News

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

For pricing and to apply, click on Dust Control Application Form.

To view the policy, click on Farmstead Dust Control Policy.

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

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!