The Town of Falher will host a Regional Services Open House and Information Session on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on the 2nd floor of the Falher Regional Recreation Complex.
This public drop-in event aims to inform residents about possible changes to regional services starting January 1, 2026, in light of financial pressures and potential shifting municipal support. Attendees can speak directly with service providers and municipal representatives at information stations—there will be no formal presentations.
The open house comes on the heels of a June notice from the Municipal District (MD) of Smoky River No. 130, indicating its intent to potentially withdraw from several regional shared service agreements due to the budget strain of unpaid oil and gas taxes totally $7.4 million. That announcement raised concerns about the future of jointly funded Smoky River Region services such as Local Libraries, FCSS, Smoky River Transportation, and the Falher Regional Pool.
In a statement, the MD of Smoky River clarified that it is not involved in organizing the September 17 Open House. Reeve Robert Brochu emphasized that the Open House is a Town of Falher initiative and was not developed in collaboration with the MD.
“We understand there may be questions surrounding regional services, and we’ll be happy to address them when we’re in a better position to do so,” Brochu stated.
“The insolvency process for oil and gas assets is complex and takes time, and we are actively working with the Province, relevant agencies, and working groups to explore solutions.”
“The insolvency process for oil and gas assets is complex and takes time, and we are actively working with the Province, relevant agencies, and working groups to explore solutions.”
The MD said it will address the public directly once more detailed information is available.
Event Details
- What: Regional Services Open House
- When: Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025 | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Where: 2nd Floor, Falher Regional Recreation Complex
- Format: Drop-in, informal Q&A with service providers and municipalities
Services & Municipalities Invited
Services:
- Falher Regional Intermunicipal Library Board
- McLennan Municipal Library
- Smoky River FCSS
- Smoky River Transportation
- Regional Health Care Recruitment
- Falher Regional Pool
- Regional Economic Development
Municipalities:
- Town of Falher
- Village of Girouxville
- Village of Donnelly
- Town of McLennan
- MD of Smoky River No. 130 (not participating)
Smoky River Region residents are encouraged to attend to learn more about how potential funding and governance changes could impact the services they rely on.
Open House information can also be found on the Town of Falher website:
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