One of the youngest towns in the Province of Alberta, Rainbow Lake was incorporated in 1966, and since that first vision has continued to grow into the vibrant community that it is today. Residents and visitors alike get to experience the wonder and beauty of a boreal forest, abundant wildlife, including woodland buffalo, spectacular Northern Lights displays, the true flavour of each of the four seasons through quad a snowmobile trails, and the generous volunteer spirit shared by many who come here.
Rainbow Lake is a family oriented community where parents still have the comfort of knowing their children can enjoy outdoor activities, walking to school or a friend's house just as we did when we were children, and our Bylaw Enforcement Officer and local RCMP Detachment are dedicated to keeping it that way.
Rainbow Lake has one of the most picturesque and challenging 9-hole golf courses in Northern Alberta, and children are also welcome to play. We also have a new artificial ice arena, 3 sheet curling rink, library, fitness centre, and are currently in the midst of renovating the Rec Plex, our community hall. The Lake itself is only 45 kilometers from Town and offers a campground, beach, boat launch, great fishing, and opportunities for water sport activities.
The Rainbow Lake School serves grades K—12, and a new gymnasium has just been completed, as have renovations to the old gym, turning it into a CTS shop complete with wood working and welding stations. For specialized subjects not available directly at the school, there is a video learning suite tied into the Provincial Supernet System, providing real-time classroom experiences through the other schools in the Fort Vermilion School Division.
The Rainbow Lake Nursery School offers programming for 3 and 4 year olds at its own community supported facility, and the Rainbow Lake Daycare will soon be offering services for toddlers in addition to a before and after school care program in buildings located immediately adjacent to the School. We also have a Youth Centre for older kids open after school and most evenings.
Local industry is predominately oil and gas related, but there is also logging in the area and a thriving service community. By the fall of 2012 the 10 year project to widen and resurface Highway 58 between High Level and Rainbow Lake will be completed, including new bridges across the Chinchaga River and West Sousa Creek. Although we are currently found at the end of Highway 58, efforts are ongoing to see the highway extended across the Alberta/British Columbia border to the Town of Fort Nelson for year round access, which at the moment is only possible during winter months.
The Town operates the airport, which has daily scheduled service to Edmonton and points beyond, in addition to cable television and high-speed internet service, and both the water and natural gas utilities. The Health Clinic, operated by Alberta Health Services, is staffed by public health and nurse practitioners and has regularly scheduled doctor days each week as well. The local fire department is volunteer based, but has state of the art equipment and offers a multitude of training opportunities for its members.
Come for a visit and stay for a lifetime.
Mayor Boyd Langford