Lacombe

Alberta’s government is investing $15 million over three years to create a new grant program through budget 2025 that empowers trades unions to provide additional apprenticeship training in high demand areas. 

The new funding for union training providers to deliver apprenticeship training is expected to open 650 new apprenticeship seats per year.  

Due to gaps in physician coverage, the emergency department (ED) at Rocky Mountain House Health Centre will be temporarily closed from 6 p.m. on April 27 until 7 a.m. on April 28. During this period, nursing staff will remain in the ED to assess patients who arrive at the facility. They will provide first aid if necessary and refer patients to alternate care facilities in surrounding communities.

A fire advisory is now in place for all areas within the Ponoka County Regional Fire Services response area, effective as of April 24, 2025. The advisory has been issued due to forecasted warm and windy conditions that increase the risk of wildfires.

While the advisory is in effect, fire permits and fireworks permits will only be approved on a case-by-case basis. However, backyard fire pits, BBQs, burning barrels with a screen, and gas-powered appliances are not currently affected by the advisory.

The Town of Rocky Mountain House has issued a fire advisory as of April 25 due to dry, warm and windy conditions in the area.

While the advisory does not currently ban all fires, residents are reminded to be cautious and follow approved guidelines.

Allowed during the advisory:

The fourth annual Horse Expo Canada returns to Westerner Park this weekend, bringing Canada’s largest equine event to Central Alberta.

The Expo runs today until 7 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

With more than 20,000 attendees at last year’s event, organizers expect another high-energy weekend filled with clinics, competitions and family-friendly attractions.

The Expo caters to all levels of horse enthusiasts, from newcomers to seasoned professionals.

Fans of fantasy, sci-fi, anime, gaming, and cosplay will once again gather in Ponoka this summer for Central Alberta Fanfest—a free event designed to bring the energy of big-city conventions to a smaller, welcoming setting.

Set for Saturday, July 26, the one-day expo runs from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ponoka Jubilee Library and offers a wide range of activities and opportunities for fans of all ages to connect.

According to preliminary figures released by Elections Canada, 21,733 electors in the Red Deer riding voted at advance polls held from April 18 to 21. In Ponoka-Didsbury, 27,715 ballots were cast by advanced voters.

Nationally, about 7.3 million Canadians voted early—a 25 per cent increase from the 5.8 million who voted in advance polls during the 2021 federal election.

The City of Lacombe recently marked its annual Pitch-In Week, with city council and senior staff members coming together to take part in a community-wide cleanup. The event, which encourages residents to help keep Lacombe beautiful, saw participants across the city gather to collect garbage and remove waste from local streets.

The team of city leaders and staff worked throughout various neighbourhoods, filling several garbage bags with refuse, demonstrating their commitment to keeping the city clean and encouraging others to do the same.

A new ultra-fast electric vehicle (EV) charging station has been installed along Queen Elizabeth Highway 2, promising to transform the electric vehicle landscape in Central Alberta.

The charger, located at Red Deer County's Junction 42 Business Park, just south of Red Deer near Penhold, is a strategic addition to the region's EV infrastructure.

Thanks to grant funding from Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN) and Red Deer County, the FLO Ultra™ EV charger is the fastest in the region, offering long-distance travelers a reliable and fast charging solution.

Agricultural societies in Central Alberta and across the province are getting a significant funding boost from the Government of Alberta to help them manage rising operational costs and invest in long-term sustainability.

The province has announced more than $7.4 million in one-time funding for its seven regional agricultural societies, including those in Red Deer, Camrose, Olds, Medicine Hat, Lethbridge, Lloydminster and Grande Prairie.