Local News

The City of Portage la Prairie is officially proclaiming this week as National Train Safety Week, an annual initiative aimed at raising public awareness and preventing tragedies at railway crossings. The proclamation underscores the critical importance of caution in a community where two major national rail lines are a constant presence.

With both CN and CPKC rail lines running through the community, rail safety isn't just important; it is essential.

Mayor Sharilyn Knox highlights the city's support for the campaign.

Lisa Voth, executive director of Portage Day Care, says the organization is one of the grateful recipients of the Co-op Fuel Good Day Fundraiser. Proceeds from the event, which gives five cents per litre of fuel sales to selected organizations, will be shared between Portage Day Care and Carman Wellness.

It happens Tuesday (today) at Homestead Co-op stations on Portage la Prairie

Winkler police are investigating an incident of property damage after a vehicle was reported doing “donuts” on the property of a local business on August 7th. 

According to police, the vehicle sprayed rocks onto parked vehicles while spinning on the lot, resulting in damage. 

Residents are being asked to report any information they may have to the Winkler Police Service at 204-325-0829. 

The investigation remains ongoing. 

Ste. Anne Police has now released statistics from its month-long traffic enforcement campaign in August.

According to Chief Marc Robichaud, the campaign resulted in 254 enforcement actions between August 1st and 31st. He says speeding and high-risk drivers topped the list.

The Grande Prairie Regional Hospital Foundation Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the appointment of Sean Doerkson as the new Chief Executive Officer.

Sean brings with him more than 30 years of leadership experience, including 19 years dedicated to philanthropy with his role on the Sunrise House Board. His proven commitment to community development and relationship-building has already made a lasting impact in the region. The Board of Trustees is confident his expertise will guide the Foundation into a promising new chapter.

Fall beckons to campers who want to continue their season or are open to a cooler outdoor experience.  Fall camping is open for booking up to the end of October.  

"Our parks present a unique opportunity in the fall for campers to enjoy the colours of the season with fewer crowds," Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Alana Ross said. "They also provide the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation as campers spend their days hiking, biking, and canoeing with nights spent around the campfire."  

Northwestern Polytechnic (NWP) is expanding its career-focused programming with three new pathways for students to embark on during the Winter 2026 semester.

Along with the addition of a brand new one-year Information Technology Specialist certificate, NWP is moving up the launch of the previously announced Graphic Design diploma and opening a second intake of the in-demand Social Work diploma.

Developed in response to labour market demand and student interest, these additions will broaden opportunities for learners seeking to build impactful, future-ready careers.

A man in his 80s was assaulted following a random home invasion on Monday evening. 

At approximately 6:30 p.m., on September 15, a couple in their 70s and 80s were in their living room at their home on Meredith Bay when an unknown man entered their home. The suspect was armed with a knife.

The female was punched, and the male was stabbed without provocation. The suspect fled the scene and someone on the scene called 911. 

The City of Grande Prairie has been selected as a 2025 recipient of funding through Intact’s Municipal Climate Resiliency Grant, providing $130,000 to support vegetation management and protect against wildfires.

The City’s project focuses on the continuation of FireSmart activities within the forest area along the Bear Creek Corridor. The project has an estimated completion date of January 31, 2027 and includes up to 16.64 hectares of area earmarked for the removal of dead and down woody debris.

Airdrie’s urgent care centre opened new space and treatment rooms Sept. 9 after an $8.4-million renovation that the province says will shorten waits and improve infection control.

This is the second of three phases to renovate the Airdrie Community Health Centre, according to a Government of Alberta news release.

The centre handled almost 40,000 patients in 2023-24 and has provided 24-hour urgent care since 2017 for non-life-threatening conditions, the Sept. 16 release said.