St. Joseph High School robotics team wins big in the U.S.
St. Joseph High School's (SJHS) FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) team, the Gyro Falcons, have returned from an international competition in Nampa, Idaho, United States with the prestigious Rookie All-Star Award. This award recognizes a rookie team that “exemplifies a young but strong partnership, as well as implementing the mission of FIRST to aspire students to learn more about science and technology.”
New record set as two million vote on first day of advance polls: Elections Canada
The federal Liberals and NDP both released their costed campaign platforms Saturday as Elections Canada reported record turnout in the first day of advanced polls.
Nearly two million people showed up to cast a ballot on Friday, the first of four days for advanced voting in the federal election.
Elections Canada said in a social media post it will be making adjustments over the coming days to handle the high traffic after many voters were met with long lineups at polling stations.
Kevin Frank Appointed OHS Coordinator for Wolf Creek Public Schools
Wolf Creek Public Schools (WCPS) is pleased to announce that Kevin Frank, Assistant Principal of École Secondaire Lacombe Composite High School (ÉSLCHS), has been appointed as the district’s Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Coordinator, effective August 2025.Frank will serve in this new role sharing the portfolio with Ian Wilson, who will continue as the Coordinator of Health and Wellness.
Poilievre promises to end ban on single-use plastic straws, Liberals to release full platform Saturday
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre promised to strike down a key element of the Liberal government's environmental policy Friday as he and other party leaders got back on the campaign trail following the national leaders' debates in Montreal.
The campaigning Friday also coincided with the opening of the first of four days of advance polling across the country.
Both Poilievre and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh stayed in Quebec to make announcements Friday morning, while Liberal Leader Mark Carney made his way to Niagara Falls, Ont.
Innisfail Town Council approves modest 0.6% tax rate increase
On April 14, Innisfail Town Council approved the 2025 property tax bylaw with an increase of 0.6% over the previous year’s tax rate.
In December, Innisfail Town Council approved the town’s 2025 budget, requiring a 2.82% increase in mill rates to meet all the town’s financial responsibilities.
Since then, Town of Innisfail administrative staff received finalized property assessments from Wild Rose Assessments. Increases in assessment amounts coupled with the proposed 2.82% tax increase would have generated a surplus in the 2025 budget.
Alberta leads Canada in housing starts to begin 2025
Alberta is beginning 2025 as the national leader in housing starts, according to new data released by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).
From January to March, Alberta accounted for more than 25 per cent of all housing starts in Canada — despite representing less than 13 per cent of the country’s population.
This strong performance follows a record-breaking 2024 for housing construction and reflects the Alberta government’s ongoing efforts to increase housing supply and improve affordability for residents across the province.
Supreme Court of Canada clarifies treatment of student loan debt under bankruptcy law
The Supreme Court of Canada says a person must wait seven years after completely finishing their post-secondary studies before they can be released from student loan debt under the federal bankruptcy law.
The top court's decision came Thursday in the case of Izabela Piekut, who received government student loans in the course of three university programs from 1987 to 2003.
Piekut later returned to school and earned a master's degree in 2009 without the help of additional student loans.
'You, sir, are not a change': Party leaders target Carney in final election debate
Liberal Leader Mark Carney spent his first English election debate presenting himself as a safe pair of hands for a country in crisis — while Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre sought to frame him as more of the same after a decade of Liberal government.
Carney, who is leading in the polls, became the main target of all his rivals' attacks early in Thursday's final debate of the election — a trend that carried over from Wednesday's French language debate.
Beloved Lacombe mural to be refurbished
The ‘Hey Doreen’ mural located along 54th Avenue is receiving a facelift this summer.
The image shows a resident waving to Doreen while driving a bright red 1949 Chevy truck.
This isn’t the first time it has been redone, as the entire mural was replaced by the artist under warranty after the vinyl bubbled and peeled in 2022.
Lacombe Council approves office and retail use in Light Industrial District
Businesses in Lacombe’s light industrial district will soon have more flexibility after City Council approved changes to the Land Use Bylaw this week.
At its April 15 meeting, Council voted in favour of allowing office and retail sales as principal uses in the Light Industrial District. The amendments come after a December 2024 motion directing administration to explore the potential for expanded land use options.