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Community Profile 2013

HAYRIVER.COM

Table of Contents Contact Us...... 3 ’s Message...... 5 About ...... 7 Our History...... 8 Location...... 9 Getting Here...... 10 Climate...... 11 Communications...... 12 Governance...... 12 Economy...... 13 Income and Cost of Living...... 14 Real Estate...... 15 Taxes...... 16 Accommodations and Dining...... 16 Community Infrastructure...... 17 Education...... 18

Contact Us Hay River is a thriving town, with You will find a camaraderie and spirit amenities, services and facilities you of generosity here that makes us special. would expect in a much larger town or city. We’re a community where anything is Other helpful links: Hay River has a broad range of professional possible with a welcoming and forward For a complete listing of services and retail businesses. For your thinking business climate. Hay River services, visit the family, we have strong recreational sports For more information about living Town of Hay River’s website at and arts organizations, and a number in or opening a business in Hay River, www.hayriver.com of churches available. contact Hay River Town Hall: or, We’re an adventurous and entrepreneurial Hay River Chamber The Town of Hay River community that reflects the spirit of of Commerce: 73 Woodland Drive the people north of sixty. Many of our www.hayriverchamber.com Hay River, residents are people who came for a few X0E 1G1 years to pay off student loans or to make money, and they are still here a lifetime Phone: (867) 874-6522 later – owning their own businesses Fax: (867) 874-3237 or in positions in government or at one of our private companies.

3 4 Mayor’s Message I would like to personally welcome you to Hay River, Northwest Territories, our breathtaking community located on the South Shore of Lake. A picturesque town, surrounded by boreal forest, rivers and lakes, Hay River is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts through all seasons. Our extensive trail networks, spectacular waterfalls and sandy beaches provide the backdrop for many outdoor adventures.

As the second largest community in the NWT, we are justifiably proud of our recreation and cultural offerings, our diverse business environment and most importantly, our community spirit. As a regional centre, our amenities are varied and provide all the services typically found in larger centers. Boasting one of the lowest costs of living in the NWT, Hay River is a great place to live, work, and play.

Our location and comprehensive transportation infrastructure has earned Hay River the title “Hub of the North” with many businesses established to support the various industries throughout the NWT. A bustling port in the summer supports river transport and bulk shipping, while the railhead and transfer stations supplies many northern communities and mines with their annual stockpile of fuels and other materials. Hay River continues to flourish, grow and is a key driver of the economy of the NWT.

Once again, welcome to Hay River. We look forward to meeting you.

Mayor Andrew Cassidy

Hay River City Council

5 6 About Hay River Where North Meets South the town of Hay River continues to fulfill its destiny as a staging centre for all points Latitude Hay River is the largest community north and south. 60 degrees 49 minutes N in the of the Northwest Territories (NWT). With a population of Hay River is more than the sum of its parts. Longitude 3,690, we’re the second largest community We’re also a powerhouse of entrepreneurs 115 degrees 47 minutes W in the territory. However, with multi-faceted businesses and Hay River has access to a commerce and Elevation organizations serving the community and trading area of approximately 10,000 64.90 metres the north. The waters people - between northern and provide both commercial and recreational Mountain the South Slave. We’re known as The fishing, while forestry, telecommunications Hub of the North for good reason – and a wide range of businesses round out transportation is in our blood. Hay River our diverse economy. We’re unique. From is the major staging point for the annual Buffalo Air’s (www.buffaloairways.com) sealift along the , is the freight and passenger flights on historical northern terminus for the nation-wide CN DC-3 planes to farm fresh eggs sold in Languages of rail line and has advantageous connections southern and around the territory the South Slave to highways. A number of gas and oil -- our companies are born of northern discoveries have been made in the area South , , ingenuity. Opening a business or moving and the region is in full swing once again. Michif, English, French to Hay River, you’ll find the climate perfect With the Dehcho Bridge providing year- for opportunity! round access across the Mackenzie River,

7 Our History Hay River is situated in the historic territory In 1945, the first commercial fishing began In 1984, Hay River’s Visitor Information of the Slavey people. The original site of on Great Slave Lake and in 1959, the Centre opened its doors to welcome the town is now the Katl’odeeche First Northern Transportation Company Limited increasing tourism and travelers driving Nation, or . (NTCL) located its sealift base in Hay River. through the hub of the north.

In 1868, the Hudson’s Bay Company post Serious floods in 1963 on Vale Island In 1989, Hay River became headquarters was the first permanent building in the forced the entire community to for Northwest Territories Power area. Missions, an RCMP detachment, evacuate. The risk of flooding has meant Corporation. and a hospital soon followed and the town development since that time has been expanded on the east bank of the Hay concentrated on the mainland, and Vale In 1994, Northern Transportation Company River. Chief Shatla made the seasonal fish Island has become known as Hay River’s (NTCL) celebrated its 60th anniversary and camp on the northeast bank of Hay River a Old Town. Hay River achieved Town status moved headquarters to Hay River. permanent location for his people in 1892. on June 16, 1963. In 1998, we celebrated the 50th By the late 1930s, the settlement had In 1964, as part of the Pine Point Mine anniversary of the completion of the spread to Vale Island. Hay River remained development, the Mackenzie Northern highway to Hay River. The genesis of a trading post and mission station until Railway was constructed through Canadian this mighty road was a trail through the the discovery of pitchblende in the 1930’s National Railway in , making wilderness, first cut in 1948. close to and in the Hay River the northernmost point in In 2000, the Hay River Heritage Centre area. Hay River became an North America connected to the opened in the Hudson Bay Store in Old important staging area for those wanting continental rail system. Town, built in 1948-49. to seek their fortune in the North. The 1970s was a period of economic The Hudson’s Bay Store served During World War II, the United States growth for Hay River through oil the community for many years with Army Air Corps of Engineers built a runway exploration, increased shipping activity groceries, dry goods, hardware and on Vale Island (site of our modern day and as a supply centre. a fur trading post. airport) to service the Canol Trail, which In 1979, the federal government lifted was being constructed to secure the oil Since our early days, Hay River residents a land freeze on 3,200 acres of land industry in . Between 1946 and the business community have in the Hay River valley, setting it aside and 1948, the Canadian government embraced innovation and growth alongside for agriculture. built a gravel road, now the Mackenzie a deep commitment to community. All of Highway, from Grimshaw, Alberta to Hay this in a pristine setting on the shores of River, sealing our fate as an important a mighty river! transportation and communications centre.

Hay River, 1922 Jackson/NWT Archives/N-1979-004-0180

8 Location

HAY RIVER

9 Getting Here Hay River is connected! A short detour flights to and from Hay River. Direct Trucking from the , and flights from Edmonton are available five Hay River is a base for six trucking connected by land, water and air, our days a week. companies, and is the staging point for close proximity to major business centres Air Charter complete service options to points north in Alberta and the NWT make us an ideal and south. Grimshaw Trucking Limited and Landa Aviation location for businesses needing to stay (www.grimshaw-trucking.com), Manitoulin (www.landaaviation.com) offer both connected to the North and South. Transport (www.manitoulintransport. fixed-wing charter and scheduled services. com), Northern Transportation Company Denendeh Helicopters (www.gsheli. (www.ntcl.com), Matco Transportation Highway com) and Remote Helicopters (www. (www.matco.ca) and RTL-Robinson offer The all-weather, paved surface Highway 1 remotehelicopters.com) provide rotary- transportation service through Hay River. (Mackenzie Highway) is the main corridor wing charter services. north from Edmonton to Hay River and Buffalo Express offers 6 days a week beyond. With the increased capacity Bus overnight freight service from/to of the connecting us Frontier Coachlines NWT (www. Edmonton. to Yellowknife, Hay River remains an frontiercoachlines.yk.tripod.com) important staging area for points north offers regular service to Yellowknife, Km and south. Ft. Providence, Enterprise, Behchoko Hay River to: (Highway) and Fort Smith. Air Edmonton, AB 1067 Hay River is approximately 700 air Rail NWT/Alberta Border 127 kilometers to Edmonton, Alberta and Hay River is the northernmost railhead Yellowknife, NT 494 169 air kilometres to Yellowknife. Buffalo in Canada and is located on the RailLink Airways (www.buffaloairways.com), First Fort St. John,BC 810 route, which connects freight to Hay River Air (www.firstair.ca), and from Edmonton and other southern lines. Fort Smith, NT 280 Lease (www.nwal.ca) offer daily connecting Grand Prairie, AB 765

10 Climate Hay River’s climate is temperate at best High °C Low °C and wide fluctuations can be expected January -18.4 -27.6 due to Great Slave Lake’s influence. Our February -14.7 -25.6 Summers are legendary with long, sunshine filled days – perfect for outdoor activities March -8.2 -20.6 like camping or fishing under the midnight April 3.0 -8.4 sun! Winters have been known to be dry May 11.6 7.0 and cold with clear skies and ample sun June 18.0 7.0 to enjoy outdoor activities. The Town of July 21.1 10.6 Hay River is situated directly in the Aurora August 19.6 9.3 Borealis (‘Northern Lights’) viewing belt, September 13.2 3.8 and spectacular displays are commonplace between late August and October. October 4.1 -3.3 November -7.9 -15.9 December -15.8 -24.8 http://www.theweathernetwork.com/statistics/temperature/cl2202400/cant0013

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Monthly Rainfall 0 0 0 4 20 33 42 51 38 15 1 0 (mm) Monthly Snowfall 17 15 14 8 5 0 0 0 2 19 26 17 (cm) Monthly 16 15 14 12 25 33 42 51 40 34 24 16 Precipitation (mm) Mean Daily Snow 36 45 49 25 1 0 0 0 0 2 16 29 Depth (cm) Mean Monthly End 41 49 42 7 0 0 0 0 0 7 23 33 Snow Depth (cm) http://www.theweathernetwork.com/statistics/precipitation/cl2202400/cant0013

11 Communications Hay River is connected not only by road CBC North aboriginal radio programming and highway, but by its media too! From to Northwest Territories communities CBC (www.cbc.ca/north) has a satellite classic rock to country to aboriginal in six languages. bureau in Hay River with a full-time , there are six stations on video journalist covering news about our the FM band. Our community newspaper, community and the surrounding region. CJCD The Hub, is in print and on-line (www. Northbeat is a northern-based evening Mix 100 (www.cjcd.ca) is a member hayriverhub.com). We’re also covered by television news program and late night of and broadcasts in both (www.nnsl.com), news is also available. Hay River and Yellowknife. based in Yellowknife. CKLB Mobile 101.9FM CKLB (www.ncsnwt.com/ LTE 4G and high speed Internet are also Programming/CKLBRadio.aspx) broadcasts available in Hay River.

Governance Government Structure West Point Contact: Municipal 47031 MacKenzie Hwy SS 34 Legislative Assembly of Hay River, NT X0E 0R9 the Northwest Territories Hay River has a municipal government Phone: (867) 874-6677 Box 1320 Yellowknife, NT X1A 2L9 made up of eight councillors and a Mayor. www.denenation.com Phone: 867-669-2200 Council meetings are held regularly Toll-free: 1-800-661-0784 and are open to the public. Council Hay River Métis Council minutes and relevant information are 10 Industrial Dr SS 31 Federal also available through the town’s website Hay River, NT X0E 0R6 Hay River, as part of the NWT, is www.hayriver.com. Phone: (867) 874-4470 represented by one Member of Parliament Contact: Territorial and one Senator. The NWT is in the The Town of Hay River Western electoral district. 73 Woodland Drive The town of Hay River is represented in the Hay River, NT X0E 1G1 territorial government by two Members of Dennis Bevington, Phone: (867) 874-6522 the Legislative Assembly. The town is split Member of Parliament, Western Arctic Fax: (867) 874-3237 into two districts, and Hay Phone: 867-873-6995 River North. Toll-free: 1-800-661-0802 First Nations Email: [email protected] Unlike most provinces and territories Katlodeeche First Nation in Canada, which operate in a party PO Box 3060 government system, the NWT functions Hay River, NT with a . Phone: (867) 874-6701 www.katlodeeche.com

12 Economy As the gateway to the southern shore fleet of thirty planes ship cargo all over Resource Supply and Service of Great Slave Lake, visitors enjoy the the north. Long time Hay River company, Hay River has been the launching point freshwater seaport atmosphere with King Manufacturing, has specialized in for oil and gas discoveries and mineral barges, working tugboats and huge fabricating steel containers and speciality development. All of Hay River’s industries shipyards. On summer Saturdays there’s trucks to transport goods in harsh northern benefit from being connected to the south a market on Vale Island featuring freshly conditions. by the northern- most connection to rail netted fish. The Hay River Golf Course is transportation. a fabulous 9-hole course that hugs the Fishing meandering banks of the Hay River. Hay River is the hub of Great Slave Lake’s Hay River is also a popular choice of Carved out of the ancient Northern Boreal small yet flourishing fishing industry. The residence for mine workers because of Forest, the grounds double as excellent primary catch is Whitefish, but Lake Trout, shorter connections to the larger urban cross-country trails in the winter. Northern Pike, Walleye and Inconnu are centres in southern Canada. also harvested. Hay River boasts a rate of employment Retail and Services consistent with regional centres in the NWT, with an rate of Tourism There are 378 registered businesses 7.7 per cent1. From breathtaking waterfalls to sandy in Hay River (2012-13). You’ll find that swimming beaches, Hay River is a our community has a wide range of Like many NWT communities, municipal, wilderness wonderland. With a growing professional services and retail businesses. territorial and federal governments tourism and outfitting industry, visitors You’ll find some of those services listed are a big employer in Hay River, but of all ages have experienced the pristine with Hay River Chamber of Commerce entrepreneurship and private enterprise walking, biking and ski trails that make Hay (www.hayriverchamber.com). are the backbone of our community’s River a wonderful place to call home. economy. Hay River has a wide array of retail and services that keep our business Northwest community vibrant, active and well Population (2011) Hay river positioned for future growth. Territories Males 1,935 22,405 The Hay River Chamber of Commerce Females 1,756 21,270 (www.hayriverchamber.com/business/ 0 - 4 Years 205 3,342 Retailers) keeps an up-to-date listing 5 - 9 Years 252 3,082 of local businesses and services. 10 - 14 Years 294 2,842 Transportation 15 - 24 Years 658 7,296 Many businesses have a transportation/ 25 - 44 Years 893 13,656 communications focus due to Hay River’s 45 - 59 Years 926 9,115 location at the intersection of major 60 Yrs. & Older 463 4,342 transportation routes. For instance, Total1 3,690 43,675 NTCL’s annual sealift supplies remote 1http://www.statsnwt.ca/community-data/Profile%20PDF/Hay%20River.pdf communities along the Mackenzie River and the Arctic coast. Their barges and tug-boats also offer support, fuel supply drops-offs in remote locations and other large cargo shipments. Buffalo Air’s

1 NWT Bureau of Statistics 2009 http://www.statsnwt ca/labour-income/labour-force-activity/

13 Income and Cost of Living Average incomes in Hay River are the third The NWT’s minimum wage is set at $10 per $ highest in the territory, after Norman Wells hour, however, the NWT has the highest 3.69 Hay River and Yellowknife respectively.2 And with a average weekly earning in all of Canada!3 $ Canada lower cost of living than other communities 3.09 in the territory, and closer proximity to When you compare the cost of food in southern destinations, your money goes Hay River to southern jurisdictions, the $ difference is minimal. The weekly cost of 2.52 Hay River further. Everything from groceries to $ homes to electricity cost less here. a basket of perishable food for a family 2.28 Canada of four in Hay River was $169 in 2009 in comparison to $165 in Edmonton.4

INCOME

2009 Average 2- or more person family Income in Hay River $118,867 2009 Average 2- or more person family Income in Yellowknife $134,645 2009 Average 2- or more person family income in Edmonton $96,510 2009 Average 2- or more person family income in NWT 1 $112,119 2009 Average 2- or more person family Income Canada 2 $76,700

Employer Full-time Employees

Government of Canada 350 Government of the Northwest Territories 325 $ Kingland Group of Companies 225 1.36 Hay River $ Northern Transportation Company 66 1.72 Canada Northwest Territories Power Corporation 65 Rowe’s Construction 50 Note: Hay River prices vs. ‘Canada’. Canadian prices are calculated using a weighted average of prices in Town of Hay River 36 Canadian cities. Weights are based on city population. NWT Bureau of Statistics

Cost of Living Price Indices

Hay River NWT 2009 Living Cost Diff. (Edm = 100) 127.5 - 2010 Food Price Index (YK = 100) 111.0 -

2 http://www.statsnwt.ca/prices-expenditures/community-price-index/ 3 NWT Bureau of Statistics 4 http://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/1100100035986/1100100035987

14 Real Estate Another reason that Hay River is an Average Cost economical place to live is that housing for 3 Bedroom Detached prices are far lower than many other Home 2012 communities, or in Edmonton. Community Price Two realtors in Hay River serve both residential and commercial markets. Hay River $211,400 Yellowknife $375,050 They are: Edmonton $356,714 xx Century 21 Greenway Realty (www.century21.ca/greenwayrealty) xx Coldwell Banker R.C. Legion (7 Veterans Rd.) (www.cbyk.ca/) 12,750 sq ft Commercial Building, on a 36,616 sq ft parcel of property. Excellent There’s also one and two bedroom location for a commercial building with apartments available for rent in apartment income potential. The main level has a complexes and a variety of independent large double foyer entrance, with access property owners with rooms and suites to a men’s and women’s washroom area available. (7 stall), an office, the stairs to the upper level, and entrance access to both main Commercial Space floor banquet/dining halls. The main for Lease or Purchase floor is wheelchair accessible, and has As of February 2013, some examples a wheelchair accessible washroom. The of prime commercial space available are: banquet hall has access to a fully equipped commercial kitchen and concession area, Grimshaw Trucking Building with a seating capacity of 90. The lounge 22,000 sq ft warehouse/distibution center has a fully equipped bar, dance floor, with a 3600 heated, drywalled section, outdoor patio, and pool/darts area, with and an attachend 700 sq ft mobile ATCO a seating capacity of 100. The large upper office. The lot is fenced, gated & partially level banquet room/hall, has an attached Resources paved. Rail access to the front (North) edge fully equipped concession area, men’s and xx Hay River Hub of the lot. Also water access. Grimshaw women’s washrooms (3 stall), large foyer/ (www.hayriverhub.com/ Trucking lease the 3600 sqft portion storage area/coat storage, back hallway classifieds) @ $41,000 p.a. triple net. Land lease with stairwell exit access, and a seating payments $17,118 p.a. Taxes $12,910. capacity of 375. $1,900,000. This parcel comes with a federal shore lease. $413,900 + GST. We encourage interested businesses to talk to the realty offices above for current details.

15 Taxes Hay River’s tax rates are comparable Municipal Taxation Area to other southern centres. Taxes provide education tax mill rates support to municipal services, schools Hay River Chamber and public grants, water and sewer, 2.57 of Commerce: police, and emergency services. www.hayriverchamber.com Fort Smith 3.69

2% Hay River 2.36 2% 3.76 Norman Wells 4.52

7% 24%

20% General Government Recreation Protective Services

11% Transportation and Public Works 35% Environment and Public Health Planning and Development Tourism & Economic Development

Accommodations and Dining As a regional centre for government, Hotels 3 and a tourism destination, Hay River has plenty of amenities for vacationers Guest Homes 3 and business people alike. All of our Total Rooms 166 accommodations are either downtown, Campgrounds 4 or within minutes of downtown. Campground Spots 66 Hay River also has 6 restaurants offering everything from western, Chinese, Dine-in Restaurants 4 pizza, steak and seafood. Meeting/Conference 150 Capacity

16 Community Infrastructure Hay River has all the amenities and New Facilities Amenities convenience of a large centre with all the Between 2012 and 2016, Hay River xx Golf Course charm of small town living. We also have a is investing more than 16 million dollars (www.hayrivergolfclub.com) thriving volunteer community that organize into capital infrastructure. Hay River’s new xx Hiking Trails and present the annual NWT Track and hospital is expected to begin construction xx Fishing Field Championships and numerous cultural in the spring of 2013, and is scheduled to xx Team Sports events and festivals. open in the fall of 2015. The new centre xx Youth Centre and Groups will be state of the art – providing primary xx Churches Municipal Facilities care, emergency services and medical xx Beaches xx Ice Arena and surgical day care. It will also offer xx Cross-country Skiing xx Curling Rink rehabilitation, dialysis and support services, (www.hayriverskiclub.com) (www.nwtcurling.com/hay_river) such as medical records and a pharmacy. xx Daycare Services xx Aquatic Facility xx Arts Groups xx Sports Fields Hay River is also building a new fire hall. xx Seniors Groups xx Library Scheduled for opening in spring 2013, xx Boating xx Emergency Services the new building will have the capacity xx Cultural Institute xx Cemetery to accommodate more vehicles and (www.deneculture.org) xx Health Centre equipment. xx Hay River Speedway xx Fire Hall (www.hrfd.ca) xx Fisherman’s Wharf outdoor market

For a complete list of our facilities, services, recreation opportunities and community organizations – visit our website www. hayriver.com.

Ronne Hemming NWT Tourism/Photographer

17 Education The town of Hay River is part of the South Elementary French First Language School Slave Education District. The SSED provide Princess Alexandra School serves students École Boréale is Hay River’s French School, quality education with moderate class sizes from Grade 4 to Grade 7. Students have serving Kindergarten to Grade 12. and well-staffed facilities. an opportunity to participate in a variety Approximately 560 students are enrolled in of curricular and extra-curricular activities. Post-Secondary SSED’s three Hay River schools. There’s also The Hay River Learning a francophone school, L’École Boréale. Secondary Centre offers adult students an Jenness Secondary School environment in which they can upgrade Primary is the famous “Purple School.” It serves their high school in preparation for post- Harry Camsell School is located beside students from Grade 8 to 12 and has an secondary education. Princess Alexandra School and provides updated trades shop built to expand its For more information about Hay education for children Kindergarten trades training. River schools, visit the South Slave to Grade 3. This school lives by its motto Divisional Education Council’s website “Try Hard. Have Fun. Be Friendly.” at www.ssdec.nt.ca/schools/Communities/ Hay_River.htm. or the Commission scolaire de francophone‘s website at www.csftno.com.

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