Strathmore

A portal to the Middle Ages will be appearing in Strathmore this weekend.

Between Friday (Aug. 22) and Sunday, the Strathmore Medieval Faire & Artisan Market will be taking place at the Strathmore Agricultural Grounds.

This is the third year that the event has taken place in Strathmore, bringing in a variety of local vendors and events, from storytellers and dance lessons to jousting and armoured battles.

Attendees are encouraged to dress up in medieval garb to immerse themselves in the festivities.

After operating for just over a year, Lil' Jay's Family Arcade and Billiards Centre is saying goodbye to Strathmore.

Over the weekend, the arcade announced its closure, with the final day of operations being set for Aug. 31.

"This could be just a relocation issue. This could be a permanent shutdown. Time will tell," wrote Lil' Jay's on its Facebook page.

The arcade first opened in January 2024, bringing pool tables, arcade games, and other attractions to the side south of town.

We want to know your favourite part of the summer in Strathmore.

A new poll is available on our homepage, asking residents their favourite events that happened throughout the summer.

Did you enjoy the celebrating Canada Day at Kinsmen Park, or did you prefer the weekend-long Strathmore Stampede?

As the leaves change colour and the trees begin to prepare for fall, the Strathmore area is gearing up for the start of school-year programs.

With classes beginning on Aug. 28 and Sept. 2, programs including swimming, volleyball, and ringette are also getting underway. 

Here are some of the activities residents can start registering in: 

The Purposeful Youth Network International has opened in Strathmore with a mission to break down barriers faced by local youths. 

The organization hosted its grand opening on Aug. 16 celebrating with visitors and cake.

With six core programs and five support services, the non-profit aims to help individuals aged 15 to 30 overcome obstacles to employment and education. 

"Our main mission to let them know that they are made for more," said Sunday Adeola, founder and executive director, who has worked with youth for 18 years. 

Canada Post and the union representing postal workers are set to return to the bargaining table today.

Plans to rekindle talks late last week were delayed due to a lack of federal government mediators.

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers claimed labour unrest at Air Canada was pulling attention from the postal service's dispute, which has stretched on for more than a year and a half.

Air Canada flights within North America are expected to ramp up this morning as the airline continues its operational restart following a three-day flight attendants' strike.

The company resumed flights Tuesday afternoon after a complete halt to Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge routes that began early Saturday morning.

It said it was focusing on outbound international flights to start.

In a partial policy reversal, Alberta's government said Tuesday it will cover the cost of COVID-19 vaccinations for health-care workers.

Maddison McKee, spokesperson to Primary and Preventative Health Services Minister Adriana LaGrange, said in an email that COVID-19 vaccine coverage will be extended to all health-care workers this fall under the first phase of the province's vaccination rollout.

"Immunization will remain voluntary," said McKee.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's government is again shifting its expense disclosure policy after critics from across the political spectrum accused her of dodging responsibility.

In early August, the province quietly published new rules axing a requirement for Smith, her ministers, senior staff and deputy ministers to publicly post receipts for expenses over $100. 

Marisa Breeze, press secretary to Finance Minister Nate Horner, said in a Tuesday email that cabinet has directed Horner to see that the previous expense posting policy is reinstated -- but with a tweak.

Farm Credit Canada is extending its trade disruption support program for canola producers impacted by the ongoing trade disruptions.

Last week, China implemented a 75.8 per cent tariff on Canadian canola seed imports.

FCC's President and CEO Justine Hendricks says the agriculture and food industry is resilient, but global trade uncertainty can create real pressure on cash flow and operations.