HighRiver

Hot air balloons won't be taking flight today (Sept. 25) in High River after all.

The first launch of the Heritage Inn International Balloon Festival was scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, but with strong gusts expected in the Foothills, the balloons are remaining grounded for now.

Other festival events are still moving forward though, namely the opening ceremony, including a banner presentation and an introduction of the pilots.

The ceremony is scheduled for 4 p.m. at the Heritage Inn.

The Liberal minority government has survived a vote of non-confidence in the House of Commons by a count of 211-120.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre put forward the motion asking MPs to declare they did not have confidence in the prime minister or his government.

Poilievre failed to get the support of other opposition parties to bring the government down.

The Bloc Québécois and the NDP voted against the motion.

If the non-confidence motion had passed it would have defeated the government and very likely triggered an immediate election campaign.

At least two Canadians have died in the escalating violence in Lebanon, which has members of Parliament discussing a possible evacuation of Canadian citizens from the country.

"We are devastated by the loss of two Canadians, but the entire Lebanese people are (also) suffering right now — women, children, innocents," said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

"This is a horrific situation," he told reporters on Parliament Hill, repeating his earlier calls for both Israel and Hezbollah to de-escalate.

It might not be a good day to fly a kite in Nanton.

A Wind Warning has been issued for Nanton today (Sept. 25), as they are expecting strong easterly winds.

Wind gusts upwards of 100km/hr are expected by the afternoon, with the strongest likely to occur overnight.

The wind is expected to die down by Thursday morning.

Any loose object could be tossed around by the strong gusts and could potentially cause damage or injury.

Wind Warnings are only issued when there is a heightened risk of damaging winds.

High River's hosting their first ever 'Repair Cafe'.

The Town of Okotoks has organized a few of these events in the past and some people in High River thought it was time we had our own.

Volunteer with the Friends of the Library in High River, Nick Salmon says he was inspired by the neighbours to the north.

The federal Liberals are creating a new agency to beef up Canada's ability to handle rapidly spreading infectious diseases and protect from future pandemics.

Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne said the agency is meant to preserve the "top-gun team" of public servants that helped steer Canadians through COVID-19.

Health Emergency Readiness Canada is being tasked with boosting Canada's life-sciences sector and ensuring Canadians get faster access to vaccines, medical therapies and diagnostics by accelerating the transition from research to commercialization.

A sweet new ride just found its forever home at Eamon's Garage.

On Monday (Sept. 23) a 1956 Oldsmobile Delta 88 was donated by Calgarians Rob and Shiela Innes.

Over 1,000 representatives from across Alberta will meet this week for the 2024 Alberta Municipalities Convention and Trade Show.

Taking place in Red Deer from September 25-27, the convention will include votes on resolutions, keynote speakers, and remarks from provincial ministers as well as the premier and opposition leader.

It'll also include an AGM, where members vote on a new board of directors.

The provincial government is helping municipalities become more energy efficient.

While many municipalities in Alberta are trying to find ways to be more energy efficient, the cost of upgrades and improvements often act as a roadblock.

Because of that, the Alberta government announced on Tuesday (Sept. 24) that they are now offering a new Municipal Electricity Generation Program.

This $3 million program will help municipalities lower how much it costs to power and heat their recreation centres, town halls, libraries, and other community buildings.

The Town of High River has announced they are holding a memorial tree and bench ceremony on September 25 at 6:00 p.m. to honour the donors who purchased trees and benches at George Lane Park.

The event will also celebrate National Tree Day as Canadians across the country celebrate their love for trees, their natural beauty, and their many benefits.

The memorial trees and benches at George Lane Park were put in placement for a relative or loved one who passed away, graduations, birthday gifts, and wedding or anniversary gifts.