News Flash

HIGH LEVEL, AB — The Town of High Level is reasserting its commitment to transparency and accountability as it navigates next steps in addressing issues that have arisen in the local water and wastewater systems, including actioning independent reviews to guide responsible solutions and improvements.

In December 2025, the Town voluntarily submitted a comprehensive self-reporting letter to Alberta Environment and Protected Areas, disclosing identified non-compliance discovered through an operational review that followed initial non‑compliance orders from the Province following their inspection of the water plant. The Town-initiated review by Aquatera Utilities identified historical gaps in monitoring, reporting procedures, and infrastructure maintenance documentation.

“It’s been frustrating to learn of these gaps that occurred in years past, but our focus now is to implement solutions that strengthen our systems, and to make sure this won’t happen again,” said Viv Thoss, Chief Administrative Officer for the Town of High Level. “We are committed to leading with transparency, rather than waiting for regulatory enforcement. We are cooperating with Alberta Environment, and are working closely with experts as we develop sustainable, long-term solutions.”

While the Town’s self-reporting letter acknowledged compliance gaps, Town Administration has emphasized that drinking water continues to be safe for consumption, and that no public health emergencies have occurred. This includes that there is no boil water advisory in place.

“The compliance gaps we’ve identified are primarily related to monitoring, reporting, and maintenance,” Thoss explained.

As the Town implements oversight structures to ensure ongoing compliance moving forward, Council has approved the engagement of a third-party, independent firm, WSP, to conduct a situation analysis and to identify appropriate next steps to be taken by the Town. This includes that the Town is reviewing options within the long-term planning process to address sustainable funding mechanisms for water and wastewater infrastructure.

“The WSP review will helps inform our funding strategy,” Thoss said. “Most Alberta municipalities include a capital reinvestment component in their utility rates to build reserves for infrastructure renewal and major upgrades, rather than relying entirely on property taxation or one-time grants. It’s important to us that we minimize the impacts of infrastructure demands on our residents, and Council will consider various options that balance system sustainability with community affordability once we have complete cost estimates.”

The WSP review is currently underway. Findings will be brought before Council once the review is complete. Council will then determine the appropriate path forward, and the Town will communicate decisions and next steps to residents.

“Access to safe, reliable water is critical, and we understand the concern this situation has created,” said Mayor Josh Lambert. “Council is working closely with Administration to identify long-term solutions and will continue to keep residents informed as the work moves forward.”

Residents can track the situation’s progress by visiting www.highlevel.ca.

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For more information: Viv ThossChief Administrative Officer Town of High Level📞 780-926-2201📧 cao@highlevel.ca🌐 www.highlevel.ca

HIGH LEVEL, AB — Town Council has approved a comprehensive facility condition assessment of the R.E. Walter Memorial Aquatic Centre to evaluate the facility’s current condition and determine the path forward for restoring facility services to the community.

The Aquatic Centre has been temporarily closed due to critical failures in the HVAC heating system, which have raised concerns around safety conditions, following progressive heating system failures dating back to at least 2007. The facility willremain closed to the public while the assessment is completed and next steps are determined.

“We know how important the Aquatic Centre is to families in High Level, and we share the community’s frustration with this closure,” said Mayor Josh Lambert. “Council’s focus right now is understanding the full scope of the issues so we can makeresponsible decisions and clearly communicate what comes next.”

Following completion of the assessment, findings and recommendations will be presented to Council, along with potential funding options. The Town is current pursuing grant funding, and exploring other possible funding streams to minimize the potential cost impacts of future maintenance and repairs.

“We are committed to transparency throughout this process,” said Viv Thoss, Chief Administrative Officer of the Town of High Level. “The community will be kept informed as the assessment progresses. We’re exploring every available funding source,and will work diligently to restore aquatic service as soon as it is safe and fiscally responsible to do so, while presentingCouncil with all options.”

While the facility remains closed, staff continue to monitor the building to prevent freeze damage and further deterioration. The Town is exploring options for interim recreation programming, where feasible. 

The assessment will cost $30,000, and is being funded through existing capital reserves.

Updates will be provided to the community as the assessment progresses and more information becomes available, with updates posted online at www.highlevel.ca.

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For more information:Viv ThossChief Administrative OfficerTown of High Level📞780-926-2201📧cao@highlevel.ca🌐 www.highlevel.ca

Notice to residents:

Please note the Town’s Catalis GIS mapping software is no longer available, and that a new GIS is planned to be coming in February 2026.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

The Town of High Level has unveiled a new community brand and logo, marking a major step forward in celebrating High Level’s community identity as the Crossroads of the North, while embracing the future with optimism and pride.

For decades, High Level’s familiar “Four Arrows” logo has been a symbol of community connection, appearing on signs, letters, uniforms, and municipal materials throughout the community. The design, originally created by the local newspaper, has represented the place where people, industries, and opportunities come together in Northern Alberta.

“A rebrand doesn’t change who we are,” said Mayor Josh Lambert “Instead, it’s about expressing who we’ve become, which is a proud, forward-looking community with deep roots and big ambitions.”

“The Four Arrows will always be part of who we are,” said Viv Thoss, Chief Administrative Officer of the Town of High Level. “They represent decades of growth, resilience, and community spirit. Our new logo builds on that same foundation, as a reflection of High Level’s strong roots, combined with our excitement for what’s ahead.”

The decision to refresh the Town’s brand came as part of a broader effort to position High Level for continued growth, investment, and recognition. The updated design reflects a renewed sense of energy and optimism, while staying true to the community’s core values of Community, Connection, Resilience, and Northern Pride.

Community input played a key role in shaping the new brand, with residents providing feedback and helping guide the final branding selection. The Town emphasized that the process was locally driven and community-informed from start to finish.

“Our new logo represents the same heart and the same connections that define High Level,” Thoss said. “It’s simply a fresh look for the road ahead, and it makes it so much more meaningful that it was selected by those who built this community and who call High Level home.”

The Town will begin updating signage, materials, and digital platforms in the months ahead as part of a phased rollout.

Bill Schnarr, Communications Coordinator Town of High Levelbschnarr@highlevel.ca (780) 821-4015

For years, you’ve seen our “4 Arrows” logo around town, on signs, on letters, and just about everywhere else. Those four arrows coming together weren’t just a random design. They represented something very real: High Level as the Crossroads of the North, where people, industries, and opportunities collide. That feeling and the truth about who we are haven’t changed one bit.

Our old logo, created by our local newspaper, became a trusted symbol through decades of change and growth. It reminded us of what makes this place special: Our Northern Alberta roots, the resources and industries that keep us going, and the determined northern spirit we’re all proud of.

So, why change it?

High Level continues to grow, and so do our opportunities. As we attract new investment, new ideas, and new energy, it’s time for our outward image to evolve with us. Our new logo and brand reflect where we’re headed while still respecting our past, building on our strengths, and showcasing our pride and progress to the world.

The adoption of our new brand comes as a bit of a bittersweet moment. We’re sad to see the old logo and brand go, as we know many of you are. The old logo is part of our story, and it’s one we’ll always be proud of. We’ve all driven past the Town welcome sign hundreds of times, seen the logo all around us, and embraced it as part of our shared identity. Luckily, the values behind that logo aren’t going anywhere: Community, Connection, Resilience, and Northern Pride.

That’s still who we are, and our new brand celebrates exactly that: the same proud community, the same heard, the same connections, refreshed for the road ahead.

Thank you to everyone who participated in choosing our new brand. This was a community decision, made by High Level voices! We’re excited about what this represents for the Town of High Level, as we continue to honour our past, with optimism, pride, and purpose. Let’s keep building this place, together!

Helping Seniors & Those with Limited Mobility Stay Safe This Winter

Do you or someone you know need help keeping your driveway clear of snow and ice? The Snow Angels Project (SAP) is here to help! This program is designed to assist seniors and individuals with limited mobility by providing regular snow and ice removal during the winter months.

Monthly Fee: $150

Subsidy Available for Eligible Applicants

To apply for the subsidy, please submit a copy of last year’s Notice of Assessment along with your application. Additional documentation is welcome to support your request.

Stay safe, warm, and worry-free this winter with help from the Snow Angels!

To register or for more information, contact 780-821-4022 or fcss.supervisor@highlevel.ca