Upcoming Events
- Regular Council Meeting
September 24, 2020
9:00 am – 4:00 pm - Regular Council Meeting
October 8, 2020
9:00 am – 4:00 pm - Organizational & Regular Council Meeting
October 20, 2020
9:00 am – 4:00 pm - Cancelled Organizational & Regular Council Meeting
October 22, 2020
9:00 am – 4:00 pm - Regular Council Meeting
November 12, 2020
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Regular Council Meeting
Map
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2014-2018
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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.
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
SEPTEMBER 16, 2020
WESTVALE WELL
The Westvale well is now open for water usage
FIRE RESTRICTION AUGUST 26, 2020
All large fuel load fires are suspended in the Birch Hills County as of August 26, 2020.
All large fuel load fire permits previously issued, are to be extinguished as of August 26, 2020.
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.
Allowed
- Backyard fire pits
- 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.
To view a map of the Fire Ban visitwww.albertafirebans.ca
Notice to Public - Smoky River Road Repair Update
Please be advised, due to damages sustained from the July 2020 Smoky River flood, Birch Hills County has entered into agreements to acquire land for the purpose of road repair. Birch Hills County staff and contractors will be working on the portion of the Smoky River road that was washed away. The affected portion of the road remains closed at this time.
There will be equipment operating in and material brought to this location as needed. Please visit www.birchhillscounty.com for updates. If you have any questions, please contact CAO Rick Bastow at 780-694-3793.
Online Survey Available For Livestock Producers
Livestock producers throughout the Central Peace now have the opportunity to provide their input to the Emergency Large Animal Plan being developed through an online survey.
At the end of July, Saddle Hills County and the Central Peace announced they were in the beginning stages of developing an Emergency Large Animal Plan.
The plan will address Animals that are:
1. Impacted or threatened by a disaster
2. Involved in a transportation incident
3. Potentially part of a disease outbreak
Bruno, from Trace Associates Inc., has been leading the effort to get some feedback regarding your operation in the County by phoning producers throughout the Central Peace. This week the online survey was launched.
You can participate by scanning the QR code on the CPREM website on your phone, by following the link to the Online Survey https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/animalERP or download a fillable pdf from the Saddle Hills County website: https://www.saddlehills.ab.ca/en/news/online-survey-available-for-livestock-producers.aspx
Online Survey Available For Livestock Producers
Livestock producers throughout the Central Peace now have the opportunity to provide their input to the Emergency Large Animal Plan being developed through an online survey.
You can participate by scanning the QR code on the CPREM website on your phone, by following the link to the Online Survey https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/animalERP or download a fillable pdf from the Saddle Hills County website: https://www.saddlehills.ab.ca/en/news/online-survey-available-for-livestock-producers.aspx
Masks for Albertans Initiative
Starting June 8, 2020, you can get 4 free non-medical masks per person at the Birch Hills County Office. These are available while supplies last with no purchase necessary.
If you are interested in participating, phone the County Office at (780-694-3793) or email (info@birchhillscounty.com) to arrange pick up.
For more information on this Government of Alberta Program, visit: https://www.alberta.ca/masks.aspx
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 Library Board Members Needed
Birch Hills County is looking to fill two seats on the Birch Hills County Municipal Library Board (MLB). The MLB Board meets quarterly in the evening in Eaglesham. A requirement is that you live in the County. Please submit a letter of interest to the County office cao@birchhillscounty.com or call 780-694-3793 and ask for Rick Bastow CAO for more information.
Overland Flooding Damages
Please notify the County if your property has sustained uninsurable damage as a result of the July 2020 Watino and low areas flooding.
If a DRP (Disaster Recovery Program) is announced, Birch Hills County will be required to submit its application directly to the Province of Alberta, within 90 days from the date of the flooding.
As part of the application process the County will be asked to provide an estimate of damage to the County’s infrastructure and an estimate of the number of private properties that experienced damage as a result of the Smoky River flooding in early July 2020.
Please complete the online form by clicking here and send it in to the County if your property has sustained uninsurable damage as a result of this July's Smoky River flooding by email info@birchhillscounty.com or fax 780-694-3788. Please call: (780) 694-3793 if you have further questions.
Birch Hills County does not make decisions on the eligibility, approval or rejection of any private owner application.
Community Newsletter
Read the newsletters for Eaglesham and Wanham.
Check out the Town of Spirit River's Community Connect.
Smoky River FCSS newsletter for April, May, June 2020
March 27, 2020
TWP 782 Closed
From RR 264 to RR 10 (Hole in Bridge)
May 11, 2020
The Shaftesbury Ferry is open for the season.
Shaftesbury Ferry is back up and running for the season regular running hours 7 am – 11:30 pm, 7 days a week.
They ask that all people remain in the vehicle while crossing due to Covid 19 and no walk ons to keep all travelers and their staff safe at this time.
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.
