or playtime you can do it all in the numerous parks and playgrounds in the town area. There are playgrounds that offer equipment for children to play on, and Grande Cache Lake has a large picnic and play area on the beach, a perfect place for a tasty barbecue!

In winter, the Atco Power pond offers a beautiful place to skate at night with full lighting. For outdoor gatherings, the Firemen’s Park offers an excellent group barbeque spots with horseshoe pits, a playground, covered cooking area and a spectacular view of the Sulphur River canyon.

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Community Services
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police has a full detachment to provide community police services. A full-time Basic Life Support Ambulance is on hand, as well as a volunteer Fire Department and Search & Rescue with 24-hour service, a fully equipped fire hall and a complete line of rescue vehicles.

The Grande Cache Community Health Complex is an operational hospital (no surgery). Whispering Pines Extended Care Centre is adjacent to the Health Complex. Health programs can be found at the Peace County Health Center.   Specialized Health Services available in the community include a Seniors' Wellness Clinic, Home Care, Mental Health Clinic, Occupational Therapy, Pregnancy Care Center, Nutrition Counseling, Speech Therapy, Chiropractic, Massage and Physiotherapy. The Peace Country Health Center also provides a variety of programs and services.

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Other Services
There are a number of different faiths represented in the town, as well as special interest groups and organizations.

Churches:
Cornerstone Mountain Assembly, Grande Cache United Church, Holy Cross Roman Catholic Parish, Kingdom Hall, Pineview Alliance Church, Mount Carmel Lutheran Church.

Health Assistant Groups:
Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Centre (AADAC), Alcoholics Anonymous, Transition House Society, Victim Services Unit.

Financial/Employment Services:
Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH), A Food Bank, Aseniwuche Winewak Nation Job Corps, Job Start Employment Centre.

Aboriginal / Metis Services:
Aseniwuche Winewak Nation (AWN), Metis Local #1994, Metis Employment Services

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Commercial Services
The community provides for everyday needs through a varied retail sector. All the basics are covered, including groceries, clothing, automotive, hardware and building supplies. The town center is home to a variety of shops and restaurants. Professional services are also available, such as real estate, insurance, financial and legal services.

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Accommodations
Back in town, travelers can stay in a variety of accommodation choices; hotels and inns, bed & breakfasts, and vacation suites. Out of town, there is a backcountry lodge, and a municipal bunkhouse facility, Hide-Away Camp.  There are several campgrounds: the Grande Cache Municipal Campground is fully serviced and right in town. There are other campgrounds adjacent to the community and along the highway both north and south.

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Visit our Business Directory.
Visit our Community Registry.

Community Lifestyle

   

Life in the Rockies:
Those used to city life will marvel at the gentle pace in Grande Cache. In part, this is because everything is neatly contained within a small area. There’s no commuting, traffic, or even worrying about where to park. Children can safely walk to school, or ride their bike to a friends’ house. Crime is rare and kindness is frequent – and backing it all is a spectacular mountain backdrop. For residents, Grande Cache is small-town Alberta in a spectacular setting.

Enhancing the lifestyle, outdoor recreation and incredible scenery are two major draws for residents of Grande Cache. The town is adjacent to Willmore Wilderness Park, the largest mountain wilderness area in Alberta. The pristine area is surrounded by vast tracts of wilderness, with a trail, river or lake in every direction. Hikers, bikers, hunting and fishing enthusiasts all enjoy the easy access the Grande Cache area boasts. Camping areas abound, and nearby Pierre Grey Lakes Provincial Recreation area, with five lakes and developed camping spots, is a popular weekend destination.

Recreation, Culture, & Heritage
Grande Cache offers its residents a variety of options for recreation and sports. Outdoor adventure, organized sports and clubs, and parks and playgrounds, Grande Cache has it all!

Willmore Wilderness Park. "The Willmore" is the perfect haven for any outdoor enthusiast, offering a great number of trails and a vast expanse of untouched wilderness to explore by foot, bike or horse. If you want to stay closer to home, the area around the town is easily accessed by a marked trail network. The town trails are traveled by hikers, bikers and ATV’s. For those who love the water, the area is home to many rivers and lakes for fishing, canoeing and kayaking. Guided adventures are available for white water rafting, horseback riding and hiking. In the winter, the outdoors can be enjoyed on snowmobiles, snow-shoes, cross-country skis.

If you have a sense of competition, like to socialize, or just want to participate in some community fun, Grande Cache offers a variety of clubs for all ages. Youths can participate in figure skating, minor hockey, a swim club, karate, Army Cadets, dance and several other organizations. Adults and seniors can enjoy, among other things, an art club, hiking club, baseball and curling teams, a seniors club, golf tournaments, hockey, and volunteer search and rescue and fire department.

One of the best reasons to live in Grande Cache is to enjoy an active, outdoor lifestyle!  

 

Special Events/Attractions:
Grande Cache is home of the North Face Canadian Death Race, a 125 kilometre extreme running race. The trail includes three mountain summits and over 17,000 feet of elevation change, as well as the crossing of a major river at our spectacular Sulphur Gates canyon at the confluence of the Smoky and Sulphur Rivers. This race is held every August long weekend.

During the race weekend, residents, visitors, and racers can take part in Grande Cache's largest community festival; Deathfest - This family friendly "Killer Party" runs every August long weekend and is a true showcase of the community.  The festival features great musical acts during the Saturday & Sunday night "Killer Concerts" and variety of other entertainment all weekend long.

The unique Passport to the Peaks hiking program celebrates the beauty of the 21 mountain peaks that surround Grande Cache, and is designed to encourage hikers of every skill level to achieve a summit... or several! Each mountain is rated as either Bronze, Silver or Gold depending upon the level of difficulty. On each summit is a Cairn Box with an embossing Summit Stamp mounted inside, particular to that mountain.

Nestled in the foothills of the Rocky mountains Grande Cache has, arguably, some of the best paddling in Alberta, not to mention Western Canada.  To help facilitate familiarization with our rivers and provide an incredible opportunity for socializing the Grande Cache Branch of the Hinton Strokers puts on the Grande Cache Wild River Rendezvous. On this weekend the club hosts out-of-town paddlers to the local paddling menu by day and social events by night -fun, fun, fun, so don’t miss it!

Hospitality:
A variety of accommodations exist in Grande Cache, including 7 hotels, motels, and inns with over 440 rooms.  There are also bed and breakfasts, lodges, cabins, and campgrounds.  Ten full service restaurants, 5 lounges, and 3 take-out restaurants service the town. Learn how to stay with us.

Economic Base

The Town of Grande Cache was established in the early seventies to accommodate the development of a coal mine. Throughout its short history, Grande Cache’s economy has been strongly affected by the ever-changing world markets for natural resources.

In response to booms and recessions, the community strove for economic diversification, and successfully expanded into different industries.  Today, the key industries in Grande Cache are oil & gas exploration and development, forestry, coal production, tourism, thermal-electricity generation, and a federal correctional institution. There is a varied retail sector servicing residents & visitors, and a growing service sector supporting expanding resource industries in the area.

Key Industries:

Oil & Gas Exploration and Development - There is rapid expansion of oil and gas development in the area. EnCana Corporation and Conoco Phillips Canada have both set up operations in the community.  EnCana has 96 employees and retained contractors in Grande Cache.  Conoco Phillips has 50 contract operators and employees based out of their local office. Numerous other companies are working in the area.

Coal Production - Grande Cache Coal Corporation currently employs 275 people and is planning on expanding operations to meet the global demand for metallurgical coal.  It is expected that there will be a steady increase in produced tonnage over the foreseeable future. 

Milner Power is looking to commence mining operations at #14 Mine in 2009, requiring 75 new full time employees.

Thermal-Electricity Generation - Milner Power’s power plant currently employs 66 people, and uses coal to produce electricity. Operation expansions include a newly proposed $1.4 billion dollar power plant.  This unit could start breaking ground late 2009 or early 2010.  One thousand workers will be involved during the 3-year construction time, with as many as 700 workers at one time.  Once in operation, up to 40 new employees will be hired.

Forestry - Forestry continues through timber harvesting and the opening of a value-added lumber mill by Foothills Forest Products, which employs 175 people.  There are plans to expand the wood pellet production, as well as potential expansion for power generation and the value-added forest products operation.

Federal Correctional Institution - The Grande Cache Institution is immediately adjacent to the town, and is in the process of moving from minimum to medium security.  They currently employ 200 staff, and plan on recruiting 80 additional employees by the end of 2008.

Tourism - The tourism economy continues to grow to help diversity our economic base, with increasing tourism products and services.  We currently have Wild Blue Yonder rafting tours, Taste of Wilderness hiking tours, U Bar Trail Rides and High Country Vacations for horseback trips, and Pacific Western Helicopters, offering sightseeing tours, heli-hiking, skiing, etc. 

Economic growth in Grande Cache has been strong over the last several years and is anticipated to continue into the foreseeable future.

Another one of the town’s strongest areas of growth is in residential property. Recently, record amounts of construction permits have seen the development of new hotels, condos, and dozens of new houses. Grande Cache is drawing the attention of recreational property buyers around the province and is looking to foster the develop of tourism in the region.  As well, there is experiencing considerable demand for industrial and commercial land, primarily for the resource industry services sector.

Economic Facts

Grande Cache offers endless opportunities for outdoor recreation and adventure, a relaxed lifestyle and ever expanding investment potential. Sharing in the Alberta economic boom, the Grande Cache area is experiencing a rapid expansion of oil and natural gas development, forestry, coal production, and tourism.   These sectors have significantly diversified the economy, and will better equip the town to weather future downturns in the commodity markets.  Economic growth has been strong over the last several years and is anticipated to continue into the foreseeable future.  Significant growth in all sectors of the economy is creating new employment opportunities in Grande Cache. 

Looking at long-term development, Grande Cache is seeking developers and investors with tourism, recreation, and residential products to help realize the potential of the area.  A strong core group of business owners, working with the community, are dedicated to the future. 

Tremendous opportunities await those who embrace New Urbanism Principles.  Be a part of the exciting growth of our vibrant and progressive mountain community!

For more Economic Facts visit our doing business section by clicking here

Education

All levels of public education are available in Grande Cache. There are public schools that provide children with a close-knit school environment from Kindergarten to Grade 12. There is a Christian school program for children from Kindergarten to Grade 8. For those of Aboriginal descent, the Susa Creek School provides education within a cultural setting.

Grande Cache is part of the Grande Yellowhead Regional School Division #35, headquartered in Edson [Tel: 780-723-4471].

The following is a list of the public schools and organizations offering educational services:

• Sheldon Coats Elementary School: Public school Kindergarten to Grade 3
• Summitview Middle School: Public school grades 4 to 8
• Grande Cache Community High School: Grades 9 to 12
• SonRise Christian School: A charter school with grades Kindergarten to grade 8, offering the Alberta curriculum from a Christian perspective
• Susa Creek School: A school located in a nearby Aboriginal settlement, offering grades kindergarten through grade 8 from an Aboriginal perspective

Emergency Services

Click here for a listing of Grande Cache emergency contact phone numbers.

Emergency 9-1-1 service provides easy access to Police, Fire and Ambulance service in Grande Cache.

Fire Protection
Grande Cache is served by a 35-member volunteer fire department, providing 24 hour service. They have a fully equipped fire hall and a complete line of rescue vehicles.  Correctional Services Canada provides back up.

Police Services
Grande Cache is served by a local detachment of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).

Ambulance Services 
The Grande Cache Emergency Medical Services (GCEMS) is a full-time Basic Life Support ambulance service provided by the Town of Grande Cache.

The full-time service is also supplemented by part-time Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) pre-hospital care practitioners. The service provides emergency and non-emergency pre-hospital care over a coverage area of approximately 4000 sq.km.

Health Care

Click here for a listing of Grande Cache health contact phone numbers.

Grande Cache Community Health Complex has 10 acute care beds, 5 physicians, an Aboriginal Health Liaison, Palliative/Pediatric/Pastoral care, Physiotherapy, X-ray facilities and laboratory.  The Health Unit maintains an office in the Provincial Building.

Other medical services include a medical clinic, a public health nurse, chiropractor, two physiotherapists and one dentist. The nearest full-time optometrist is located in Hinton or Grande Prairie, but an optometrist has an office in town which is open one day per week.

Specialized health services are available through the Grande Cache unit of the Mistahia Health Region and include:

• Seniors' Wellness Clinic: provides seniors the opportunity to discuss general health issues, blood pressure checks and other special programs that include exercise, diabetic information and teaching to name a few.
• Home Care: works in conjunction with the Wellness Clinic and addresses issues such as foot care, massage and physiotherapy as well as home visits to those unable to be out and about.
• Mental Health Clinic: provides family, individuals and groups a variety of support and counseling for emotional and family issues. It also has a walk-in clinic one day a week.
• Occupational Therapy: as needed from Grande Prairie.
• Nutrition Counseling: this clinic operates through the Grande Cache Community Complex giving advice for weight problems, eating disorders and other dietary needs.
• Speech Therapy: works with individuals that have problems with swallowing, speech impediments including stroke patients and other special needs.

Key Contacts for Business Development

For more information on the Town of Grande Cache, contact:

Tara Wignes, Manager of Economic Development & Tourism
Town of Grande Cache
Box 300
Grande Cache, AB T0E 0Y0
Ph: 780.827.3362 ext. 27
Fax: 780.827.2406
E-mail: tara.wignes@grandecache.ca

Darren Ottaway, Chief Administrative Officer
Town of Grande Cache
Box 300
Grande Cache, AB T0E 0Y0
Ph: 780.827.3362 ext. 31
Fax: 780.827.2406
E-mail: darren.ottaway@grandecache.ca

Location

The Town of Grande Cache, Alberta is an undiscovered gem! Nestled midway between Grande Prairie and Hinton on Highway 40, the scenic route to Alaska, the town is just under a two hour drive from Jasper National Park.

Distance From:

• Edmonton - 440 kms
• Hinton - 140 kms
• Grande Prairie - 180 kms

Learn more about getting here.

Post Secondary Education

Different post-secondary educational services are available through Grande Cache, including the following:

• Grade Expectations: An off-campus education center, providing correspondence courses
• C.A.L.C: Community Adult Learning Council offers adult education and community learning programs
• Y.R.E.C: Yellowhead Regional Educational Consortium, providing academic courses and upgrading for ages 18 and up. Also provides courses from various other educational institutions through distance learning (University of Alberta and Athabasca, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology [NAIT], Grant MacEwan Community College and Grande Prairie Regional College).

Taxation

2008	Residential	Non-Residential
Municipal Tax Rate	6.665	17.329
Education (ASFF)	1.985	4.115
Seniors Accommodation	0.447	0.447
Total Mill Rate	9.097	21.891

Transportation

Air Service
Grande Cache Municipal Airport is located 24 kms from town, has a 5,000-metre runway and is operated on a 24-hour basis. The airport handles charter and emergency flight transportation.  Major Airports are located in Grande Prairie, Hinton/Jasper, and Edmonton.
Click here for more information about the Grande Cache Airport.


Rail Service
Alberta Rail-Net serves Grande Cache under contractual arrangements. Passenger service is provided by Canadian National Railways to Hinton, which is the closest depot.


Highways
Grande Cache is connected to Hinton to the south, and Grande Prairie to the north, via Highway 40, the Bighorn Highway.


Trucking Services

• Byers Transport Ltd
• E & L Trucking 
• Grimshaw Trucking
• Jack Pine Transport Ltd. 
• Ranger Trucking
• Summit Transport
• Yanusz Trucking      

Couriers & Delivery Services

• Cordal Hotshot Service Ltd.
• DHL Express (Canada) Ltd.
• Early Bird Express & Hot Shot
• Foster's Delivery Services
• Purolator

Taxis

• BJ Taxi
• Grande Taxi  

Click here to seach our business directory by category.

Utilities

Quick Links:

Electricity Natural Gas Telephone Services Internet Services Cable & Satellite Television

Water Waste Management Garbage Collection Landfill Information Recycling

Electricity:
Direct Energy
1-888-420-3181

Direct Energy
1-888-420-3181

Direct Energy
1-888-420-3181
www.DirectEnergyRegulatedServices.com

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Natural Gas:
Alta Gas Utilities
1-866-222-2067
www.altagasutilities.com/contract.htm

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Telephone Services:
Telus
310-2255
www.telus.ca

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Internet Services:
Telus
310-2255
www.telus.ca

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Cable & Satellite Television:
Northern Cablevision
1-800-661-1904
www.northerncablevision.ab.ca

Bell ExpressView & Star Choice
available through The Source
780-827-3939

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Water:
Town of Grande Cache
780-827-3362

Water Supply: Victor Lake and Grande Cache Lake are the Town's water sources. The water is filtered and chlorinated, then distributed through a modern piping system.

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Waste Management:
Town of Grande Cache
780-827-3362

Sewage treatment is provided by a secondary wastewater treatment plant. The facility has the capacity for twice the current load.

Residential refuse is collected weekly, while the business sector is serviced 3 times a week. A modified landfill facility is located 1.5 km from town.

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Garbage Collection:
Town of Grande Cache
780-827-3610
Click here for more information.

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Landfill Information:
Town of Grande Cache
780-827-3610
Click here for more information.

Grande Cache Landfill
(North Highway 40)

Accepts:

• Car batteries
• Wood
• All Metal
• Computers, TV & electronics
• Tires-all sizes
• Wrecked vehicles
• Household waste

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Recycling in Grande Cache:
Town of Grande Cache
780-827-3610 or 780-827-3362
Click here for more information.

Grande Cache Landfill
(North Highway 40)

• Car batteries
• Wood
• All Metal
• Computers, TV & electronics
• Tires-all sizes
• Wrecked vehicles

Town Office
(10001 Hoppe Ave)

• Ink cartridges

Public Works
(9706 Shand Ave)

• Used oil
• Oil filters
• Plastic oil jugs
• Oil pails
• Recyclable Batteries

Recycle Depot
(Located on the ball diamonds road)

• Clear & coloured glass
• Newspaper, office paper, envelopes, flyers & catalogues
• Tin cans
• # 2, # 4, # 5 plastics
• Milk cartons

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Population

Total Population 1991-2001

Grande Cache Population by Age Group (2001)

Education Statistics

Grande Cache Highest Level of Schooling 2001

Labour Force

Grande Cache Labour Force By Industry - 2001

Income

Family Expenditure

Grande Cache Family Expenditures (1996)

Building Permits

Total Housing Starts

Value of Building Permits

Dwellings

Projects

Summary of Projects in Grande Cache as of April 2009

Value of Projects by Sector (as of April 2009)

Largest Projects in Grande Cache as of April 2009