Frequently Asked Questions & Demographics > Town of Barrhead
 

Frequently Asked Questions & Demographics

 
 
Q
 
Why aren't all the roads in Town bladed and the snow removed off of every street in the wintertime?
 
A
 
The main roadways and the emergency roads (ie. around the hospital, RCMP, ERC) take precedence over the other roads and when enough snow builds up Public Works either blades or removes the snow.
 
Q
 
How far is Barrhead from Edmonton?
 
A
 
By the main highways 16, 43 and 33 the distance is 117 km, from corporate boundary to corporate boundary, but from town center to city center it is nearly 25 km more.  The drive takes about 70 minutes on good roads, but when weather conditions are adverse, plan to take 1.5 hours.
 
Q
 
What are the main attractions in the area?
 
A
 
The main attractions are the lakes and wilderness, but each year the Town of Barrhead hosts two fairs and two rodeos in addition to other events.  Check the dates on the Community Events Calendar, on our main webpage. 
 
There are dozens of fishing and recreational lakes in the area and Barrhead is situated at the southern edge of the Boreal forest which makes this an important stop-over for hunters, campers and other outdoor enthusiasts.  Check out the listings under Area Parks and Campgrounds.
 
Q
 
Barrhead is fairly far north, is it cold?
 
A
 
Our latitude is 54°C which places us substantially farther south than many northern cities.  The growing season lasts nearly six months and the average summer temperature is 21°C, frequently climbing to 30°C.  The snow usually comes in late October or early November and stays until the middle of March.  Winter temperatures can be extremely cold, sometimes dipping to -35°C, but it is generally more moderate, averaging -15° to -20°C which is around 0°F.  While the cold can be daunting, we are blessed with clear sunny skies and favorable conditions for enjoying many outdoor recreation activities.
 
Q
 
What is the population of Barrhead?
 
A
 
The Statistics Canada official population for Barrhead is 4213 according to the 2001 census.  The local population has been recently estimated at a higher number.  The local surveys reflect a higher number due to non-residents working in Barrhead and living in the County of Barrhead or other jurisdictions and due to the number of temporary residents.  Another issue is the lag between the data being collected and the official release of the numbers. 
 
The official population of the County of Barrhead is reported as 5768, which brings the total number of people in the immediate vicinity to nearly 10,000.  Further, the Town of Barrhead is a regional trading centre for approximately 20,000 people living in an area roughly bounded by Lac Ste. Anne and Mayerthorpe in the west, Swan Hills in the north, Westlock to the east and Onoway to the south.
 
Q
 
Does Barrhead have a hospital?
 
A
 
Yes, Barrhead Health Care Centre is a modern hospital, which offers all of the services available in major urban hospitals.
 
Q
 
If I'm building or renovating, do I need a building permit?
 
A
 
The Town of Barrhead does not issue building permits.  The Town issues development permits.  A development permit deals with the use of the land, a building permit deals with the structure built on the land.
 
A building permit is issued with respect to the compliance of the Building Codes of Alberta and issued by a building inspector recognized by the Province.
 
The Town of Barrhead has a list of building, electrical, plumbing and gas inspection agencies authorized by Alberta Municipal Affairs to issue permits.
 
Q
 
Do I need a Development Permit?
 
A
 
In most instances you require a development permit from the Town of Barrhead if you wish to develop a lot.  We outline below some instances when you do not need a development permit:
  • If you do not have a corner lot you do not need a development permit to build a fence (only corner lot owners must apply for development permits, because of the required sight triangle).  When building a fence, the maximum allowable height in the rear yard is 6 feet and maximum in the front yard is 3 feet.
  • Sheds/accessory buildings under 10 ft. x 12 ft.
  • Landscaping where the proposed grades will not adversely affect the subject or adjacent lands, except where landscaping forms part of a development, which requires a permit.
 
Q
 
What does the term "Sight Triangle" mean?
 
A
 
Sight Triangle refers to the requirement for property owners to consider the needs of motor vehicle operators to have an unobstructed line of sight at intersections.  Where the erection of a fence or other structures can have a negative impact on visibility, municipal approval is required.
 
Q
 
What is the Town of Barrhead Land Use Bylaw?
 
A
 
The Town of Barrhead Land Use Bylaw divides the Town into Districts.  Each district outlines the requirements for development including what is allowable to be built, the setback requirements, site coverage, permitted uses and discretionary uses. 
 
Included in the Land Use Bylaw are provisions for signs, parking, fences, landscaping, accessory buildings, home based businesses, day care facilities, car washes, gas bars, commercial accommodations, etc.
 
The Land Use Bylaw also, provides rules and procedures for development permits as well as enforcement, penalties and fines.
 
Q
 
Where can I get a copy of the Town of Barrhead Land Use Bylaw?
 
A
 
The Town of Barrhead Land Use Bylaw is available at the Town Office.  The planning officer can help you identify bylaws which may affect your proposed development.