Lacombe

Students got imaginative last week… dreaming about what might be possible in future school buildings.

At the Students Matter committee meeting, students gave their ideas and discussed how facilities could best support their success.

The main themes included ensuring there are flexible spaces, as well as dedicated spaces for specialty subjects like art, music, drama and career and technology studies (CTS). Students also encouraged future planners to consider the flow through the building and ensure lockers are not in congested areas.

Red Deer remains one of the most affordable cities to rent in Canada, according to the latest National Rent Report from Rentals.ca and Urbanation.

In March, the average rent for a one-bedroom unit in Red Deer rose to $1,314, marking a 2.9% increase from February and an 11.8% rise compared to the same time last year. Two-bedroom units in Red Deer saw a 5.2% increase from February, with an average rent of $1,558, up 4.2% year over year.

The Encore Art Sale begins Friday (April 11), and will feature a diverse collection of pieces from talented Central Alberta-based artists in support of the Lacombe Arts Endowment Fund.  

The event features a range of art, such as fibre, stained glass, wood, metals, paintings, ceramics, music, and photography from 34 artists at the Lacombe Memorial Centre (LMC).  

Update:

The Stettler Board of Trade and Settler Library has cancelled the Stettler All-Candidates Forum, due to candidates unable to confirm attendance. 

The candidates for the Battle River - Crowfoot riding, as of April 14, are:

Longtime City of Red Deer employee Annette Scheper has been named the 2025 recipient of the Bob Stollings Memorial Award, one of the highest honours given to City staff.

Scheper, a Community & Program Facilitator with the Safe & Healthy Communities Department, has dedicated 22 years to enhancing the city’s cultural and special events landscape. Her leadership and innovation have helped bring thousands of successful events to life, fostering a strong sense of community and creating lasting traditions for Red Deerians to enjoy.

Grant Abraham is the United Party of Canada’s Member of Parliament (MP) candidate for the Ponoka-Didsbury constituency.   

Abraham was inspired to get involved in politics after becoming frustrated with the federal government’s response to key issues.   

He is a lawyer, author, humanitarian, and small-holding organic farmer, and had a career in International Development.   

Abraham was asked a series of questions, which have been presented to all candidates.

The Red Deer Public Schools (RDPS) board of trustees met on April 9.  

Here are the highlights from the meeting: 

• Success for every student 
• Budget Review 

Three Year Education Plan  

Liberal Leader Mark Carney said Thursday he would pass tougher laws to stop people from being harassed at their places of worship, part of a suite of crime and justice measures he unveiled at a campaign stop in southern Ontario.

The promise comes after more than a year of reports of rising hate targeting Jews and Muslims in Canada following the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel in 2023, and the war in Gaza.

The Manitoba Crop Alliance has a new leader at the helm as Jonathan Hodson recently stepped into the role of board chair. Farming near Lenore in western Manitoba, Hodson brings years of experience to the position and a deep understanding of the organization, having been involved since its formation five years ago. 

Hodson has served in various roles over the years, including most recently as vice-chair. Before the formation of the MCA, he was a director with the Manitoba Corn Growers Association, one of the organizations that merged to form the alliance. 

The Red Deer Rebels will pick 7th overall in the opening round of the 2025 WHL Prospects Draft.

The 2025 WHL Prospects Draft Lottery was held Thursday evening. The Regina Pats won the lottery and will select first overall, followed by Edmonton (via Moose Jaw), Kelowna, Penticton, Everett (via Kamloops), Vancouver (via Wenatchee) and Red Deer.