Update: Incident Response Underway Near Standard
Update: October 2, 2026, 6:11 P.M.
All Divisions
New Recycling Program Begins October 1, 2026
Starting Thursday, October 1, Wheatland County, in partnership with the Drumheller & District Solid Waste Management Association (DDSWMA), will launch Alberta’s new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) recycling program at all eight County transfer station locations.
The EPR program is a Province of Alberta initiative that shifts responsibility for recycling household packaging and paper products from municipalities to producers, while increasing the amount of material diverted from the landfill.
Residents will be able to place all accepted materials into a single-stream, commingled recycling bin, with no sorting required.
Accepted household recyclables include items such as:
- Paper, cardboard, boxboard, cartons, and paper cups
- Plastic bottles, containers, tubs, lids, flexible plastic packaging, and foam packaging
- Aluminum and steel food cans, foil, and aerosols
- Clear and colored glass containers
Please note: EPR recycling bins are for residential materials only. Commercial, industrial, and institutional waste will not be accepted.
Please follow the signage and operator instructions at each transfer station and visit Circular Materials’ resident recycling resources for the most up-to-date list of accepted materials and for additional program information: Waste Transfer Sites – Wheatland County
Strychnine Lottery Draw
Wheatland County has received a limited quantity of 2% Liquid Strychnine and will be conducting a lottery draw for eligible producers to fairly distribute the product currently available in stock.
Due to limited supply, individuals whose names are drawn in the lottery will be eligible to receive up to 12 250mL bottles of 2% liquid strychnine during the 2026 product distribution cycle.
How to enter the lottery draw:
To be entered into the lottery draw, producers must complete the online stewardship training through the Strychnine Stewardship Training for Producers program.
After completing the training, producers must email a copy of their certificate to: agandenv@wheatlandcounty.ca
If you have already completed the course, you must still submit your certificate by email to be entered into the draw for this shipment.
Please note: If you do not email your certificate, your name will not be entered into the draw.
Application deadline:
Applications will be accepted from now until 8:00 a.m. on Monday, July 20, 2026.
Names will be drawn after the deadline, and successful producers will be contacted directly with pickup dates and times.
Looking ahead to 2027:
Wheatland County will continue bringing in 2% Liquid Strychnine inventory throughout the fall and winter in preparation for 2027 sales opening on February 1, 2027.
At this time, the 2027 sales process is anticipated to operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
CGC Inc. Marks Grand Opening of New Wheatland County Facility
Congratulations to CGC Inc. on today’s ribbon cutting and grand opening of its new wallboard manufacturing plant in Wheatland County.
This significant investment marks an exciting milestone for our region, creating new jobs, supporting economic growth, and strengthening service across Western Canada.
We are proud to celebrate this achievement and the positive impact this new facility will have on Wheatland County and the surrounding region.
Thank you to CGC and all partners involved in making this project a reality. We look forward to the opportunities this investment will bring to our community for years to come.
Left to right: Wheatland County Reeve Scott Klassen, Deputy Reeve Shannon Laprise, Councillor Donna Biggar, CAO Sherry Baers, and GM of Transportation & Agriculture Brad Bullock.
Steve Youngblut, CGC President and USG Vice President
Update: Water Flushing
Water flushing in Carseland has been rescheduled and will now begin on Monday, June 1, and continue for approximately one week.
Following completion in Carseland, flushing will begin in Speargrass and is also expected to continue for approximately one week.
During this time, residents may notice temporary fluctuations in water pressure or slight water discoloration. If discoloration occurs, simply run your cold water until it clears.
We appreciate your patience and cooperation as this important maintenance work is completed to help maintain water quality and system reliability.
Strychnine Access Update
Update on Strychnine Availability for Richardson’s Ground Squirrel Control
Wheatland County is sharing an update following new information released by the Government of Alberta.
What we know:
- Strychnine is anticipated to be available beginning in mid-June
- A provincial training program is now available and required to participate
Wheatland County’s role:
- Wheatland County will provide local access to strychnine once it becomes available
- Additional details on local availability will be shared as they are confirmed
Important:
- Program requirements, eligibility, and training are established by the Government of Alberta
For full program details and to access training, please visit:
🔗 https://www.alberta.ca/richardsons-ground-squirrel-control
For questions, contact:
agandenv@wheatlandcounty.ca | 403-934-3321 (ask for the Agricultural Fieldman)
UPDATE: Street Sweeping
Wheatland County will now begin street sweeping within communities on April 21, 2026.
As snow has not yet fully cleared in some areas, the schedule has been adjusted. Work will begin in Cheadle and Namaka on April 21, followed by the Lakes of Muirfield, and then continue as planned through Gleichen, Cluny, Rosebud, and finishing in Speargrass and Carseland.
Signage will be posted 24 hours in advance to notify residents of sweeping in their area. Temporary parking restrictions may be in place, and we ask that vehicles be moved off the street to allow crews to complete the work safely and efficiently.
We appreciate your cooperation as we get our communities cleaned up for the season.
County Land Available for Lease
Wheatland County has two parcels of land available for cropping lease, starting in 2026:
Approximately 40 acres within SE 13-22-23-W4 available for a 3-year cropping lease.
Please note: The leased area consists of land surplus to an upcoming municipal project. The project may expand over the term of the lease, which could reduce the area available.
Approximately 25 acres within NW 11-22-21-W4 available for a 5-year cropping lease.
Please note: The leased area consists of land surplus to an upcoming municipal clay pit operation. The pit may expand over the term of the lease, which could reduce the area available.
Sealed tenders, labelled “Lease within SE 13-22-23-W4 ” OR “Lease within NW 11-22-21-W4” may be submitted by registered mail, courier, or hand delivered no later than 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 9, 2026, to:
Wheatland County
242006 Range Road 243
Wheatland County, AB T1P 2C4
Attn: Graydon Garner, Manager of Agriculture and Environment
Faxed and emailed tenders will not be accepted.
Proponets will be contacted following an internal review.
Inquiries may be directed to:
Graydon Garner,
Manager of Agriculture & Environment
403-361-2006
graydon.garner@wheatlandcounty.ca
Community Update: Highway 561 Traffic Concerns
Wheatland County has heard from residents regarding increased truck traffic along Highway 561 and safety concerns near Wheatland Crossing School, the Village of Hussar, and surrounding roadways. We recognize that Highway 561 is an important travel route for residents, school transportation, and industry, and understand concerns related to traffic volumes, speeds, and the narrower sections of roadway along this corridor.
County Peace Officers continue to actively monitor Highway 561 and surrounding routes, including the 80 km/h zone near Wheatland Crossing, the 60 km/h Hussar speed zone, and the Highway 561/56 corridor. Enforcement focuses on speeding, commercial vehicle compliance, and dangerous driving behaviours.
Community concerns have also been shared with Alberta Transportation and neighbouring municipalities. As Highway 561 is a provincial highway under Alberta Transportation’s jurisdiction, Wheatland County does not have the authority to restrict or reroute traffic operating legally on these roads.
If you witness unsafe driving, please report it to Wheatland County Protective Services at 403-361-2026, including the time, location, and vehicle details whenever possible. These reports help direct enforcement efforts.
Media Release – Wheatland County Council Appoints New Chief Administrative Officer
Wheatland County Council has appointed a new Chief Administrative Officer to lead the organization and support effective governance. Council thanks residents, partners, and staff for their patience and understanding during this transition.