County of Forty Mile June 11 council meeting highlights 

Posted on July 18, 2025 by Ryan Dahlman

By Nerissa McNaughton
Southern Alberta Newspapers

The County of Forty Mile held its regular council meeting on June 11, 2025. The meeting covered a range of topics, from local infrastructure projects to regional agricultural concerns. Below are the key highlights and decisions made during the session.

 The Bow Island Golden Age Club’s request for a donated used photocopier was approved by council.

Council also discussed a request from Cardston County seeking support for a letter to Minister Amery. The letter advocates for the sheriff’s office to focus on border enforcement, leaving local policing and traffic matters to the RCMP and peace officers. Council acknowledged the importance of maintaining rural customs and context in law enforcement and agreed to back the proposal.

A portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing Cardston County’s request for support in reinstating strychnine as a control agent for gophers. While some councillors raised concerns about environmental and public safety risks, others highlighted the ineffectiveness of current alternatives and the growing gopher population. Councillor Hughson proposed that the County provide a letter of support to Cardston County’s representation to the minister of environment and parks. The motion was carried, signaling the council’s endorsement of finding a reliable and effective solution for gopher control.

Council approved a proposal from the Oldman River Regional Services Commission to prepare a new land use bylaw for the County. The project, estimated at $36,000, will be funded through the planning and development budget. Also presented were cost estimates for paving a portion of 5th Avenue in Burdett, ranging from $90,000 to $160,000. Sidewalk repairs were estimated at $385 per linear metre. These proposed upgrades will be considered in the upcoming road program alongside other County projects.

The joint health care recruitment committee reported on strategies to address the critical shortage of physicians in the area. Although the region is approved for five physicians, only one is currently practicing. The committee plans to apply for grant funding to support the local medical clinic, with matching contributions shared among the Town of Bow Island, the County of Forty Mile, and the Village of Foremost. Additionally, the committee will advocate for reinstating laboratory services in Foremost.

Alberta Sugar Beet Growers (ASBG) announced a new five-year contract with Lantic Inc., ensuring stability for approximately 200 farm families in the region. However, the 2025 growing season will see a reduction in sugar beet acreage, with only 22,500 acres planted compared to the usual 28,000. ASBG is urging local governments to support a domestic sugar policy, improved water security, and the promotion of southern Alberta’s agricultural sector.

The southern regional stormwater drainage committee expressed concerns over the County of Forty Mile’s withdrawal from the Horsefly drainage project, along with Cypress County. The committee emphasized that a lack of support for this regional initiative could jeopardize future collaborative projects.

The council meeting concluded with a focus on balancing local needs with regional collaboration. For meeting times and copies of the minutes, visit the County’s official website.