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…
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…
By John Woodside, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The fossil fuel industry’s call to roll back environmental policy at a time of economic crisis will hurt Canadians in the long run, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson told the executives of Canada’s largest oil and gas companies Thursday. “It is disappointing to see the CEOs of major Canadian energy companies seemingly … Read more…
By Peter Shokeir, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The Jasper SkyTram began its 2025 season Friday (March 21) after closing early last summer due to wildfire. While the Jasper wildfire burned much of the Whistlers mountainside, the aerial tramway was largely unharmed, with only its cables and the stations’ coolers full of spoiled food having to be replaced. “The fire came up … Read more…
By George Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter A Canada united by economic corridors operating coast-to-coast-to-coast would pay dividends to rural and remote Alberta, a UCP cabinet minister said Friday from Quebec City. But Devin Dreeshen added that his vision needs action from the federal government to foster cross-country cooperation and correct past and ongoing wrongs. Attending a conference of provincial and … Read more…
By George Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Capital projects – the stuff you can see, touch, use repeatedly, walk through or even drive upon — will account for $26.1 billion in provincial spending over the next three years, the Alberta government estimates in a deficit budget released last Thursday. For regions beyond the two major cities, the question is, How many … Read more…
By George Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The government is throwing fuel on the firefighting in Alberta communities this year to bolster public safety. More support for training and response is being combined with enhanced collaboration to “help keep Albertans and their communities safe,” said Tany Yao, the UCP member for Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo. The government is providing $585,000 to support … Read more…