Strathmore

Justice Minister Sean Fraser says the federal government plans to take a "fresh" look at its online harms legislation over the summer but it's not clear yet exactly what the bill will look like when it is reintroduced.

It would be the Liberals' third attempt to pass legislation to address harmful behaviour online.

Fraser told The Canadian Press in an interview that the government hasn't decided whether to rewrite or simply reintroduce the Online Harms Act, which was introduced in 2024 but did not pass.

An Alberta judge has put on hold a provincial law that bans doctors from providing gender-affirming care to youth.

Justice Allison Kuntz, in a written judgment Friday, said the law raises serious Charter issues that need to be hashed out in court, and issued a temporary injunction against it before it fully came into effect.

Kuntz wrote that a temporary stop is needed while the issue is debated.

Berry lovers will be happy to hear that the U-pick season has now started. 

Across the Prairies, strawberry U-pick seasons typically start in early July. Raspberries and Saskatoons are then often available from late July through August. 

Andy Loewen is the owner of Friedensfeld Honey and Berry Farm, located east of Friedensfeld in Manitoba. He says their strawberry U-pick season officially got underway on Friday. An opening day of June 27th is a little bit earlier than normal for their farm.

Tyra the Tyrannosaurus is set to be poked and prodded this fall to determine whether Drumheller’s towering, monstrously popular icon can be saved from extinction.

Mayor Heather Colberg says a technical check will determine how much work — and money — may be needed to keep the 25-metre figure in its current place dominating the skyline of the town northeast of Calgary.

Environment Canada (EC) has issued a Heat Warning for Wheatland County, including Strathmore, Lyalta, and Carseland.

The warning was issued because daytime high temperatures are expected to be between 29C and 35C starting on Monday (June 30).

 "The hottest weather is expected mid-week, with cooler temperatures expected by Friday," wrote EC.

Residents and visitors to the area are asked to exercise precautions, including:

The Chestermere Library has vacant spots on its board.

The library board announced the opening of 5 positions on Thursday (June 26).

The positions aim to help oversee management and drive the future development of the library. Terms range from one to three years. 

Applicants must be Chestermere residents aged 18 years or older.

Each application is to be reviewed by the council. 

Environment Canada (EC) has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for the area.

The watch was issued on Friday (June 27) for Wheatland County, including Strathmore, Lyalta, and Carseland.

"Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain," wrote EC on its website. "Thunderstorms will continue to develop this afternoon and early evening."

The group added that some of the thunderstorms may also produce funnel clouds, and that driving conditions may be difficult.

The beautification process at the Strathmore Municipal Library has begun.

The library announced that there would be several planters placed around the exterior of the building, with the plants brought in by Theo and Robert from Strathmore Communities in Bloom.

The non-profit organization serves to enhance the community by building gardens and other green spaces around the area.

Canada Day By The Lake returns to John Peake Memorial Park next week.

On July 1, residents are invited to make it out to the lake for a day of free fun, entertainment, and community spirit.

The event begins at 9 a.m. with a pancake breakfast, free for the first 2,000 guests. Following breakfast, there will be live stage performances leading up to noon.

Alberta’s finance minister is set to deliver the final bottom line number today on last year’s provincial budget.

Nate Horner’s new figure will close the books on the budget for the fiscal year that ended in March.

That budget was last forecast to come in with a nearly $6-billion surplus.

Alberta’s new budget year is now a few months old, but its expected bottom line number is deep in the red.

This budget, introduced by Horner in February, predicts Alberta will register a $5.2-billion deficit at the end of March 2026.