Rural Alberta commitment stays strong in new mandate letter, transportation minister says

By George Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Originally published on Sep 24, 2025 at 09:35 Pipelines, planes and passenger trains will steal much of the limelight as details in a new mandate letter reach the public eye, Alberta’s transportation and economic corridors minister acknowledged Tuesday. But Devin Dreeshen said he’s also pumped about Premier Danielle Smith’s emphasis on partnering with municipalities … Read more

Oil industry lobbied for proposed carbon pricing revamp

By Brett McKay, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Originally published on Sep 25, 2025 at 09:09 Last week, Alberta’s government proposed changes to its industrial carbon pricing system that would allow high-emitting companies to avoid paying into a provincial fund or purchasing credits, and would also permit smaller facilities to opt out of the program. Documents reveal oil and gas lobbyists have … Read more

Premier pushes for wildfire mitigation, more access to public lands

By George Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Originally published on Sep 22, 2025 at 04:39 Less wildfire damage throughout the province and improved access to the great outdoors feature prominently in Danielle Smith’s renewed vision for Alberta. The premier issued new marching orders last week to Forestry and Parks Minister Todd Loewen, directing him to expand efforts to prevent wildfires and … Read more

UCP should park the Ottawa insults and support renewable energy, NDP suggests after Carney announcement

By George Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Published on Sep 07, 2025 at 12:08 The UCP should trade badmouthing Ottawa for building a future with more electric vehicles and renewable energy, the NDP’s environment critic said Friday. Sarah Elmeligi said the Alberta government is locking its focus on a current snapshot of the EV and zero-emission situation. Instead, it should make … Read more

M.D., Stavely to partner on infrastructure master plan

By Rob Vogt The Municipal District of Willow Creek has agreed to partner with the Town of Stavely to secure funding for an infrastructure master plan.The decision came at M.D. council’s Aug. 13 meeting, after they reviewed a letter from Dacia Sundquist, Stavely’s chief administrative officer.She explained the Town of Stavely is preparing to submit an application under the Alberta … Read more

Driving deep: minister hears perspectives and gathers ideas during tour of central and southern Alberta

By George Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Municipal Affairs Minister Dan Williams renewed his appreciation of one swath of rural Alberta and the people who live there during a whirlwind summertime tour. In just over one zig-zagging week in July, the premier’s latest pick for the portfolio discussed issues of the day with government and community leaders and stakeholders in more … Read more

Municipal District of Willow Creek purchases new loader

By Rob Vogt The Municipal District of Willow Creek will spend almost $500,000 on a new loader for its gravel operations.At its Aug. 20 meeting, M.D. council was updated on the situation by Derrick Krizsan, the M.D.’s chief administrative officer.He explained the municipality’s 2016 Caterpillar – CAT 950M was struck by lightning, and is currently being inspected by a Caterpillar … Read more