Airdrie

The ongoing fire situation in Manitoba, resulted in the Federal, Provincial and Territorial Agriculture Ministers meeting virtually last week.

They discussed a number of issues, from the weather impacts to international trade, improving interprovincial trade opportunities, and enhancements to AgriStability.

For the 2025 program year only, they agreed to increase the AgriStability compensation rate from 80 per cent to 90 per cent and increased the maximum payment limit from $3 million to $6 million. 

Emergency crews were responding this morning to a vehicle fire on Township Road 263 and Range Road 293A, in Rocky View County, just east of the QEII Highway near the weigh scales. The scene has since been cleared.

The blaze was reported shortly before 6 a.m., with fire crews arriving on scene to find the vehicle fully engulfed in flames.

There is no word yet on injuries or what caused the fire. Motorists were being asked to avoid the area as emergency services continue their response.

More information will be released if made available.

Rocky View County (RVC) has adopted a new Agriculture Master Plan.

According to RVC, it is a strategic document that outlines a long-term vision for agriculture and land use planning in the county.

The plan sets clear goals for future growth, encourages innovation, and outlines a roadmap to meet the needs and priorities of the agricultural community from 2026 to 2036.

Kristyn Lines, the manager of agriculture and environmental services with RVC, shared that the first plan was approved in 2011.

The City of Calgary has shared another monthly update on the progress of Scotia Place, the Calgary Flames’ soon-to-be new home.

During June, here is what construction crews have been working on:

Tariffs and trade are top of the agenda as the country's premiers arrive in Ontario's cottage country for a three-day meeting that comes at a pivotal time for both Canada-U.S. and domestic relations.

The premiers' summer gathering in Muskoka will also feature a Tuesday meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney, as trade talks with the United States are expected to intensify.

After 45 years in their Jasper home, it took mere minutes for Wes Bradford's quaint mountain abode to burn to a pile of ash.

A year later, he and his wife are itching to rebuild. They've hired a contractor and designer, and their insurance will cover the expected $1-million price tag. But they can't start yet — not until their empty lot, currently a flat mound of dirt, has been declared contaminant-free.

"We're up against the wall," says Bradford, after meeting their builder in Jasper the day before.

Choosing the right replacement heifers is more important than ever for cattle producers, especially with today’s record-high calf prices.

“Replacement heifers represent the genetic potential of a producer’s operation,” says Alexis DeCorby, Livestock and Feed Extension Specialist with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture’s Yorkton office.

“They’re a costly investment that requires about two years of inputs before they produce a live calf.”

Alberta RCMP are warning the public about a potentially deadly supply of illegal pills that resemble the anti-anxiety drug Xanax but contain a highly toxic opioid.

The counterfeit pills have tested positive for isotonitazene, a powerful synthetic opioid that can be fatal.

RCMP say the pills are being linked to the recent death of a 16-year-old and are urging the public to be on high alert.

The Bank of Canada has largely kept to the sidelines as it tries to get a sense of how U.S. tariffs will impact the economy — and some economists think it might just stay there.

After a quarter-point cut in March, the central bank held its benchmark interest rate steady at 2.75 per cent in April and June.

With last month's jobs figures showing a surprise gain and core inflation levels holding steady at around three per cent, economists now broadly expect the central bank will continue its holding pattern at its next decision on July 30.

A dramatic thunderstorm rolled through Airdrie and the surrounding areas Thursday night, putting on a dazzling lightning display that residents won’t soon forget.

Environment and Climate Change Canada had issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the region earlier in the evening, and by nightfall, the skies lit up with near-constant flashes of lightning, rumbling thunder, and brief periods of heavy rain.