News

On August 14, 2025, the Municipal District of Spirit River No. 133 announced it has officially declared an Agricultural Disaster due to severe and ongoing drought conditions across the region. This decision, effective August 6, 2025, reflects the dire state of the local agricultural sector.

Precipitation and soil moisture levels in the Peace Region have been consistently low to extremely low, with some areas receiving as little as 30% of their average rainfall this growing season. “Consequently, crop conditions in the Peace Region are rated at 22% good to excellent compared to the regions 10-year average of 66.9%, provincially, the remainder of the province is 68.8% good to excellent,” stated MD of Spirit River Reeve Tony van Rootselaar. Poor pasture conditions are also a major concern for the livestock industry, raising fears about feed availability for the fall and winter. The district also noted moderate to severe grasshopper infestations, which are further stressing crops.

“This crisis has put many producers, particularly livestock producers, in a difficult position forcing them to make tough decisions about the future of their operation,” Reeve van Rootselaar expressed. “The municipality recognizes and is concerned about the economic and mental health impacts multiple years of drought is having on producers.”

In solidarity with other regional municipalities facing similar issues, the district urges both the Government of Alberta and the Government of Canada to recognize the severity of this situation and implement a coordinated strategy to support this vital industry and its producers.

The Municipal District of Spirit River No. 133 is committed to advocating for the well-being and prosperity of its agricultural community. The district has contacted the Alberta Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation and the Canadian Ministry of Agriculture and Agri-Food to request that producers be made eligible for all available assistance and support programs, including the federal Livestock Tax Deferral program.

Producers needing assistance or support are encouraged to contact the Agricultural Services Department at samting@mdspiritriver.ab.ca or (780) 864-3500 ext. 218.

With the 2025 Municipal Elections coming up on October 20^th, the deadline for registering to vote is fast approaching.

All voters in the MD of Spirit River MUST be on the permanent Electors Registry to vote. To register or check your registration status, go to www.voterlink.ab.ca by August 15, 2025.

The MD of Spirit River receives its list of eligible voters from Voterlink, so please confirm that your information is correct to ensure you’re ready to vote.

If you do not register beforehand, you will be required to register at the voting station on Election Day. Pre-registering simply makes the voting process faster.

DID YOU KNOW that business owners in the Peace Region, including the Municipal District of Spirit River #133, can access FREE, practical business support through the Sunstone Strategic Wayfinder Program?

Offered in partnership with Northern Sunrise County, Community Futures Peace Country, and Sunstone Strategic, this program is designed to help local entrepreneurs, start-ups, and existing businesses that are facing barriers or looking to grow and diversify.

What’s included:

• Individual advisory sessions
• Support with business planning, marketing, and branding
• Peer networking and discussion groups
• Access to small business tools and resources

Open to anyone in the region, whether you are new to business or well established.

To book a session, go to:

https://calendly.com/sunstonestrategic/wayfinder-advisory-session?month=2025-08

For more information, contact Jason at jason@sunstonestrategic.com.

Please share with anyone who may benefit.

Congratulations to our Rural Farm Beautification Contest Winners!!

With only 12 weeks remaining until the 2025 Alberta Municipal Elections on October 20^th, the deadline for anyone wishing to throw their hat in the ring will be here before we know it.

The nomination period for the election began on January 1, 2025, and ends at 12:00 noon on Nomination Day, which is September 22, 2025.

Nominations must be filed using Form 4 – Nomination Paper and Candidate’s Acceptance and Form 5 – Candidate Information. These forms can be found @ www.alberta.ca/municipal-election-forms. You may also contact the MD’s office if you need assistance accessing the nomination forms or filling them out accurately.

Your nomination paper must be signed by at least five (5) voters eligible to vote in the election. The signatures collected must be from people who are residents in your municipality on the date of signing the nomination, and include the voter’s name, address (street address or legal description of residence), and signature.

For more information about running for Council, including the MD’s Nomination Package, check out mdspiritriver.ab.ca/departments/administration/notice-board.