From the Rocky Mountains to sprawling prairies, every stretch of Alberta is unique, and so is each AER office. This story is the part of a series highlighting the AER’s field centres. Field centre staff, from engagement specialists to field inspectors, are part of local communities and play a key role in regulating energy development throughout Alberta.
The town of Slave Lake, once known as Sawridge, was established back in 1799 and is located on the southern shore of one of Alberta’s largest lakes, the Lesser Slave Lake. The Cree named the lake Awokanak which translates to “Slave” or “Slavey” for the “strangers” who first inhabited the area. In fact, many lakes and rivers in the area were named after the Slavey First Nations who were the first peoples of that region.
In 1899, the various First Nations of the Lesser Slave Lake area and Queen Victoria signed Treaty 8 in the community of Grouard about 100 km from the town. At the time, the lake was an important transportation link to the Peace River district that was supporting the fur trade. However, its significance as a transportation route declined with the construction of the Northern Alberta Railway along the lake’s southern shore. With the discovery of oil in the 1950s, the town of Slave Lake became a mecca for the energy industry, which has continued to this day.
To find out more about the work in Slave Lake, Craig Bylsma, an AER field inspector and proud 20-year resident, shared what’s been happening at the field centre.
The Slave Lake field centre was established in 2013 with the formation of the AER.
Overseeing energy development in this region is a significant responsibility, as the primary economic activities in Slave Lake include oil and natural gas exploration and development, alongside forestry. In short, the team is kept busy.
The five employees who work out of this office help one another to expertly monitor energy activities in central Alberta, including the Clearwater Play which has become a key part of the area’s energy development in recent years. On days when there’s a lot happening or an extra hand is needed, a friendly face is never far.
“If we run into a tough spot, we know we can count on each other to lend an ear or roll up our sleeves to get the job done,” Craig declares.
He adds, “Most of our team lives in town or within a 15-minute commute, so it’s easy to pop into the office.” But that isn’t the only benefit of working near the shores of the Lesser Slave Lake. The community spirit in the field centre, reflects that of the surrounding community.
Contact the Slave Lake Field Centre:
PO Box 874
200 – 101 Main Street SE
Slave Lake, Alberta T0G 2A3
Phone: 780-843-2050
FieldOpsCentral@aer.ca
In case of an Energy and Environmental Emergency, please contact the 24-Hour Response Line: 1-800-222-6514
