Who We Are

The Hinton Training Centre (HTC), which is operated by Sustainable Resource Development (SRD), offers a wide range of training, education and research related to Alberta’s sustainable resources. The Centre also possesses unique training facilities, which it makes available to both government and its stakeholders. HTC lies nestled in the foothills of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, just three hours drive west of Edmonton. It offers a rustic atmosphere enhanced by the many natural features of Alberta’s forested foothills. Together these provide a setting in which your learning experience will be deepened and expanded.

Vision

We are a world renowned Centre of Excellence dedicated to exceptional client service.

Mission

To provide quality service at maximum cost-benefit to SRD and its stakeholders in the delivery of sustainable resource training, support for research and technology transfer, and provision of facilities for meetings and conferences.

Sustainable Resource Training

Protecting Alberta’s forests and managing provincial land requires sound training and cooperation from everyone involved. The modern facilities, leading technology and expert instructors at HTC all work together to ensure such training is available.

Forest and Lands Management Training: New courses are continually being developed at HTC, ensuring provincial employees have the knowledge and skills needed to manage Alberta’s lands and forests sustainably.

Wildfire Management Training: A staff of master instructors delivers more than 45 wildfire courses annually, from basic fire suppression, to advanced planning and management training.

CD ROMS: Several wildfire training CD ROMs have been created by HTC, and are distributed anywhere in the world upon request.

Wildfire Training Academy: The five-month Academy program provides wildfire agency employees with the skills necessary to protect our forests.

Fire Simulator: HTC has developed an interactive, multimedia fire simulator, which places students in realistic fire situations without the danger and cost of a live fire. In addition to enhancing their training, the simulator deepens their appreciation and awareness of the unpredictability and power of wildfire.

Research and Technology Transfer

In keeping with the province’s vision on Alberta’s research and innovation potential, HTC provides a venue for research by groups that share its focus on the sustainable management of land and resources, as demonstrated by the Foothills Model Forest (FMF) and the Forest Engineering Research Institute of Canada (FERIC).

FMF conducts research into all aspects of sustainable forest management, while FERIC’s goal in Hinton is to develop and use the technology and knowledge necessary to effectively manage wildfires.

We at HTC support this research by offering assistance in technology transfer through training and courses.

What We Do

At HTC, we share the department’s goal of managing and sustaining Alberta’s natural resources to provide benefits for both present and future Albertans.

With this in mind, HTC provides a distinctive facility for enabling sustainable resource training, research and technology transfer, as well as for hosting meetings and conferences.

We take our role very seriously in working toward the responsible management of Alberta’s public lands, forests, fish and wildlife.

Program and Event Hosting

HTC’s modern facilities are available to all departments within the Government of Alberta for training, meetings and conferences:

• Double-occupancy accommodation for 180, in residences which include:
• Lounges and fireplaces
• Fitness and games room
• Meeting lounge with large-screen TV
• A dining room that serves 250, with magnificent views of the Rocky Mountains and the Athabasca River valley;
• A full-size gymnasium complete with fitness equipment;
• Full conference facilities;
• A range of classrooms, offices and meeting rooms with internet access;
• A 20-meter rappel training tower;
• GIS and computer labs and a full range of state-of-the-art multimedia equipment;
• Cache Percotte Forest—1,242 hectares utilized by HTC for research, demonstrations, field exercises and recreation;
• Cache Percotte Camp—rustic cabins located within the Cache Percotte Forest that offer a retreat.
  
  

The wide range of facilities comprising HTC ensure the needs of clients are met and even exceeded, within the comforts of a conference centre.

Public Education and Outreach

HTC is a supportive member of the local community. The Alberta Forest Service Museum, interpretive trail and Cache Percotte Forest which are also part of HTC, are available to visitors interested in learning more about our natural surroundings and the work of SRD.

Our Clients

HTC’s primary focus is serving the training, research and facilitation needs of SRD, and we tailor our facilities and services to meet the department’s unique concerns and requirements. When not being used by SRD, HTC opens its doors to other stakeholders, including:

• Other departments of the Government of Alberta;
• The Government of Canada, particularly the national parks and Canadian Armed Forces;
• Municipalities;
• Colleges, universities, and other educational institutions;
• Resource industries;
• Youth groups;
• Law Enforcement.
  
  

HTC’s stakeholders, which represent a total of 10,000 students passing through the HTC every year, are drawn by our world-class technology and unique training facilities.

On the Horizon

The Hinton Training Centre will continue to support the goal of Alberta Sustainable Resource Development by providing top quality training, research and facilities to the provincial government and to stakeholders who share its focus. Through full use of its unique facilities, HTC ensures that education and research are the focus of those who use Alberta’s sustainable resources.