News

Firefighters’ National Memorial Day is observed annually in Canada on the second Sunday in September. It is a national day of remembrance dedicated to honouring the courage, selflessness, and ultimate sacrifices of Canadian firefighters who have died in the line of duty.

History

The day received its formal designation in 2017. On August 25^th of that year, then-Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale announced its establishment in Regina, Saskatchewan. A subsequent proclamation by the Governor General formally declared the second Sunday in September each year as Firefighters’ National Memorial Day. The first observance took place on September 10, 2017.

This official recognition built on earlier efforts by the Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation (CFFF). The Foundation had been holding annual memorial ceremonies for more than a decade, often timed near September 11 in recognition of the broader significance of that date for emergency responders. The Foundation’s long-standing work also led to the creation of the Canadian Firefighters Memorial in Ottawa’s LeBreton Flats (the site of the Great Ottawa Fire of 1900). Designed by artist Douglas Coupland and landscape architect Mary Tremain, the monument was dedicated in 2012. It features a tall fire pole, a bronze firefighter statue cast from recycled brass couplings donated by fire stations across the country, and a granite memorial wall engraved with the names of fallen firefighters, mapped according to the province or territory they served.

Records of line-of-duty deaths date back to 1848. According to the CFFF, more than 1,300 Canadian firefighters had died in the line of duty by the time the national day was established; the total has continued to grow as new names are added each year during the annual ceremony in Ottawa.

Importance

The day serves as a national acknowledgment of the inherent dangers of firefighting and the profound personal cost borne by firefighters and their families. On this day, the Canadian flag is flown at half-mast on all federal buildings and establishments, including the Peace Tower, from sunrise to sunset. Memorial ceremonies take place across the country, with the main national event hosted by the CFFF at the Ottawa memorial. Families of the fallen are supported through programs such as the Memorial Grant Program for First Responders.

Beyond formal remembrance, the day highlights the ongoing service of Canada’s approximately 200,000 firefighters—career, volunteer, wildland, military, airport, and industrial—who protect communities from fires, medical emergencies, hazardous materials incidents, and increasingly severe wildfires linked to climate change. It underscores public gratitude for their readiness to place themselves in harm’s way and reinforces the importance of supporting both serving firefighters and the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

In short, Firefighters’ National Memorial Day ensures that the names and legacies of those who answered their last alarm are never forgotten, while affirming the vital role firefighters play in the safety and resilience of Canadian communities.

Discover the story behind the Canadian Firefighters Memorial in LeBreton Flats in this Decoding ART video.

The MD Transit Bus will be unavailable for public service on September 15, 16, & 17, 2026.

Please join Council during their Regular Council meeting on September 9^th @ 9:00 AM, either in person at the MD Administration Office or virtually on Teams.

Join the meeting now

Meeting ID: 220 505 280 799 48

Passcode: wi3tD3hB

For access to the agenda, click on September 9, 2026 Agenda.

Congratulations to Our 2026 Bursary Recipients!

The Municipal District of Spirit River #133 is pleased to congratulate Colton Witts, Shaelyn Beaupre, and Tyler Tomkow on being selected as this year’s recipients of the $1,000 MD of Spirit River #133 Bursary.

This bursary program recognizes local students who demonstrate leadership, community involvement, and a commitment to making a positive difference. By supporting students as they pursue their post-secondary goals, the MD is proud to invest in the future of our communities and Northern Alberta.

Congratulations, Colton, Shaelyn, and Tyler!

We wish each of you every success as you continue your education and pursue your goals. We look forward to seeing where your hard work, leadership, and commitment take you!

Your future is bright—and your community is proud to support you along the way.

Slow Down, Stay Alert and Watch for Kids

School is back, and that means more children are walking, cycling, and riding buses on our roads. As families settle back into their school routines, drivers are reminded to take extra care around school zones, crosswalks and bus stops.

Children may be excited, distracted or unpredictable as they make their way to and from school. With darker mornings and busy afternoons becoming part of the daily routine, a few extra seconds of caution can make a big difference.

Drivers: Slow Down and Stay Alert

When travelling through school zones and areas where children may be present:

• Watch carefully for children crossing the road, including those who may suddenly step into traffic.
• Avoid distractions and scan the road carefully for children walking or cycling.
• Turn on your headlights during low-light hours to improve visibility and help others see you.
• Monitor crosswalks and school zones carefully, particularly during the busy morning and afternoon periods.
• Remember that you are not permitted to pass or attempt to pass another vehicle travelling in the same direction within a school zone while the zone is in effect.
• The school-zone speed limit is 30 km/h in both urban and rural areas unless otherwise posted.

Know the School Bus Lights

School buses make frequent stops to pick up and drop off children, so knowing what their lights mean is essential.

Flashing amber lights: These indicate that the school bus is slowing down and preparing to stop so children can get on or off.

Flashing red lights: Drivers must stop when a school bus activates its flashing red lights, whether approaching the bus from the front or following behind.

The only exception is when the school bus is on the opposite side of a divided highway.

Once stopped, remain stopped until the red lights stop flashing. Before proceeding, continue watching carefully for children who may still be crossing or moving around the bus.

A Few Important Facts

• The vast majority—about 90 percent—of collisions involving school buses occur in urban areas.
• Failing to stop for a school bus displaying flashing red lights carries a $567 fine and six demerit points.

Safety Is Everyone’s Responsibility

Drivers aren’t the only ones who can help keep children safe. Parents, guardians and educators can reinforce good habits by regularly reviewing road-safety rules with children throughout the school year.

Talk about looking both ways before crossing, paying attention around roads and driveways, and staying alert rather than assuming that drivers have seen them.

As the school year gets underway, let’s all do our part to make the roads safer for our youngest community members.

Slow down. Put the phone away. Watch for kids. And give school buses the space and respect they need.

A few extra seconds of attention can help ensure every child gets home safely.

12-DP-26 Development Permit Approval

The MD has a job opportunity for a Safety Program Coordinator & Public Works Clerk to maintain municipal operations, ensure a safe working environment, and keep administrative records current and organized.

The Safety Program component is a strategic role focused on ensuring the MD of Spirit River #133 remains compliant with the Alberta Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act, Regulation, and Code. The focus will be on high-impact activities like audits, training, and program updates rather than daily site supervision.

This dual-function position requires a safety-minded individual who can develop and deliver staff training, maintain safety compliance, coordinate building maintenance, and handle public works record-keeping. The successful candidate will also manage emergency notification alerts, monitor bridge files, receive and manage public complaints, and occasionally assist in hands-on public works tasks.

If interested, send your resume to hr@mdspiritriver.ab.ca

For full details on this position, go to Employment Opportunities.

Nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in northeastern British Columbia, Tumbler Ridge is a place where deep time, resilient community spirit, and spectacular natural beauty come together. This year’s last MD Summer Bus Tour heads there on Friday, August 28—your final chance this season to experience one of the Peace Country’s most rewarding destinations. Seats are limited, so book soon and join us for a day that blends fascinating history with must-see attractions.

From Ancient Footprints to Instant Town

People have lived in and moved through this landscape for thousands of years. Archaeological evidence points to human presence dating back at least 3,000 years, with the nomadic Sekani, followed by the Dane-zaa and Cree, using the area for temporary settlements and travel. European exploration came later: formal expeditions in the early 20th century mapped the rugged terrain, and the name “Tumbler Ridge” itself comes from a ridge marked by rockslides, adapted by geologist Edmund Spieker from earlier maps.

Permanent settlement began sparingly in the 1920s. Kate Edwards, a determined widow, established a ranch in the Wolverine Valley in 1921 and drove cattle long distances to market. In the 1930s, local promoter Alex Monkman championed a highway through the low Monkman Pass to connect Peace River grain farmers to markets—an ambitious dream that left a lasting mark on the region’s trails and stories.

Everything changed with coal. Large deposits were identified in the mid-20th century. After the 1970s energy crises, a major agreement in 1981 between Canadian mining companies (including Denison and Teck), a consortium of Japanese steel mills, and the governments of British Columbia and Canada launched the Northeast Coal Development. Tumbler Ridge was created from scratch as a planned “instant town” to house workers for the Quintette and Bullmoose mines. Incorporated as a district municipality in 1981, the community, infrastructure, and mines rose rapidly; the first residents arrived in the early 1980s. It was designed with livability in mind, aiming to avoid the pitfalls of traditional company towns.

The mines supplied metallurgical coal for years, but the community faced hard times when Quintette closed in 2000 and Bullmoose in 2003. Rather than fade, Tumbler Ridge diversified—embracing forestry, energy, outdoor recreation, and especially tourism. Coal mining has seen revivals at times, yet the town’s true renaissance came from an unexpected source: dinosaurs.

In 2000, two local boys discovered dinosaur trackways along Flatbed Creek. That find triggered a cascade of discoveries—ankylosaur tracks, rare tyrannosaur trackways (including evidence that these predators may have moved in groups), bonebeds, and more. Today the area holds some of British Columbia’s most significant paleontological resources, spanning marine life from when the region was underwater, dinosaur footprints and bones, plant fossils, and Ice Age mammals.

The Tumbler Ridge UNESCO Global Geopark

In 2014 (with formal recognition following), the region earned designation as a UNESCO Global Geopark—one of only five in Canada and the only one in western North America. Covering roughly 8,478 square kilometres, it showcases outstanding geology: ancient mountain-building, glacial shaping, waterfalls, canyons, caves, alpine meadows, and world-class dinosaur trackways.

Highlights include Kinuseo Falls in nearby Monkman Provincial Park (taller than Niagara Falls and a dramatic centrepiece), the Flatbed Valley geosites with accessible trackways, the Shipyard and Titanic rock formations, Bergeron Falls, and numerous hiking trails. Unlike strict national or provincial parks, a Geopark celebrates geological heritage while remaining open to compatible activities and community life. It is a living landscape of discovery—perfect for walking in the footsteps of dinosaurs, chasing waterfalls, or simply soaking in the foothills scenery.

Tumbler Ridge Museum and Dinosaur Discovery Gallery

The Tumbler Ridge Museum Foundation grew directly out of those 2000 trackway finds. Its Dinosaur Discovery Gallery (and associated research centre) displays an impressive collection spanning more than 200 million years: marine reptiles and fish from the Triassic, dinosaur footprints and bones, plant fossils, and Ice Age mammals. You’ll see rare tyrannosaur tracks, local specimens unavailable elsewhere, and stories of both scientific research and citizen discoveries.

Guided trackway tours (typically offered in summer) take visitors to sites such as Cabin Pool/Flatbed Creek, where dozens of prints from multiple dinosaur types are visible in the bedrock. The museum also preserves human history and partners closely with the Geopark. It’s an essential stop for understanding why this remote corner of BC has become a paleontology hotspot.

The Community Centre: Heart of Town

The Tumbler Ridge Community Centre serves as a welcoming hub for visitors and residents alike. It features a full aquatic centre (pool, tots pool, sauna, hot tub, steam room), fitness facilities, squash/racquetball courts, ice arena, curling rink, indoor playground, public library, art gallery showcasing local work and scenic photography, and a Sports Hall of Fame. Historical displays and the human-history side of the museum story are also found here, offering context on pioneers, the Monkman Pass era, coal-mining beginnings, and early dinosaur finds. It’s a great place to stretch, learn a little more, or simply enjoy the friendly atmosphere of this resilient community.

Why This Trip Matters—and Why You Should Book Now

Tumbler Ridge is no longer just a former mining town. It is a UNESCO Global Geopark destination where ancient Earth history meets modern outdoor adventure and warm small-town hospitality. On our bus tour, you’ll enjoy the scenic ride into the foothills, time at the Geopark highlights, the Museum’s extraordinary fossils and trackways, and the amenities of the Community Centre—all in the company of fellow travellers on the final MD Summer Bus Tour of 2026.

Friday, August 28 is the last summer departure. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore a place that was built in a few short years, nearly lost its economic heart, and reinvented itself around dinosaurs, waterfalls, and wild beauty. Book your seat today and experience Tumbler Ridge for yourself—history, wonder, and a memorable day trip await.

To save a spot on the bus, call the office at (780) 864-3500.

Bus Fare: Age 16+ $25.00; Under 16 $5.00 

Fare is due upon registration. Riders are responsible for all expenses over and above the bus fare. 

The bus leaves the MD garage at 8:30 AM to pick up passengers at designated locations and will return between 3:30 PM and 4:00 PM. 

Priority given to seniors and people with limited mobility.

Central Peace Regional Water Supply Project – July 2026 Update

Construction on the Central Peace Regional Water Supply System continues to advance across multiple phases.

Key Highlights:

• Steel Pipe Contract (Phase 1 & 2, Contract 2 – Option Excavating Inc.): HDD steel pipe installation and HDPE transition completed in 2025. Concrete valve chamber vaults are progressing, with the bottom vault expected in August 2026 followed by testing and restoration.
• River Intake & Raw Water Transfer Station (Phase 1 & 2, Contract 1 – Greenfield Construction): Wet well base slab poured in June 2026. River works resuming after high water levels; overall completion targeted for autumn 2027.
• Raw Water Reservoirs (Phase 3, Contract 1A – Northern Road Builders): Approximately 80% of subcut complete. Earthworks and underground piping advancing well, with completion scheduled for September 2026.
• Remaining Piping & Power: HDPE pipeline design underway and power service from Rycroft targeted for late autumn 2026. Additional provincial grant funding is being pursued.

The project remains on track with ongoing coordination for funding, approvals, and construction.

Full details and construction photos are available in the August edition of the Spirit of the Peace newsletter.

To review the MPE Engineering report, click on Central Peace Regional Water Supply Project Overview – 2026-07

Where History Meets the Peace River: Discover Dunvegan

Join the MD Summer Bus Tour on August 21, 2026 for a day of history, scenery, gardens, and a little summertime fun!

There are places in the Peace Country where the landscape itself seems to tell a story—and Dunvegan is one of them.

Nestled along the banks of the mighty Peace River, Dunvegan Provincial Park and Historic Dunvegan offer visitors the chance to step into more than 200 years of local history while enjoying one of the most beautiful river valleys in our region. On August 21, the MD Summer Bus Tour will head to this remarkable destination, where there is something for just about everyone to enjoy.

A Place Where History Runs Deep

Long before fur traders and missionaries arrived, the Dunvegan valley was an important gathering place for Indigenous peoples, including the Tsattine (Beaver) people, whose traditional lands encompass the area.

In 1805, the North West Company established Fort Dunvegan on the Peace River. Named after the ancestral home of the McLeod family in Scotland, the fort became an important centre of the fur trade and one of the significant posts in the Peace River valley. In 1821, following the merger of the North West Company and Hudson’s Bay Company, Fort Dunvegan became a Hudson’s Bay Company post.

The valley later became home to missionary activity as well. The Roman Catholic St. Charles Mission was established in 1867, followed by the Anglican St. Saviour’s Mission in 1880. For generations, Dunvegan was a meeting place where Indigenous communities, voyageurs, fur traders, missionaries, farmers, and settlers crossed paths.

The fur trade eventually faded, but Dunvegan continued to play an important role in the region. The Hudson’s Bay Company remained at Dunvegan until 1918, and the valley became increasingly known for its productive gardens and agriculture.

Today, that history has been carefully preserved at Historic Dunvegan, a provincially and nationally designated historic resource.

During the tour, visitors can explore the Historic Dunvegan site and its four original, authentically restored and furnished buildings. Costumed interpreters help bring the stories of the fur trade, missions, and life along the Peace River to life.

The buildings include the Hudson’s Bay Company Factor’s House, built in 1877–78, along with the St. Charles Church and Rectory and the Revillon Frères fur trade post.

The Factor’s House is particularly special. Built during the Hudson’s Bay Company era, it is the only surviving building from that later Fort Dunvegan post that remains on its original site.

The Historic Dunvegan Visitor Centre provides an opportunity to learn even more about the people and events that shaped the region. Visitors can also explore the grounds and interpretive displays at their own pace.

And while you are learning about the past, don’t forget to look around. The historic site sits in a spectacular setting above the Peace River, where the valley provides a beautiful backdrop to the stories unfolding around you.

Take a Walk Along the Peace

For those who would rather enjoy the outdoors, Dunvegan offers plenty of opportunities to stretch your legs and take in the scenery.

Walking paths wind through the park and along the river valley, offering beautiful views of the Peace River and surrounding hills. There are trails for a leisurely stroll, places to stop and enjoy the scenery, and paths that lead down toward the river. On a warm August day, you may even want to dip your feet in the cool water and enjoy a little Peace River summertime refreshment.

The park also offers a day-use area with picnic tables, fire pits, cook shelters, a playground, and horseshoe pits—making Dunvegan a wonderful place to slow down and enjoy a summer day.

From Fur Trade Gardens to Dunvegan Market Gardens

Gardening has been part of Dunvegan’s story for generations. Even during the fur trade era, the gardens at Fort Dunvegan played an important role, reflecting the growing importance of producing food locally. Market gardens continued in the valley through the 20th century, with commercial operations beginning in the 1940s. That agricultural tradition continues today at Dunvegan Market Gardens.

The family-run operation traces its roots back to 1952, when Bill Friesen purchased Dunvegan Gardens. Today, the farm grows vegetables, fruit, flowers, and other garden products, while also raising bison.

Visitors can browse fresh seasonal produce, locally produced bison products, plants, flowers, and other goods. Depending on the season, the gardens may also offer U-pick opportunities.

It is a wonderful reminder that while Dunvegan has changed considerably over the past two centuries, its connection to the land—and to growing food—has remained.

A Little Friendly Competition

And then there is the fun part!

At Dunvegan Market Gardens, visitors can enjoy a 10-hole mini-golf course, making it an ideal stop for families, friends, and those who are young at heart. The course offers a relaxed bit of friendly competition in a beautiful rural setting.

After a round—or perhaps while cheering on the other players—you can also enjoy a scoop of ice cream or stop at the on-site kitchen for something to eat. Because really, is there a better way to finish a summer outing than ice cream after a little mini golf?

Whether you are fascinated by local history, love exploring gardens, enjoy walking outdoors, want to dip your toes in the Peace River, or simply want to spend a summer day somewhere beautiful, Dunvegan has something to offer.

It is a place where several chapters of Peace Country history come together: Indigenous history, the fur trade, missionary life, transportation, agriculture, and settlement—all set within one of the most scenic stretches of the Peace River valley.

And that is what makes the Dunvegan Summer Bus Tour such a great opportunity. You don’t have to choose between history and recreation. You can spend the morning learning about the people who came before us, wander through historic grounds, take in the river views, explore the gardens, challenge someone to a game of mini golf, or find a shady spot and enjoy the day. So, come along, bring your walking shoes, your curiosity, and perhaps your appetite—and discover why Dunvegan has been drawing people to the Peace River valley for more than 200 years.

Come for the history. Stay for the scenery. Enjoy the gardens. And maybe settle the question of who is the better mini-golf player!

Space is limited, so contact the MD office at (780) 864-3500 to reserve your spot on the bus!

Bus Fare: Age 16+ $25.00; Under 16 $5.00 

Fare is due upon registration. Riders are responsible for all expenses over and above the bus fare. 

The bus leaves the MD garage at 8:30 AM to pick up passengers at designated locations and will return between 3:30 PM and 4:00 PM. 

Priority is given to seniors and people with limited mobility.