News Flash

Proposed Amendment to Area Structure Plan within pt. NW 1-47-28-W4M

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.  

Ornamental plants are a great feature to backyard landscapes in perennial beds, borders, and wildflower gardens. Having ornamental plants also has benefits such as increasing the biodiversity of the landscape and supporting native pollinators. However, it is important for gardeners to be aware of possible invasive species in their garden landscapes.

Invasive species in Alberta fall under the Weed Control Act which categorizes invasive species as noxious and prohibited noxious. Noxious weeds must be controlled whereas prohibited noxious must be eradicated. Plants that fall under the Weed Control Act can also be considered ornamental and may be present in garden spaces; while these are not sold commercially, these plants can still appear at plant swaps and local plant sales. Therefore, it is important for gardeners to be aware of invasive species and make plant wise gardening choices.

Ways that you can be a Plant Wise Gardener:

1. Do your research purchase and grow non-invasive exotic or regional native plants.

2. Replace any existing invasive plants in your garden.

3. Treat and remove existing invasive plants using appropriate measures.

4. Dispose of invasive plants properly.

5. Trade only plants and seeds you know are non-invasive.

6. Avoid collecting wildflowers from roadsides or natural areas.

7. Avoid prepackaged wildflower mixes unless the contents are identified and contain only non-invasive species.

8. Mulch and use ground covers to prevent invasive plants from establishing

For more information on weeds/invasive plants that fall under the Weed Control Act, please visit Alberta Invasive Species Council's website and see the Government of Alberta's information on provincially regulated weeds. For ornamental plant alternatives and more tips on how to be plant wise please see this brochure. For more information, please contact Stefanie via email or by calling 780-352-3321 ext.2271.

References:

Alberta Invasive Species Council. (2026, April 22). Be Plant Wise Grow Me Instead. Alberta Invasive Species Council. abinvasives.ca

Alberta Invasive Species Council. (2021). Grow Me Instead. abinvasives.ca

Government of Alberta. (2024, March 12). Provincially regulated weeds | alberta.ca. alberta.ca

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. 

For those unable to attend in person, the County will be offering a short survey, available online beginning June 22, so residents can still share their feedback with Council and have their voices heard.

Update: May 22, 2026

On Monday, May 25th, contractors are returning to finish construction on Bridge File 00168, with expected completion within two weeks. 

Refer to the detour map and follow all posted signage. Motorists are advised to plan for additional travel time. Thank you for your patience throughout the construction period. 

Update: February 9, 2026

The County is pleased to share that construction on Bridge File 00168 is now substantially complete, and the bridge has officially reopened to the public. A temporary reduced speed limit of 30 km/h is currently in effect to support the safe flow of traffic while crews finish site clean‑up.

The contractor is expected to return mid- to late May, or early June pending weather conditions, to complete the abutment concrete transitions and final pavement toplift.

Thank you to residents for your patience throughout the construction period.

Original Post: January 16, 2026

The County of Wetaskiwin provides notice that construction on Bridge File 00168, located on Township Road 470 west of Highway 2A (Correction Line Road), is anticipated to commence on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. Bridge demolition is expected to begin the same day or shortly thereafter.

A signed detour route will be in place during the closure period. Refer to the detour map and follow all posted signage. Motorists are advised to plan for additional travel time.

The bridge is anticipated to be closed until the last week of February. However, due to typical February weather conditions, the contractor has requested a full road closure until 7:00 p.m. on March 8, 2026. At that time, the project is expected to be substantially complete, with gravel tie-ins in place. Motorists should anticipate reduced speeds due to gravel transition areas.

The bridge will be open in advance of the spring seeding season, ensuring access for agricultural producers.

The contractor is expected to return mid- to late May, or early June pending weather conditions, to complete the abutment concrete transitions and final pavement toplift. 

The County of Wetaskiwin thanks residents and road users for their patience and cooperation while this important infrastructure project is completed.

The County of Wetaskiwin's FCSS is hosting "THE HOME ALONE COURSE"

• Date: July 10, 2026, Location: Wetaskiwin Agricultural Society:  Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
• Date: July 14, 2026, Location: Winfield Hall:  Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm,
• Cost: $20.00*  (Cost will be subsidized for County Residents. Other registration will be asked to pay the full price of $65.)

Open to 9+ ONLY.  Limited spaces per session. This Course is being hosted by the County of Wetaskiwin FCSS. Public registrations are welcome. 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Question: contact 780-352-3321 or email

The County of Wetaskiwin's FCSS is hosting "THE BABYSITTING COURSE"

• Date: July 9, 2026, Location: Wetaskiwin Agricultural Society
• Date: July 13, 2026, Location: Winfield Hall
• Time: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• Cost: $20.00* (Cost will be subsidized for County Residents. Other registration will be asked to pay the full price of $75.)

Open to Ages 12+ or turning 12 within 6 months.  Limited spaces per session. This Course is being hosted by the County of Wetaskiwin FCSS. Public registrations are welcome. 

Lunch not provided. Please bring a bagged lunch.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Question: contact 780-352-3321 or email

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.

PFA is for everyone over the age of 16! 

Gain an understanding of how to recognize when someone is experiencing distress.  Learn how to offer help to promote resiliency and reduce the impact of loss and trauma, not only in a disaster, but everyday life. 

• When: June 18 & 19, 2026 
• Time: 9 am - 4 pm Daily (Light Lunch will be provided)
• Where: Winfield Hall
• Cost: FREE

Registration Deadline: June 10, 2026

Questions? Contact Amber at 780-352-3321 or email. 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

BE ADVISED that the County of Wetaskiwin No. 10 is imposing a 15 Tonne Weight Restriction on Bridge File 72248, located on RGE RD 255, approximately 300m north of HWY 13.

This restriction will begin immediately and will remain until repairs can be completed due to poor structural integrity. Based on the current condition, the bridge will be temporarily restricted to 15 tonnes.