Airdrie

The federal government is set to roll out a series of financial relief measures to ease the economic pressures on Canadians, particularly during the holiday season.

These initiatives include a temporary GST/HST break on groceries and holiday essentials from December 14, 2024, to February 15, 2025, and a $250 Working Canadians Rebate, which will be issued in early spring 2025.

GST/HST Bbreeak for holiday essentials and groceries

With Mountain View County's approval, E3 Lithium Ltd. has secured a location for its Clearwater Project. The County has granted E3 Lithium an option to acquire land at the former Dyck Gravel Pit, approximately 18 kilometres east of the County Office.

This land will serve as the site for E3 Lithium’s central processing facility, which is poised to be the first commercial lithium production facility in Western Canada.

This week's Airdrie Techmation Thunder Spotlight belongs to Ethan Razon.

The Thunder only had one game last week when they took on the former league champs the Carstar Okotoks Bisons. Unfortunately, the Thunder fell short 6-3. This brings the Thunder's season record to 8-7.

Head Coach and General Manager Mark Kulynych wrote that even though that was not the outcome they were hoping for, Razon had a good game.

Airdrie residents are eagerly counting down the days to the return of the beloved Santa Claus Parade, which is just 16 days away.

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In precisely 30 days, winter will officially arrive in Airdrie. Still, considering the snowy landscape surrounding residents, many winter outdoor enthusiasts may already be planning to enjoy some outdoor winter sports, including the all-Canadian pastimes of ice fishing and hockey. However, considering both these pastimes need an ice surface, ice safety is tantamount. 

According to Alberta Parks, the ice should be clear and at least 20 centimetres thick for any group activities. If you hope to use your snowmobile on the ice, the thickness should be at least 25 centimetres. 

With the province slated to release details on adopting a new auto insurance system later this afternoon, speculation and criticism of what these new reforms could entail are mounting.

Earlier this week, Edmonton-based Ianni Law released a news release voicing concerns over what they said were, 'recent discussions around overhauling Alberta’s private auto insurance system.'

Airdrie Santa is once again taking house calls during the holiday season.

Airdronian Mike Reist is returning as Santa this year to spread the holiday spirit. He is once again taking bookings for events and home visits.

Reist explained that he brought back Airdrie Santa last year in memory of beloved Airdronians Keith Wilkinson."

Winter driving conditions will again be in effect for Airdrie motorists on Thursday as snow continues to fall.

The QEII, both north and southbound, is covered in snow, making driving challenging. Snow-packed surfaces and icy shoulders are reported to contribute to poor visibility. Bridge decks, ramps, and overpasses are also likely to be icy; hence, motorists should give themselves plenty of time to commute today. Roads within Calgary will not be much better, as snow has covered lane markings. 

Last week, an associate superintendent and a group of school administrators from the Westwind School Division in Southern Alberta went to Chinook's Edge School Division to find out more about the division's strategy for helping students with complex needs.

The educators were particularly eager to see the Chinook's Edge Collaborative Support Model for Educational Assistants (EAs) in action at Carstairs Elementary School.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is expected to announce on Thursday a temporary GST break for certain essential items to help ease affordability pressures.

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh says in a statement that the announcement is in response to his party's demands to permanently lift the goods and services tax on a range of expenses.