Updated animal control by-law prepares for wild boars

By Mickey Dumont While not yet wreaking havoc and destruction in the MD of Willow Creek, its animal control by-law is being updated so a plan is in place to deal with wild boars (feral pigs) should they migrate into the municipal district.Chief administrative officer Derrick Krizsan told the agricultural service board (ASB) at its Sept. 25 meeting, “We should … Read more

Examining crops in the Municipal District of Willow Creek

By Mickey DumontWith the harvest well in hand, it’s the time of year prognosticating producers look through their crystal balls at their crops to try once again to predict what the harvest outcome is.Asked if the harvest is looking above or below average, Municipal District of Willow Creek Agricultural Service Board Member at Large for the Central Region Josh Fankhauser … Read more

Clean. Drain. Dry.

August 01, 2024 – Government of Alberta Alberta is increasing public awareness to stop zebra mussels, quagga mussels and other dangerous invasive species from entering the province.   Alberta is zebra and quagga mussel free and wants to keep it that way. Reports of invasive species are increasing across Canada and the United States, as tiny mussels can be easily … Read more

New wildlife crossings planned between Canmore and Exshaw on Highway 1A

By Jessica Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Two new wildlife crossings are in the planning stage for Highway 1A between Exshaw and Canmore. The Alberta government’s new animal-vehicle collision safety program website shows a map of existing and future wildlife crossing and fencing projects, with a newly planned underpass east of Elk Run Boulevard outside Canmore and an overpass adjacent to … Read more

Wildlife groups, NDP critic fire back at province for allowing grizzly bear hunting

By Scott Hayes, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The provincial government is getting blasted by wildlife groups and an Alberta NDP critic for allowing targeted hunts on a threatened species. Alberta’s forestry and parks ministry quietly made regulation amendments last month allowing “problem” grizzly bears to be in the crosshairs of hunters as a management tool and as a safety mechanism.  The … Read more

Contestants gather in Stavely for auctioneer championship

By Rob VogtThe best auctioneers in the world gathered in Stavely last week, vying to make it to the finals of the International Livestock Auctioneer Championship.A total of 30 auctioneers from Australia, the United States and Canada took their turns selling 2,200 head of cattle at a sale at Foothills Auction in Stavely on Friday, July 12.The event started with … Read more

Neighbours oppose proposed feedlot east of Stavely

By Rob VogtThe Municipal Planning Commission of the Municipal District of Willow Creek will voice the concerns of its ratepayers to the Natural Resources Conservation Board about a proposed confined feeding operation east of Stavely.At its June 12 meeting, the commission read correspondence from the Natural Resources Conservation Board indicating an application at 31-14-26-4 by the Hutterian Brethren of Ivy … Read more