2025 at a glance for Cypress County

Posted on January 15, 2026 by Ryan Dahlman

May, continued from last week’s Courier

The Alberta RCMP Major Crimes Unit was deployed to assist with the ongoing investigation.

Police say they are trying to determine the circumstances around Martens’ death, as well as how the deceased ended up in such a remote location.

Cypress County’ Municipal Planning Committee recently convened to address several significant development applications that will shape the region’s landscape and economy. From renewable energy initiatives to farmland subdivisions, these projects reflect the ongoing growth and modernization efforts in the area. Here’s a breakdown of some of the projects and proposals discussed.

Expansion of Wild Rose 2 Wind Project

Wild Rose 2 Wind Inc. is pushing forward with its renewable energy efforts through the Wild Rose 2 Wind Project. Located to the south of Dunmore, this wind energy facility aims to increase the region’s renewable energy capacity.

June

As of May 28, Cypress County has entered a fire restriction.

There is no functional difference between a fire advisory and a fire restriction, says Jason Linton, emergency services co-ordinator and fire chief for the county, but the latter is used to call attention to the increased risk of fire.

The Agriculture Discovery Centre (ADC) at Irvine School is well into the season with all the animals healthy and the garden bursting with new life. On May 30, 150 members from the Alberta Chambers of Commerce were welcomed to the ADC for a brief visit. Nichole Neubauer, Coordinator of the ADC, Heather Gust, Vice Principal of Irvine School, and Shawn Yeast, teacher of the AgPro courses, welcomed the members to the site.

Cypress County council approved on June 3 a $500 sponsorship of the Elkwater Canada Day celebration, as requested by the Elkwater Community Association.

Two handguns previously stolen from Redcliff and Pincher Creek were part of an ALERT Calgary bust on May 22.

The provincial crime team seized those two hand guns, an additional hand gun, an estimated $320,000 worth of cocaine and methamphetamine, hundreds of rounds of ammunition and $51,000 cash at an apartment in the southeast Calgary neighbourhood of Seton.

Cypress County Fire responded to a massive structure fire near Eagle Butte Road on June 1 just past 7 p.m.

The boundaries of an inter-municipal development agreement could be shrinking again as part of amendments that are moving to public hearings in Medicine Hat, Redcliff and Cypress County this month.

July

Prairie Rose School Division (PRSD) was fortunate to receive a Community Initiatives Program Project-Based Grant just prior to Christmas. The grant was used to purchase an LED media wall that was installed in the gymnasium at Eagle Butte High School (EBHS) during the Easter break in April. During May, staff were trained on how to use the media wall and by the time a division-wide professional development (PD) day was held on June 6, it was fully operational.

Registration for this year’s Ag Connections opens on July 2, and there are so many great reasons to secure your ticket now.

Cypress County’s Farm family of the year for 2025 believes it isn’t over until the yield is in the bin, but they can already count the award as something to take home this summer.

Devin McNeill and his wife Danielle started farming in 2008, purchasing their family farm in 2016. Their grain operation hosts a five-year crop rotation including pulses, cereals and oil seeds, with a focus on keeping up with the technological changes in the field to ensure their success.

Mark your calendars for July 18 and 19, as the 15th Annual Quonset Days takes centre stage! This year, the community event aims to hit a new milestone—raising $1 million for the ALS Society of Alberta. Having already donated $750,000 to date, Quonset Days is well on its way to reach this goal – and you can help.

The Town of Redcliff wants to make residents aware of new parking regulations in effect under a new traffic bylaw.

Under the new restrictions, motor vehicles, trailers, or recreational vehicles cannot be parked in an alley unless they are actively engaged in loading or unloading goods or passengers.. For commercial vehicles, this may not exceed a period of 30 minutes.

Get ready! The Schuler Community Association’s (SCA) Poker Rally & Car Show is on July 26.

The annual Dunmore Equestrian Miss & Sweetheart Competition takes place on August 15 & 16. Applications remain open until July 28, so don’t delay if you are looking to be crowned the winner.

Cypress County’s Municipal Planning Commission met on July 8.

One of the proposals involved a request to construct a 2,100 square foot shop for personal use in Ward 8. The applicant sought approval to relocate an existing garage and build the shop on a 2.34 acre property located along Highway 3, approximately 1.6 kilometres west of Medicine Hat. The shop would accommodate the storage and servicing of a truck and a 53-foot trailer. To meet setback requirements, the existing garage would be repositioned on the property. The application also included a request for a size relaxation of 500 square feet, bringing the total floor area of all accessory buildings on the property to 2,832 square feet.

Cypress County Deputy Reeve Richard Oster has announced he doesn’t intend to pursue re-election this fall.

While Oster has served on council for three terms and roughly twelve years, he told Southern Alberta Newspapers on July 23 he feels the time has come for him to pursue other opportunities in life.

August

Grant Fletcher, who piloted HALO’s very first life-saving mission in 2007 and continued his career until his retirement in 2023, has passed away.

On July 28 over social media HALO Air Ambulance honoured Fletcher, who throughout his career flew numerous missions throughout the region.

The provincial government is investing more than $1 million into Cypress County, as part of a larger support effort for rural Alberta.

Alberta’s rural communities are growing, increasing the need for reliable and effective infrastructure to support economic development and a high quality of life, says the United Conservative Caucus.

Redcliff Corporate Services Department recently presented Redcliff councillors the town’s 2024 annual financial report outlining the town’s performance and financial status, as well as reviews of important projects from 2024.

It’s back! After a 25 year hiatus, the Manyberries Rodeo is set to kick up its heels on August 22-23. Located 45 minutes south of Medicine Hat and filled with all the joy and talent you could anticipate, this event also includes live music, a pancake breakfast, beer gardens, and so much more.

Canada and Alberta, through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, are helping farmers facing a tough season with an increased low yield allowance.

The Dunmore Equestrian Centre welcomed its new royalty Aug. 16, and the young duo is looking forward to a reign to remember.

Sunrise Park in Dunmore was filled with visitors from the town and beyond on Aug. 16 for another successful Dunmore Days.

Organizers estimate more than 100 people were out bright and early for the free pancake breakfast, moving on to enjoy the various activities all throughout the day thereafter, said Dunmore Community Association director Jenna Riess.

September

Cypress County Council’s meeting on August 19 discussed several initiatives aimed at strengthening the region’s economic future and addressing critical infrastructure needs.

Representatives from the Palliser Economic Partnership presented their vision for creating “creative and diverse communities growing together in Southeast Alberta.” The organization’s mission focuses on facilitating regional cooperation to position Southeast Alberta as an ideal location for business investment.

Get ready to hit the trails for a cause that truly matters. The Coal Burner 5K Cross Country F-RUN-draiser is taking place on Saturday, September 27, in Redcliff. This event combines fitness, fun, and philanthropy, inviting participants of all ages to traverse the trails—all while supporting the programs of the Redcliff Youth Centre.