Reach

Northwestern Polytechnic (NWP) is experiencing a remarkable year, marked by the announcement of three new programs within just a few months. One standout offering is the forthcoming Agriculture Operations diploma, slated to begin in November 2024.

This two-year program, rooted in Fairview, Alberta, reflects NWP's commitment to training the next generation of agriculture professionals. Developed in collaboration with industry partners, the diploma boasts two extensive work terms where students will gain practical experience alongside seasoned professionals.

Alberta Health Services (AHS) will open Spirit River’s first Type B Continuing Care Home (CCH) spaces (formally known as designated supportive living spaces) at Pleasant View Lodge later this year, enabling more community members to receive a higher level of care closer to home.

The Government of Alberta and the federal government are providing $24 million in capital funding to replace the existing Pleasant View Lodge. The new facility will include 52 supportive living spaces, a level of care previously unavailable in Spirit River, as well as 40 lodge spaces.

As part of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, the Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development Mary Ng is leading a Team Canada Trade Mission to South Korea.

The Indo-Pacific region is Canada’s second-largest regional export market, and in 2023 represented two-way merchandise trade valued at $257 billion.

Ng says South Korea, is one of the area's fastest-growing markets and a strategic partner for Canada.

As of 2023, South Korea is Canada’s 7th-largest merchandise trading partner, 8th-largest export and 6th-largest import partner.

On Monday, West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. announced the Company has completed the sale of its Quesnel River Pulp mill, and its Slave Lake Pulp mill to an affiliate of a fund managed by Atlas Holdings.

The mills will be operated by Millar Western Forest Products, which joined the global Atlas family of manufacturing and distribution businesses in 2017.

Quesnel River Pulp and Slave Lake Pulp both produce Bleached Chemi-Thermomechanical pulp ("BCTMP") used to make paper products.

The very next day West Fraser released the first quarter results of 2024. 

The 2024 Smile cookie campaign officially kicked off Thursday morning.    

Fort St John RCMP responded to a call on Wednesday, April 24 at 9:38 pm regarding a motor vehicle collision at the intersection of 93rd Street and 96th Avenue. The incident involved a pickup truck and a motorcycle, resulting in significant injuries.

Upon arrival, frontline police and municipal traffic officers discovered the motorcycle driver in critical condition, receiving CPR. Despite efforts, the driver succumbed to their injuries after being rushed to the hospital.

The City of Grande Prairie is upgrading its Lawn Bowling Facility and invites residents to share their input. 

Located in Muskoseepi Park, the facility has secured funds through the 2024 capital budget to make necessary upgrades that will replace the existing outdoor turf and update various amenities. Additionally, the City is exploring alternative activities and entertainment options, aside from lawn bowling, that can be used within the facility. 

The Shaftesbury fire remains classified as being held, the evacuation orders have been lifted, and residents are returning to their homes.

The fire is located approximately 20 kilometres south-west of the Town of Peace River and approximately seven kilometres south-east of Grimshaw, towards the river. 

BC Transit’s Umo (pronounced “you-mo”) electronic fare system is now live in the Dawson Creek Regional Transit System.

Umo introduces contactless payment methods and new fare products that improve the transit experience by allowing riders to pick the best options for their lifestyle and travel habits.

As of May 1st, riders will have the choice of using a reloadable Umo card to pay for their transit fare. 

The BC Wildfire Service is actively responding to the Wildmare wildfire, that has closed a highway and prompted a tactical evacuation of the threatened area.

The B-C Wildfire Service says the out-of-control wildfire, covering about 50 hectares, is burning in the Peace River Regional District and the District of Chetwynd.