Residents concerned about the health of the Medicine River are invited to attend a public information session at Gilby Hall on Oct. 16.

The event, organized by the Medicine River Watershed Society (MRWS), will feature presentations, Q and A sessions, and a free supper for those who pre-register.

Among the speakers is Paul McLaughlin, a professional biologist and Reeve of Ponoka County, who has worked on watershed issues in the region for more than 30 years.

“I’m just applying some of the knowledge and experience I have to this particular area, because I live and work here,” says McLaughlin, who adds the evening will include formal presentations and discussions around practical next steps for residents.

McLaughlin said recent scientific sampling shows the river is under stress. Tests from 2024 indicated low dissolved oxygen levels and higher-than-average water temperatures.

“We are still in drought — it’s an exceedingly dry way to enter the winter,” he said. “We have to have those big discussions to see what spring holds for all of us.”

McLaughlin also pointed to increasing oil and gas activity near the river, particularly along Highway 12, as a concern.

“This oil and gas fracking is probably the most intense we’ve ever seen. It’s not like the fracking of even 10 to 15 years ago, and it’s a very high consumer of water,” he said. “The region between Rocky and Rimbey is in a nine-year drought.”

Paul McLaughlin speaking about oil and gas fracking operations around Hwy 12.

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94.5 Rewind Radio contacted several oil and gas companies operating in the area for comment, but none responded.

The MRWS includes representatives from Clearwater County, Lacombe County, Ponoka County, Red Deer County, and the Town of Eckville.

Jason Nixon, MLA for Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre, is also expected to attend.

Those interested in attending can register by emailing medicineriverwatershed@gmail.com. Supper will be provided to registered attendees.

Gilby Hall is located along Highway 12, about two kilometres north of Highway 766.