Living in a Rural Community
"In 1928 and 1929, during Alberta’s huge homestead trek into the Peace Country, a well-beaten, crude wagon trail roughed out by the early settlers served as an entrance into the search for this last Northern frontier."FROM THE BOOK “RED HARDCOVER COUNTY HISTORY BOOKS” ELIZABETH IFTODYRural living in Northern Sunrise County is rich and rewarding, but it’s important for new residents to understand that life here differs significantly from city living. Agriculture plays a central role in shaping the economic, cultural, and social fabric of the County. By choosing to live in a rural setting among ranch and farm families, you’ll experience both the benefits and challenges of this lifestyle, including open spaces, tranquility, wildlife sightings, and variable weather and road conditions.
Adapting to Rural Life
Living in an agricultural setting where land is primarily used for growing crops and raising livestock brings unique aspects that new residents may need to adapt to:
Self-Sufficiency: Managing your own residential water and sewage, maintaining large properties, and handling snow removal are common responsibilities. Due to the longer distances and isolated gravel roads, it’s essential to be prepared and self-reliant, as emergency and rescue crews may take longer to respond.
Farming Activities: Farmers often work around the clock, especially during seeding and harvest seasons. Depending on environmental conditions, activities like operating loud machinery, swathing hay, hauling grain, and combining can occur at any time, day or night.
Dust and Odours: Dust is common when farmers are tilling and harrowing fields, particularly in dry and windy weather. The odours from chemicals used to control weeds, pests, or diseases can also be noticeable, especially to those sensitive to such smells. Pesticides are generally not used during high winds.
Burning Fields and Ditches: Although rare, burning fields and ditches to control weeds or rejuvenate fields may produce smoke that some residents find bothersome.
Road Safety: Agricultural equipment, such as tractors, combines, swathers, grain trucks, and livestock carriers, may be on the roads at any time, particularly in the spring and fall. Exercise caution when approaching these vehicles.
Livestock Considerations: Animals and manure can emit strong odours, especially during the spring thaw. If you’re considering moving near a livestock operation, it’s important to be aware of these smells.
Safety Around Farm Animals and Equipment: Farm animals and equipment can be dangerous, especially for those unfamiliar with agricultural environments. It takes time to understand and observe all the necessary safety precautions.
Rural life in Northern Sunrise County offers a unique and fulfilling experience, but it requires an understanding and appreciation of the agricultural way of life.