By Rob Vogt The provincial government has announced it is developing new rules to govern the exploration and development of coal.The province recently announced the Alberta Coal Industry Modernization Initiative, that will prohibit mountaintop removal mining and ban new open-pit mines in the foothills, while increasing coal royalties.It was stated this initiative will guide coal mining practices with a goal … Read more…
By Rob Vogt Claresholm is one of several communities in southwestern Alberta that make up an innovative regional economic development initiative.The Alberta SouthWest Regional Alliance is a group of 15 communities, working together to help each other succeed. According to its website, the corporation is governed by a board of elected representatives from each member community.The real strength of an … Read more…
By Natasha Bulowski, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Installing a heat pump or switching from a gas to electric vehicle can save households money in every clean-energy scenario in every province — except in Alberta,according to a new report from Clean Energy Canada. “Switching a fossil fuel-powered car for an EV saves money in every region of the country, in every scenario … Read more…
By Rob VogtTax rates will go down for ratepayers in the Town of Claresholm but taxes will still increase an average of 3.7 per cent for residential properties and one per cent for non-residential properties because assessment has increased due to inflation.The 2024 rates will see a 7.4 percent decrease in the residential municipal rate from 2023 and a 2.6 … Read more…
By Rob VogtIt will be a chance to see a variety of goods and services all under one roof.The Claresholm and District Chamber of Commerce is hosting their Trade Fair on Friday, April 28 from 1 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, April 29, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.This year the trade fair moves to the Claresholm Arena from its … Read more…
By Rob VogtThe council of the Municipal District of Willow Creek has adopted its 2022 operating budget of $17.2 million.The decision came at council’s April 12 meeting after a presentation by administration.It stated the total operating budget revenue is $17,202,235 with total operating budget expenditures of $17,156,645, generating a surplus of $45,590.Council previously approved an interim budget, and there have … Read more…
By Rob VogtNobleford really is a modern municipal miracle, going from a declining population, few job opportunities and high property taxes, to attracting businesses, creating jobs and reducing taxes by 90 per cent.Growth was the objective in order to survive.At the centre of that activity was Kirk Hofman, who was Nobleford’s chief administrative officer.He was the guest speaker at the … Read more…