Lacombe

The City of Lacombe has released its year-end financials for 2024, demonstrating a commitment to Council’s strategic goals of fiscal responsibility and long-term financial sustainability.

While the city reports a modest year-end surplus of $2,659 on a nearly $50 million budget, the real story lies in its strategic approach to financial stewardship. The city has adopted financial policies to automatically direct any year-end surplus funds into reserves.

A Wetaskiwin man is now $100,000 richer after matching six number on the March 15th Extra draw.

Ken Szigli says he was thrilled. “I checked my ticket on the Lotto Spot app,” he explained. “I have been playing for years, and I was very happy [to see the prize amount]!”

The Wetaskiwin resident said he has one main plan for his windfall. “I’m going to pay off a few bills,” he said. “I think I will sit on whatever is left over.”

Szigli purchased his winning in Wetaskiwin at a gas station. 

Brianna Poissant of Innisfail has been announced as this year’s Leaders of Tomorrow Award.

Since September 2024, Brianna has been an invaluable volunteer at the Innisfail Health Centre, where she improves the lives of Continuing Care residents by assisting with recreation activities and supporting hydration efforts through running the refreshment cart.

Lacombe City Council passed a bylaw, which officially designates the building known as the Stewart Residence (5718 50 Avenue) as a municipal historic resource under the Province of Alberta Historical Resources Act.  

“Council is excited to announce the Stewart Residence is now part of our growing Municipal Historic Resources list,” Mayor Grant Creasey said.  

Youth HQ Red Deer has announced that the Piper Creek Optimist Club of Red Deer is sponsoring the Parkvale Club House location for the next 5 years, a sponsorship worth $30,000. 

“The funds generated will have a substantial impact on our programs and services we deliver out of the Parkvale location,” states John Johnston, Community Engagement Manager at Youth HQ. 

The announcements have been made; the Sylvan Lake Cruise Nights are returning Friday evenings at the lake.

Anyone who has a passion for their vehicles is invited to join in, and if you drive a not-so-show-worthy vehicle, you're more than welcome to join as a spectator and appreciate the vintage, custom, and unique vehicles on display.

 The event will take place every Friday, starting May 2 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and will run through September 26.

With the recent election victory of Mark Carney and his Liberal team, the Grain Growers of Canada have emphasized the urgent need to address the ongoing tariff situation with the U.S. and China. Executive Director Kyle Larkin highlighted the severe impact these tariffs are having on Canadian farmers and the broader economy.

Tariff Challenges:

The Liberals rose from the ashes under Prime Minister Mark Carney in a stunning reversal of fortunes this year, but the party's failure to sweep many of the ridings it sought Monday night denied it a resounding majority mandate.

A big part of that failure happened in Ontario, where the party lost many incumbents — even as Carney called for a strong mandate to deal with the threat posed by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Elections Canada says more than 68 per cent of eligible voters cast a ballot in the federal election — more than 19.5 million people.

While this election was widely expected to see increased turnout, it did not surpass the record set in March 1958, when 79.4 per cent of eligible Canadians voted.

But the nearly 68.7 per cent turnout was the best since the 1993 federal election, which saw 69.6 per cent of eligible voters cast a ballot.

City Council approved a Development Permit for the continued operation of an Emergency Shelter at 4-5239 53 Avenue, commonly known as Cannery Row. The approval allows Safe Harbour Society to operate the shelter at this location until May 1, 2026, ensuring ongoing support for Red Deer’s most vulnerable residents.