News

🚨 Help Shape Policing in the MD of Spirit River 🚨

Rural living comes with its own set of challenges—and we want to hear from you.

The MD of Spirit River is working with the RCMP to identify local policing priorities, and your input will help ensure those priorities reflect what’s actually happening across our farms and acreages.

Whether it’s break-ins, fuel theft, suspicious activity, or response times—your feedback matters.

📝 Take a few minutes to complete the survey:
👉 https://forms.gle/DHPBmJRyM6GT1H6d9

✔ Anonymous
✔ Open to all residents
✔ Helps guide RCMP priorities

📅 Open until: April 30, 2026

Kochia: A Growing Concern in the MD of Spirit River

Kochia is becoming an increasing concern across the Peace Region, particularly as it continues to spread north into areas where it has not historically been as prevalent. In response, the Municipal District of Spirit River has taken proactive measures by passing a bylaw to elevate kochia to noxious status within MD boundaries, recognizing the risks it poses to local agriculture and livestock operations.

Originally introduced to North America in the 1800s as an ornamental plant, kochia (Bassia scoparia) is now well-established across much of the continent. Known by names such as burning bush and tumbleweed, it is highly adaptable and thrives in dry, saline, and disturbed soils.

Why Kochia Matters

Kochia is more than a roadside weed. It presents several challenges for rural landowners and producers:

• Crop Competition: Even moderate infestations can significantly reduce yields.
• Rapid Spread: Each plant can produce between 15,000 and 25,000 seeds, which are easily dispersed by wind as the plant breaks off and tumbles.
• Herbicide Resistance: Many kochia populations are resistant to multiple herbicide groups, limiting control options.
• Livestock Risk: While sometimes used as forage during drought, kochia can be toxic to livestock if consumed in large quantities due to naturally occurring compounds.

Identification and Growth

Kochia is a fast-growing summer annual that can reach over two metres in height under ideal conditions. It germinates early in the spring—often before other weeds—and is tolerant of drought, frost, and saline soils. Its deep root system allows it to access moisture well below the surface, giving it a competitive advantage in dry years.

Management Strategies

Effective control of kochia requires an early and integrated approach:

• Act Early: Control is most effective when plants are under 10–15 cm tall
• Prevent Seed Production: Stopping kochia before it sets seed—even for one season—can significantly reduce future populations
• Use Multiple Strategies: Combine chemical, cultural, and mechanical controls
• Encourage Competition: Healthy, competitive crops help suppress growth
• Monitor Regularly: Pay close attention to field edges, ditches, and disturbed areas

Because kochia seeds do not persist in the soil for more than one year, timely management can make a meaningful difference.

Working Together

Kochia management is most effective when approached collectively. The MD encourages all residents—particularly agricultural producers—to remain vigilant and take early action where needed.

For more information, read page 8 of the November 2025 Spirit of the Peace issue or contact the MD’s Agricultural Fieldman.

Senior Housing Available in Spirit River

Pleasant View Apartments in Spirit River currently has suites available for seniors seeking a safe, comfortable, and community-oriented living environment.

This well-maintained residence offers modern 1- and 2-bedroom accommodations designed to support independent living, along with the added benefit of a welcoming and supportive community atmosphere. Residents also enjoy the convenience of a daily lunch service.

Key Features:

• Immediate availability
• 1- and 2-bedroom suites
• Daily lunch provided
• Safe and supportive environment
• Opportunities for social connection

Individuals may choose to move into Pleasant View Apartments without affecting their position on waitlists for housing in other communities, including Grande Prairie and Clairmont.

Location:
Spirit River, Alberta

Residents and families are encouraged to share this opportunity with those who may benefit from quality senior housing within the region.

𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐓𝐎𝐃𝐀𝐘!

📞 (780) 532-2905 Ext. 110
📩 info@grandespirit.org
🌐 www.grandespirit.org

For updates and additional information, please visit:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588454402715
Instagram: @grandespiritfoundation

Photo Contest 2026 is NOW LIVE!

You are invited to participate in the Municipal District of Spirit River No.133’s photo contest.

FIRST PRIZE $200.00 – Runner up $100.00

📸 Enter up to 10 photos per person  📸

To be eligible for the contest, all photos submitted must be taken within the boundaries of the MD of Spirit River. Please describe where the photo was taken and when.

By entering and participating in the contest, you consent to the use of your photographs by the MD of Spirit River, during or after the contest closing date, without compensation.

Photos may be submitted in either colour or black and white. Each photo should be high resolution (minimum 300ppi for digital or 5” x 7” or larger for hard copy). Hard copies can be mailed to the MD of Spirit River No.133, Box 389, Spirit River, AB TOH 3G0. Digital copies may be emailed to: mdsr133@mdspiritriver.ab.ca. Don’t forget to include your name and contact information! Waiver forms/model releases and/or copyright laws are the responsibility of the entrants.

Photos MUST be submitted by October 16^th, 2026.

Winners will be selected by October 30^th, 2026.

The winning pictures and winners’ names will be posted on our Facebook page and in the Spirit of the Peace newsletter, and all winners will be notified by phone or email.

Thank you for your entries and GOOD LUCK!                                                                   

🌾 How Age-Friendly Is Life in the Central Peace?

Out here, we know independence matters. Whether it’s living on the farm, helping with harvest, or staying in the home you’ve built over decades — aging well in the country looks different than it does in the city.

The Central Peace Health and Wellness Committee (CPHWC) recently surveyed seniors across Spirit River, Rycroft, and surrounding rural communities to better understand what’s working — and what needs attention.

Here’s what they heard:

💛 Strong community spirit. Fall suppers, quilting clubs, seniors’ centres, and neighbours who check in on each other still matter — and they’re valued.

🩺 Healthcare access is a concern. Long wait times for doctor appointments and regular travel to Grande Prairie or Edmonton for specialists are challenging — especially for those living outside town limits.

🚌 Transportation gaps are real. When you live 10, 20, or 40 km out, getting to appointments, groceries, or community events isn’t always simple.

🏠 Housing options are limited. Many seniors would like smaller, one-level homes or more affordable options that allow them to stay close to family and community.

📰 Not everyone is online. Many respondents reminded us that printed newsletters and clear, easy-to-read information are still essential.

Rural life has many strengths — independence, resilience, and strong neighbourly ties. But distance and limited services create unique challenges.

Now we’d like to hear from you:

👉 What helps you (or your parents and grandparents) stay independent in our rural community?
👉 What would make aging in the MD easier or more comfortable?

Share your thoughts below — respectful conversation helps us plan better for the future. 🌾

To read the summary of CPHWC’s survey results, turn to Page 3 in the latest Spirit of the Peace newsletter @ March 2026 – Issue 24

The March 2026 issue of the Spirit of the Peace Newsletter is now available online for your reading pleasure.

Click on the following link for access:

Spirit of the Peace – Issue 24 – March 2026

Please join Council during their Regular Council meeting on March 25th @ 9:00 AM, either in person at the MD Administration Office or virtually on Teams.

Passcode: WD2yp3CR

For access to the agenda, click on March 25, 2026 Agenda