March 2026
Council has been focused on land management. The Municipal District of Taber (MDT) holds title to 81,535 acres, which is an asset for all residents. This includes 6,191 cultivated acres and 75,344 acres of grass, of which 3,100 acres will be developed with the Bow River Irrigation District as part of the Scope Reservoir Project. It should also be noted that the Government of Alberta holds 160,800 acres of Crown grazing land within the MDT, managed by leaseholders.
The cultivation policy has been approved. Amendments to the grazing leases and land sales are currently under legal review and will return to Council on April 14. Resident input — whether provided in person at Council meetings or through written submissions — was important in shaping these decisions. Significant proposed changes to the grazing leases aim to support community pastures, leaseholders, and responsible grass stewardship. Details are available at mdtaber.ab.ca/p/lmp and Council meetings can be viewed on the MDT YouTube channel.
2026 has already brought early spring conditions and a harsh winter. We will continue to face these fluctuations until spring fully arrives. The weather creates challenges for our roads. If you encounter a soft spot, pothole, boil, or severe washboarding, please submit an online service request at mdtaber.ab.ca/p/service-tracker or call 403-223-3541. Grader operators follow scheduled routes, and we have a flex grader to assist with trouble areas, but we cannot be everywhere at once. Your input helps us maintain safe roads.
Overweight loads cause significant damage to our roads. Please adhere to posted weight limits and be aware when road bans are in effect. Our Community Standards Officers partner with Alberta Sheriffs to conduct roadside enforcement.
Volunteers — whether coaches, board members, bar staff, casino workers, or cleanup crews — keep our hamlet halls, parks, cemeteries, libraries, and organizations thriving. Without volunteer contributions, taxes would need to be significantly higher to maintain the same level of service. Volunteer Appreciation Week is April 19-25. Many volunteers have dedicated a lifetime to their communities. Diane and Jim Wickenheiser are two such individuals. They have devoted themselves to ensuring Hamlet of Hays and the surrounding area remain a wonderful place to raise a family. Diane was recently recognized at a Council meeting for 45 years of service on the MDT Library Board, where she continues to serve as Chair. She is also involved with the Hays Civic Centre and the Hays Golf Chip & Putt. In her closing remarks, she encouraged residents to step forward and volunteer. Volunteering not only supports the community but also builds friendships and strengthens connections. If you are interested in volunteering your time and talents, please contact the MDT office, and we will help connect you with opportunities.
Congratulations to Doug Jensen on his retirement. His 23 years of expertise and dedication have left a lasting impact on the Agricultural Services Department and the municipality.
The Town of Taber is working hard to become the next Kraft Hockeyville. Please continue to lend your support as they navigate recovery from the arena explosion. On March 27 and 28, they are hosting a Street Hockey Fundraiser Tournament. Special thanks to the Town of Vauxhall and our neighbouring communities for stepping up to provide ice time so skaters, curlers, and teams could continue their seasons. We are fortunate to live in such an incredible region. The MDT Annual General Meeting will be held on April 23 at 7:00 PM at the Grassy Lake Community Hall. It is a great opportunity to receive updates on the municipality and share your comments and concerns with Council. The RCMP will also provide a report. The AGM and Coffee with Council are two valuable ways to connect with Council. The public is always welcome to attend Council meetings or contact your Councillor by email or phone.
The interim budget has been passed. With the updated assessment figures, final budget deliberations will take place, and mill rates will be set. It is expected to be a challenging year. Government grants have been reduced, and infrastructure requires significant upgrades to maintain service levels. Municipal tax bills include the education requisition, police funding, and housing requisition. These funds are collected and remitted directly to the respective agencies. Council will continue working diligently to manage your tax dollars responsibly.
For more information about the MDT, visit our website, follow our social media channels, and visit scarnotify.ca to sign up for daily and weekly updates.
Whether facing differences of opinion, frustration with outcomes, or the challenges of daily life, it is our responsibility to respond with maturity, calmness, and kindness. If you are feeling overwhelmed or struggling to manage your emotions, consider reaching out for support. Help is available — including agriculture-specific resources:
- FCSS Counselling: 587-370-3728
- National Farmer Crisis Line: 1-866-327-6701 (1-866-FARMS01)
- Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 9-8-8, or visit 988.ca. If you need immediate help, please visit the emergency department or call 9-1-1.
- AGTALK: domore.ag/agtalk — Online support and connection with 24/7 clinical moderators.
On behalf of Council, we wish you a safe seeding and calving season.
