Big Lakes County

10/23/2026

🦌🍂 OCTOBER WILDLIFE & HUNTING SAFETY

Fall is a beautiful time to enjoy the outdoors in Big Lakes County, but hunting season and increased wildlife activity mean it’s important to stay alert and be prepared!

Whether you’re hunting, hiking, camping, riding an ATV or travelling rural roads, keep these safety tips in mind:

✅ Give wildlife space. Never approach, feed or corner wild animals.

✅ Stay alert. Moose and elk can be especially unpredictable during the fall rut.

✅ Make noise in the bush. Let wildlife know you’re nearby, especially in thick vegetation.

✅ Carry bear spray in bear country and know how to use it.

✅ Keep dogs under control and secure food and garbage to avoid attracting wildlife.

✅ Hunt responsibly. Know your target, what’s beyond it, and follow Alberta’s hunting regulations.

✅ Be prepared. Carry a first-aid kit, flashlight, communication device and extra supplies. Let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to return.

✅ Slow down on rural roads. Wildlife is often more active at dawn and dusk and can appear with little warning.

🍂 Respect wildlife and be prepared for the unexpected. A few extra precautions can help keep everyone safe while enjoying the outdoors.

From all of us at Big Lakes County Fire Services, have a safe hunting season!

10/23/2026

📣We're hiring!

◾Executive Director of Public Works: is a key member of the Senior Management Team responsible for the strategic leadership and operational oversight of the County’s Public Works functions, including Transportation (Roads, Bridges, and Airports), Water and Wastewater, Facilities, Agricultural Services, Fleet, and Capital Projects.

The County is seeking an engaged, approachable, and collaborative leader who is committed to developing people, fostering accountability, and delivering high quality services to County residents.

👉Learn more and apply today at: https://biglakescounty.ca/careers/executive-director-of-public-works/

10/23/2026

Big Lakes County is now accepting sealed bids on used Public Works Vehicles and Equipment.

All items can be viewed at the Public Works yard Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sealed bids will be accepted until 1:30 p.m., Monday, October 27, 2026.

A public opening will follow in Council Chambers. All items are sold as is, where is, and must bee removed by Monday, November 9, 2026.

👉More info, pictures of equipment, and download form here: https://biglakescounty.ca/public-works-sale-of-used-vehicles-equipment/

10/22/2026

See you tonight!

Join Big Lakes County Fire Services on Thursday, October 22, from 5–7 p.m. at the Grouard Fire Hall to learn more about the proposed Wildfire Vegetation Management Plan for the Hamlet of Grouard.

The plan will help identify areas where vegetation and other materials may increase wildfire risk and provide recommendations to help protect homes and other structures.

📍 Stop by to:
- View a map of the proposed high-risk areas
- Learn more about the plan
- Ask questions and share your local knowledge
- Provide feedback on wildfire risks and community priorities

🕕 A 10-minute presentation will take place at 6 p.m.

Your input can help identify wildfire risks and priorities in the community. We hope to see you there!

10/21/2026

Tune in on Wednesday, October 28, 2026 at 10:00 am for Big Lakes County Regular Council Meeting.

👉Live stream and agenda package links are available at https://biglakescounty.ca/government/county-council/council-meetings/

10/21/2026

Big Lakes County Council has adopted the Swan Hills Energy Corridor Area Structure Plan (ASP), establishing a framework to guide future industrial development and investment in the region.

Located east of the Town of Swan Hills, the corridor is intended to support economic diversification and coordinated development while considering infrastructure needs, environmental features, and community interests.

“Adopting this plan establishes a framework to guide potential future development in the Swan Hills Energy Corridor without committing Big Lakes County to any specific project, company or industry,” said Big Lakes County Reeve Tyler Airth. “It allows us to consider a range of future opportunities while ensuring development is guided by responsible planning. Having this framework in place is an important step in preparing for potential investment and allowing industry and the public to help shape what future development may look like.”

The draft plan underwent an internal review and was circulated to municipal, provincial and federal agencies, Indigenous communities, utility and telecommunications companies, pipeline operators, energy and forestry operators, environmental and community groups, area trappers and other interested parties. Public engagement also included open houses in the Hamlet of Faust and the Town of Swan Hills, as well as a survey to gather feedback. Input received through the engagement process was considered in finalizing the plan.

The ASP will guide future development applications and investment within the designated plan area.

👉 View the Swan Hills Energy Corridor Area Structure Plan (Bylaw 23-2026), and media release at: https://biglakescounty.ca/big-lakes-county-adopts-swan-hills-energy-corridor-area-structure-plan/

10/21/2026

The Regular Council Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, November 11, 2026, has been rescheduled to Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in the Big Lakes County Council Chambers.

This constitutes notice to the public in accordance with section 193, 195, & 196 of the Municipal Government Act.

10/20/2026

Join us at the Faust Fire Hall for a FREE BBQ and Open House!🚒

Enjoy burgers and hotdogs, meet your local firefighters, and get a close-up look at the new fire truck.🌭🍔

☀Everyone is welcome!

10/20/2026

At the Annual Organizational Meeting held on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, Big Lakes County Council re-elected Ward 8 Councillor Tyler Airth as Reeve and re-elected Ward 4 Councillor Roberta Hunt as Deputy Reeve for the coming year.

“It’s a privilege to continue representing Big Lakes County as Reeve,” said Big Lakes County Reeve Tyler Airth. “Our responsibility is to make sound decisions that serve our residents today while keeping the long-term needs of our communities in mind. I look forward to another year of working together to support the people and communities that make our County a great place to live.”

The Annual Organizational Meeting is held each year, during which council reviews and updates key bylaws and policies, appoints members to over 50 boards and committees, and elects the Reeve and Deputy Reeve. The meeting helps set the direction for the year ahead, ensuring County leadership remains aligned with community needs and long-term goals.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue serving as Deputy Reeve,” said Big Lakes County Deputy Reeve Roberta Hunt. “Strong local government depends on listening to residents, working through different perspectives and making decisions in the best interests of the County as a whole. I look forward to continuing that work with Council in the year ahead.”

Media Release:

At the Annual Organizational Meeting held on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, Big Lakes County Council re-elected Ward 8 Councillor Tyler Airth as Reeve and re-elected Ward 4 Councillor Roberta Hunt as Deputy Reeve for the coming year. “It’s a privilege to continue representing Big Lakes County as Ree...

10/20/2026

Notice is hereby given that Big Lakes County is accepting bids for the sale of the following land:

Legal Description: Plan 4250AT, Block B
Location: Hamlet of Grouard (Note: this property is landlocked)
Lot Size: 8.27 Acres
No reserved BID

Any person wishing to place a bid on a lot must do so prior to November 18, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.

Bids may be mailed or dropped off at the County Administration Office, Box 239, 5305-56 Street, Hwy 2 West, High Prairie, AB, T0G 1E0, in a sealed envelope marked “PLAN 4250AT, BLOCK B - BIG LAKES COUNTY LAND SALE”. Please mark the envelope clearly.

More info at https://biglakescounty.ca/notice-of-public-land-sale-grouard/