Municipal Services
UTILITIES:
Sewage Treatment
The Municipality of Red Lake is served by municipal treatment facilities in Red Lake, Balmertown, Cochenour, McKenzie Island, and Madsen. The services are contracted out to the Northern Waterworks, which runs both the sewage and water treatment plants. The Township of Ear Falls is served by a municipal treatment facility. The services are contracted out to the Ontario Clean Water Agency, which runs both the sewage and water treatment plants. The Ear Falls sewage treatment plant can accommodate a community of up to 5000 people.
Water Supply
The Municipality contracts Northern Waterworks with maintaining the Municipal water treatment systems. Currently, the system includes operations in Red Lake, Balmertown, Cochenour, McKenzie Island, and Madsen. The Red Lake and McKenzie Island water treatment facilities were recently upgraded. The Municipality is currently conducting feasibility studies for upgrading the remaining water treatment systems. The Ear Falls township obtains its water supply from the English River via a water treatment plant. The rated population capacity of the plant is 5000 residents. The plant may be expanded to handle any major development. A 900,000-gallon water tower serves the community's reservoir needs. The tower has a usable volume of 500,000 imperial gallons.
Electricity - Ontario Hydro
Red Lake is supplied from a 6 Megawatt Distribution Station at a volume of 12.4/7.2KV. Secondary voltages are 120/240-volt single phase and 120/208 & 347/600-volt three-phase. All residents in the Municipality of Red Lake are supplied at a 1R1 rate, which is a high-density rate.
Natural Gas
Union Gas maintains a complete network of underground gas pipelines to residential, commercial, and industrial customers throughout the Ear Falls and Red Lake area.
For more information please contact the regional office 1-888-774-3111
Propane
Propane is distributed locally through Northern Gas Installers (NGI) and Red Lake Marine Products in Red Lake. Propane is distributed locally in Ear Falls through The Pit Stop.
Wood
Many residents still burn wood to heat their homes but some residents use wood for fireplaces or cabins only. Firewood cutting permits are available from the Municipality of Red Lake.
For more information please contact the By-Law Enforcement Officer at 735-2096 ext. 225
SERVICES:
Licenses and Fees
Licenses for dogs, small businesses, transient traders, and construction permits are available from the Municipal Offices. If you have any questions regarding requirements and fees please contact:
In Red Lake - the Municipal Office at 807-735-2096
In Ear Falls - the Township Office at 807-222-3624
Ministry of Transportation licensing is conducted through Service Ontario at 227 Howey Street, Red Lake.
Postal Services - Canada Post
The Township of Ear Falls is served by one post office located in the downtown plaza. The Red Lake area is serviced by a post office in Red Lake and Balmertown. Delivery to and from Red Lake/Ear Falls is on a daily basis. Service standards for a properly placed letter are 3 days locally, 4 to 5 days from the district to major cities in Ontario, about 5 days nationally. The deadline for outgoing mail is 2:00 p.m. from Monday to Friday. Direct mail services include
Purolator Courier. The hours of operation are Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. to noon on Saturday.
Fire Protection
Fire protection is provided by the Ear Falls Fire Department, a volunteer brigade consisting of volunteers and 2 fire vehicles (1 rescue truck and 1 pump truck). The fire hall is attached to the Municipal Office.
For more information call 807-222-3624
The Municipality of Red Lake operates a volunteer fire department. The service has a full-time Fire Chief and a full complement of 65 firefighters at 5 fire stations.
For more information contact the Fire Chief at 807-727-1290
Law Enforcement - Ontario Provincial Police
Red Lake is served by a detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police. Staff includes 51 Officers and one staff Sergeant. The detachment is responsible for coverage of the entire Red Lake District including
both the communities and provincial highways. Ear Falls is served by the Red Lake detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police.
O.P.P. 24 hours Toll-free: 888-310-1122
Red Lake detachment: 807-727-2418
Ear Falls detachment: 807-222-3112
Waste Removal
Waste removal service is provided by private contractors under license from the Municipality of Red Lake. The waste is disposed of at a landfill site located between Balmertown and Red Lake on Hwy 125.
