Lacombe

Innisfail Town Council is moving forward on the Napoleon Lake South residential development plan.   

During a special meeting on Feb. 18, council was presented with a report providing a final subdivision layout, neighbourhood design guidelines, and preliminary lot pricing. 

By developing the lots, the town is hopeful to help ease market pressure.   

The Blackfalds RCMP have completed their investigation into a report of an alleged attempted child abduction.  

On Feb. 25, the RCMP received a report of a possible child abduction.   

The child reported to their parent that a white van tried to abduct them before school.    

The Blackfalds RCMP investigated the report and have confirmed that the story was fabricated.   

Due to the extended period of warm temperatures, The City of Red Deer is warning residents of hazardous conditions on the river, community ponds, and creeks.

As of Friday, Bower Ponds and neighbourhood outdoor rinks are closed for the season, as conditions are not adequate for maintaining safe ice surfaces. 

Parks and Public Works staff will be removing nets and turning off the lights. 

The Ice Oval at Setters Place at Great Chief Park is temporarily closed through Monday, March 3, at which time staff will reassess ice conditions. 

Red Deer RCMP says the Automated Traffic Enforcement Program will be operating in the City of Red Deer throughout the month of March.

Mobile units will be operating in the following neighbourhoods:

Glendale, Normandeau, Highland Green, Riverside Meadows, Fairview, Pines, Downtown Core, Waskasoo, Woodlea, Parkvale, Bower, Anders, Morrisroe, Inglewood, Vanier, Lancaster

The City of Red Deer’s Automated Traffic Enforcement Program includes photo laser, red light cameras and intersection speed cameras.

The Town of Blackfalds has announced that due to the warm temperatures, Riser Pond and Centennial Pond are now closed.

Pine Crescent Outdoor Rink, Willow Park Skating Loop, and Willow Park Outdoor Rink remain open.

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With the arrival of warmer temperatures this week, the ice skating trail at the Lions Centennial Park is now closed for the season.

The ice surface is no longer functional for users and can no longer be maintained.

The Town of Ponoka is also reminding citizens to be cautious around the Battle River and stormwater ponds as the snow and ice melt away.

Residents are reminded to keep children and pets off of the river ice and stormwater ponds at all times, and to keep dogs on a leash.

On Thursday, (Feb. 27), at approximately 3:05 a.m., the Innisfail RCMP stopped a red Ford F150 on Highway 2A. 

During the traffic stop, officers arrested the driver and passenger under the Excise Act for possession of unstamped cigarettes. 

The passenger was also found to be wanted on outstanding warrants. 

During a search of the driver, RCMP located a taser. 

A vehicle search also yielded:

The federal government is extending the timeline for Ukrainians in Canada who fled Russia's invasion to apply for new or renewed temporary visas by one year. 

The new deadline to apply for new or renewed work and study permits under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel program is March 31, 2026.

Nearly 300,000 Ukrainians came to Canada under the program, which said they had to arrive by March 31, 2024. 

Last week the Government of Alberta announced that it was awarding $5.5 million in funding to 19 groups working to stop human trafficking.

The Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre (CACAC) in Red Deer will receive $600,000 over two years to continue their work in child exploitation and human trafficking.

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) is among institutions across western Canada to share a $899,500 investment from the federal government.