Welcome back Welcome to Altona signs

Altona residents, and visitors, have welcomed back the Welcome to Altona signs on the town’s west, north and south entrances. The signs had been removed early this year to be repaired, and were re-installed last week.

All three signs were originally installed in 2011, and featured the "Altogether Altona" branding. According to Mayor Harv Schroeder, the refresh project was discussed last year and placed in the 2025 budget.

Trade top of mind as Canada's premiers are set to hold three-day meeting in Ontario

Tariffs and trade are top of the agenda as the country's premiers arrive in Ontario's cottage country for a three-day meeting that comes at a pivotal time for both Canada-U.S. and domestic relations.

The premiers' summer gathering in Muskoka will also feature a Tuesday meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney, as trade talks with the United States are expected to intensify.

'Full box of emotions': Rebuild progress slow in Jasper one year after wildfire

After 45 years in their Jasper home, it took mere minutes for Wes Bradford's quaint mountain abode to burn to a pile of ash.

A year later, he and his wife are itching to rebuild. They've hired a contractor and designer, and their insurance will cover the expected $1-million price tag. But they can't start yet — not until their empty lot, currently a flat mound of dirt, has been declared contaminant-free.

"We're up against the wall," says Bradford, after meeting their builder in Jasper the day before.

Genetic tools help producers improve replacement heifer selection and profitability

Choosing the right replacement heifers is more important than ever for cattle producers, especially with today’s record-high calf prices.

“Replacement heifers represent the genetic potential of a producer’s operation,” says Alexis DeCorby, Livestock and Feed Extension Specialist with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture’s Yorkton office.

“They’re a costly investment that requires about two years of inputs before they produce a live calf.”

‘We blinked 4 times and 25 years went by’: Morden Fire’s mission to update a city staple

Although the Pembina Valley has been enjoying its summer in recent days, Morden Fire & Rescue has been thinking chillier thoughts. 

Twenty-five years ago, the service established a rink near the courthouse in Morden in partnership with the Morden Police Service. After a quarter of a century of providing Canadian-style leisure opportunities to the community, the beloved rink’s condition is now a topic of conversation. 

Perseids and the cosmic show: Why now is the best time to look up

If you’ve ever looked up at the stars and felt a twinge of cosmic wonder, now is your time to lean in. The Perseids meteor shower is lighting up the night sky and Kenton Dyck from the Astro Club says it’s one of the most spectacular astronomical events of the year. Even better? You don’t need a telescope to see it.

“You just need the good old Mark 1 eyeball,” Dyck laughs. “No gear. No telescope. Just your eyes and a bit of time under the stars, it’s gorgeous every time.”

Why the Bank of Canada could be done cutting its policy rate for now

The Bank of Canada has largely kept to the sidelines as it tries to get a sense of how U.S. tariffs will impact the economy — and some economists think it might just stay there.

After a quarter-point cut in March, the central bank held its benchmark interest rate steady at 2.75 per cent in April and June.

With last month's jobs figures showing a surprise gain and core inflation levels holding steady at around three per cent, economists now broadly expect the central bank will continue its holding pattern at its next decision on July 30.