Council approves tax rates; people paying more this year

By Rob Vogt Tax notices went out in the mail last week after Claresholm town council approved its 2025 tax rates with a 6.17 percent overall increase.At its May 12 meeting, council passed the final two readings of the town’s property tax rate bylaw.Although council actually reduced the tax rate, there was a dramatic increase in property assessment meaning actual … Read more

Customers should prepare for possible mail delays

Canada Post receives strike notices from CUPW Canada Post received strike notices from the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), for both Urban and RSMC (Rural and Suburban Mail Carriers) bargaining units. The notices indicate that CUPW intends to begin strike activity as of Friday, May 23 at 12:00 am local time, unless the parties reach agreements before then. Operations continue … Read more

Alberta separation vote would require citizen push, not government will, says Premier Danielle Smith

By Somya Lohia, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter A day after addressing Albertans on the province’s path forward with the federal government, Premier Danielle Smith held a media session on Tuesday, with most questions focusing on the possibility of Alberta holding a separation referendum and the province’s relationship with Ottawa. During the 30-minute meeting, Smith answered several questions. While the topics ranged … Read more

Jasper anticipating 20% less visitors than usual this summer

By Peter Shokeir, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter JASPER – With several campsites and hotels destroyed in last year’s wildfire, visitation is expected to be 20 per cent less than usual in Jasper this summer. While interim housing has helped alleviate the accommodation shortage, some rooms meant for visitors are still being used to house residents and contractors, while other properties are … Read more

New solar certificate programs aim to bolster skilled trades

By Natasha Bulowski, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Canada needs more people working in clean-tech trades, and a new solar installation course aims to make it as easy as possible to break into this line of work. George Brown College just launched new solar energy technician and solar panel installer certificate programs to prepare students for solar installation jobs. The two new … Read more

Claresholm town council approves 2025 budget

By Mickey Dumont Local Journalism Initiative Reporter A $9.27 million 2025 operating budget was approved by the Town of Claresholm Council at its April 14 meeting.The approved 2025 final budget includes a 6.17 percent, or $239,088, increase over 2024.A total of 6.17 per cent is the increase to the municipal $4,120,467 tax-funded portion of the budget. That is a 16 … Read more

Industry and sound environmental approach can coexist, Alberta MLA representing historic coal mining area says

By George Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The legislature spotlight stopped on Livingstone-Macleod during a week that saw the UCP repeatedly celebrate its support of Alberta’s rural and remote communities. Livingstone-Macleod MLA Chelsae Petrovic emphasized industrial diversification in her constituency as an example of a government dedicated to balancing environmental concerns with building economies that benefit all Albertans.  Petrovic called industry … Read more