Okotoks

SASKATOON — Canada’s two national railways are about to enter a stretch of prolonged labour peace with the major unions representing their workers.

“It’s a period of calm,” said Mark Hemmes, president of Quorum Corp., which is Canada’s grain monitor.

“It’s satisfying to know that at least we’re going to have a couple of years of grace where we don’t have to worry about (work stoppages).”

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced Friday an overhaul of several government ministries, creating two new health services portfolios and replacing her Indigenous relations minister.

Former health minister Adriana LaGrange was sworn in as minister of primary and preventative health services, while former jobs minister Matt Jones is now in charge of hospital and surgical health services.

Previous Indigenous relations minister Rick Wilson becomes minister of mental health and addiction. He replaces Dan Williams, who moves to municipal affairs.

High River RCMP are asking for the public's help identifying a suspect in a recent armed robbery.

Officers responded to a report at around 3 a.m. on Friday, May 16.

Police say a man entered the Circle K on 5th Street S.E. carrying a rifle and demanded money. He fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash.

Fortunately, no one was injured.

The suspect is described as a man wearing a grey hoodie, dark pants and ski goggles.

A couple of search warrants in Aldersyde and Rockyford have resulted in multiple arrests and the seizure of stolen property and firearms.

The Southern and Central Alberta Crime Reduction Units (SAD CRU) received a report of suspicious activity on April 16.  

With support from the Emergency Response Team and multiple RCMP units, a search warrant was issued for stolen property in Rockyford. 

The program supports four agricultural societies in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba by awarding $10,000 grants each to projects that support rural communities.
 
Garrett Ganden, President and CEO of Rocky Mountain Equipment, says they take pride in being embedded in rural communities in Western Canada.

Last year’s grant recipients were:

The Forestburg Ag Society in Northern Alberta, which received a credit towards a Case IH Farmall tractor to groom its indoor riding arena used for barrel racing and rodeo practice

Southbound traffic on Highway 2 near Okotoks is facing significant delays following a collision.

The crash happened at the intersection of 228 Avenue, and first responders remain on scene.

Police are directing traffic as crews work to clear the area.

There's no word yet on if any serious injuries occurred.

Another case of avian influenza has been detected, this time in Alberta in a non-commercial, non-poultry flock in Leduc County. 

The premise is under CFIA quarantine and subject to restrictions, bringing the total number of AI cases in Alberta now to two.

Two cases have been found in Manitoba, three in Saskatchewan, and three in British Columbia, including an ostrich farm.

There are now 19 premises across Canada infected with AI.

Numerous countries are dealing with avian influenza.

It’s the Victoria Day long weekend, and there are a variety of events for families in the Foothills to enjoy.  

Here’s a look at what’s happening:  

Little Britches Rodeo  

The Little Britches Rodeo kicks off today (May 16) at 6 p.m. at the High River Ag grounds.   

The Okotoks Spray Park is ready to open, but it's unlikely to happen this weekend.

Each year, seasonal operations begin on the May long weekend and conclude after the September long weekend.

However, the park only opens when the temperature is above 20ºC, which doesn't look likely this weekend.

Other conditions, such as excessive wind, smoke, or thunderstorms, can also lead to temporary closures.

The Victoria Day long weekend, also known as the May long weekend, is often most Albertans' first weekend of camping.

If you're thinking of getting away and booking a campsite through Alberta Parks, there are still quite a few options, although you may have to travel a bit.

Locally, Sandy McNabb, out past the Turner Valley side of Diamond Valley, still has some openings.