County of Forty Mile April 8 Council Meeting highlights

Posted on May 15, 2026 by Ryan Dahlman

By Nerissa McNaughton
Southern Alberta Newspapers

County of Forty Mile Council met on April 8.

The County approved a significant infrastructure project. Councillor Babe moved to award the tender for the replacement of Bridge File 78478 to Stark’s Plumbing and Heating Ltd. The project, valued at $251,448.75, will be funded through the Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Program (STIP) grant and the Public Works Department’s operating budget.

Trustees from the Prairie Rose School Division presented an update on their innovative educational programs and the state of local schools. Highlights included the Rodeo Academy, Drone School, and skilled trades programming offered in partnership with Medicine Hat College. These programs provide students with unique hands-on learning opportunities and technical training.

Burdett School, in particular, is experiencing increased enrollment, supported by strong parental involvement in funding and extracurricular activities. The school has been identified as a candidate for future upgrades or replacement, and the Division expressed interest in collaborating with the County on future infrastructure plans.

Despite the discontinuation of government drone testing at the Foremost Airport, the school continues to offer its drone program, equipping students with practical skills in programming and technical operations. Additionally, Prairie Rose Public Schools announced the implementation of a cutting-edge Baccalaureate program, designed to address learning gaps and provide advanced credits for students.

Diane Connor, Chairperson of the Agricultural Service Board, and Dennis Begg, Agricultural Fieldman, attended a virtual town hall to discuss the emergency use of strychnine for gopher control in Alberta and Saskatchewan. The product, imported from India, will be distributed by agricultural departments to manage the growing gopher population. However, further information from Alberta may be required to address differences in provincial reporting before implementation.

The town hall also touched on weed management at well sites. It was noted that agriculture departments are authorized to issue weed notices to ensure proper maintenance of problematic areas.

The County of Forty Mile No. 8 continues to address key issues affecting the community, from infrastructure improvements to education and agricultural challenges.