News Flash

Update: July 13

Roadside Spraying crews have completed all range road south of Highway 13 and west of Winfield, and will continue to move east as weather permits. 

Original Post:

Roadside spraying began today, Monday, July 6, along all range roads, south of Highway 13.

The County conducts roadside weed control on a tri-annual basis (3-year rotation). The use of herbicides is the most cost-effective means to do this. All herbicide applications are made by certified applicators, and follow the best practices, handling, safety and standards as set out by Alberta Environment and the Professional Vegetation Management Association of Alberta. 

For more information, please contact Stephen Majek, Director of Agricultural Services, at 780-352-3321 or email.

County of Wetaskiwin Weed Inspectors have began their season. The Weed Inspectors conduct weed inspections and investigate complaints, all the while increasing awareness of invasive weed species and weed management in the County.

Weed Inspectors are in marked white County trucks and have County identification cards. They have the ability to enter onto land at a reasonable time to monitor compliance with the Weed Control Act. It is an offense to willfully obstruct or delay them while they are exercising their duties. Weed Inspectors are looking for noxious or prohibited noxious weeds as defined in the Weed Control Regulations. The goal is to create awareness about weed concerns and educate residents on why these weeds are of concern.

What are Prohibited Noxious and Noxious Weeds?

Prohibited Noxious Weeds and Noxious Weeds are plants designated in accordance with the Weed Control Act and includes the plant’s seeds. 

• Prohibited Noxious: A person shall destroy a prohibited noxious weed that is on land the person owns or occupies. 
• Noxious: A personal shall control a noxious weed that is on land the person owns or occupies.

What is the difference between a Weed Inspection Report and a Weed Notice?

A Weed Inspection Report is a document used by the County of Wetaskiwin to inform the landowner that they have Prohibited Noxious or Noxious Weeds on their property that should be eradicated or controlled. This report along with a weed fact sheet, herbicide application directory, herbicide controls for weeds and County equipment rental information sheets are sent to the landowner. 

A Weed Notice is a legal document that is issued to landowners when they do not control their Noxious or eradicate their Prohibited Noxious Weeds. When a Weed Notice is received the instructions of the Weed Notice must be followed by the date specified on the notice. Failure to comply with a Weed Notice by the specified date allows the County or its Contractor to perform the necessary control measures, at the landowner’s expense.  

Drop-In Pickleball & Ball HockeyJoin us for free drop-in pickleball and ball hockey at the Winfield Arena every Monday and Wednesday evening from June 1 to July 29, from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.

The arena floor will be divided into two areas:• One side for pickleball• One side for ball hockey

*Please note there will be no drop-in programs on July 1.

This is a free program and operates on a first come, first served basis. No equipment will be provided. Participants playing ball hockey are required to wear helmets while on the arena floor.

Location: Winfield Arena

For questions, call 780-352-3321 ext. 2292 or email.

The County of Wetaskiwin is seeking partnership with local artisans, producers, and businesses owners for the purchase of County-made promotional items. Our County is home to many talented creators, producers and business owners. We are excited for the opportunity to support and spotlight our community’s unique, locally produced products through the purchase and distribution of promotional items. Products with the ability to have the County’s branding applied to the item or container—either by the producer or by the County—are specifically requested, as the intention of this initiative is to provide items that promote and represent the County of Wetaskiwin.

If you are interested in providing a quote for your product(s), please visit our website and fill out this form to provide your contact information, information about your practice or business, the product(s) offered, the requested price(s), and if applicable, photos of the product(s). 

Planting herbs makes for an enjoyable addition to any garden. Familiar culinary herbs such as basil, oregano, parsley, and mint bring fresh flavor to everyday cooking. Growing them at home makes it easy to harvest what is needed. Fresh herbs can also be dried and preserved for meals throughout the year using a dehydrator. Whether planted in garden plots, raised beds, or patio containers, herbs are a versatile and practical choice for many growing spaces.

If you are thinking about starting your own herb garden, the following tips can be helpful in getting started:

1. Plant herbs in sunny locations with well-draining soil, grouped according to similar water needs. Rosemary, thyme, and oregano are more drought tolerant and can be damaged by overwatering, while mint, parsley, and basil generally require more consistent moisture.

2. Avoid overfertilizing herbs. Excess fertilizer can encourage rapid leafy growth while reducing the concentration of the essential oils that give herbs their aroma and flavour.

3. Mint is hardy and can easily spread and become invasive if planted directly into the garden; plant it in a container or a contained raised bed instead.

4. Harvest herbs regularly to encourage fresh growth. For the best flavour, harvest in the morning after the dew has dried, when essential oil content is generally at its highest. Harvest leafy herbs before they begin to flower.

5. When overwintering tender perennial herbs such as rosemary, grow them in terracotta pots that can be moved indoors before temperatures drop. Once indoors, place them in a bright location, avoid fertilizing, and water only when the soil has dried slightly.

If you are interested in learning more about herb gardening, please see University of Minnesota Extension's and West Virginia University Extension's resources. 

References:

University of Minnesota Extension, Mackenzie, J., & Kooyman, S. M. (2021). Growing herbs in home gardens. Umn.Edu

University of West Virginia Extension, & Richmond, J. (2021). Herb gardening for beginners. Extension.Wvu.Edu.

Reminder: Join us next week for pizza and Conversations with Council in the Village at Pigeon Lake and Mulhurst Bay!

The events will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the following hamlets: 

• Village at Pigeon Lake on Monday, July 13 at the Village Creek Country Inn, 
• Mulhurst Bay on Tuesday, July 14 at the Mulhurst Bay Community Hall.

Residents are encouraged to RSVP in advance to help the County plan for refreshments at www.county.wetaskiwin.ab.ca/engage. 

If you are unable to attend in person, please use the Hamlet Engagement Survey to share your feedback. This survey is for residents and participants from any of the four hamlets. Please select the hamlet you are responding about and answer the questions as fully or briefly as you wish.

Original Post:

The County of Wetaskiwin is inviting residents to take part in a series of Conversations with Council sessions happening this summer in four hamlets. These informal, in-person gatherings are designed to give residents an opportunity to speak directly with Council, share ideas, raise concerns, and discuss hamlet infrastructure, opportunities, and priorities.

The events will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the following hamlets: 

• Alder Flats on June 22 at the Alder Flats Community Hall, 
• Winfield on June 24 at the Winfield Community Hall, 
• Village at Pigeon Lake on July 13 at the Village Creek Country Inn, 
• Mulhurst Bay on July 14 at the Mulhurst Bay Community Hall.

Residents, local business owners, and anyone with an interest in the future of their hamlet are encouraged to attend. The sessions are open to all and aim to create a welcoming space for meaningful conversation and community input. 

Each session will begin with a casual drop-in period from 5:30 to 6:00 p.m., where attendees can enjoy pizza while reviewing information about their community. From 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., participants will take part in facilitated small-group discussions with Councillors and fellow residents.

Discussions will focus on a range of topics important to the community, including roads and infrastructure, recreation and tourism, County services, community standards, and residents’ ideas, concerns, and priorities.

Residents are encouraged to RSVP in advance to help the County plan for refreshments at www.county.wetaskiwin.ab.ca/engage. 

Can’t Attend? 

We still want to hear from you! If you are unable to attend in person, please use the Hamlet Engagement Survey to share your feedback. This survey is for residents and participants from any of the four hamlets. Please select the hamlet you are responding about and answer the questions as fully or briefly as you wish.

Hamlet Engagement Survey 2026 – Fill out form

The County of Wetaskiwin No. 10 advises residents that construction will begin on Monday, June 22, 2026, to replace Bridge File 8525 on Range Road 261 south of Highway 13.

As part of the County's Bridge Capital Plan, the existing 67-year-old single-span bridge will be replaced with a new culvert structure to improve long-term safety, reliability, and infrastructure sustainability.

Road Closure Details

• Location: Range Road 261 south of Highway 13
• Closure Begins: 8:00 a.m., Monday, June 22, 2026
• Expected Reopening: July 29, 2026

During construction, the road will be closed to all traffic. Motorists are asked to follow the posted detour route and allow extra travel time.

The County appreciates the public's patience and cooperation while this important infrastructure improvement is completed.

Please refer to the attached detour map for alternate routing.

Project Description:

Roadway rehabilitation improvements to extend the service life of Township Road 472A have been awarded to Park Aid Asphalt Ltd. The project limits extend from the intersection of Highway 795 to approximately one-half mile east of Highway 795. Construction is expected to start on June 8, 2026, and crews will be on site for about 14 days. This does not include days in which crews are unable to work due to inclement weather.

Scope of Work:

• Excavating and reconstructing road failed areas
• Subgrade repairs
• Small diameter culvert replacement
• Paving work - hot mix asphalt overlay of road surface

We understand construction can be inconvenient and may cause minor delays, but your patience and cooperation are crucial. Let's work together to maintain a safe construction site throughout the project. View the full Notice of Construction here. Progress updates will be posted on our website and Facebook page.

Project Description:

This project intends to improve drainage throughout the Bev Etta Estates subdivision. The project also involves resurfacing the roadways within the subdivision to provide an optimal driving surface for residents. Construction is expected to start on May 8th, 2026, and crews will be on site for about 25-35 days. This does not include days in which crews are unable to work due to inclement weather.

Scope of Work:

• Tree Clearing
• Small Diameter Culvert Installation
• Ditching Improvements
• Subgrade Repairs
• Paving

We understand construction can be inconvenient and may cause minor delays, but your patience and cooperation are crucial. Let's work together to maintain a safe construction site throughout the project. View the full Notice of Construction here. Progress updates will be posted on our website and Facebook page.