About 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. Oil and Gas provide the largest sector of employment in the County.

Birch Hills County boasts a charming mix of agriculture, residential, industrial, commercial and recreational opportunities. With a population of over 1500 this rural community offers a distinctively vibrant atmosphere with an assortment of country residential and farming properties.

The County derives its name from the glaciers that formed the hills 70 million years ago and the Birch trees which early inhabitants used for canoes. Although the area was first explored by Alexander MacKenzie in 1792, settlers did not make the County home until the arrival of the railroad in 1916 and the end of the First World War.¹

 In 1995, the Municipal District of Birch Hills was formed from the previous Improvement District. During the next year, the Village of Eaglesham dissolved to become part of the Municipal District. In 1998, the Municipal District was renamed Birch Hills County. The next year, the Village of Wanham dissolved to become part of the County. The County now encompasses five hamlets: Eaglesham, Peoria, Tangent, Wanham, and Watino

The following gives a general overview of Birch Hills County.

Includes the population of: Eaglesham, Peoria, Tangent, Wanham and Watino.

Did You Know?

• • The County has a alert system for municipal updates called Voyent Alert. This was used during the water break in Eaglesham. Residents can sign up for text,phone or email notifications by contacting the County Office or by downloading the Voyent app. 
• • In the event that a resident hires an existing commercial customer of the County to haul bulk water for a residential purpose; Birch Hills County will reimburse the resident, upon proof of purchase, the difference between commercial and residential water rates at the time of purchase as valued in the Establishing Fees and Charges Bylaw, provided that the claim and receipt are received within 90 days of purchase.
• • Do you have the knowledge and skills to become a Medical First Responder? Are you able to work in a confidential manner for the benefit of the public? Medical First Responders are trained volunteers who assist with medical emergencies until EMS services arrives. Birch Hills County is accepting applications for our Medical First Responder Team.
• • Council has created an educational bursary for students. Find more information under: about > news and annoucements> Joudrey Bursary
• • Birch Hills County has lots available for sale. Check About>County Properties for Sale
• • Birch Hills County is 290,597 hectares in size and has approximately 1,368km of maintained gravel roads.
• • Bylaw Complaints can be filed online by going to the Government>Bylaw’s & Policy’s>Submit complaint
• • Eaglesham Ag Society Resource Guide