Living in Lac La Biche County

As your playground of opportunity, Lac La Biche County is a community of choice in northeastern Alberta. The hamlets of Lac La Biche and Plamondon are the urban service areas for a municipality covering more than 12,000 square kilometres. Rolling farmland, panoramic lake views and tranquil forests are all right in our backyard.

Our community has all of the amenities you need to live, learn, work, raise a family or retire here. The same qualities that made this region attractive in the olden days still apply in modern times: we have abundant resources, a pristine environment and room to grow.

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Education

Three school divisions operate in Lac La Biche County, with K-12 schools running in both Lac La Biche and Plamondon.

Northern Lights Public Schools
Conseil Scolaire Centre-Est (East Central Francophone Education)
Lakeland Catholic Schools

Portage College is a regional post-secondary institution that has been based in the local area for 50 years. The college’s main campus, which includes a housing complex for students, is located in the hamlet of Lac La Biche.


Business

Lac La Biche County is the gateway to the South Athabasca Oil Sands. The oil sands are among the world’s largest oil reserves, and the energy sector is a major source of employment in northeastern Alberta. With the only direct route to the South Athabasca Oil Sands, Lac La Biche County is ideally situated to become a nexus of development.

Our County’s main economic drivers are the oil and gas industry, forestry, agriculture and tourism. Organizations like the Lac La Biche and District Chamber of Commerce and Community Futures Lac La Biche promote economic development in the community.


Healthcare

William J. Cadzow – Lac La Biche Healthcare Centre
Associated Medical Clinic

Lac La Biche Regional Health Foundation is a non-profit organization working to enhance healthcare in the area. Created in 2015 with support from the County, the group has already successfully fundraised for new medical equipment at the local hospital.

The community also contains dental clinics, pharmacies, chiropractors and other healthcare amenities.


Libraries

Lac La Biche County Libraries, a division of Northern Lights Library System, operates two public libraries in Lac La Biche County.

Stuart MacPherson Public Library
Plamondon Municipal Library


Recreation

Lac La Biche County is home to a wealth of recreation options and attractions, from state-of-the-art indoor facilities to secluded wilderness retreats. Programs and amenities to suit a variety of lifestyles and fitness levels are offered at the Bold Center and Portage Pool. In the great outdoors, you can explore the islands of Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park, lounge on the beach in McArthur Park, and more.

For more information, visit our Attractions & Experiences page or browse our Community Activity Guide.


Social

Our community is fortunate to have a large number of clubs and organizations catering to people from all walks of life. Opportunities to participate, volunteer and meet new people abound. In addition, the County’s own FCSS and Community Development department focuses on social programs that enhance residents’ quality of life and bring community members together.

The region is also home to a network of different social service agencies. Please consult the Community Directory for more information.


Transportation

There are over 1,000 kilometres of roadways in the County, and Highways 36, 55 and 881 intersect just outside of the hamlet of Lac La Biche. These highways are major transportation corridors, putting Lac La Biche County at an important junction midway between Edmonton and Fort McMurray.

Distance from:

Cold Lake: 147 kilometres (1.5 hours)
Edmonton: 219 kilometres (2.5 hours)
Fort McMurray: 291 kilometres (3 hours)
Calgary: 531 kilometres (5 hours)

The County also operates the Lac La Biche Airport, located approximately two kilometres west of the hamlet of Lac La Biche.