County of Forty Mile: 2024 and beyond

Posted on January 16, 2025 by Ryan Dahlman

By Nerissa McNaughton
Southern Alberta Newspapers

During 2024, County of Forty Mile No. 8 achieved a number of accomplishments. Reeve Stacey Barrows shares the County’s year in review.

“In 2024, we achieved remarkable milestones guided by our strategic plan,” says Barrows. “Key highlights include maintaining and improving over 4,500 km of roads; expanding renewable energy projects, which now account for over 50 per cent of our tax base; strengthening partnerships with neighbouring municipalities and economic development organizations; and launching initiatives like the Alberta Broadband Fund Expression of Interest to enhance broadband connectivity county-wide.”

Additionally, a new riding arena was opened, which Barrows says, “has already become a valued community asset.”

Several infrastructure upgrades took place, including:

• Replacing bridges through the Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Program.

• Completing the chip-sealing of Range Road 60 to enhance transportation networks.

• Advancing the Burdett Growth Study in collaboration with the community to align land-use planning with future development.

• Beginning work on land use bylaw amendments to reflect the evolving needs of our community.

• Supporting fire services enhancements, including progress toward a new fire hall.

As with many regions across Alberta, the County was affected by the drought.

Barrows explains, “Drought conditions earlier in the year presented significant challenges for our agricultural producers. Fortunately, recent reports from the St. Mary River Irrigation District show improving reservoir levels compared to the same time last year.”

She continues, “Another challenge was ensuring a seamless leadership transition as we welcomed Nathan Ogden as our new Chief Administrative Officer, succeeding Keith Bodin, who retired after more than 42 years of dedicated service to the County.”

The community spirit was a clear highlight of the year.

“Witnessing the incredible volunteer spirit of our community has been deeply rewarding. From residents supporting provincial firefighting efforts to staff stepping up to assist the food bank, these acts of generosity reflect the heart of our County,” says Barrows. “Equally fulfilling has been working alongside Council members and county staff, whose hard work and vision are driving progress. Seeing long-term plans—such as infrastructure improvements and community safety initiatives—come to fruition is especially gratifying.

“I’m also inspired by our residents’ deep connection to farming and ranching, which remain central to our way of life. Their resilience and pride in these traditions motivate me to continue striving for a brighter future for the County of Forty Mile No. 8.”

To ensure these highlights continue, Council will continue leading with a collaborative approach.

“We prioritize meaningful engagement to ensure all voices are heard. Initiatives like ‘Coffee with Council’ provide informal settings to discuss regional priorities with residents, while targeted engagements like the Burdett Growth Study allow us to gather valuable input on specific projects. Collaboration with regional partners also helps us align priorities and resources to better serve our community.”

The growth and development in the community is due, in part, to innovation, says Barrows.

“Our community continues to grow through innovation, collaboration, and determination. The expansion of renewable energy projects has strengthened our economic base, while strong agricultural prices have provided stability for many local producers. Additionally, partnerships have been a driving force behind much of our progress. Regional collaboration through the Southeast Alberta Economic Opportunity Strategy has helped us align priorities with neighbouring municipalities, advancing shared goals for growth and development. Initiatives like the Burdett Growth Study also highlight our commitment to planning for future needs while respecting our agricultural roots.”

This continued innovation and collaboration drive the priorities for 2025, which include: 

• Balancing the budget without raising taxes more than necessary, while continuing to deliver high-quality services.

• Recruiting and supporting new Council members to replace those retiring in 2025.

• Maintaining a high level of service for residents and effectively communicating those efforts to the community.

“Community involvement is essential in shaping the future of the County,” she adds. “As we approach the 2025 municipal elections, I strongly encourage residents to take an active role—whether by voting, engaging with candidates, or even running for Council. These actions have a lasting impact on the direction of our municipality.”

Barrows concludes by talking about what inspires her active involvement in the progress of Forty Mile.

“The strength of our residents inspires me daily. Their dedication to farming, ranching, volunteering, and helping one another embodies the values that make our County special.”

“Seeing people come together to tackle challenges and build a better future keeps me motivated. It’s this shared sense of purpose and pride in our community that drives me to push for progress, ensuring the County of Forty Mile No. 8 continues to thrive for generations to come.”