Big Jack Classic Fishing Derby
4th annual Big Jack Classic Fishing Derby
• February 14-15, 2026 •
Buffalo Lake, Alberta
• February 14-15, 2026 •
Buffalo Lake, Alberta
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The Big Jack Classic Family Ice Fishing Derby takes place on February 14–15, 2026 on Buffalo Lake. This is a two-day, catch-and-release derby for Northern Pike only and is administered through Angler’s Atlas and the MyCatch mobile app. The Competitive Fishing Event registration number is CFE633640.
Participants must register through the 2026 Big Jack Classic event on Angler’s Atlas and hold an active account. As the derby falls on Family Day Weekend, which is designated as a Family Fishing Weekend in Alberta, no sport-fishing licence is required for residents or visitors. Planning is also underway for the Big Jack Classic Banquet, scheduled for Sunday, February 15, 2026, at the Rochon Sands Community Hall. The evening will include a roast beef supper, silent auction, music, and presentation of the unofficial derby results. Tickets will be available for purchase in the new year. Additional information is available on the Big Jack Classic website: https://www.bigjackclassic.ca |
❄️ Winter Road Maintenance in Rochon Sands ❄️
We’re here to help keep everyone moving safely all winter long!
Our Snow Removal Operator works hard to plow, sand, and manage ice on municipal roads.
Here’s what you can expect:
How We Prioritize
1️⃣ Main roads, hills & essential access routes
2️⃣ Residential streets & cul-de-sacs
3️⃣ Parking areas & public spaces
4️⃣ Trails & pathways
What Residents Can Do
A quick reminder
Snow removal on Sands Street (Highway 835 all the way to Rochon Sands Provincial Campground) is handled by Alberta Transportation — not the Summer Village.
We appreciate your patience during big snowfalls — we’ll be out there as soon as it’s safe and practical. Together, we’ll keep Rochon Sands winter-ready!
👉 Read the full Snow Removal & Winter Road Maintenance Policy here
Our Snow Removal Operator works hard to plow, sand, and manage ice on municipal roads.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Plowing usually begins once about 7 cm of snow has fallen or if roads become slippery
- Most main roads are cleared within 24 hours after the snowfall ends
- Emergency and high-use routes are our top priority
- We do our best to minimize windrows, but some snow across driveways is normal
- Private driveways and walkways are the responsibility of homeowners
How We Prioritize
1️⃣ Main roads, hills & essential access routes
2️⃣ Residential streets & cul-de-sacs
3️⃣ Parking areas & public spaces
4️⃣ Trails & pathways
What Residents Can Do
- Please keep snow on your own property when shoveling
- Avoid piling snow on roads or blocking sightlines — safety first!
- If you can, give our operator a friendly wave! 👋
A quick reminder
Snow removal on Sands Street (Highway 835 all the way to Rochon Sands Provincial Campground) is handled by Alberta Transportation — not the Summer Village.
We appreciate your patience during big snowfalls — we’ll be out there as soon as it’s safe and practical. Together, we’ll keep Rochon Sands winter-ready!
👉 Read the full Snow Removal & Winter Road Maintenance Policy here
Your Voice, Our Future – Municipal Strategic Planning Survey Summary
Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2025 Municipal Strategic Planning Survey. Your input plays an essential role in shaping priorities and guiding Council’s decisions for the future of the Summer Village of Rochon Sands. Below is a snapshot summary of the survey results.
Pride in Community
Residents overwhelmingly value Rochon Sands for its small-village character, supportive and friendly atmosphere, and connection to the lake and natural environment. Many comments recognized our strong volunteerism and community events.
What Residents Value Most
Top mentions:
Top Considerations for the Next 3–5 Years
A clear theme emerged: lake health and lake access.
#1 Priority – Lake Health & Access
Resident Satisfaction
Grant & Funding Priorities
Top areas residents want to focus on — if grant funding is available:
Engagement & Volunteerism
Additional Resident Feedback
Overall Takeaways
Council sincerely appreciates your time, passion, and ideas. These survey results will directly support strategic planning, infrastructure priorities, and future grant applications.
This narrative summary was generated using AI assistance to ensure unbiased interpretation of resident feedback. Full, unedited survey responses are provided in the results link below.
➡ Click here to view the full survey results and community comments
Pride in Community
Residents overwhelmingly value Rochon Sands for its small-village character, supportive and friendly atmosphere, and connection to the lake and natural environment. Many comments recognized our strong volunteerism and community events.
What Residents Value Most
Top mentions:
- Tight-knit, friendly community
- The lake and natural environment
- Peaceful, safe, small-village atmosphere
- Volunteerism and events (tennis/pickleball, fireworks, hall activities)
- Pride in cleanliness and appearance
Top Considerations for the Next 3–5 Years
A clear theme emerged: lake health and lake access.
#1 Priority – Lake Health & Access
- Raise/stabilize Buffalo Lake water levels
- Dredge the bay and marina areas
- Improve or rebuild boat launch
- Remove rock hazards and legacy road features
- Street lighting & traffic control (Sands Street safety)
- Reliable internet and cellular service
- Trail enhancements and shoreline preservation
- Private Property upkeep and aesthetics
Resident Satisfaction
- High satisfaction with Council, staff, volunteers, and community maintenance
- Strong appreciation for communication, events, and responsiveness
- Main concern: loss of usable marina and water access
- Moderate concern: speeding, recycling capacity, and upkeep of certain properties
Grant & Funding Priorities
Top areas residents want to focus on — if grant funding is available:
- Shoreline and lake protection projects
- Boat launch and marina improvements
- Trail development and public spaces
- Community Hall upgrades
Engagement & Volunteerism
- Most respondents are willing to volunteer or support community projects
- Continued desire to stay involved and build on strong volunteer culture
Additional Resident Feedback
- Maintaining and improving lake access remains the community’s defining concern
- Suggestions included better beach access signage, yard clean-up expectations, and speed enforcement
- Ongoing thanks for strong leadership and communication — Council, staff, and volunteers recognized as valued community assets
Overall Takeaways
- Strength → A welcoming and connected community with strong pride in place
- Challenge → Lake access and water level stability are vital to protect property values, recreation, and long-term viability
Council sincerely appreciates your time, passion, and ideas. These survey results will directly support strategic planning, infrastructure priorities, and future grant applications.
This narrative summary was generated using AI assistance to ensure unbiased interpretation of resident feedback. Full, unedited survey responses are provided in the results link below.
➡ Click here to view the full survey results and community comments
New Summer Village of Rochon Sands Council Sworn In
At the Organizational Meeting held on August 12, 2025, Commissioner for Oaths Carol Dyck officially swore in the newly elected Council for the Summer Village of Rochon Sands.
Council members Dan Hiller, Darren Benson, and Jim Blaney each took their Oaths of Office before beginning their new term. Following the swearing-in, Council selected its leadership positions, with Councillor Dan Hiller appointed as Mayor and Councillor Darren Benson appointed as Deputy Mayor.
The Summer Village congratulates our new Council and looks forward to their leadership and service in the years ahead.
Council members Dan Hiller, Darren Benson, and Jim Blaney each took their Oaths of Office before beginning their new term. Following the swearing-in, Council selected its leadership positions, with Councillor Dan Hiller appointed as Mayor and Councillor Darren Benson appointed as Deputy Mayor.
The Summer Village congratulates our new Council and looks forward to their leadership and service in the years ahead.
(Pictured left to right: Jim Blaney – Councillor, Commissioner for Oaths - Carol Dyck, Darren Benson – Deputy Mayor, and Dan Hiller – Mayor.)
Declaration of Mailing the 2025 Combined Assessment and Tax Notices for the Summer Village of Rochon Sands
The 2025 Combined Assessment and Tax Notices for the Summer Village of Rochon Sands have been deemed mailed to all residents recorded on the Summer Village of Rochon Sands Tax Roll as of May 07, 2025. The tax due date is the end of day on June 30, 2025. Penalties will be applied for the outstanding amounts as prescribed by Bylaw 266-24 "Tax Penalty Bylaw" after the end of June 2025 deadline.
Paying your taxes in monthly installments is a great way to help your budget! The Tax Installment Payment Plan simplifies your tax bill, allowing you to pay your property taxes on a monthly basis instead of one payment in June. Payments are automatically withdrawn from your account each month. TIPP makes budgeting easier and helps you avoid the risk of penalties. There are no extra fees or interest charged on the TIPP program. Click here to go to the TIPP application page.
Rochon Sands Regular Council Meeting Date:
Second Tuesday of the Month
Time: 6:00 pm
Zoom Meeting Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7911650799?pwd=T1J2cC83WVB2TS83Z2VRdGQ1by9xdz09
Meeting ID: 791 165 0799
Passcode: 471717
Council Agendas can be found under the "Government & Services" tab on website.
Second Tuesday of the Month
Time: 6:00 pm
Zoom Meeting Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7911650799?pwd=T1J2cC83WVB2TS83Z2VRdGQ1by9xdz09
Meeting ID: 791 165 0799
Passcode: 471717
Council Agendas can be found under the "Government & Services" tab on website.