News

Discover the inspiring story of the Bad Heart Straw Church near Teepee Creek, Alberta!

On our first trip for the 2026 Summer Bus Tours, we’ll be heading to the Bad Heart Straw Church, Kleskun Hills & Museum on Friday, June 26. Here is a little bit of history on how the church came to be…

In the heart of the Peace River Country, the small community of Bad Heart grew from a 1919 Soldiers’ Settlement after World War I. Settlers faced challenging farmland and limited amenities, with no local church until the mid-1950s. Residents had to travel to Teepee Creek for services.

Enter Father Francis Dales, a dynamic Redemptorist priest, trained architect, and beloved pastor based in Sexsmith (over 50 km away). Known for his creativity and resourcefulness, Fr. Dales designed and built churches, schools, and other structures using volunteer labour and salvaged materials.

Determined to bring a Catholic church to Bad Heart’s modest community, he turned to an innovative idea: straw bale construction. Inspired by eastern Canadian farm buildings, he used abundant rye or flax straw bales (preserved by natural oils) for an economical solution. Bishop Henri Routhier approved the plan and contributed $500.

Construction began in the summer of 1954. Volunteers completed the unique L-shaped church in about six weeks:

• Built on a cement slab with straw bales stacked on salvaged pipes.
• Thick (about 20-inch) walls, windowless sides for stability, a steep gable roof, and a bank of windows in the gable end.
• Exterior finished with rough stucco mixed with crushed 7-Up bottle shards for texture and sparkle.
• Interior features and furnishings, including pews, were salvaged from other local churches.

The result was a pioneering example of straw bale architecture in Alberta — possibly the only straw church in Canada! It quickly gained attention, even featured in the Toronto Star Weekly.

Today, the Bad Heart Straw Church stands as a Provincial Historic Resource (designated 2009), symbolizing rural ingenuity, community spirit, and Fr. Dales’ remarkable vision. A hidden gem on a hilltop overlooking the Bad Heart River that reminds us what’s possible with faith, creativity, and hard work.

Sign Up Today – Stay Connected and Informed!

Wildfires, severe weather, and other emergencies can happen with little warning. Make sure you and your family receive important alerts when they matter most by registering for Voyent Alert! today. The system provides immediate notifications for emergency situations affecting our area and can even be customized to include neighbouring municipalities.

Don’t wait until an emergency is at your doorstep—register now and stay informed, prepared, and connected.

To register, go to www.voyent-alert.com/community/#registration

Learn more and sign up today!

WIN 2 DAY PASSES to the Wanham Plowing Match!

As a Bronze Sponsor of the 2026 Wanham Plowing Match, the MD has the opportunity to give away two Day Passes to this fantastic community event!

To enter:
Email your entry to mdsr133@mdspiritriver.ab.ca
Entries must be received on or before Wednesday, June 17, 2026

The winners will be announced on Thursday, June 18, 2026!

Don’t miss your chance to enjoy heavy horse plowing, tractor pulls, live music, family fun, and so much more at this year’s Wanham Plowing Match, June 19–21!

Good luck!

For full event details, go to www.wanhamplowingmatch.com

Please join Council during their Regular Council meeting on June 10^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 June 10, 2026 Agenda

Proper Livestock Mortality Disposal Protects Our Community

The Municipal District of Spirit River #133 recently became aware of livestock mortalities being abandoned under a bridge within the municipality. We would like to remind all livestock owners and producers that disposing of dead animals on public lands, road allowances, under bridges, near waterways, or in other unauthorized locations is not an acceptable method of disposal.

Proper livestock mortality management is important for protecting livestock health, wildlife, water resources, and the environment. Carcasses left in unmanaged areas can attract predators and scavengers, increase the risk of disease transmission, create unpleasant odours, and negatively impact neighbouring properties and public spaces.

Under Alberta’s Disposal of Dead Animals Regulation, livestock mortalities must be disposed of within seven days of death using an approved method. Depending on the circumstances, acceptable disposal methods may include composting, burial, burning, rendering, landfill disposal, or natural disposal under specific conditions.

Many producers have successfully adopted on-farm composting as a practical and environmentally responsible option. When properly managed, composting helps minimize odours, discourages scavengers, and reduces environmental impacts. Technical guides and resources are available to help producers develop effective composting systems and mortality management plans.

For those seeking an off-site disposal option, the Aquatera Waste Management Facility near Grande Prairie accepts both small and large animal carcasses for disposal. Producers are encouraged to contact Aquatera directly to confirm current requirements, fees, and operating hours before transporting livestock mortalities or visit their website @ https://www.aquatera.ca/billing-rates-payments/rates/landfill

Responsible livestock mortality management benefits everyone. By following provincial regulations and approved disposal practices, producers help protect water quality, reduce wildlife conflicts, safeguard livestock health, and preserve the quality of life enjoyed throughout our rural communities.

For more information, visit www.alberta.ca/livestock-mortality-management or contact the MD’s Agriculture Department.

The MD of Spirit River #133 is in search of a qualified driver with a Class 4 licence to operate our Transit Bus, available immediately.

If you are interested in applying, please submit your resume:

By email: mdsr133@mdspiritriver.ab.ca,

In person: 4202 – 50 St in the Town of Spirit River

By mail:   Municipal District of Spirit River #133

4202 – 50 St.

Spirit River, AB  T0H 3G0

Job Description – Transit Bus Driver – May 2026

Resumes will be accepted until a suitable candidate is found.

Thank you for your interest!

This is your final opportunity to share your input on community safety and policing priorities in the MD of Spirit River.

If you’ve been meaning to fill out the survey, now is the time—your feedback will directly help shape local RCMP priorities.

📝 Take the survey now:
👉 https://forms.gle/DHPBmJRyM6GT1H6d9

📅 Closes May 30

Don’t miss your chance to be heard.

Please join Council during their Regular Council meeting on May 27^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 agenda, click on May 27, 2026 Agenda

Adventure is calling!

Hop aboard for our 2026 Summer Bus Tours and discover hidden gems, fascinating museums, breathtaking scenery, unique attractions, and charming communities across the Peace Country and beyond. From the famous Straw Church and Moonshine Lake to Dunvegan, Dawson Creek, and Tumbler Ridge, there’s a new adventure waiting every week!

Check out the 2026 Summer Bus Tour Schedule to see what exciting places we’ll be heading to.

Let’s make this a summer to remember!!