Vulcan County is advising residents and agricultural producers of recent developments regarding access to strychnine for the control of Richardson’s ground squirrels (commonly known as gophers).

The federal government has approved the emergency use of 2% Liquid Strychnine for farmers in Alberta and Saskatchewan. In response, Vulcan County has confirmed it will be able to dispense the product to qualified producers once it becomes available.

AVAILABILITY

Due to manufacturing limitations, the availability of 2% Liquid Strychnine is not expected until late May at the earliest.

TRAINING

The County also notes that mandatory training will be required for all individuals intending to purchase, handle, or use the product. Training sessions will be offered locally in April and May. These sessions are separate from the Farmer Pesticide Course, and participants will be required to obtain a specific certification for the use of 2% Liquid Strychnine.

RESTRICTIONS

In addition, new restrictions governing the purchase and application of the product will be introduced. Full details on these requirements will be provided during the training sessions.

Vulcan County will be sharing more information in the coming weeks, including training dates, certification requirements, and product availability timelines. Residents are encouraged to monitor the County’s website and social media channels for updates.

To sign up for the upcoming training please email 
caleb.scott@vulcancounty.ab.ca 
or call (403)423-0261.

UPDATE – APRIL 2, 2026

A Public Hearing for Bylaw 2026-007 was held at 1:30pm on April 1, 2026. Council received 35 written responses (see agenda package) and heard from 30 speakers at the hearing that deemed themselves affected. A total of 107 people attended the hearing in-person, with many others watching online.

The Public Hearing was officially closed at 5:02pm. Council can no longer receive written or verbal comments regarding the bylaw.

The Public Hearing Minutes will be released on Wednesday, April 8. The bylaw will come back to Council for consideration of second and third (final) reading at a May Council Meeting (date to be determined).

The purpose of the proposed amendment (Bylaw 2026-007) is: 

• To redesignate 850 acres of section 14-15-21 W4 and portions of 15-15-21 W4 from Rural General to Rural Industrial to develop the property in accordance with the provisions of the Rural Industrial Land Use District.

This is not a development application for a Data Processing Operation. The Public Hearing is strictly for consideration to rezone the land to allow for an application to be submitted within the framework of the Rural Industrial Land Use District.
View the Bylaw & Proposal

The personal information you provide is collected in accordance with Section 4(c) of the Alberta Protection of Privacy Act (POPA) and will be protected under Part 2 of that Act. The information collected will be used for the purposes of the public hearing. Please direct any questions about the collection, use or disclosure of your personal information to Vulcan County’s Access & Privacy Officer at 403-485-2241.

The Government of Alberta has increased fines under the Traffic Safety Act, with the new penalties taking effect on March 13, 2026. These changes apply province-wide and are enforced locally by municipal enforcement officers and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Under the updated penalty schedule, fines for many common traffic offences have increased by approximately 30 per cent, while fines for several high-risk driving offences have increased by up to 50 per cent. The changes are part of the province’s efforts to improve road safety and discourage dangerous driving behaviours.

Several common traffic violations have seen moderate increases, including:

• Distracted driving: $300 → $390
• Unsafe left turn: $162 → $211
• Non-compliant window glazing (tinted windows): $81 → $105

More serious offences that pose a higher risk to public safety received larger increases:

• Excessive speeding (50 km/h over the limit): $495 → $744
• Stunting: $567 → $852

Speeding fines have also been adjusted under the new schedule:

• 30 km/h over the limit: up to $324
• 40 km/h over the limit: up to $560
• 50 km/h over the limit: up to $744

Drivers who exceed the speed limit by more than 50 km/h will now face a mandatory court appearance, where the final fine amount will be determined by the court.

Other Examples of Updated Fines

Additional offences with updated penalty amounts include:

• Construction zone speeding: $540 (previously $499)
• Distracted driving: $390
• Driving without a licence: $351
• No active vehicle registration: $527

High-risk offences such as careless driving, excessive speed, stunting, and racing received some of the largest increases.

Officials remind motorists that these changes are intended to promote safer driving habits and reduce dangerous behaviours on Alberta roads. Drivers are encouraged to slow down, follow posted speed limits, and remain attentive while driving to help keep roads safe for everyone.

Vulcan County is pleased to share an update on the new Industrial Park Bulk Fill Water Station, which is currently under construction and expected to be completed by May 1, 2026.

Once finished, the pump station will provide potable water servicing to the Industrial Park and will replace the current bulk (truck fill) water station located in Vulcan.

The new bulk water fill station will offer several improvements for users, including:

• Improved access for trucks
• Faster filling times
• Greater reliability

Completing potable water servicing to the Industrial Park also supports future growth and development, opening the area to a wider range of industrial businesses.

More updates will be shared as the project progresses and the opening date approaches.

Applications are now open for the 2026 Dust Abatement Program.

What is dust abatement?:
Dust abatement involves applying man-made oil products (C20) to the surface of gravel roads. These products bind to fine sand and dirt particles in the gravel to help control dust.

Dust Abatement Program Information:

1. Applications are open until April 17th.
2. A new application is required every year. We will not be contacting applications from previous years.
3. Applicants are charged only for the liters of product actually applied. A minimum of 400 feet of application is required.
4. This service is weather dependent and will take place over the spring and summer months.
5. Invoices will be issued by early August.

How to Apply:

Call Tawnya @ (403)485-3124
Email tawnya.sanderson@vulcancounty.ab.ca
Visit the County Shop – 107 3rd Street Vulcan AB

If you think dust control would benefit your property or roadway, now is the time to apply!

Vulcan County held a Public Hearing for Parking Bylaw 2025-030 on February 4th. The Public Hearing was well attended by residents and business owners of Mossleigh. The agenda and minutes (which include all responses received for the public hearing) can be found here: Public Hearing Bylaw 2025-030

The Parking Bylaw will be presented for second reading at the March 11th Council Meeting.

Vulcan County is pleased to announce an upcoming agriculture workshop this February, offering valuable learning opportunities for local residents.

Weed & Pest Workshop: Info from the Experts – February 24th

On Tuesday, February 24, Vulcan County will host a Weed & Pest Workshop: Info from the Experts, a free educational session focused on current weed and pest challenges facing producers. Participants will hear from the following industry experts:

• Dr. Rory Degenhardt from Corteva: Decoding Herbicide Modes of Action
• Lewis Baarda from Farming Smarter: Managing Herbicide Resistant Kochia in Low-Lying & Saline Areas
• Dan & Andre Lacousiere from 2nd Opinion Consulting: Wire Worms in 2026
• Caleb Scott from Vulcan County: Marginal Land Recovery Grant Program & Funding

This workshop will be held on February 24th from 2:00-5:30p.m. at the Champion Community Hall. There is no cost to attend this workshop, but registration is encouraged to help with planning. Please contact (403)618-7407 to register.

For more information, please contact visit our Agriculture Department Event Page.

Wild boar are an invasive species and a provincially regulated agricultural pest in Alberta as they can damage property, crops, pastures and the environment. They are also known to endanger people and animals.

As of December 1, 2025 the following amendments have been made to the Pest and Nuisance Control Regulation (PNCR):

• Wild boar are declared a pest under the Agricultural Pests Act (APA) in all circumstances, not only when at large.
• It is illegal to keep, import, purchase or otherwise obtain, export, sell or otherwise dispose of or transport live wild boar or wild boar hybrids without a permit.
• It is illegal to hunt or trap wild boar, with certain exceptions. This is due to their strong behavioral response to hunting pressure.

Report Wild Boar
While it is unlikely to see wild boar in Vulcan County it is important to be aware and report them if sighted. To learn about the signs of wild board activity click here.

To report a wild boar sighting:

1. Safely take a picture.
2. Note the location.
3. Contact our Agricultural Fieldman at (403)485-3103
4. Report the sighting online here.

For more information:
Alberta Invasive Species – Squeal on Pigs
Wild Boar in Alberta

One case of Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy (EHM) has been confirmed by the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian in 2025. EHM is the neurological form of Equine Herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) and is a contagious virus that can affect the brain and nerves. While this is not a new disease it MUST be reported and monitored under Alberta’s Animal Health Act.

Clinical signs of EHV-1 depend on the strain of the virus but can include:

• fever
• respiratory disease
• abortion
• death in young foals
• neurological problems

While vaccination helps reduce the risk it does not completely prevent EHV-1. It is best to talk to your veterinarian about vaccinations and to stay informed about outbreaks. An effective Biosecurity Plan is essential to prevent infectious diseases like EHM.

If you suspect EHV-1 in your herd, call your veterinarian right away. All suspected or confirmed cases must be reported to the Office of the Chief Provincial Veterinarian within 24 hours.

Government of Canada EHM Fact Sheet

Government of Alberta EHV-1 Information

We know that safe and reliable roads are essential for everyone. Our team is committed to keeping winter travel as safe and accessible as possible.

Did you know Vulcan County’s team of operators clear snow for the following areas:

• 8 hamlets
• Over 1,800 miles of gravel roads, divided into 10 grader divisions
• 19 miles of hard-surface roads

Throughout each snowfall event, our Operations team closely monitors road conditions and snowfall amounts to guide response and maintain safety across the County. Thank you for your patience each winter as we work to maintain the roads we all depend on.

Please take a moment to visit our Snow Maintenance page for more information on plowing priority, driveway maintenance, drifting and being prepared!

If you have road safety concerns please call us at 403.485.6090 or 403.423.0148

To report a highway-related concern, contact Volker Stevin at 1-888-VSROADS.