PRESS RELEASE: 2025 Saddle Hills County Highlights

PRESS RELEASE

2025-07-28

2025 Saddle Hills County Highlights

As we reflect on 2024 with the release of last year’s Annual Report, Saddle Hills County is proud to share some exciting updates on how we are building a better, stronger, and more resilient community in 2025. From major water infrastructure to community grants and environmental innovation, the County’s 2025 Budget is delivering real, lasting value for residents and businesses.

“This year’s budget is all about balance - maintaining essential services, supporting our rural way of life, and investing in projects that set us up for long-term success. This budget reflects smart growth, better services, and a County we’re proud to live and work in.” Reeve Kristen Smith.

The long-anticipated Blueberry Fire Hall project was completed this year, alongside the replacement of three fire engines. The project originally began with a land purchase in 2022, with construction beginning last year. We proudly celebrated with members of the community at the Grand Opening in April, with work being finalized soon after. 

Looking ahead, the 2025 Budget includes plans for another new fire hall, this time in Happy Valley. The County has already acquired the land for this project and hopes to begin construction later this year. Saddle Hills County Council remains committed to supporting our Volunteer Fire Departments by providing them with modern facilities and state-of-the-art equipment, to help them perform their duties effectively and keep our communities safe. We are deeply grateful for their dedication, especially their outstanding efforts during the recent Hamelin Creek Wildfire.

In addition to these large-scale projects, our dedicated equipment operators will receive new equipment this year, including snowplows and gravel trucks, to help them continue delivering the highest level of service to our residents. A road rebuild on Township Road 794, from Range Road 113 to Range Road 115 is a primary focus, with the addition of two asphalt paving projects on Township Road 791 and Range Road 81. In line with these upgrades, the County will gravel approximately 400 km of County roads during 2025.

A main focus of this Council has been supporting community groups and local initiatives, ensuring residents have access to valuable events, programs, and services. This year alone, Council has allocated nearly $17 million in grants. Key recipients include the Central Peace Fire and Rescue Commission (1.3 million), STARS (200,00), the Ken Sargent House ($250,000), and the Maskwa Medical Center (3,500,000), as well as a budget of 1.3 million for Capital Grants to community organizations within the County. In addition, the County has partnered with the Peace Wapiti Public School Division (PWPSD) to enhance mental health support for students in our communities, reflecting our ongoing investment in the wellbeing of local youth.

Administration continues to work diligently to expand access to the rural potable water network for residents. Through the County’s Rural Potable Water Project, more households are gaining reliable water access each year. In addition, the County recently celebrated the opening of the new, filtered Non-Potable Water Fill Station at the Ksituan Water Treatment Plant, which is available free-of-charge to residents. 

Alongside this, the County recently reached a major milestone in the Central Peace Regional Water Project, awarding the largest tender in County history. This contract covers the construction of the river intake and raw water transfer station, a key component of the Central Peace Regional Water Supply System. Once complete, it will move the region closer to its long-term goal of providing reliable, potable water to all communities. 

Amid major projects, the County hopes to improve accessibility for our residents, whether through enhanced cell service, expanded access to fiber optic internet, increased educational support or the development of a new mobile app. We’re proud to move these initiatives forward as part of our ongoing efforts to make life in Saddle Hills County the best it can be.

For a breakdown of the 2025 budget and to review the 2024 Annual Report, please visit our Budgets and Finances page.

ENDS

Media Inquiries:
Monica Rogers, Communications Coordinator 
mrogers@saddlehills.ab.ca