Popular campground closed for construction
Alberta Parks has issued an advisory that the Spray West campground and its surrounding area will be closed to accommodate construction between September 2023 and the end of June 2024.
You could be fined up to $25,000 if you do this in Banff National Park
Banff National Park is issuing a warning and reminder to those visiting the National Park, and all other National parks: the recreational use of drones at all Parks Canada places is not allowed.
"Drone flying is a popular hobby for many people and may also be used for commercial purposes. However, Drones can pose risks to visitors, disturb wildlife and lead to negative experiences for other visitors to Banff National Park. For these reasons, Parks Canada strictly limits the use of drones," a statement from Parks Canada read.
Province looking to 'increasing the number of schools in communities of greatest need'
While in her mandate letter to the newly appointed Education Minister, Demetrios Nicolaides, Premier Smith tasked him with, 'working to significantly increase the number of schools in the communities of greatest need,' Premier Smith's letter largely focused on her expectations that Alberta offers a, 'greater choice in education.'
Are you eligible for the new Federal Canada Workers Benefit?
According to the Federal government, some Canadians will be eligible to receive a new refundable tax credit and the payment is slated to begin on July 28.
The Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) will be initiated in order to help individuals and families who are working and earning a low income. The two remaining payments will be issued on October 12, 2023, and January 12, 2024.
Bear encounter results in injuries and trail closures
A surprise encounter with a black bear in Kananaskis Country that resulted in minor injuries to an individual has prompted the closure of several trails.
Trails in the vicinity of the Horseshoe Loop and Montane Trail, including the Cougar Creek Trail, Grotto Mountain Trail, G8 Trail, Meander Trail and Johnny’s Trail. Lady MacDonald Trail has also been closed. The trails will be closed until further notice.
Province to explore commuter rail service from Airdrie to Okotoks
The province will be looking into the feasibility of a province-led Metrolinx-like model for commuter rail service using heavy rail on the Canadian Pacific rail line from Airdrie to Okotoks and the Edmonton International Airport to downtown Edmonton.
In a mandate letter that Premier Danielle Smith sent last week to the Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors, Devin Dreeshen, Premier Smith added considerations for the project should also include, 'the use of hydrogen-powered trains.'
Fuel tax relief to continue until end of year
Alberta's government made the announcement on Monday that the 13-cent fuel tax will continue to be paused until the end of 2023. (File Photo)
Alberta's government and the provincial Treasury Board have voted to extend the fuel tax pause through the remainder of the year. According to estimates by the province, the slashing of the 13 cents per litre fuel tax on both gasoline and diesel will enable residents of the province to save anywhere from $6 and $18 every time they fill up their vehicles.
Alberta-filmed TV series beat out Yellowstone and Top Gun at MTV awards
The run-away hit TV series, The Last of Us whose first season was filmed in Alberta came home with a big win at last night's MTV Movie & TV Awards.
The Last of Us beat out Yellowstone, Stranger Things, and The White Lotus among others to take home the Best Show award.
Everyone's favourite father figure, Pedro Pascal also took home the Best Hero award, beating out Jenna Ortgea in Wednesday as well as Hollywood powerhouse Tom Cruise (Top Gun: Maverick).
Province to fund 1,700 low-income nursing students
Alberta's government has announced an additional $8.5 million in funding for up to 1,700 low-income nursing students as part of The New Beginnings Bursary.
"Nursing students will be eligible for a one-time, non-repayable $5,000 bursary. Recipients in nursing programs will be automatically selected from student loan applicants who meet program and financial eligibility criteria," the province stated.
Update: Jack-knifed semi reported near Crossfield
Late Friday evening, Airdrie RCMP confirmed that lanes were re-opened after a multi-vehicle collision near Crossfield.
A multi-vehicle collision on the QEII Highway, heading Northbound near Crossfield at Township Road 285 had shut down traffic for a few hours on Friday evening.
Eyewitnesses said that a jack-knifed semi is blocking the northbound lanes.
The RCMP has said that the injuries were unknown.
Earlier on Friday, over two dozen vehicles were involved in a collision East of Carstairs. One woman in her 80's was injured and taken to hospital.