Help is available to groups wanting to host events in the community.
Since 2015, the Town of Drayton Valley has been offering grants every quarter for non-profit organizations.
Lola Strand, the program manager with FCSS, says the Town sets aside $5,000 for each quarter. The deadline for the applications for the next grant is April 1.
Living Spirit United Church
Everyone welcome. Sunday Worship, 10:30 We are residents of Drayton Valley, members and adherents of
Ralcomm Communications
The Ralcomm Group provides communication devices for individuals and businesses. We specialize in technology that
Breton Dental Clinic
Facebook Email LinkedIn WhatsApp Brighten your smile Breton Dental Clinic is located in the heart
Drayton Valley Alliance Church
Join us Sunday Mornings 10:30 am Everyone Welcome! Phone: 780-542-6501 Email: office@dvalliance.ca Mailing address: Box
Drayton Valley Community Church
DV Community Church. Located at Affinity Funeral Services, officiated by Dwayne Henley.
“Town council makes the decisions on the recipients of the grants,” she says.
She says council has other options they can do for the groups. In some cases, they can waive the costs of renting a town facility, or they might be able to have fees waived.
“It’s pretty flexible,” says Strand.
Strand says she collects the information from the applications and gives it to council so they can make an informed decision.
Opportunity Home’s first Spring Shaker was a success, says executive director Danna Cropley.
“The event sold out within the first few weeks,” says Cropley. “Beyond that, the event went absolutely amazingly.”
The evening had a dance, a catered dinner, and silent auction items to help raise funds for the rehabilitation centre. Cropley says it wouldn’t have been possible without the volunteers who helped put the event together. About 230 people attended.
“Jen Winter, Janice Kupsch, and their crew organized the event. The room was full of energy and community; it was so great,” says Cropley.
One of the reasons for the event, along with raising funds to help run the facility, was to educate the public about what the facility does and how it helps those in need. Opportunity Home opened its doors in February 2023, and has seen numerous people complete the 90-day program during its three years of operation.
Earlier in the week, Cropley also spoke to town council with the same goal in mind.
“Because the council is fairly new… we just wanted to update them on Opportunity Home’s mission, vision, and values, [as well] as the value our project brings, not only to the municipality but also our provincial community and out to our country.”
Cropley says the facility has offered beds to people from across the province, British Columbia, and some from the United States. She says she wanted council to see the reach that they have now and how they are supporting Recovery Alberta’s response to the current opioid crisis.
In her presentation to council, Cropley touched on the community, social, and economic value the centre brought to the community. This included the volunteer work the clients provided, homelessness and poverty prevention, as well as reducing taxpayer costs for emergency, health, and justice services.
She says community investment is a crucial part of the success of the centre, not in terms of dollars, but in terms of interest from the community, volunteers, and feedback.
“I just really wanted to make sure that town council was aware of who we are and what we do,” says Cropley.
Opportunity Home is hosting another event on June 19 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. that is open to the public: a memorial tree planting ceremony, along with a barbecue and tour of the facility. Cropley says they will also have different resources and services at the event for people to connect with if needed.
She says the tree-planting ceremony will be in honour of some community members who have recently passed away. Members of the public are welcome to donate to plant a tree in memory of someone they have lost.
Kiss me I’m Albertan
It seems that those pushing for Alberta independence have enough signatures to force a referendum on the issue. That put me in mind of something I wrote a few years ago that I think still holds water.
If Alberta’s going to ditch the rest of Canada we need to set a few rules. This is going to take a while, so it’s best to start talking about it now so we know where we stand if and when it comes to a vote.
First we have to figure out what an Albertan actually is.
There used to be a guy who lived down the street from me who had a bumper sticker that said, “Canadian by birth, Albertan by the grace of God.” It always struck me as a little odd. That was partly because it was on the rear bumper of the first Toyota Prius I’d ever seen with a gun rack. But it’s also because I’ve lived in this province for well over three decades, and I’ve never been able to figure out what makes an Albertan an Albertan.
OK, so an Albertan is someone who comes from Alberta. That’s according to no less a source than the Oxford Canadian Dictionary so I’m not about to start arguing. But the results of the most recent federal census suggest that’s a pretty broad group. If the number and variety of languages spoken in this province is any kind of a guide, Albertans come from all over the place, both within Canada and from every corner of the globe.
That’s true of other places too of course. Places like London and New York are breathtaking in their diversity. What makes Alberta different is that everything here is so new. We’ve been a province for not much more than a century and have evolved so rapidly in such a short time, with so many waves of immigration from so many parts of the world that it sometimes feels as if we’ve never developed a separate sense of ourselves. At least not in the way you’d find among the societies of Africa, Asia or Europe, or even in Newfoundland, Nova Scotia or Quebec.
So what do we have that binds such a broad group together and sets us apart from the rest of the country? There’s the Flames and the Oilers I suppose. And beef. We like beef and are justifiably proud of both the quality and quantity this province produces. I think it’s also fair to say that we work hard. Not me, obviously, but most of the rest of you. And perhaps most importantly right now, there’s a sense of frustration that we always end up with a federal government that most of us didn’t vote for. But even at the last election, when dislike of Ottawa was probably at its peak, more than a third of us voted either Liberal or NDP and a significant number of us didn’t vote at all. So things are not as black and white as they may appear.
Anyway, as far as things that set us apart from the folks in Toronto or Tuktoyaktuk, that’s about it. Don’t get me wrong. I love this province and I love the people who live here (most of you anyway) but it doesn’t feel like we’ve got much to build a country on. Albertans are good people and we have a lot to offer the world. But at the same time we’re an odd and interesting mixture that doesn’t seem quite sure of its own identity. Sort of like a Prius with a gun rack.
Drayton to host regional one act plays
The Eleanor Pickup Arts Centre will be hosting the Yellowhead Regional One-Act Plays Festival on April 10 and 11 this year.
Ashley Luckwell, the chair of the board for River Valley Players, says the regional festival will have five performances this year. Cast and crew from Leduc, St. Albert, Devon, Beaumont, and Drayton Valley will be participating in the event.
“There are five different groups from the Yellowhead Region that are coming,” she says.
Luckwell says the event is being put on by the Alberta Drama Festival Association (AFDA). This festival is one of several that are occurring across the province, with the winners from each heading on to the provincial festival in Leduc in May this year.
“We’re really excited to have it here,” says Luckwell. “It’s great to show off the EPAC; it’s great to have them come into our community.”
The festival will take place over two days, with each of the plays lasting anywhere from 30 minutes to about 45 minutes. RVP members Leah Sanderson, Sarah Chapman, Katherine De Varennes, and Jan Wright will be performing their play Overtones on Friday night.
Luckwell says the play is one she directed and was written by Alice Gerstenberg in the early 1900s. It was first performed in 1915 at the Bandox Theatre in New York.
The play highlights the difference between what people say and what they are actually thinking. Two of the actors will be playing characters having a conversation, and two younger actors will be playing a younger version of themselves giving voice to the first two character’s inner thoughts.
The other plays will be Steven Goes to Japan to Run a Marathon, Crystal Blue Persuasion, The Crimson Cab Ladies Hit the Beach, and Don’t Mention Hollywood.
Luckwell says there has been lots of support from local businesses for this event, with some giving discounts on food and others sponsoring the festival as well.
“It’s been really great,” she says.
Tickets for the event will be for sale at the doors for $15. Luckwell says cash is preferred as it is not the EPAC that will be taking the funds, but rather volunteers for the AFDA.
Valley Dental
Add Your Heading Text Here
- HOURS: Mon–Fri: 8:30AM – 4:30 pm Sat - Sun: Closed
- CALL: 1-780-514-7359
- LOCATION: 5205 Power Center Blvd #108,Drayton Valley, AB T7A 0A5
Here come the cobra chickens
Doomscrolling is a terrible habit for sure, and it’s one that I’m guilty of from time to time. It mostly depends on my mood, energy levels, and whether I have to sit and wait for an extended period of time.
The videos that have captured my imagination the last little while are the ones where content creators from other countries react to all things Canadian. That means everything from trying ketchup chips to seeing some of the worst ice storms the Maritimes have experienced.
Some of my favourites are the ones about wildlife. It’s entertaining to listen to the narrator speak about how big a moose is for fifteen seconds while they show a five-second clip of a moose, then five of an elk, and five more seconds of several white tail deer bounding into the distance. No one will ever know which one is the moose.
Another favourite of mine is videos of the Cobra Chicken, or for those of you who don’t speak to teenagers on a regular basis, the Canadian Goose.
The moniker Cobra Chicken is a little odd, but I guess it’s because they’re a big bird with long necks. Thus parts of them look like cobras and the rest looks like chickens.
In any case, anyone who has ever been near a goose in the spring knows they aren’t birds to be messed with. These birds can weigh up to 12 pounds and can reach speeds of 80 km/h on a normal day. With tailwinds, they can reach speeds of 112 km/h or higher.
Last April, a group of college students in Waterloo, Ontario, had to get creative with entering and exiting their house when a pair of geese decided their front yard was the best place for their nest. For several weeks they had to be very careful about when and how they entered their house because they could be attacked.
Of course, calls to any groups who could help with the situation were no help. The Canadian Goose is a protected species, so people aren’t allowed to touch them or their nests, cause injury, or kill the birds.
While the videos are always good for a laugh, people can get seriously injured. Many of the injuries happen as people try to run away from the birds, but a downstroke from a goose can hit like a fist and leave you with some nasty injuries.
I’m saying all of this because the season of the cobra chicken is coming soon. We do have some geese that feel this area is a good place to bring up their goslings. It’s a good time to tell kids that geese shouldn’t be messed with and to start paying attention when we’re walking near any ponds.
I would hate to be the main character in one of the YouTube videos people come across while doomscrolling. I feel like that would be far less entertaining for me, though I’m sure it would give others a good laugh.
First funding for replacement school
Plans to build a replacement for Drayton Valley’s St. Anthony School took a step forward last week.
St. Thomas Aquinas Roman Catholic School Division (STAR Catholic) received planning funding from the Government of Alberta to support the future replacement of the school.
The Province will pay $50,000 in value-scoping funding. The school division says the funding will support early planning to ensure readiness for a potential new school build. That includes conducting an initial investigation to confirm project readiness, identify key priorities, and ensure essential planning components are in place.
“This is very encouraging news for our division and for the St. Anthony School community,” said STAR Catholic board chair Henry Effon. “This funding reflects the board’s continued commitment to advocating for our students and allows us to take an important step forward in preparing for a much-needed new school.”
The replacement of St. Anthony School is identified as the number one priority in the STAR Catholic capital plan. Superintendent Laurie Cardinal said the division was grateful for the support received from the province.
“This further strengthens the step in supporting the high-quality learning experience students in Drayton Valley already enjoy,” she said.
The current school dates back to the 1960s and has an enrolment of about 430. The building last had a major renovation in the 1990s.
Applicants have to be a non-profit organization based in Drayton Valley, which offers services to the community. They also need to show proof of insurance and documents that show they are making an effort to be financially independent and viable.
The organizations that will be considered can fall into several categories, including groups that offer public education; health, wellness and safety; visual performing arts, heritage, and culture; and leisure sports and recreation.
If an application is for something that is outside of the community, they won’t be considered for the grant. Individual applicants and educational institutions may not be funded. Any religious organizations, commercial for-profit events, and advocacy groups will also not be considered for the grant.
Do we have what it takes to be a tourist destination?
I spent the last week in Canmore with the intent to ski. However a bout of flu and cough plagued our travel party and we didn’t venture too far from the condo. But I did get out enough to purchase an expensive coffee and eat some expensive ice cream.
Visiting Canmore is nice, but I cannot imagine living there. This is the time of year when Free Press HQ is putting together the Brazeau and Beyond Summer travel guide, so I am always looking for editorial inspiration for the magazine. Canmore as a tourist community provided a lot of fodder for the 2026 guide, but it also got me looking deeper into what makes Drayton Valley a much more amazing place to reside. Okay, so we don’t have the mountains. But parking is easy, and driving across town isn’t a headache. The drivers here, although slightly more pushy than I remember as a kid, are nowhere near the aggression you get in Canmore. In Canmore it’s city driving in a small town.
In-fills are a big part of Canmore’s most recent economic development: condos and townhouses are popping up like mushrooms after a fall rain. But eavesdropping in the elevators I heard plumbers, who were doing work on our building, discussing water pressure issues and wastewater and sewage issues the town is facing amidst all these new builds.
Real-estate prices are through the roof. A quick look at Canmore’s local newspaper informed the husband and I that for the same sum that got us a three acre property on the ring road would get us a 30 year old, 1 bed, 1 bath 451sqft condo.
But, it’s all worth it for the outdoor playground…right?
Well, now that I am back sleeping in my own bed, and into my own routines I would say…wait a moment, I’d argue that what we have in Drayton Valley, Brazeau County and the surrounding regions provides an exceptional outdoor recreational lifestyle at the fraction of the costs and with 100 percent more convenience. We’ve got; lakes, rivers, hiking trails, mountain biking, atv trails, events, entertainment, provincial parks and if you are really jonesing for the mountains Nordegg is just two hours away.
But, what we do have is not as exceptional as what we don’t have.
We don’t have crowds, a coffee is still less than $5, you can park almost anywhere and it’s free, strangers are few and far between, and an army of volunteers maintain some amazing trail systems right on our doorstep. So as I am percolating ideas on what to write about for the 2026 Brazeau and Beyond Travel Guide and researching Alberta towns that won the tourism lottery I get more and more grateful for the little slice of heaven I call home.
After combing through hundreds of colourful pictures, Drayton Valley Enforcement Services gave the four winners a special prize for their efforts on St. Patrick’s Day.
Cody Rossing, the manager of enforcement services and emergency management for the town, says when they first saw the kids, they seemed both excited and nervous about talking to the peace officers.
“It quickly shifted to a lot of excitement, especially when they knew they were going for some ice cream,” says Rossing.
There were four winners of the contest. Two of the students came from Aurora Elementary, one was from Evergreen Elementary, and one winner was a member of the public. Those who were in school were given permission from their school and parents to get out of some schoolwork so they could hang out with the peace officers.
Rossing says the kids all got to ride in the cruiser on their way to Dairy Queen, where they were treated to ice cream. He says while they were there, they got to know the kids a little bit and then chatted with them about traffic safety.
“I think overall it was a very good experience for the kids,” says Rossing. “It was a good experience for our department to be able to interact with youth in a different light.”
He says the experience showed the ongoing need for law enforcement to build various connections within the community, including the youth. Rossing says children and youth need to realize that law enforcement officers are people you can go to when they need help.
“Although often parents like to make comments along the lines of, ‘If you’re bad you’re going to go to jail,’ kind of thing, the reality is that often makes kids terrified of law enforcement when it should be the opposite,” says Rossing.
L
Officers also made a special trip to the Early Childhood Development Centre on St. Patrick’s Day. There they spoke to the kids about safety topics like when to call 911, how to recognize community helpers, and what to do if they come across an unfamiliar object on the ground.
Going forward, Rossing says the team is going to continue to find different ways to positively interact with the younger residents of the community. He says they will continue to review the different activities they undertake to see how they worked out.
“Something as simple as a colouring contest is able to spiral into those bigger engagements,” says Rossing.
He says there will be a dodgeball game taking place sometime in April against grade four students at Evergreen.
Download your experience guide
If your idea of a great summer includes trading cell service for campfires and crowds for calm waters, you’re in for a treat. Out in Brazeau Country—just 40 minutes west of Drayton Valley—there’s a wild slice of Alberta that’s perfect for escaping the noise and diving into real-deal wilderness vibes. Think remote lakes, winding rivers, and chill campsites where you can cast a line, crack a cold one, and feel like you’re the only person in the world.
Before we head out—Drayton Valley is your last stop for gas, groceries, and snacks. After that, it’s pretty much you, the road, and the wild.
1. Brazeau Dam
Let’s start with the most beginner-friendly option. Brazeau Dam isn’t exactly secluded right at the boat launch, but if you’ve got a watercraft (or even an ATV), you can find your own little corner of paradise. Tucked-away beaches, random campsites, and quiet trails make this a perfect intro spot for anyone new to the west country. There are two provincial campgrounds in the area, and tons of random camping options too—just pick a spot and set up. Bonus: this is a great place to link up with friends and try some kayak fishing.
2. Upper Pembina River
Heard of the Pembina River? Probably. But this isn’t the tubing hotspot near Evansburg. Go west—waaay west—down Tidewater Road, and you’ll find the real hidden side of the Pembina. Out near the junction with Wolf Lake Road, the river winds through thick forests and wildlife-rich landscapes. You might spot deer, bald eagles… maybe even a bear fishing beside you (bring your bear spray!). It’s remote, peaceful, and a dream for anglers looking to fish undisturbed.
3. Wolf Lake
Wolf Lake feels like it’s at the edge of the world—and that’s kind of the point. You can reach it from Tidewater Road or Elk River Road (just be ready for some dusty gravel driving, especially with industrial trucks passing through). The area was hit by wildfires in 2023, so the landscape looks a bit raw, but the fishing is still solid. The lake’s known for Northern Pike, and it was stocked with Walleye in the ’90s, so you’ve got good odds of a bite. There’s a small first-come, first-served campground—check Alberta Parks before heading out.
4. Fairfax Lake
A bit off the beaten path, Fairfax Lake is a quiet gem perfect for paddling, casting, and unplugging. You’ll find Rainbow and Brook Trout here, plus nearby reclaimed pit lakes if you’re up for exploring more fishing spots. The lake is shallow but cold—great for fish, not ideal for swimming unless the weather is really hot. The campground is surprisingly spacious, with sites redesigned in 2010 for more privacy. Bring a canoe or kayak, enjoy the trails, and settle in for a relaxed weekend.
5. Pembina Forks
Nestled right beside the Pembina River, this medium-sized campground offers classic river fishing for rainbow, brook trout, whitefish, and even bull trout. It’s peaceful, has hiking and paddling options, and makes a great weekend basecamp if you’re looking to stay off-grid but not feel totally lost in the woods. Think of it as your middle ground between wilderness and comfort.
What to Know Before You Go
You’ll be off-grid. There’s no reliable cell service out here. Download your maps, let someone know your plans, and be ready to rough it.
Bring bear spray. You’re in bear country. Stay alert, keep your site clean, and be smart about food storage.
Fires & damage: Wildfires in 2023 hit parts of the region hard. Some sites are still recovering—check Alberta Parks or county websites before heading out.
Flat tires happen. These gravel roads are tough on vehicles. Carry a spare, bring tools, and know how to handle a roadside hiccup.
Know the fishing rules. Each lake may have different regulations. Alberta Fishing Regulations will have all the info you need.
Whether you’re a weekend warrior or just want to see how it feels to disconnect for a few days, Alberta’s west country has the perfect fishing escape waiting for you. Pack up, head west, and find your new favourite spot—before the rest of the world finds out about it.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Download your experience guide
If you’re searching for the perfect small-town adventure; packed with fun, food, and unforgettable memories, then mark your calendar! A summer trip to Drayton Valley in late June is just what you need. This vibrant Alberta community comes alive with the annual Drayton Valley Midway, hosted by the local Lions Club. It’s an event that brings out the very best in community spirit and summer magic.
This year, the midway takes over town from June 20 to 22, transforming Drayton Valley into a hub of colour, music, and excitement. It’s the perfect weekend to visit, especially with school letting out and the weather warming up. The entire town buzzes with anticipation, and families, friends, and visitors come together to enjoy the festivities.
At the heart of the weekend is the midway, packed with thrilling rides for all ages—from gentle fun for the little ones to heart-pounding adventures for the brave. And don’t forget the food! You’ll find the mouthwatering classics like funnel cakes and mini donuts, now served from a dedicated food wagon that brings that authentic fairground flavour to life. The smells alone are enough to draw you in!
But that’s not all. Friday night, the fun continues with the Drayton Valley Community Foundation’s Small Town Big Life Party. Last year’s party featured two bands battling it out across the dance floor, and this year promises even more high-energy entertainment. So grab your dancing shoes, bring your friends, and get ready for a night of music, laughter, and pure summer joy.
If one weekend isn’t enough to satisfy your summer spirit, don’t worry—there’s more! Just a few weeks later, head about half an hour down the road to the cozy hamlet of Evansburg for their famous Pembina Valley Daze on July 11 and 12. This event takes over the entire community, turning Evansburg into one giant fairground full of fun and charm.
Pembina Valley Daze kicks off with a delicious pancake breakfast at Tipple Park Museum, followed by a Main Street parade, a classic car show, and countless local attractions that make this event a must-visit. Of course, there’s a midway here too—and the best part? Even if you already hit the Drayton Valley Midway, you’re in for a brand-new experience in Evansburg with entirely different rides.
Whether you’re a ride-all-day wristband warrior or just want to enjoy a few thrilling spins, there are options for everyone. Buy a wristband for unlimited fun or grab a few tickets for your favourite rides—the choice is yours. And with events like these, every moment is packed with joy, laughter, and the kind of memories that last a lifetime.
So, this summer, grab your sunscreen, pack your sense of adventure, and make Drayton Valley and Evansburg your go-to getaway spots. With small-town hospitality and big-time fun, these Alberta gems offer everything you need for the ultimate summer escape. Don’t miss it!
The Roots of Resilience Charter School has been receiving attention from education and indigenous authorities, as educators hope to learn from their model.
Charlene Bearhead, the principal of the school, says she has been receiving phone calls from indigenous groups and school divisions that wish to visit the school. Most recently, four educators travelled from the Fisher River Cree Nation in Manitoba for a practicum at the school.
Bearhead says many of these groups heard about RRCS at the National Indigenous Education and Reconciliation Network Gathering last May, before the school was officially approved. Bearhead and Dr. Jennifer Tupper, the dean of education at the University of Alberta, gave a presentation about the school at that time. Once it was announced that the school was approved, inquiries began to come in from many indigenous groups, educators, and other organizations.
“I got an email from a young woman that is a teacher at Fisher River Cree Nation in Manitoba, and she is part of a cohort of 40 indigenous educators that are working on the Education Leadership certificate,” says Bearhead.
Bearhead says there was a component in their practicum that they needed, which was a placement in a school outside of their jurisdiction or in some place that is showing leadership and innovation in education.
“She found us online and reached out to us to see if she could do her three-day placement in our school,” says Bearhead.
In total, four educators came to RRCS from the Fisher River Cree Nation. Three were teachers and one was the cultural coordinator.
Bearhead says she was a little bit nervous at first, but everything worked out really well. When they first arrived, they were given a history of the school, information about how they teach the students and what’s all involved with their education, and a tour of the school.
“It was so interesting. They said, ‘Can we just sit here for a minute and take this all in?’ This is blowing our minds. This is amazing,’” says Bearhead.
Kea York, the cultural coordinator for the Fisher River Board of Education, says that while RRCS wasn’t on her radar at the time, when she looked into the school after one of her classmates mentioned it, she was excited.
“Their missions and goals were right in line with how I viewed education,” says York in an email interview.
She says she loved the passion that the students and staff had for the way of knowing, being, and doing.
“RRCS was right in line with what we are doing in our community of Ochékwi Sípí with our recently implemented Band Council Resolution to put land, language, and culture first in all subject areas of learning for our students. Seeing this happen in a town was great. As people living on this land, we all need to learn Indigenous education and the reciprocity that goes along with it; the children are learning just that,” says York.
Kaitlyn Bear, an educator who has been with the Fisher River Cree Nation for 10 years, says she was impressed by the way language and culture were being incorporated in the school.
“Not many schools allow that, so it was so amazing to see,” says Bear in an email interview.
She says the energy of the staff and students was different from what she’s experienced in the past and the school felt very welcoming.
“I will definitely be keeping in touch with the staff at RRCS,” says Bear. “Over the three days we made so many wonderful connections and relationships that l will hold closely to my heart.”
Stephanie Cochrane, another teacher at Fisher River Cree, says she hadn’t realized she could pick a placement outside of Manitoba, so she didn’t do much research on RRCS before they came out.
“I did not know what RRCS was all about, except that it was a charter school. I did not have many expectations,” says Cochrane in an email interview. “What I found was an amazing, close-knit professional family that consists of super passionate teaching staff and students who have found an academic foundation that nourishes their curiosity as they learn using a First Nation pedagogy.”
Cochrane says the in-house elder at RRCS is a benefit to the students in that he can offer teachings, oral stories, songs, and values that are embedded in the indigenous culture.
“It was so beautiful to witness and be a part of sharing circles that happened right in the
classrooms of RRCS,” she says.
Bearhead says she is happy to have people come visit the school and see how they are doing things.
“Public charter schools are intended to be model schools to show how education might work, or what it could look like,” says Bearhead.
She says it was interesting to hear from these visitors that they have access to knowledge holders and they aren’t yet at the point that RRCS is already at.
“It’s interesting to us because we know we’re not even close to where we want to be yet, but we know we have a really good start,” she says.
During their time at the school, the teachers spent time teaching cooking classes, helping with hot lunch, teaching other classes, scraping a buffalo hide, and reading stories.
“They were just all in with every aspect of the school,” says Bearhead.
Though their time at RRCS is done, each of the educators interviewed said they would highly recommend other school divisions and indigenous groups visit the school and see what they’ve accomplished thus far.
I suggested to my daughter that she name her first child Grahamina if it’s a girl. I haven’t managed to come up with a good boy’s name yet.
Here in Alberta, Noah is once again the most popular name for newborn boys, according to info that winged its way into my inbox a couple of weeks ago from the nice people at Service Alberta. On the girls’ side Olivia took the top spot in 2025, as she has done for the last several years.
It’s an interesting phenomenon* that kids’ names seem to drift in and out of fashion, like long hair, flared jeans and the federal New Democrats. Some of that is probably due to the impact of celebrities. It should surprise nobody if we see an uptick in Taylors due to the global dominance of Taylor Swift, while recent events mean the popularity of Andrew is likely to fall off a cliff.**
Looking back at my elementary school class, we had a couple of Davids, a Stephen, an Allan… on the girls’ side there was Jennifer, June, Dorothy and Elspeth. There was also a cluster of more overtly Scottish names: Alastair, Fraser, Morag and several Fionas. Little did any of them dream that more than 50 years later they’d be name checked in the Drayton Valley and District Free Press. What a strange world we live in.
Anyway, there were certainly no Noahs, apart from that guy with the boat from the Bible, who was not in my class (I’m old but not that old) so doesn’t really count. I don’t remember any Olivias either, although back then girls were both terrifying and mysterious to me, so who knows.
What I can tell you is that you couldn’t swing a cat in 1960s Glasgow without hitting a Graham.*** At one point there were three of us in my elementary class. Since I moved to Canada I believe I’ve only met one. ****
Meanwhile here in present day Alberta the rest of the top six boys’ names for last year were Theodore, Oliver, Henry, Jack and Lucas. Amelia, Emma, Sophia, Charlotte, and Violet round out the girls’ side.
There were more than 52,000 little bundles of joy registered in this province in 2025, with 14,500 unique names. That sounds like a lot, but presumably some are close to duplicates, so Brandy, Brandi and Brandee counts three times, which doesn’t seem fair really.
Anyway, it doesn’t look like there were any Grahaminas, and my daughter didn’t appear to be particularly taken with the suggestion. So if anyone out there is looking for a unique name for their newborn, Grahamina is there for the taking. You can thank me later. Although I suspect your daughter may not be so grateful
* Disclaimer: Phenomenon may not actually be interesting.
** That’s cliff as in geographical feature, not Cliff as in Clifford. Writing is hard.
***This was before the European Union stepped in and banned cat swinging across the continent.
**** I mean one Graham. I’ve met lots of cats. That’s cats as in Tom Kitten, not cats as in Cat Stevens. I’ve never met him.
Council will look for organizations that are putting on community events, fundraisers, or who need help for a special project that will benefit residents.
One of the things taken into consideration is whether there is already another organization hosting a similar event. Strand says an example could be the Eagle Point Blue Rapids Parks Council putting on a Family Day event this year. If another applicant had asked for funding for a Family Day event, they would have to explain how it is different from what EPBR is doing.
Strand says in this way, the Town is encouraging the non-profits in town to work together on events where possible.
Organizations looking to apply can find a form on the Town of Drayton Valley website. The deadlines for each grant are January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1 each year.
Do we have what it takes to be a tourist destination?
I spent the last week in Canmore with the intent to ski. However a bout of flu and cough plagued our travel party and we didn’t venture too far from the condo. But I did get out enough to purchase an expensive coffee and eat some expensive ice cream.
Visiting Canmore is nice, but I cannot imagine living there. This is the time of year when Free Press HQ is putting together the Brazeau and Beyond Summer travel guide, so I am always looking for editorial inspiration for the magazine. Canmore as a tourist community provided a lot of fodder for the 2026 guide, but it also got me looking deeper into what makes Drayton Valley a much more amazing place to reside. Okay, so we don’t have the mountains. But parking is easy, and driving across town isn’t a headache. The drivers here, although slightly more pushy than I remember as a kid, are nowhere near the aggression you get in Canmore. In Canmore it’s city driving in a small town.
In-fills are a big part of Canmore’s most recent economic development: condos and townhouses are popping up like mushrooms after a fall rain. But eavesdropping in the elevators I heard plumbers, who were doing work on our building, discussing water pressure issues and wastewater and sewage issues the town is facing amidst all these new builds.
Real-estate prices are through the roof. A quick look at Canmore’s local newspaper informed the husband and I that for the same sum that got us a three acre property on the ring road would get us a 30 year old, 1 bed, 1 bath 451sqft condo.
But, it’s all worth it for the outdoor playground…right?
Well, now that I am back sleeping in my own bed, and into my own routines I would say…wait a moment, I’d argue that what we have in Drayton Valley, Brazeau County and the surrounding regions provides an exceptional outdoor recreational lifestyle at the fraction of the costs and with 100 percent more convenience. We’ve got; lakes, rivers, hiking trails, mountain biking, atv trails, events, entertainment, provincial parks and if you are really jonesing for the mountains Nordegg is just two hours away.
But, what we do have is not as exceptional as what we don’t have.
We don’t have crowds, a coffee is still less than $5, you can park almost anywhere and it’s free, strangers are few and far between, and an army of volunteers maintain some amazing trail systems right on our doorstep. So as I am percolating ideas on what to write about for the 2026 Brazeau and Beyond Travel Guide and researching Alberta towns that won the tourism lottery I get more and more grateful for the little slice of heaven I call home.
After combing through hundreds of colourful pictures, Drayton Valley Enforcement Services gave the four winners a special prize for their efforts on St. Patrick’s Day.
Cody Rossing, the manager of enforcement services and emergency management for the town, says when they first saw the kids, they seemed both excited and nervous about talking to the peace officers.
“It quickly shifted to a lot of excitement, especially when they knew they were going for some ice cream,” says Rossing.
There were four winners of the contest. Two of the students came from Aurora Elementary, one was from Evergreen Elementary, and one winner was a member of the public. Those who were in school were given permission from their school and parents to get out of some schoolwork so they could hang out with the peace officers.
Rossing says the kids all got to ride in the cruiser on their way to Dairy Queen, where they were treated to ice cream. He says while they were there, they got to know the kids a little bit and then chatted with them about traffic safety.
“I think overall it was a very good experience for the kids,” says Rossing. “It was a good experience for our department to be able to interact with youth in a different light.”
He says the experience showed the ongoing need for law enforcement to build various connections within the community, including the youth. Rossing says children and youth need to realize that law enforcement officers are people you can go to when they need help.
“Although often parents like to make comments along the lines of, ‘If you’re bad you’re going to go to jail,’ kind of thing, the reality is that often makes kids terrified of law enforcement when it should be the opposite,” says Rossing.
L
Officers also made a special trip to the Early Childhood Development Centre on St. Patrick’s Day. There they spoke to the kids about safety topics like when to call 911, how to recognize community helpers, and what to do if they come across an unfamiliar object on the ground.
Going forward, Rossing says the team is going to continue to find different ways to positively interact with the younger residents of the community. He says they will continue to review the different activities they undertake to see how they worked out.
“Something as simple as a colouring contest is able to spiral into those bigger engagements,” says Rossing.
He says there will be a dodgeball game taking place sometime in April against grade four students at Evergreen.
Download your experience guide
If your idea of a great summer includes trading cell service for campfires and crowds for calm waters, you’re in for a treat. Out in Brazeau Country—just 40 minutes west of Drayton Valley—there’s a wild slice of Alberta that’s perfect for escaping the noise and diving into real-deal wilderness vibes. Think remote lakes, winding rivers, and chill campsites where you can cast a line, crack a cold one, and feel like you’re the only person in the world.
Before we head out—Drayton Valley is your last stop for gas, groceries, and snacks. After that, it’s pretty much you, the road, and the wild.
1. Brazeau Dam
Let’s start with the most beginner-friendly option. Brazeau Dam isn’t exactly secluded right at the boat launch, but if you’ve got a watercraft (or even an ATV), you can find your own little corner of paradise. Tucked-away beaches, random campsites, and quiet trails make this a perfect intro spot for anyone new to the west country. There are two provincial campgrounds in the area, and tons of random camping options too—just pick a spot and set up. Bonus: this is a great place to link up with friends and try some kayak fishing.
2. Upper Pembina River
Heard of the Pembina River? Probably. But this isn’t the tubing hotspot near Evansburg. Go west—waaay west—down Tidewater Road, and you’ll find the real hidden side of the Pembina. Out near the junction with Wolf Lake Road, the river winds through thick forests and wildlife-rich landscapes. You might spot deer, bald eagles… maybe even a bear fishing beside you (bring your bear spray!). It’s remote, peaceful, and a dream for anglers looking to fish undisturbed.
3. Wolf Lake
Wolf Lake feels like it’s at the edge of the world—and that’s kind of the point. You can reach it from Tidewater Road or Elk River Road (just be ready for some dusty gravel driving, especially with industrial trucks passing through). The area was hit by wildfires in 2023, so the landscape looks a bit raw, but the fishing is still solid. The lake’s known for Northern Pike, and it was stocked with Walleye in the ’90s, so you’ve got good odds of a bite. There’s a small first-come, first-served campground—check Alberta Parks before heading out.
4. Fairfax Lake
A bit off the beaten path, Fairfax Lake is a quiet gem perfect for paddling, casting, and unplugging. You’ll find Rainbow and Brook Trout here, plus nearby reclaimed pit lakes if you’re up for exploring more fishing spots. The lake is shallow but cold—great for fish, not ideal for swimming unless the weather is really hot. The campground is surprisingly spacious, with sites redesigned in 2010 for more privacy. Bring a canoe or kayak, enjoy the trails, and settle in for a relaxed weekend.
5. Pembina Forks
Nestled right beside the Pembina River, this medium-sized campground offers classic river fishing for rainbow, brook trout, whitefish, and even bull trout. It’s peaceful, has hiking and paddling options, and makes a great weekend basecamp if you’re looking to stay off-grid but not feel totally lost in the woods. Think of it as your middle ground between wilderness and comfort.
What to Know Before You Go
You’ll be off-grid. There’s no reliable cell service out here. Download your maps, let someone know your plans, and be ready to rough it.
Bring bear spray. You’re in bear country. Stay alert, keep your site clean, and be smart about food storage.
Fires & damage: Wildfires in 2023 hit parts of the region hard. Some sites are still recovering—check Alberta Parks or county websites before heading out.
Flat tires happen. These gravel roads are tough on vehicles. Carry a spare, bring tools, and know how to handle a roadside hiccup.
Know the fishing rules. Each lake may have different regulations. Alberta Fishing Regulations will have all the info you need.
Whether you’re a weekend warrior or just want to see how it feels to disconnect for a few days, Alberta’s west country has the perfect fishing escape waiting for you. Pack up, head west, and find your new favourite spot—before the rest of the world finds out about it.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Download your experience guide
If you’re searching for the perfect small-town adventure; packed with fun, food, and unforgettable memories, then mark your calendar! A summer trip to Drayton Valley in late June is just what you need. This vibrant Alberta community comes alive with the annual Drayton Valley Midway, hosted by the local Lions Club. It’s an event that brings out the very best in community spirit and summer magic.
This year, the midway takes over town from June 20 to 22, transforming Drayton Valley into a hub of colour, music, and excitement. It’s the perfect weekend to visit, especially with school letting out and the weather warming up. The entire town buzzes with anticipation, and families, friends, and visitors come together to enjoy the festivities.
At the heart of the weekend is the midway, packed with thrilling rides for all ages—from gentle fun for the little ones to heart-pounding adventures for the brave. And don’t forget the food! You’ll find the mouthwatering classics like funnel cakes and mini donuts, now served from a dedicated food wagon that brings that authentic fairground flavour to life. The smells alone are enough to draw you in!
But that’s not all. Friday night, the fun continues with the Drayton Valley Community Foundation’s Small Town Big Life Party. Last year’s party featured two bands battling it out across the dance floor, and this year promises even more high-energy entertainment. So grab your dancing shoes, bring your friends, and get ready for a night of music, laughter, and pure summer joy.
If one weekend isn’t enough to satisfy your summer spirit, don’t worry—there’s more! Just a few weeks later, head about half an hour down the road to the cozy hamlet of Evansburg for their famous Pembina Valley Daze on July 11 and 12. This event takes over the entire community, turning Evansburg into one giant fairground full of fun and charm.
Pembina Valley Daze kicks off with a delicious pancake breakfast at Tipple Park Museum, followed by a Main Street parade, a classic car show, and countless local attractions that make this event a must-visit. Of course, there’s a midway here too—and the best part? Even if you already hit the Drayton Valley Midway, you’re in for a brand-new experience in Evansburg with entirely different rides.
Whether you’re a ride-all-day wristband warrior or just want to enjoy a few thrilling spins, there are options for everyone. Buy a wristband for unlimited fun or grab a few tickets for your favourite rides—the choice is yours. And with events like these, every moment is packed with joy, laughter, and the kind of memories that last a lifetime.
So, this summer, grab your sunscreen, pack your sense of adventure, and make Drayton Valley and Evansburg your go-to getaway spots. With small-town hospitality and big-time fun, these Alberta gems offer everything you need for the ultimate summer escape. Don’t miss it!
The Roots of Resilience Charter School has been receiving attention from education and indigenous authorities, as educators hope to learn from their model.
Charlene Bearhead, the principal of the school, says she has been receiving phone calls from indigenous groups and school divisions that wish to visit the school. Most recently, four educators travelled from the Fisher River Cree Nation in Manitoba for a practicum at the school.
Bearhead says many of these groups heard about RRCS at the National Indigenous Education and Reconciliation Network Gathering last May, before the school was officially approved. Bearhead and Dr. Jennifer Tupper, the dean of education at the University of Alberta, gave a presentation about the school at that time. Once it was announced that the school was approved, inquiries began to come in from many indigenous groups, educators, and other organizations.
“I got an email from a young woman that is a teacher at Fisher River Cree Nation in Manitoba, and she is part of a cohort of 40 indigenous educators that are working on the Education Leadership certificate,” says Bearhead.
Bearhead says there was a component in their practicum that they needed, which was a placement in a school outside of their jurisdiction or in some place that is showing leadership and innovation in education.
“She found us online and reached out to us to see if she could do her three-day placement in our school,” says Bearhead.
In total, four educators came to RRCS from the Fisher River Cree Nation. Three were teachers and one was the cultural coordinator.
Bearhead says she was a little bit nervous at first, but everything worked out really well. When they first arrived, they were given a history of the school, information about how they teach the students and what’s all involved with their education, and a tour of the school.
“It was so interesting. They said, ‘Can we just sit here for a minute and take this all in?’ This is blowing our minds. This is amazing,’” says Bearhead.
Kea York, the cultural coordinator for the Fisher River Board of Education, says that while RRCS wasn’t on her radar at the time, when she looked into the school after one of her classmates mentioned it, she was excited.
“Their missions and goals were right in line with how I viewed education,” says York in an email interview.
She says she loved the passion that the students and staff had for the way of knowing, being, and doing.
“RRCS was right in line with what we are doing in our community of Ochékwi Sípí with our recently implemented Band Council Resolution to put land, language, and culture first in all subject areas of learning for our students. Seeing this happen in a town was great. As people living on this land, we all need to learn Indigenous education and the reciprocity that goes along with it; the children are learning just that,” says York.
Kaitlyn Bear, an educator who has been with the Fisher River Cree Nation for 10 years, says she was impressed by the way language and culture were being incorporated in the school.
“Not many schools allow that, so it was so amazing to see,” says Bear in an email interview.
She says the energy of the staff and students was different from what she’s experienced in the past and the school felt very welcoming.
“I will definitely be keeping in touch with the staff at RRCS,” says Bear. “Over the three days we made so many wonderful connections and relationships that l will hold closely to my heart.”
Stephanie Cochrane, another teacher at Fisher River Cree, says she hadn’t realized she could pick a placement outside of Manitoba, so she didn’t do much research on RRCS before they came out.
“I did not know what RRCS was all about, except that it was a charter school. I did not have many expectations,” says Cochrane in an email interview. “What I found was an amazing, close-knit professional family that consists of super passionate teaching staff and students who have found an academic foundation that nourishes their curiosity as they learn using a First Nation pedagogy.”
Cochrane says the in-house elder at RRCS is a benefit to the students in that he can offer teachings, oral stories, songs, and values that are embedded in the indigenous culture.
“It was so beautiful to witness and be a part of sharing circles that happened right in the
classrooms of RRCS,” she says.
Bearhead says she is happy to have people come visit the school and see how they are doing things.
“Public charter schools are intended to be model schools to show how education might work, or what it could look like,” says Bearhead.
She says it was interesting to hear from these visitors that they have access to knowledge holders and they aren’t yet at the point that RRCS is already at.
“It’s interesting to us because we know we’re not even close to where we want to be yet, but we know we have a really good start,” she says.
During their time at the school, the teachers spent time teaching cooking classes, helping with hot lunch, teaching other classes, scraping a buffalo hide, and reading stories.
“They were just all in with every aspect of the school,” says Bearhead.
Though their time at RRCS is done, each of the educators interviewed said they would highly recommend other school divisions and indigenous groups visit the school and see what they’ve accomplished thus far.
I suggested to my daughter that she name her first child Grahamina if it’s a girl. I haven’t managed to come up with a good boy’s name yet.
Here in Alberta, Noah is once again the most popular name for newborn boys, according to info that winged its way into my inbox a couple of weeks ago from the nice people at Service Alberta. On the girls’ side Olivia took the top spot in 2025, as she has done for the last several years.
It’s an interesting phenomenon* that kids’ names seem to drift in and out of fashion, like long hair, flared jeans and the federal New Democrats. Some of that is probably due to the impact of celebrities. It should surprise nobody if we see an uptick in Taylors due to the global dominance of Taylor Swift, while recent events mean the popularity of Andrew is likely to fall off a cliff.**
Looking back at my elementary school class, we had a couple of Davids, a Stephen, an Allan… on the girls’ side there was Jennifer, June, Dorothy and Elspeth. There was also a cluster of more overtly Scottish names: Alastair, Fraser, Morag and several Fionas. Little did any of them dream that more than 50 years later they’d be name checked in the Drayton Valley and District Free Press. What a strange world we live in.
Anyway, there were certainly no Noahs, apart from that guy with the boat from the Bible, who was not in my class (I’m old but not that old) so doesn’t really count. I don’t remember any Olivias either, although back then girls were both terrifying and mysterious to me, so who knows.
What I can tell you is that you couldn’t swing a cat in 1960s Glasgow without hitting a Graham.*** At one point there were three of us in my elementary class. Since I moved to Canada I believe I’ve only met one. ****
Meanwhile here in present day Alberta the rest of the top six boys’ names for last year were Theodore, Oliver, Henry, Jack and Lucas. Amelia, Emma, Sophia, Charlotte, and Violet round out the girls’ side.
There were more than 52,000 little bundles of joy registered in this province in 2025, with 14,500 unique names. That sounds like a lot, but presumably some are close to duplicates, so Brandy, Brandi and Brandee counts three times, which doesn’t seem fair really.
Anyway, it doesn’t look like there were any Grahaminas, and my daughter didn’t appear to be particularly taken with the suggestion. So if anyone out there is looking for a unique name for their newborn, Grahamina is there for the taking. You can thank me later. Although I suspect your daughter may not be so grateful
* Disclaimer: Phenomenon may not actually be interesting.
** That’s cliff as in geographical feature, not Cliff as in Clifford. Writing is hard.
***This was before the European Union stepped in and banned cat swinging across the continent.
**** I mean one Graham. I’ve met lots of cats. That’s cats as in Tom Kitten, not cats as in Cat Stevens. I’ve never met him.
First funding for replacement school
St. Thomas Aquinas Roman Catholic School Division (STAR Catholic) received planning funding from the Government of Alberta to support the future replacement of the school.
Loving where you live
Do we have what it takes to be a tourist destination?
I spent the last week in Canmore with the intent to ski. However a bout of flu and cough plagued our travel party and we didn’t venture too far from the condo.
Colouring contest builds connections
After combing through hundreds of colourful pictures, Drayton Valley Enforcement Services gave the four winners a special prize for their efforts on St. Patrick’s Day.
Charter school draws attention
The Roots of Resilience Charter School has been receiving attention from education and indigenous authorities, as educators hope to learn from their model.
Charlene Bearhead, the principal of the school, says she has been receiving phone calls from indigenous groups and school divisions that wish to visit the school.
