Our Corporate Services Department has recently released the 2026 Annual Budget Report which provides readers with a comprehensive overview of our budget. The report breaks down each operating segment and provides information about the expenditures and associated funding.

Vulcan County has been the proud recipient of the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). This report has been submitted to GFOA for consideration on the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for 2026.

For information about the budget report and our budgeting process, please contact the Corporate Services Department at 403-485-2241.

Click here to view the 2026 Annual Budget Report.

Vulcan County was proud to be represented on the international stage as Councillor Doug Logan joined a Southern Alberta delegation at the 2026 China Pea Conference in Yantai, Shandong Province, China.

The delegation included representatives from Vulcan County, the Municipal District of Taber, the Town of Taber, SouthGrow Regional Initiative, and Alberta’s Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation. Together, they participated in one of the world’s leading pulse industry events, which brought together producers, processors, traders, researchers, and industry leaders from major pea-producing countries, including Canada, the United States, Russia, and Ukraine.

Throughout the conference, Southern Alberta was recognized as a leading region for pea production and value-added pulse processing. The event provided an opportunity to promote the region’s agricultural strengths while building relationships with international industry partners.

As part of the conference, the delegation participated in the Alberta Pulse Processing Investment Roundtable, where they highlighted Southern Alberta’s competitive advantages, investment opportunities, and expanding value-added processing sector. The roundtable showcased the region’s role in supporting global food supply chains and demonstrated the significant opportunities available for future investment and collaboration.

“Participation in events like the China Pea Conference helps strengthen international relationships while showcasing the innovation, productivity, and investment potential of Southern Alberta’s agricultural sector,” said Councillor Doug Logan. “These conversations create valuable opportunities to build partnerships that can support long-term economic growth for our region.”

Vulcan County recognizes the importance of participating in international initiatives that promote local agriculture, attract investment, and strengthen global partnerships. As agriculture continues to play a vital role in the County’s economy, opportunities to share the region’s expertise and production capacity on an international stage are increasingly valuable.

Vulcan County extends its sincere appreciation to Alberta’s Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation for its leadership and support in organizing the delegation. Special thanks are extended to Yifan Ding, Senior Commercial Officer based in Beijing, for coordinating and facilitating the delegation’s participation in this important international event.

The County looks forward to future opportunities to work alongside provincial and federal partners to strengthen international relationships, promote Southern Alberta’s agricultural excellence, and encourage continued investment in the region.

Vulcan County is experiencing a rapidly developing outbreak of Bertha armyworm, with hotspots currently being identified in the mid-section of the County.

Local agronomists and provincial insect specialists have been working to scout affected areas, gather information, and alert producers to the developing situation.

According to Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation:
“Localized areas of Alberta are experiencing Bertha armyworm outbreaks. The extent of the outbreak(s) is still being determined. Daily scouting in high-risk fields is important. Bertha armyworm larvae will move between fields, so density can change day to day. Under high densities, economic levels of damage occur rapidly. Over 15,000 acres of canola and peas have been sprayed for bertha armyworm in Vulcan County. Densities of larvae above 50 per square metre were observed in some fields.”

Crops and Areas to Monitor
Bertha armyworm is primarily a pest of canola but can also cause economic damage in other crops. Producers are encouraged to closely monitor:

• Canola
• Mustard
• Flax
• Quinoa
• Hemp
• Peas
• Alfalfa
• Potatoes

Fields with dense patches of kochia or lamb’s quarters may also be at higher risk and should be monitored closely.

Local Hotspots Identified
Local crop scouting by Susan Heather of Heather Crop Care & Agronomy has identified Bertha armyworm outbreaks in the following areas:

• Between the Corner Store area and Arrowwood
• Townships 18-24, 18-23 and 18-22
• Southeast of the Town of Vulcan

Heather would like to remind producers, “The Bertha Armyworms are targeting both peas and canola primarily, but alfalfa and mustard are also at risk. Crops near maturity are also still at risk. Crops should be inspected daily and fields above threshold should consider spraying ASAP to mitigate damage.”

Scout Before Making Treatment Decisions
Amanda Jorgensen, Insect Management Specialist with Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, notes that Bertha armyworm densities can vary significantly even within Vulcan County. Some fields may have low densities and may not require treatment.

Producers are encouraged to scout their own fields daily and assess pest densities before making management decisions. The presence of a hotspot nearby does not necessarily mean every field in the area is affected.

Producers should stay vigilant, scout daily, and work with their local agronomists and agricultural professionals as the situation develops.

For more information on Bertha Armyworm, click here.

To report a Bertha Armyworm outbreak in Vulcan County, please contact the Agricultural Fieldman at (403)423-0261.

Vulcan County’s new Bulk Water Fill Station is now open to the public!

Located at the County’s new industrial park, the station provides faster fill times and easier truck access, making bulk water filling more convenient for residents, producers, and businesses.

The new station accepts credit card payments as well as pre-paid fobs. Pre-paid fobs can be purchased at the Vulcan County Public Works building:

Public Works Building
107 3rd Street South
Vulcan, AB
403-485-3124

The current rate for water at the new Bulk Fill Station is $3.77/m³, the same rate as the previous station located in Vulcan.

We’re pleased to offer this improved service and easier access to bulk water for the community.

The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) presented a Distinguished Budget Presentation Award to Vulcan County for our Annual Budget for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2026. To receive this award, a governmental unit must publish a budget document that meets program criteria as a policy document, financial plan, operations guide, and communications device.

Click Here to view the 2026 Annual Budget Report

Vulcan County also received a special recognition relating to our presentation on “Strategic Goals & Strategies” in addition to the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for 2026 Annual Budget Report.

Vulcan County Emergency Services Urges Residents to Power Up Their Devices with Fire Safety in Mind
The theme for Fire Prevention Week™ (FPW™), October 4–10, 2026, is “Charge into Fire Safety™: Safe Charging Is a Superpower.”

The Vulcan County Emergency Services is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association^® (NFPA^®) to support Fire Prevention Week. This year’s FPW theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower,” focuses on the simple steps people can take to recharge safely. Many devices used in our daily lives – phones, tablets, laptops, tools, toys, e-bikes, and scooters—run on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, which store a lot of energy in a small space. If they are damaged or charged the wrong way, they can overheat, start a fire, or even explode.

Some important tips include:

• Use the cord and charger that came with your device or one approved by the manufacturer. Using the wrong charger can damage the battery and increase the risk of fire.
• Charge devices on a table, desk, or other hard surface. Do not charge them on beds, couches, or under pillows. Devices and chargers produce heat during normal charging. Soft surfaces can trap heat and block airflow, which can cause the battery to overheat.
• Stop using your device if it feels hot, starts to swell, is smoking, or has a strange smell. These are warning signs that the battery may be damaged.
• Unplug your device when it is fully charged. Do not leave it plugged in longer than needed. Leaving a device plugged in too long can increase heat and stress on the battery.
• Charge larger items like e-bikes, scooters, and power tools outside and away from exits.  These batteries are larger and store more energy. If they fail, fires can grow quickly.
• When on a plane, keep your device where you can see it while charging. Do not charge devices in overhead compartments. If a battery overheats or fails, it is important for the flight crew to respond quickly.

Check out these youth Fire Prevention Week contests:

1. Vulcan County Coloring Contest!
   Students can print off or pick up a coloring sheet to submit to their local firehall for a chance to win some great prizes.
   Coloring sheets
   Contest: October 5 – October 30
   Draw Date: November 3
   
2. Calling all Kindergarten to Grade 7 Students, enter to win a Nintendo Switch 2!
   Students can take part in the contest while learning how they can help promote fire prevention and protect themselves, their families, and their community.
   Contest Link
   Contest: September 29 – November 1
   Draw Date: November 15

For more information about Fire Prevention Week, or the contests above, contact our Fire Prevention Officer.

To learn more about lithium-ion battery safety, visit fpw.org.