Local News

With December less than a week away and Christmas only one month away, many residents wonder what festive holiday events are happening across Airdrie.

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Airdrie's holiday season is kicking off this weekend, with two beloved events returning to the city.

The City of Humboldt has sworn in its 2024 – 2028 Council. The ceremony took place immediately prior to the regular meeting of council on Monday, November 15.  

City solicitor Tabitha Gasper led each of the newly elected council members through the oath of office.  

Returning Mayor Rob Muench was among the veterans returning to council. Veterans Larry Jorgenson and Roger Korte were also sworn in. Marilyn Scott also returned to claim a council seat after a several term absence. 

Weyburn's contribution of 470 shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child were loaded up onto a truck on Sunday from the Weyburn Free Methodist Church. 

Danielle Koeslag, Weyburn Coordinator said last year they were able to load up 480 shoeboxes. "So we're very close."

Drop-off dates began Monday, with the final time slot at 2 p.m. on Sunday.

Koeslag said quite a few came in earlier in the week, with 150 boxes coming in Friday from Life Centre Church.

"The majority of them came kind of that Thursday, Friday mark," she noted. 

Santa Claus is coming to Lacombe and will be hanging out at L.A. Carpet & Tile this Friday from 10-2. Not only will the kids be able to bring along their letters to Santa, but they can visit with Santa, and grab a few treats. 

This Friday is a PD day for most schools, so a great day to bring the kids down to meet the big guy.

Santa will also be looking to collect toys to help make the holidays extra special for families in need.

Here are some items that make great donations:

In response to rising questions and concerns from residents about the upcoming changes to Alberta’s auto insurance system, the government has launched a new website to try to quell anxiety and provide details on the proposed Care-First model and rate cap increases starting in January 2025.

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• A closer look: How the auto insurance overhaul will impact Airdrie drivers

It’s been over five years in the making, but a regional emergency management response network, covering 18 communities initially, was launched with a meeting and information session on Friday, November 22.  

The Southeast Cornerstone Public School Division (SECPSD) held a regular meeting of the Board of Education on November 20th. Chief Financial Officer Shelly Toth says the division ended the fiscal year with a $1.1 million deficit, just slightly below the budgeted deficit of $1.2 million.  

The division saw $3.5 million in unrestricted surplus, which Toth explains has decreased by $26 000 in the last year. She says they are fortunate to have surplus from prior years to draw from when there are deficits. 

The Central Alberta Humane Society (CA Humane) has announced the launch of its annual Giving Tree 2024 initiative.

This year, the Giving Tree focuses on four main areas of need:

The winter months seem to keep many folks indoors, but the Mood Disorder Association of Manitoba (MDAM) reminds us to keep those social connections healthy, despite the cold.  

Regional Outreach Manager for the Prairie Mountain Region, Lora Hay, says they have a number of support groups to assist in mental wellness, including in-person groups and virtual zoom wellness groups. 

Today, the Community Infrastructure and Strategic Growth Standing Committee will be presented an update on the 2024 Fall Major Capital Projects, detailing key projects to enhance Airdrie’s infrastructure, community facilities, and essential services.