Local News

Break out the ugly stick and grab your best bait, Saskatchewan’s annual Free Fishing Weekend is set for July 12 and 13.

No licence is required to fish anywhere in the province this weekend, except within national parks. A valid licence is still needed to transport fish out of Saskatchewan, and all other regulations, including possession limits, remain in effect.

Anglers are reminded to fish safely, wear life-jackets, practice safe boating, and, most importantly, have fun.

A collision on Highway 2 southeast of Okotoks has led to a lane closure.

The incident occurred just north of the Aldersyde overpass in the northbound lanes.

Emergency crews are on scene, and the left lane is currently closed.

There’s no word yet on how many people were involved or the extent of their injuries.

Construction on Range Road 25 between Township Road 744 and Township Road 754, is set to start Monday, July 14, 2025.

The project is expected to be completed early September, weather dependent.  

Work involves road grading.

Construction on Range Road 80 for 350 meters north of Highway 672, is set to start on Monday, July 14, 2025 from 9:00am to 4:00pm, weather dependent.

Saskatchewan’s minimum wage will rise to $15.35 per hour on Oct. 1.

The province’s minimum wage is calculated using an indexation formula that gives equal weight to changes in the Consumer Price Index and the average hourly wage in Saskatchewan.

The County of Grande Prairie is advising residents that a water main and curb stop replacement project will begin in the Hamlet of Bezanson on Tuesday, July 15, 2025. The work is expected to take approximately five weeks to complete. 

Council committed $1.2 million to replace the aging water main and curb stops – the valves that connect homes to the main water line – to ensure the continued reliability and safety of Bezanson’s water system. 

Grande Prairie Enforcement Services is stepping up enforcement to reduce excessive noise from engine retarder brakes, commonly known as Jake Brakes, within City of Grande Prairie limits. 

Truck drivers using these brakes where prohibited will be fined. 

“People deserve peace and quiet in their neighbourhoods, especially at night,” says Enforcement Services Managing Director Helen Napier. “We’re out there enforcing this bylaw, and drivers who choose to ignore it will face tickets. The noise from Jake Brakes just isn’t acceptable in city areas.” 

The City of Grande Prairie is investing in a series of projects to enhance and beautify public spaces, creating welcoming places for residents and visitors to enjoy.

Approved through the City’s Community Enhancement Funding, the projects aim to improve the look and feel of key areas while also supporting practical needs like stormwater management, accessibility and long-term maintenance. The updates contribute to more attractive and enjoyable public spaces that serve the community well into the future.

The approved projects include:

This weekend is a free fishing weekend in Saskatchewan.

That means even if you don't have an angling license, you can take to the various waterways and drop a line to try out the sport. 

However, limits are still in place along with all other rules and regulations. 

People are advised to research the lake they are going to and to become acquainted with the regulations. 

Please remember that any fish caught must be identifiable during transportation. 

The City of Grande Prairie has received a $10,000 grant from Tree Canada’s Community Tree Grants program, made possible through CN’s EcoConnexions – From the Ground Up program - to support the creation of a new greenspace at the Community Knowledge Campus (CKC).