Photos courtesy of the Town of Barrhead
121 km northwest of Edmonton
Agriculture, forestry, oil & gas, and manufacturing
Approximately 4,579 residents
Kindergarten to grade 12 and Alberta Distance Learning Centre
Gently rolling hills and mixed forest of spruce, poplar, pine, birch and tamarack surround the town of Barrhead, which is situated upon rich, fertile land nestled between two rivers - the Paddle River and the Pembina River – that merge east of town. Perched somewhere along the river or on one of the nearby lakes, you’ll see the town’s symbol, the great blue heron. You can also spot the likeness of the bird around town too, ornamenting light posts and a sculpture of the bird located beside the town centre gazebo.
Barrhead has long been both a passageway and a settlement. The Cree people who first inhabited the area used trails in the region to move between lakeside settlements. Explorers and fur traders would pass through on their traverse westward, and prospectors searching for Yukon gold stocked up on supplies before heading northward along the Express Trail. The railroad also figures in the town’s storied past, bringing many more people to – and through – the area.
Enjoy life at the pace you want. There are plenty of options for kids and adults to join one of the many sports teams or social clubs. Whether you’d like to enroll your child in dance or hockey, or join a slow-pitch team for your own physical activity and social interaction, there’s something for everyone. More artsy? Consider getting involved with the community theatre troupe or photography club.
With the nearby forest, rivers, and lakes, Barrhead residents love to get outside. Camping, boating, fishing, and ATVing are popular activities, with ice-fishing and snowmobiling in the winter. Cross-country skiers can hit the trails locally, while downhill skiers have a hill close at hand.
To learn more about living and working in Barrhead, visit the town website or explore the County of Barrhead.
AHS operates the Healthcare Centre, Community Health Services, and the Continuing Care Centre in Barrhead, providing care to patients across the full life spectrum. The healthcare centre features a 24-hour emergency department, in addition to diagnostic imaging, laboratory, day surgery units, mental health services, and occupational therapy. You’ll have the opportunity to work to your full scope of practice and see patients and cases that you might not work with in a larger centre.
The Community Health Services provides several healthcare programs, including public health, prenatal classes, and immunization, as well as in-house physical therapy and occupational therapy, while the Continuing Care Centre provides nursing care, physical and occupational therapy, and recreational services to residents.
Patient- and –family-centred care is a high priority, engaging both patient and family members in their care plan at all stages of patient care. The Barrhead team is a highly collaborative group of healthcare professionals, united in their focus on the patient. Staff are empowered to develop their skills, and assisted through access to in-person and webinar courses, onsite orientation, training, and mentorship.
