Lacombe

This July, hard-working Albertans will keep more money in their pockets thanks to a new tax cut that could save families up to $1,500 per year.

The new eight per cent personal income tax bracket was announced in Budget 2025 and applies to income up to $60,000, a drop from the previous 10 per cent rate.

Most taxpayers will start to see the benefits of the tax cut this month as payroll withholdings are adjusted.

That means more money on each paycheque, and more to spend on what matters most.

Lacombe County will begin bridge replacement work located at SW 5-41-24 W4M (a tributary to Parlby Creek), starting July 14.

As part of this project, a section of Range Road 24-5 will be closed to through traffic and accessible to local traffic only. The road closure is necessary to safely complete the demolition and construction of the new bridge. The project is expected to be completed by September 1, 2025, weather permitting.

Natural gas rates decrease for ATCO Gas customers this July.

Direct Energy Regulated Services has announced lower natural gas rates for the month.

The new rates apply to customers in the ATCO Gas North and South service territories who are not signed with a competitive energy retailer.

North service territory: Customers living in and north of the City of Red Deer.

The regulated natural gas rate is decreasing from the June rate of $1.775 per gigajoule (GJ) to $1.097 per GJ.

Alberta’s government is investing $20 million in culturally informed employment supports for Indigenous Peoples.

Indigenous Peoples are foundational to Alberta’s economic success in past, present and future.

Their contributions span every sector, from natural resources and small business to innovation, tourism and the skilled trades.

Ensuring Indigenous participation at every level of the economy is essential to building a strong, prosperous province.

Wildfires are currently raging in several provinces across Canada. 

The BC Wildfire Service reports that crews are battling more than 70 wildfires in British Columbia, with one particularly intense wildfire near the community of Lytton, having led to a local state of emergency and several evacuation orders.

In Yukon, the territorial government has lifted an evacuation alert for the area surrounding Ethel Lake, located approximately a four-hour drive north of Whitehorse. 

Despite this change, the wildfire that prompted the alert on June 24 remains out of control.

Canadians took to parks and civic squares across the country Tuesday to show unity on Canada Day amid American threats, economic uncertainty and Western alienation.

"We've decided not to pull apart and fight, but to come together and to build. Because that's the Canadian way," Prime Minister Mark Carney said to thousands of Canadians gathered in Ottawa.

This year's festivities at Ottawa's LeBreton Flats Park got the royal treatment, with Prince Edward praising Canada's unity and accomplishments.

The Alberta RCMP is reminding residents to make safe and sober choices behind the wheel this Canada Day.

On average in Alberta, one in five drivers involved in fatal collisions had been drinking before the crash, according to MADD Canada. That compares to about one in 20 drivers in injury collisions.

During the 2024 Canada Day long weekend, seven people were fatally injured in road-related incidents within RCMP jurisdiction, and 101 impaired drivers were removed from the roads.

Early Tuesday morning, July 1 at 2:10am Lacombe Police interrupted a Break and Enter in progress at the Lacombe Best Buy.

Two male suspects were in the store and upon seeing police, dropped the items they were holding and fled the store through the rear emergency exit.

An extensive search was conducted that also involved the services of the RCMP Canine Unit. A vehicle believed to have been used by the suspects was located and seized by Lacombe Police for forensic examination, however, the two male suspects remain at large.

The City of Red Deer reminds residents of fireworks safety rules for Canada Day.

This Canada Days celebrations usually involve fireworks, and you can't just go lighting them off in your own backyard.

The City of Red Deer is reminding residents to follow local fireworks bylaws to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday.

The Fireworks Bylaw regulates the sale, possession and use of all fireworks, including consumer, display and pyrotechnic, within city limits.

 Alberta Health Services has announced the addition of a locum nurse practitioner (NP) to the Rocky Mountain House Health Centre. The NP will be providing overnight coverage in the ED from 6 p.m. July 2 to 7 a.m. July 3, allowing the Emergency Department to remain open during a gap in physician availability.

During this time, some patients may be diverted to other facilities for higher level emergency care. As always, patients are asked to call 911 if they have a medical emergency. EMS will be available to transport patients if required.