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Birch Hills County
Birch Hills County is located in the Central Peace Region, bordered by the Peace River to the North and the Smoky River to the East. Located within the County are the hamlets of Eaglesham, Peoria, Tangent, Wanham and Watino. Oil and Gas provide the largest sector of employment in the County.
Attention as a precaution to the COVID-19 pandemic the County Administration building's front door is locked. Entrance to the building is by appointment only, for assistance please call 780-694-3793.
From April 27, 2021 Regular Council meeting Council passed the following resolution:
"that Council direct Administration to advertise that effective April 27, 2021 public access to the Birch Hills County managed facilities, camp grounds and playground(s) will be closed until further notice."
Council Meeting Being Held Virtually
Due to maintaining Public Health measures, on Tuesday June 22, 2021, 9:00am, the Regular Council Meeting will be held virtually.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/957581725
You can also dial in using your phone.
(For supported devices, tap a one-touch number below to join instantly.)
Canada: +1 (647) 497-9391
- One-touch: tel:+16474979391,,957581725#
Access Code: 957-581-725
New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/957581725
Please join the council meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone
Paying Bills Online
Pay your bills with telephone or online banking through:
- ATB
- Scotia Bank
- Credit Union
- TD Canada Trust
- CIBC
- BMO
- E-Transfer to: finance@birchhillscounty.com
Pay your bills now with OptionPay
Birch Hills County is pleased to announce that we are now accepting payments with select credit cards through our OptionPay System. Payments for municipal services may be paid online or through the Administration Office.
OptionPay is a payment card system Birch Hills County uses for its credit card transactions. You can find more information on OptionPay by visiting their website.
Atco Electric Planned Power Outage
Atco has a planned power outage for the areas of Wanham and Eaglesham, June 23, 2021 from 05:00 a.m to 08:00 a.m
Please call Atco regarding any questions 1-800-668-2248
Employment Opportunities:
Executive Assistant & Legislative Coordinator
We seek a competent, effective and highly engaged person to serve as our Executive Assistant & Legislative Coordinator. To apply for this position, please visit Employment Opportunities - About -- Birch Hills County. This competition may be used to fill future vacancies at the same or lower classification level. Due to the high volume of resumes received, we are not able to respond to individual phone calls. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.Finance and Development Coordinator
We seek a competent, effective and highly engaged person to serve as our Finance and Development Coordinator. To apply for this position, please visit Employment Opportunities - About -- Birch Hills County. This competition may be used to fill future vacancies at the same or lower classification level. Due to the high volume of resumes received, we are not able to respond to individual phone calls. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.
Public Works Department Seasonal Grader/Equipment Operator
The Public Works Department is looking for 1 Seasonal Grader/Equipment Operator.
- Wheel Loader Experience required
- Minimum of a valid class 5 driver’s license.
- Fit and able to perform physical activities.
- Able to problem solve and keep accurate loading records
- Ability to read a County Map (TWP & RR, Legal Land Locations)
- Prior Knowledge of the County will be seen as an asset.
- This position will require 12+ hr weekdays which includes overtime, weekends are off
- Other duties as required
Candidate will be required to perform daily inspections and maintenance on their respective equipment, as well as maintain a daily log of their respective position as indicated by the foreman or supervisor. Send resume and driver’s abstract to Dion Hynes ,Director of Public Works . Email: dionh@birchhillscounty.com.
All applications will be received until the position is filled.
FIRE RESTRICTION AS OF JUNE 17, 2021
All large fuel load fires are suspended in the Birch Hills County as of May 28, 2021.
Re-check all burn sites for smoke, flame or heat. All fires are to be extinguished; landowners are responsible for ensuring any holdover fires are out at this time.
These measures aim to reduce the number of human caused wildfires, as most if not all wildfires in the early spring are caused by human activity.
Reducing human caused wildfires helps keep our firefighting resources focused where they are most needed, especially when our firefighting resources may be challenged due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This restriction will be subject to daily weather conditions and may change.
Allowed:
- Backyard fire pits
- Regulated campfires
- Portable propane fire pits that are CSA approved or UL certified.
- Gas or propane stoves and barbecues that are CSA approved or UL certified and are designed for cooking or heating
- Catalytic or infrared-style heaters
- Burn barrels with a wire mesh lid
To view a map of the Fire Ban visitwww.albertafirebans.ca
Tuesday, May 18, 2021
RE: ROAD BANS
Road Use within Birch Hills County
Effective May 18, 2021 @ 12:01 am, the road ban has been lifted in Birch Hills County.
2020 FINANCIAL STATEMENT
As per the Municipal Government Act section 276(3), notice is hereby given that
the 2020 Financial Statement, including the 2020 auditor’s report, is available on the
link below. Copies are also available for
pick up, mailed at no cost or emailed from the County Office.
Please see the above BHC contact information or email requests to:
info@birchhillscounty.com
Link: 2020 Financial Statement
Land Use Bylaw Amendment 07-21-19 Public Hearing
The Land Use Bylaw Amendment No. 2021 - 07 received First Reading on June 8th, 2021. A Public Hearing will be held on July 27th, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. during the Regular Council meeting in the Council Chambers at the County office observing AHS Guidelines.
The proposed bylaw is available on the County website at www.birchhillscounty.com or in person at the County office. If you have questions about the Bylaw or process, please contact the Development Officer or the Development Clerk at the County office (780-694-3793).
Public is requested to submit any concerns they may have regarding this Bylaw in writing to Birch Hills County, Box 157 Wanham, AB T0H 3P0 within fourteen (14) days from the date of this notice with the deadline being July 20th, 2021 or attend the Public Hearing where AHS Guidelines will be observed.
A Bylaw of Birch Hills County, in the Province of Alberta, to amend the Birch Hills County Land Use Bylaw No. 2019-06.
Redistrict NE 34-77-24-W5 from Agriculture Restricted to Recreational District
Land Use Bylaw Amendment 08-21-19 Public Hearing
The Land Use Bylaw Amendment No. 2021 - 08 received First Reading on June 8th, 2021. A Public Hearing will be held on July 27th, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. during the Regular Council meeting in the Council Chambers at the County office observing AHS Guidelines.
The proposed bylaw is available on the County website at www.birchhillscounty.com or in person at the County office. If you have questions about the Bylaw or process, please contact the Development Officer or the Development Clerk at the County office (780-694-3793).
Public is requested to submit any concerns they may have regarding this Bylaw in writing to Birch Hills County, Box 157 Wanham, AB T0H 3P0 within fourteen (14) days from the date of this notice with the deadline being July 20th, 2021 or attend the Public Hearing where AHS Guidelines will be observed.
A Bylaw of Birch Hills County, in the Province of Alberta, to amend the Birch Hills County Land Use Bylaw No. 2019-06.
Redistrict SE 25-79-26-W5 from Agriculture District to Rural Industrial District.
County Items For Sale
County items for sale, for more information click the link below. Everyone is invited to participate in these online auctions, if not a registered bidder, go to GovDeals.ca and click on register, and complete the required information. Please note, you must enter a physical address, no post boxes, when you register as a bidder.
https://www.govdeals.com/birchhillscountyab
Wanham Lagoon
Wanham Lagoon to reopen, with new access conditions, on April 1st, 2021
Please contact the County Office for further details.
NOTICE OF NOMINATION DAY
Local Authorities Election Act (Section 26)
Local Jurisdiction: BIRCH HILLS COUNTY, Province of Alberta
Notice is hereby given that Nomination Day is Monday, September 20, 2021 and that nominations for the election of candidates for the following offices will be received at the location of the Birch Hills County office from January 1, 2021 between the hours of 8:15 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. up to September 20, 2021 between the hours of 8:15 a.m. and 12:00 noon.
Number of Electoral
Office Vacancies Division Number
County Councillor 1 Ward 1
County Councillor 1 Ward 2
County Councillor 1 Ward 3
County Councillor 1 Ward 4
County Councillor 1 Ward 5
County Councillor 1 Ward 6
County Councillor 1 Ward 7
Location of Local Jurisdiction Office:
BIRCH HILLS COUNTY OFFICE
4601 50 Street
Lot 3 Plan 9523066
Wanham Alberta
Dated at Birch Hills County in the Province of Alberta, this 31st day of December, 2020.
Election Personnel Required
On Monday, October 18, 2021 Birch Hills County may be conducting a Municipal Election. The voting stations and number of personnel required will be determined after Nomination Day on September 20, 2021. Please submit your Expression of Interest to:
Shelley Braun, Returning Officer
2021 Municipal Elections Information link:
Candidate Information Guide 2021
Alberta Blue Cross Update for Vaccinations for Seniors
Here is a link from Alberta Blue Cross regarding locations that the vaccine will be available.
https://www.ab.bluecross.ca/news/covid-19-immunization-program-information.php#pharmacy-box
Do you have questions about the decommissioned railway line in Birch Hills County?
Residents with questions related to access of the decommissioned railway line are encouraged to contact the Birch Hills County Office.
RMA Launches Internet Speed Test Project
Highspeed rural internet is critical for economic development, engaging in the digital economy, and working and learning from home. The Government of Canada has announced the goal of providing access to 50 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload speeds to all Canadians by 2030. The internet speed test will allow RMA to demonstrate the current state of broadband in rural Alberta and use this information to drive advocacy for federal funding. Visit: https://rmalberta.com/news/rma-launches-internet-speed-testing-project/
Service Canada
Service Canada has financial help during COVID-19 for Seniors, Youth and Businesses.
The online link allows you to search and apply for the needed financial help during these trying times.
https://covid-benefits.alpha.canada.ca/en/start
For a complete list of programs, services and resources available through the Government of Canada visit:
ABTraceTogether
Let's work together to stay safe. ABTraceTogether is a mobile contact tracing app that helps to let you know if you've been exposed to COVID-19 – or if you've exposed others – while protecting your privacy. To learn more visit: https://www.alberta.ca/ab-trace-together.aspx
Community Newsletter
Read the newsletters for Eaglesham and Wanham.
Check out the Town of Spirit River's Community Connect.
Oil and Gas Assessment Model
The Provincial Government is considering a reduction to the property tax of oil and gas companies.
Birch Hills County Council and Administration are extremely concerned about the impacts of this decision because it will mean an increase in property tax, reduction of services, or a combination of both to make up for this lost revenue.
For complete media release click here. For further inquires please contact CAO Rick Bastow at 780-694-3793 or cao@birchhillscounty.com.
Birch Hills County Board Member Needed
Birch Hills County is looking to fill one seat on the Recreation Board for Ward 4. The Recreation Board meets once per year, approximately around March/April, to discuss the grant application from local non-profits who apply for the annual allocated funds set by council. A requirement is that you live in the Ward that you will represent. Please submit a letter of interest to the County office email cao@birchhillscounty.com or call 780-694-3793 and ask for Rick Bastow, CAO for more information.
December 01, 2018
The Burnt River Crossing is closed.
COVID-19 Info for Albertans: 
We recommend that you use the Government of Alberta website (see link below) for the most up-to-date information about COVID-19. Locally, Central Peace Regional Emergency Management has launched a website and a Facebook page containing the latest information on COVID-19.
Central Peace Regional Emergency Management:
Other trusted Sources of Information include:
If you know someone without a computer, have them dial 811.
Business Resilience Service
This service will help entrepreneurs and small business owners in need of financial planning advice, particularly those who may not have access to an accountant. The service will also be open to not-for-profit organizations and charities. The hotline is a national, bilingual service operated by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (EST). The toll-free number is 1-866-989-1080.
