By Peter Shokeir, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter JASPER – When Mathew Conte moved to Jasper to become its fire chief in 2021, he was well aware of the wildfire risk that the town faced. That is a risk shared by every forested community in Canada. “That risk and the hazard is always there,” Conte said. “It’s not really a matter of … Read more…
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…
By Rob Vogt Claresholm has been deemed a critical habitat for bees.To that end, in June, pollinator gardens will be created at the Frog Creek Wetlands and the Bark Park, to create habitat for bees.That was just one of the messages delivered by Debra Still, restoration manager for the Oldman Watershed Council, to more than 30 people gathered at the … 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 Rob Vogt Change is coming April 1 to the Town of Claresholm’s recycling program, including an elimination in the monthly recycling fee and anyone with recycling issues soon having to contact the recycling company directly.Jace McLean, the town’s director of infrastructure, explained a non-profit organization called Circular Materials is promoting an extended producer responsibility program.Essentially what it is doing … Read more…
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…