Town services

The town of Big River has a population of 741 (2001), and has 342 dwelling units.

It is located 136 km north-west of Prince Albert on Highway 55, at an elevation of 500 m.

The town has the following services available to residents and businesses:

Utilities:

• Water: wells; treatment for HTH, chlorine, fluoride
• Sewage: lagoon with treatment microzyme F
• Garbage collection: weekly
• Landfill: jointly operated with RM
• Power and gas: provided by SaskPower and SaskEnergy
• Cable TV: Regional Cable Service.
• Telephone: SaskTel landline service and cellular service

Protective services:

Fire protection is provided by a volunteer fire department, two trucks, rescue van, and Jaws of Life. The town has an agreement to provide protection to the RM.

Policing is provided by the RCMP detachment, which has eight members.

Medical services:

Medical services are provided by Big River Health Centre, volunteer First Responders, Big River Ambulance Care, and Big River Medical Clinic. See Healthcare for detailed information.

Education:

Primary level education services are provided at T.D. Michel Elementary School, which provides Kindergarten to Grade 6.

Big River Community High School houses Grades 7 to 12.

See our Education Page for more information.

Housing:

The average purchase price for new houses is $120,000, and for existing houses $25,000 to $100,000. House rental rates range from $370 to $500. There are 22 low-income houses for rent.

There are six apartments for rent, at an average rental rate of $450 for a two-bedroom unit. Four one-bedroom suites rent for an average of $325.

The town has one 10-unit motel, a 13-unit hotel, and a mobile home court with 17 lots which rent for an average $90 per month plus license fees.

Land:

• Residential: The Town has a new subdivision with 15 lots for sale, and private sales are also available.
• Industrial: A few industrial lots are for sale by Town and privately.
• Commercial: The Town has commercial lots available, and there are also lots available privately.

Recreation:

Recreational facilities provided by the Town and other organizations include:

• Big River Community Centre; this is nearing completion and will accommodate functions up to 500 people
• Curling rink with three sheets artificial ice
• Skating rink with artificial ice
• Nine-hole golf course
• Regional Park with camping and laundry facilities
• Government dock at end of Main Street, used for fishing and camping
• Snowmobile trails that are groomed, signed, and have warm-up shelters
• Ski Timber Ridge for downhill skiing
• Ball diamonds
• Football/Soccer field
• Numerous lakes for fishing, boating and camping

Businesses:

For a complete listing, see our Business Directory.

Financial institutions located in Big River are Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce and Debden Credit Union.

Media available in Big River include radio stations in Prince Albert, Saskatoon, North Battleford, Regina and Edmonton; television stations in Prince Albert and Saskatoon; cable television service; newspapers including the Gateway News Letter published locally every week, Prince Albert Herald (daily), Saskatoon Star Phoenix (daily), and Shellbrook Chronicle (weekly).

Economic development and small business contacts include the Economic Development Committee, and the Chamber of Commerce.

Other services available in town include:

• Tourist Information Centre
• Dump Station
• Hunting and fishing license vendors
• Post Office
• Farmer's Market
• Transportation for the Disabled
• Boat launch
• Propane fill