County of Barrhead

05/14/2026

Managing on-farm carcasses & plastic waste doesn’t have to be complicated!

Join Farming Forward and County of Barrhead for a workshop focused on practical carcass composting, agricultural plastic recycling, and real-world solutions you can apply on your farm.

✔️ Hear from Dr. Tim McAllister (AAFC) on carcass composting
✔️ Learn about Cleanfarms recycling programs
✔️ Wrap up the day with a producer site visit and discussion.

Learn more at https://www.farmingforward.ca/events/making-waste-work

05/11/2026

Some w**ds are invasive & harmful – if left unmanaged, they can quickly spread and impact local ecosystems & agriculture. That’s why certain species are designated as “noxious” or “prohibited noxious” under the Alberta W**d Control Act.

County of Barrhead's w**d control program uses an approved residual herbicide to achieve best results with minimal environmental impact. Our w**d control program covers all County-owned properties and Right-of-Ways by dividing the County into 3 large areas and rotationally focusing efforts on one area, while maintaining spot spraying throughout the County as needed.

In 2026, we will begin spraying "Area 2" in the west part of the County in early June, while spot spraying throughout the County all summer. W**d inspectors will also be out during this time inspecting all areas of the County for Noxious and Prohibited Noxious w**ds.

Learn more about our w**d control program at www.countybarrhead.ab.ca/p/w**ds-and-pests

05/11/2026

🚫 W**d of the Week: Himalayan Balsam

This fast-growing & highly invasive prohibited noxious w**d can quickly overtake riverbanks, wetlands, shorelines, and wet other areas.

🔍 WHAT TO LOOK FOR: Smooth, hairless, and 4-sided stems that can grow up to 3m tall. Lance-shaped leaves are 6-15cm long. Large, hooded flowers can be 2.5-4cm long and in shades of pink, purple, or white.

⚠️ PREVENTION: Initial spread is often from ornamental planting. DO NOT purchase, grow, or exchange Himalayan balsam! Control efforts can focus on preventing flowering/seed production.

💥 RESPONSE: Prohibited noxious w**ds MUST BE DESTROYED! If you see this w**d, help protect the County by reporting the sighting. Call the County’s W**d Inspector at 780-674-3331.

🌿 Learn more about Himalayan balsam:
https://abinvasives.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/250821-FS-HimalayanBalsam-1.pdf

05/08/2026

Thanks for joining us for Emergency Preparedness Week 2026!

We all have a role to play in emergency preparedness. Emergency services are the first call for help, but depending on the size and severity of the situation, there could be delays reaching your community.

Households are encouraged to build self-reliance by preparing to meet their needs for a minimum of 72 hours.

But always remember that we are “In It Together.” Building strong social ties, practicing preparedness habits and sharing them with your community helps build community resilience to achieve better outcomes during and after an emergency.

As Emergency Preparedness Week comes to a close, remember that you can take small steps and add them to your routine to build resilience over time.

Preparedness isn’t just for a week, but a series of habits built upon year-round and every day.

Learn more at: https://www.alberta.ca/make-community-connections

05/07/2026

Research shows that communities who have established strong social connections before an emergency often experience better outcomes, reduced impacts and shorter recovery time after the emergency.

During and after an emergency, make sure to:
• Check on others
• Share resources
• If safe to do so and time permits, help others
• Reflect on your experience(s) with your household and community members

Check out the next preparedness session for Emergency Preparedness Week to learn the different steps you can take to build community resilience before and after an emergency:
https://www.alberta.ca/emergency-preparedness-week

05/06/2026

County of Barrhead Council held a regular meeting on May 5, 2026.

These highlights are an unofficial meeting summary, as official meeting minutes will be posted once approved by Council. All County Council agendas & minutes are available on our website at www.countybarrhead.ab.ca/p/meeting-minutes

Next County of Barrhead Council meeting is scheduled to take place on May 19, 2026.

05/06/2026

This Emergency Preparedness Week, we're looking into how community connections can support emergency preparedness.

Knowledge is power - before, during and after an emergency. Connecting with your neighbours through your local community page and other social groups can get the conversation started around local hazards and how to prepare for an emergency.

Sharing historic knowledge or lived experience(s) regarding local hazards helps everyone take preparedness actions to reduce risk.

This Emergency Preparedness Week, think about the different experiences you could share, what you might want to learn from others, and opportunities to share information and get to know each other.

Learn more about how community connections support emergency preparedness at https://www.alberta.ca/make-community-connections

05/05/2026

With municipalities across Canada, County Council has proclaimed May 4-9, 2026 as Safety & Health Week in the County of Barrhead.

Safety & Health Week provides the opportunity to remind employers, employees, and the public on the importance of illness & injury prevention, and raise awareness about health and well-being in various settings including at work, at home, and in the community. County of Barrhead is dedicated to creating a safe work environment for employees, contractors, and visitors. Together, we can create safe workplaces & communities!

www.countybarrhead.ab.ca/p/proclamations

05/05/2026

Join us next week to learn HR best practices for small business! Follow the link in the shared post.

Attention Barrhead-area small businesses! Looking for hiring strategies that actually work? Don't miss our May lunch & learn session!

HR Best Practices for Small Business
• May 13, 2026, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
• County of Barrhead Office (in-person or virtual options available)
• Registration: $40

☑️ Build simple, repeatable hiring systems
☑️ Reduce hiring risk
☑️ Screen candidates effectively & avoid common mistakes

Sign up today at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/small-business-lunch-learn-practical-everyday-training-for-business-tickets-1982694776449

05/05/2026

📢 Barrhead-Area Businesses: We Want to Hear From You!

Community Futures Yellowhead East is leading the Regional Investment Attraction & Marketing Strategy (RIAMS) - a regional initiative focused on strengthening our communities, supporting local businesses, and improving investment readiness across the region.

As part of this work, we are launching a Business Retention & Expansion (BR&E) Survey to better understand the needs, challenges, and opportunities facing businesses in the Yellowhead East region.

☎️ Some businesses may be contacted by phone or email between May 11 and June 5 by our survey partner, Deloitte Canada.

The survey takes approximately 15 minutes and your feedback will help shape future economic development priorities, business supports, and regional growth strategies.

Your voice matters.
Your business matters.
Your input helps us build stronger communities.

05/05/2026

This Emergency Preparedness Week, follow along with us as we explore how community connections can support emergency preparedness.

Community isn't limited to neighbours – it could be coworkers, faith groups, sports teams or people connected by shared culture or interests.

Connecting with your community members allows you to share knowledge, skills and abilities to prevent, mitigate, prepare for, respond to and recover from disruptions, big or small. During Emergency Preparedness Week, consider how you and your community can work together to build resilience.

Learn more about how community connections support emergency preparedness at https://www.alberta.ca/make-community-connections