Economic Base

Forestry

The Tolko dimensional lumber mill processes the majority of the harvested coniferous timber in the region, making High Level the main service and processing centre for the region’s logging industry. In addition, the world’s largest oriented strand board press is processing almost a million cubic meters per annum of the large aspen reserves of the region.

Oil and Gas

The development of the Rainbow Lake, Zama, and Virgo oil fields in the sixties and the continued exploratory drilling and seismic activity in the area, have made High Level a strategic location.

Agriculture

High Level has the most northerly grain elevator in Canada and is a grain terminal for the large agricultural area. There are approximately 350,000 cultivated acres of farm land in the region and farmers transport their grains from up to 120 kilometers away.

Tourism & Hospitality

High Level is the natural stopping point halfway between Edmonton and Yellowknife on Highway 35. High Level has over 1,000 motel/hotel rooms and many restaurants and bars to cater to your needs.

It is also the crossroads for Highway 58 west to the oil and gas fields around Rainbow Lake and east to Alberta’s oldest community of Fort Vermilion, dating from the fur trading days of the 1790’s. The museum and tourist information centre in High Level relives the history of the area and provides full information on what to do and where to go. Information packages are available on request for companies wanting information for prospective employees.

Retail

High Level’s central location within the Northern Peace Region has allowed the Town to emerge as the dominant retail and professional service centre for the area. There are over 300 trade establishments providing a large array of goods and services including numerous motels and restaurants, as well as a selection of department and specialty stores.