RCMP mark huge 2024 increase in Mental Health Act cases

By Mickey Dumont, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Fort Macleod RCMP recorded an 89 per cent increase in cases under the federal Mental Health Act in 2024 over 2023. A five-year report submitted to MD of Willow Creek council reveals 149 cases in 2024 versus 79 in 2023. “In your Fort Macleod statistics on the Mental Health Act, compared to 2022, 2023, … Read more

Claresholm crime trending downwards

By Mickey Dumont, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter An RCMP report covering January to December 2020-’24 shows a 14 per cent increase in criminal activity in Claresholm, but just eight per cent in comparison to 2023. The report shows 484 total criminal code offences in 2020; 476 in 2021, 510 in 2022, 513 in 2023 and 553 in 2024 for the 14 … Read more

Protecting Albertans’ rights during emergencies

Proposed amendments would improve how complex disasters are handled, make communities more resilient and better protect Albertans’ rights during emergencies.On this page: Other regulatory amendments Related information Multimedia https://www.youtube.com/embed/mg7X-Gw5o9U?si=X20VWwT8IxifDRu6&enablejsapi=1&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.alberta.ca Alberta has long been recognized for its robust emergency management system — a system that regularly safeguards lives and property during wildfires, floods and other disasters. During these moments of crisis, … Read more

An improved roadmap of northern Alberta includes better emergency exits during wildfires, UCP says

By George Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Improved economic corridors and emergency routes will eventually remap the way drivers navigate the north, the legislature heard during a week that saw UCP faithful emphasize spending beyond Alberta’s major centres. Andrew Boitchenko, the member for Drayton Valley-Devon, highlighted $311 million for emergency routes in Alberta. He also spoke of further spending on a … Read more

Stay informed about measles in Alberta

Alberta’s government is asking Albertans to be aware of measles symptoms and to access resources to protect themselves and prevent further spread. Measles cases are increasing globally, with numerous countries and travel destinations reporting outbreaks. Cases have been identified in several Canadian provinces, including an outbreak recently identified in northern Alberta. As of March 13, health officials have confirmed six … Read more

Firefighting support boosted at community level

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

Fire department welcomes new engine with push-in ceremony

By Rob Vogt Starting in the 1880s, after fire department crews returned from a call on horse-drawn equipment, the animals were unable to back into the fire station.Consequently, fire department members were required to take the horses off the equipment, and push it into the bay themselves.Over time, with the development of motorized apparatus, the need to manually move the … Read more