News

Rycroft Agricultural Society Scholarships – Now Accepting Applications

The Rycroft Agricultural Society is proud to support local youth by offering two annual scholarships to students in the G5 region, including the MD of Spirit River, Saddle Hills County, and Birch Hills County.

These scholarships—named in honour of long-standing community members Joy and Eric Astell—recognize students who demonstrate strong academic achievement, community involvement, and a passion for building a future in key sectors that support our rural communities.

🎓 Scholarship Details

• Value: Two scholarships of $1,500 each
• Eligibility:
  • Graduating high school students
  • Pursuing post-secondary education in:
    • Agriculture
    • Veterinary studies
    • Trades
    • Business
• Additional Requirements:
  • Strong academic standing
  • Demonstrated commitment to community involvement
  • Submission of a personal essay

📅 How to Apply

Students are encouraged to complete the application form and submit all required documents prior to the annual deadline.

👉 Apply for the Rycroft Agricultural Society Scholarship

Applications can be submitted as outlined in the application package.

🌱 Investing in Our Future

The Rycroft Agricultural Society continues to play an important role in supporting youth and strengthening our rural communities. These scholarships are an excellent opportunity for local students to take the next step in their education while staying connected to the industries that help our region thrive.

For more information, visit the scholarship page:
👉 Learn more about the scholarships

Please join Council during their Regular Council meeting on April 8^th @ 9:00 AM, either in person at the MD Administration Office or virtually on Teams.

Join the meeting now

Meeting ID: 265 752 763 517 63

Passcode: WD2yp3CR

For access to the agendas, click on April 22, 2026 Agenda & April 22, 2026 Addendum

Reeve Tony van Rootselaar has called for a special council meeting to be held on April 27, 2026, at 9:00AM.

Teams link to join the meeting virtually TBA.

To view the agenda details, click on Notice of Special Meeting

Dust Control Program Now Open for 2026

With spring on the horizon, the MD of Spirit River is preparing for another season of dust control on our rural roads.

To help manage dust levels from spring through fall, Calcium will once again be applied as a dust suppressant. The MD continues to offer a cost-sharing Dust Control Program for ratepayers wishing to have product applied in front of their property.

Program Details:

• Applications are open until May 15, 2026
• Full payment is required prior to application
• The program will operate similarly to previous years

If you’re interested in participating or have questions or concerns, please contact our office at (780) 864-3500.

Let’s work together to keep our roads safer, cleaner, and more comfortable for everyone this season.

Keeping Our Communities Safe: Introducing SCAN

The safety and well-being of residents in the Municipal District of Spirit River No. 133 is a top priority. Alberta’s Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) unit plays an important role in helping address properties where ongoing illegal activity is impacting neighbourhoods.

SCAN focuses on **problem properties—not individuals—**using a civil approach to stop repeated unlawful activity such as drug-related offences, exploitation, and other disruptive behaviour that affects nearby residents.

Community members can report concerns confidentially, and are not required to participate in court proceedings. SCAN works with property owners to resolve issues whenever possible, and can take legal action when necessary to restore safety and peace in the area.

Reporting a Concern

If you are aware of a property where ongoing illegal activity may be taking place, you can report it to SCAN:

📞 1-866-960-SCAN (7226)
💻 Online reporting is also available through the Government of Alberta at alberta.ca/report-suspicious-property.

All reports are kept confidential.

By working together, residents, property owners, and enforcement agencies can help maintain safe, respectful, and welcoming communities throughout the Municipal District.

For the full story, turn to page 10 in the March 2026 issue of the Spirit of the Peace newsletter.

Fairview Campus Transition: What’s Next

Following last month’s announcement confirming that the Fairview Campus would remain open, more details have now been released outlining what this transition will look like moving forward.

Northern Lakes College has been named as the incoming post-secondary provider and will begin offering programming at the Fairview Campus in Fall 2026. Northwestern Polytechnic will continue its operations through August 2026, with a transition to the new provider taking place thereafter.

Importantly, the campus itself will remain active, continuing its long-standing role as a hub for education and training in the Peace Country.

This transition reflects a collaborative, community-informed approach, with regional stakeholders helping to shape the campus’s future direction. The goal is to ensure programming aligns with local workforce needs while maintaining strong access to post-secondary education in rural northern Alberta.

🎓 What programs will be offered?

Residents can expect a range of flexible and community-focused learning opportunities, including:

• 🔧 Trades and apprenticeship programming
• 🛠 Pre-employment and skills training
• 🩺 Health and community service programs
• 🎒 Dual credit opportunities for high school students
• 💻 Flexible and online learning options

Currently, there are no agricultural programs. According to Northern Lakes College, it is still an ongoing process, but they have been receiving many inquiries about agricultural programs. The Municipal District will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more information becomes available.

You may also stay apprised of the program list by periodically checking their website @ www.northernlakescollege.ca/fairview-campus.

Bid Invitation – Sale of MD Graders

The Municipal District of Spirit River No. 133 is currently accepting bids for the sale of two graders.

Full details, including equipment information and submission requirements, are available in the official bid invitation document below. Interested bidders are encouraged to review all information before submitting an offer.

Grader Bid Invitation Details & Photos

03-DP-26 Notice of Approval

Proposed Daycare Facility Design Unveiled for Full Steam Ahead Academy

The vision for expanded childcare in the region is taking an exciting step forward with the release of proposed drawings for the Full Steam Ahead Academy Daycare Centre.

Planned for development on land adjacent to the Town of Spirit River, the new facility will provide over 100 licensed childcare spaces, helping address the increasing demand for accessible, high-quality childcare services for local families.

This project represents a significant investment in the well-being and growth of our communities—supporting working families, encouraging economic stability, and creating opportunities for children to learn and thrive in a safe, nurturing environment.

Funding raised through the upcoming Spring Break-Up Dine & Dance Fundraiser on April 18^th will directly support the development of this facility, bringing the project one step closer to construction.

Community members are encouraged to view the proposed drawings and share in the excitement as this important initiative begins to take shape.

Please join Council during their Regular Council meeting on April 8^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 April 8, 2026 Agenda