Fire Restriction in Effect - June 17, 2025

As of June 17, 2025, the Fire Ban in Saddle Hills County and the Grande Prairie Forest Area has been downgraded to a FIRE RESTRICTION. This includes in Cotillion Park, Hilltop Lake, and Spring Lake.

Controlled burning in the Non-Forest Protection Area, including on privately-owned land, is now limited to campfires and burning barrels. Large fuel burns will not be permitted at this time.

To check for current Fire Advisories, Restrictions, and Bans, visit Alberta Fire Bans. 

To check the current Fire Danger Rating, visit Alberta Wildfire. 

This FIRE RESTRICTION will remain in place until conditions improve.

Evacuation Order & Alerts

Saddle Hills County has updated the Evacuation Order due to Wildfire GWF028, in the Blueberry Mountain Area. This wildfire is now known as the Hamelin Creek Wildfire.

All those located between Township Road 794 and Highway 680 (Township Road 802), and Range Road 95 and Highway 725, remain on Evacuation Order, as well as in the Crown Land, north of Township Road 800 and south of the Blueberry Mountain Grazing Reserve. This includes Moonshine Lake Provincial Park.

All those in the surrounding area remain on Evacuation Alert and should be prepared to leave on short notice. All residents who were previously evacuated due to the fire may now return home but should remain on alert. Should you require assistance, please contact Saddle Hills County, at (780) 864-3760. 

Further updates will be provided, as available. 

 

Press Release: Central Peace Regional Water Supply System Contract 1 Tender Award

By Saddle Hills County - May 28, 2025

PRESS RELEASE

2025-05-28

Central Peace Regional Water Supply System Contract 1 Tender Award

Saddle Hills County recently awarded the largest tender in County history, marking a substantial step forward in construction for the Central Peace Regional Water Project. The contract will see the River Intake and Raw Water Transfer Station portion of the Central Peace Water Supply System completed, putting the region one step closer to realizing their potable water goals. 

On May 27, 2025, Council reviewed the tenders, along with recommendations from project partners, MPE Engineering, as part of their Regular Council Meeting agenda, awarding the contract to the lowest bidder, Greenfield Construction Ltd., for a total of $40,328,054.94, plus GST. 

Reeve Kristen Smith stated, “This is an exciting day for Saddle Hills County. Our children and our children’s children will see the benefits of this project for generations to come.”

Greenfield Construction has extensive experience constructing these types of projects, employing innovative techniques to significantly cut construction times and reliance on sub-contractors. The company has indicated a total construction schedule of 785 calendar days, giving an anticipated project completion date of October 2027. In discussions with the contractor, it was communicated that the initial 90 ft. drill from the Raw Water Pumping Station to the riverbed and river intake may even be completed as early as this fall. 

Phases 1 and 2 of the Central Peace Regional Water Project, including contracts 1, 2, and 3, is estimated to cost a total of $105,864,986.54. Currently, Saddle Hills County has received partial grant funding for the project, totaling $65,222,222, including the municipal contribution portion. This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada, Government of Alberta, and the G5 Municipalities of Saddle Hills County, Town of Spirt River, MD of Spirit River #133, Birch Hills County, and the Village of Rycroft. 

 

ENDS

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

Download a Copy of this Press Release

Contact Us

Saddle Hills
Junction of Hwy 49 & Secondary Hwy 725
RR1, Spirit River AB
T0H 3G0
T. 780-864-3760
Fax 780-864-3904
Toll-free 1-888-864-3760
frontdesk@saddlehills.ab.ca

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