News

🌾 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

Securing the Future of the Fairview Campus

Investing in Local Talent, Supporting Rural Industry

There is renewed optimism across the Peace Region as the future of the Fairview Campus has been secured—an important step forward for post-secondary education and the long-term sustainability of our rural communities.

With the transition of the campus to Northern Lakes College, students will continue to have access to high-quality education and training close to home. For municipalities across the region, this means more than convenience—it’s an investment in the people and skills that keep our communities running.

Across northwestern Alberta, local industries are facing ongoing workforce challenges. From agriculture and ag services to oil and gas, forestry, health care, and the skilled trades, employers are increasingly looking for trained workers who understand the unique demands of rural living and working.

By keeping education opportunities in Fairview, students can gain the skills they need without leaving the region—making it more likely they will stay, work, and raise their families here. This plays a key role in addressing youth outmigration and strengthening the long-term vitality of our communities.

Myles McDougall, Minister of Advanced Education, emphasized the importance of supporting rural learners and economies:
“Ensuring continued access to post-secondary education in Fairview is vital for students, families, and the regional economy. This transition supports learners where they live and helps meet the workforce needs of northern Alberta.”

For local producers and businesses, the impact is tangible. Whether it’s training for agricultural operations, heavy equipment and trades, or health and community services, having programs available nearby helps build a workforce that is both skilled and rooted in the region.

Todd Loewen highlighted the broader benefit to communities:
“This is a major win for our region. Keeping the Fairview Campus active means more opportunities for our youth and helps ensure our communities remain strong and vibrant.”

Municipalities are also feeling the pressure of workforce shortages, particularly in areas such as public works, administration, and emergency services. Access to nearby education and training helps create pathways for residents to step into these essential roles—supporting the delivery of services that residents rely on every day.

Gord MacLeod, Mayor of the Town of Fairview and Chair of the Fairview Regional College Transition Committee, noted the strength of regional collaboration:
“This outcome reflects the dedication of many partners who worked together to protect and enhance post-secondary opportunities in Fairview. It’s a proud moment for our community.”

Looking ahead, the integration of the Fairview Campus into Northern Lakes College creates opportunities to expand programming that aligns closely with regional needs—whether that’s agriculture, energy, trades, or community-based services.

Glenn Mitchell, President and CEO, shared:
“We are excited to welcome the Fairview Campus into Northern Lakes College. This expansion allows us to build on existing programming while exploring new opportunities that meet the needs of students and industry in the region.”

The secured future of the Fairview Campus represents more than continuity—it reflects a commitment to growing local talent, supporting key industries, and ensuring the Peace Region remains a place where people can build their future close to home.

Spring Break-Up Dine & Dance Supporting Local Childcare

Community members are invited to attend the Spring Break-Up Dine & Dance Fundraiser on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the Rycroft Ag Centre. The annual event is organized by Solution Services and NaR Environmental Ltd., in partnership with the Rycroft Ag Society, and raises funds to support important local projects.

This year’s proceeds will go to the Spirit River Regional Daycare Society to support the development of a new childcare facility on land donated by the MD of Spirit River No. 133, adjacent to the Town of Spirit River. Once completed, the facility will provide 102 licensed childcare spaces, helping address the growing need for childcare in the region.

The evening will feature:

• Cocktails at 5:00 p.m.

• Dinner at 6:30 p.m.

• Live and silent auctions

• Entertainment and dancing

• 50/50 draw

Tickets are $50 per person, with a cash bar ($5 drink tickets). Please note this is an 18+ event.

Tickets are available at:

• Solution Services

• Edge Auto Repair

• Spirit River Flooring

• Home Hardware (Spirit River)

• Wells Fuel Service (UFA), Rycroft

This annual fundraiser helps keep community-raised funds supporting projects right here in our region. Residents are encouraged to come out for an evening of great food, entertainment, and community spirit while supporting an important local initiative.

Local businesses and community members are also invited to support the event as sponsors or auction donors. Sponsorship opportunities and donation details can be found @ Spring Breakup Sponsorship.

Up to $7,000 Available for Northern Alberta Students

The Northern Alberta Development Bursary Program is now accepting applications for 2026.

Students pursuing post-secondary education and planning to live and work in northern Alberta after graduation may qualify for up to $7,000 per year in funding, with additional specialty bursaries available for fields such as medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and veterinary studies.

The program also offers a First Nations, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) bursary, providing up to $11,500 per year depending on the program of study.

Businesses, organizations, and municipalities can also sponsor students through the Bursary Partnership Program, with matching funds available from the NAD program.

📅 Key Dates
• NAD Bursary – Applications opened January 2 and closes May 15
• FNMI Bursary – Intake 1 opened February 1 and closes June 1; Intake 2 opens June 5 and closes November 1
• Bursary Partnership Program – Opens May 1

Learn more or apply:
Northern Alberta Development Bursary Program | Alberta.ca

Discover Continuing Care in Alberta — And Use the New Portal to Find Help

Alberta’s government has launched a new online portal to help Albertans and their families find and compare assisted living and continuing care services across the province. The tool lets you search by location and care type, view services, compare accommodations, and better understand what’s available before making decisions.

Continuing care includes supports such as:

• Home Care (help at home)
• Supportive Living (Assisted Living)
• Long-Term Care

To begin accessing continuing care services, individuals need an assessment through Alberta Health Services.

📞 In the North Zone, the Continuing Care Access team provides intake and referral support: 1-855-371-4122 (toll-free).

Locally in Spirit River, continuing care options include AHS Home Care and the supportive living and continuing care spaces at Pleasant View Lodge.

Learn how to navigate continuing care and find the right supports through the new portal @ either Alberta Living Services Near Me or Alberta Health Services Continuing Care