FortSask

Strathcona County has announced the recipients of its 2023 Awards of Excellence.

“The Strathcona County Awards of Excellence is the County’s opportunity to recognize extraordinary people, businesses and organizations for their contributions and positive impact on our community,” said county mayor Rod Frank.

Recipients include a local athlete who has run over 115 marathons, a two-time winner of the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal, and even a youth who showed leadership not only at his school but in the county as a whole.

Canadians who need their travel documents renewed before visiting far-off shores will soon be able to skip the line at the passport office, the immigration minister announced Wednesday.

Starting in the fall, Canadians with simple passport renewals will be able to apply online and upload the necessary documents and passport photo on a secure government website, Immigration Minister Sean Fraser said.

Ardrossan's Parade & Picnic event is returning to the hamlet on Saturday (June 17).

Hosted by the Ardrossan Recreation & Agricultural Society at the Memorial Hall, the event will feature a parade, vendors, live entertainment, and the accompanying RCMP Musical Ride.

Strathcona County has revealed the cause of the two wildfires that started last week.

The county says the cause of both fires was unintentional human activity. 

"Throughout the firefighting response, we saw examples of kindness as the community worked together at all levels to ensure people were safe," said Strathcona County fire chief Martin Paulson. "Thank you to everyone for your cooperation and support.” 

Emergency services continue overhaul work on hot spots. This work is expected to go on for several weeks, and residents may see smoke in the area.

Strathcona County RCMP are prepping for their annual bike rodeo and safety fair this weekend. 

The event will take place at the Strathcona Athletic Park in Sherwood Park this Saturday (May 13) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Alongside their bike obstacle course, there will also be a BBQ provided by Enbridge, plenty of snacks, and even some face painting being done. 

On top of all that, the RCMP police dog service will be putting on two demonstrations on the track and field space. 

Property taxes are officially on the rise in Fort Saskatchewan. 

At Tuesday's (May 9) council meeting, the city officially passed the 2023 Property Tax Bylaw, which will see those taxes rise by 1.47 per cent as compared to last year. 

As of March 31, 2023, total stocks of wheat, canola, barley, oats and soybeans were all up compared with the same date in 2022.

In general, stocks of principal field crops increased compared with the same date one year earlier because of higher production, most notably in Western Canada, where improved growing conditions resulted in better yields.

Wheat

Total wheat stocks were up 18.2% year over year to 13.3 million tonnes as of March 31, 2023. On-farm stocks rose 31.0% to 9.3 million tonnes, while commercial stocks decreased 4.1% to 3.9 million tonnes.

The City of Fort Saskatchewan has revealed more information about a new roundabout coming to the community. 

The project was announced back in March, but the exact location was not disclosed. 

On Tuesday (May 9) that changed, as the city confirmed that the roundabout will be located on Westpark Drive and Woodbridge Link. 

Construction is expected to get underway this year, but a timeline for the completion of the project has not been confirmed. 

Edmonton Fire Rescue Services (EFRS) has provided an update on the hazmat situation just west of Sherwood Park. 

On Monday, (May 8) crews were called to 37 Street and 101 Avenue after reports of smoke coming from the Building Products of Canada Corporation plant. 

Upon arrival, they found steam in a tank being vented and then cleared the scene. 

On Tuesday morning, EFRS crews were then called back to the same location after reports of odd-coloured smoke coming from one of the tanks. 

Key bills for the Agriculture sector are moving forward. 

Bill C-234 is a key bill that farmers and ranchers are anxious to see move forward with farm groups calling on the Senate to pass it quickly.

The bill would exempt the carbon tax producers pay on propane and natural gas for on-farm heating of barns and grain dryers.

Senator Rob Black is a Senator for Ontario, Chair of the Canadian Senators Group and Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry.