Reach

Farm Credit Canada's Transition Loan program has been enhanced.

Federal Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald says transferring the family farm or business can be stressful; the new changes will help address the financial barriers many people face.

The loan's new terms are designed to make it easier for both buyers and sellers by allowing disbursements to the seller over a 10 year period.

The loan is available for farms, agribusinesses, or food businesses going through changes in ownership, be it within or outside the family.

After weeks on the road, Nicole Troyer has officially completed her solo trek across Alberta, travelling on foot and bike from the Saskatchewan border to the B.C. line. She crossed her final finish line Saturday, June 28 in Demmitt, where friends and supporters welcomed her with a handmade banner and plenty of cheers. 

“It was weird waking up that day,” Nicole said in a follow-up interview Monday. “I thought I’d be excited, but I felt kind of sad. My brain just couldn’t process that it was the last day.” 

Two former members of Alberta's governing United Conservative Party are resuscitating the province's once-dominant Progressive Conservative Party.

Former infrastructure minister Peter Guthrie and legislature member Scott Sinclair were booted from caucus earlier this year for pushing back against the Premier Danielle Smith's government and now sit as Independents.

Sinclair says the province's two-party system has become too divisive, and they want to galvanize support from Albertans who feel they don't have a political home.

A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for the Grande Prairie and Wembley area. 

Thunderstorms are expected this afternoon across western Alberta, with some becoming severe—bringing large hail and strong wind gusts.

There's also a slight risk of a tornado between Edson, Whitecourt, Slave Lake, and Westlock/Barrhead.

If conditions worsen, a tornado watch may be issued. Remember: when thunder roars, go indoors. Stay alert and be ready to act if warnings are issued.

Information provided by: Environment Canada 

The campground report is sponsored by Happy Trails Campground and Cabins.  

North of Grande Prairie  

Happy Trails Campground and Cabins (https://htcampground.com)  

July 2 –  62 sites 

 
Moonshine Lake Provincial Park (shop.albertaparks.ca)  

July 2– CLOSED DUE TO WILDFIRE 

Dunvegan Provincial Park (shop.albertaparks.ca)  

July 2–  51 sites 

 Irrican owns multiple hydroelectric facilities and solar sites

A new battery storage facility is helping power two southern Alberta irrigation districts.

Irrican Power, a renewable energy producer, comprised of the St. Mary River Irrigation District and Raymond Irrigation District, has announced the commissioning of the Raymond Enhanced Battery and Renewables Project.

The eBAR facility is located at the Raymond Irrican Hydropower Plant near Raymond.

The City of Grande Prairie advises residents of road closures, transit route changes and temporary Eastlink Centre facility impacts due to the Grande Prairie Triathlon taking place Sunday, July 6.

Facility Impacts

The Eastlink Centre serves as the central venue for the triathlon.

The move by Sask. would help producers with the cost of cleaning and disinfection after the disease is found on their farms

Saskatchewan may ask to trigger AgriRecovery for producers affected by bovine tuberculosis.

Provincial agriculture minister Daryl Harrison said last week he had heard from cattle organizations about the need for more help.

15-year-old Calysta Bissell who plays volleyball for U-16 Velocity here in Grande Prairie was recently given the opportunity of a lifetime. Calysta was selected to represent Team Canada at the Deaflympics in Tokyo in November and will be competing along with 70 other teams from around the world.  

A founding shareholder questions why the board approved raises for executives while the terminal incurred $28 million in cumulative losses since 2016

North West Terminal Ltd. is being tight-lipped about what is happening with the idled grain company.

The firm held its annual general meeting on June 18, but chief executive officer Jason Skinner refused to divulge what was discussed at the AGM.

“We’ll just go no comment because we’re in negotiations on some things,” he said.