Anna Ferensowicz

On early Friday morning, the 'Prairie Prognosticator' Balzac Billy,  predicted six more weeks of winter during the 21st Annual Balzac Groundhog Day Celebration.

But what of all the other Canadian groundhogs on this special day? Did they agree with Billy's prediction? It looks like Nova Scotia's Shubenacadie Sam as well as Ontario's Willie Wiarton all predicted an early spring! But what about Quebec’s Fred la Marmotte? He also didn't see his shadow - which means an early spring! Billy's American colleague, Punxsutawney Phil down in Pennsylvania also predicted an early spring. 

By the end of 2024, there will be 103 Shoppers Drug Mart pharmacy care clinics in Alberta, increasing the number of clinics by 44 in the province. The expansion represents a $77-million investment by the Canadian pharmacy retailer into the province.

Premier Smith said that the expansion will help alleviate the burden on the province's healthcare system.

In April, the federal government announced that Albertans would see an increase in their Climate Incentive Action Payments.

The change in amounts varied but included:

• $48.25 per child under 18, up from the previous $33.75
• $193 for an individual, up from the previous $134.75
• $96.50 for a spouse or common-law partner, up from the previous $67.50

The CAIP provides Albertans an annual credit of:

Alberta Parks officials have issued a closure for a popular hiking and backpacking trail in Kananaskis Country after a grizzly bear was spotted denning in the area.

According to the notice, which is dated Friday, December 8, Rawson Lake, Sarrail Ridge, and the surrounding area are all affected. The closure is in effect until further notice.

"Rawson Lake trail and Upper Kananaskis Lake trail remain open. The public must stay on the designated trail," Parks officials stated.

Alberta Parks officials have issued a notice to the public that in the coming days until the end of March 2024, the Calgary Forest Area will be undergoing a Mountain Pine Beetle control program (MPB), which may include burning.

According to the notice various contractors and subcontractors will be working in different areas of the Bow Valley and Kananaskis.

"We have MPB west of Barrier Lake in Kananaskis, Bow Valley Provincial Park and spread throughout the Bow Valley from Exshaw to the Banff National Park boundary," the notice stated.

The province has announced that beginning next month, on December 1, the government will be taking the first steps to ban photo radar on ring roads in Calgary on Stoney Trail and in Edmonton on Anthony Henday Drive.

"At the same time, Alberta’s government will be engaging with municipalities and law enforcement over the next year on removing all “fishing hole” locations across the province. Albertans can be confident that going forward, photo radar will only be used to improve traffic safety," the province stated.

Statistics Canada Food Price Hub has compared several average prices of foodstuffs from across the country, between August and September 2023. 

On Monday, October 9, Banff National Park issued a bear warning for the Town of Banff. The warning includes all areas surrounding and including the Town of Banff.

"Special caution is recommended when travelling in this area due to the following bear-related situation."

According to the warning, officials have said that multiple black and grizzly bears are frequenting the area.

Officials are reminding those travelling in the area that one should be prepared to encounter a bear at any time in and around this area.

Days before Thanksgiving, some consumers are receiving email notifications about a turkey recall. 

"If you have purchased a Sunrise Grade A Fresh Turkey (5- 8 kg ) with a Best Before of October 11, we ask that you return it to a Safeway store near you for a full refund. If you have any questions, our in-store team will be happy to assist you," Safeway stated on its website. 

Two surprise grizzly bear encounters in Alberta's provincial parks have occurred in recent days, with officials issuing bear warnings for the areas.

One surprise encounter occurred in the West Bragg Creek Provincial Recreation Area, which resulted in a bluff charge. A bear warning is now in place for West Bragg Creek and the surrounding areas until further notice.