Local News

Strathmore is getting a new mural in the heart of the downtown core.

Earlier this week, Prospect Human Services' staff and clients began work on a mural outside the King Eddy Pub at the intersection of Lakeside Boulevard and Second Avenue.

The work was being headlined by Shantelle Vermeylen, who has also helped to paint several other murals across Strathmore.

"We've done one at the library, we did one at Mike's Bar & Grill, so we're kind of well known," said Vermeylen.

Cochrane’s four-legged residents are in for a treat this summer as Furry Fun Fest makes its debut on July 19, a community celebration packed with activities, demonstrations, and adorable animals, all in support of the Cochrane & Area Humane Society.

Organizer Jana Husmann says the festival has grown significantly from previous years, transforming from a small patio gathering into a full-on pet party.

“This year it’s going to be huge,” said Husmann. “It’s a full-on party for all the dogs in Cochrane.”

The group representing Manitoba physicians is warning people in northern and rural areas that they could see reduced hours and periodic closures in emergency rooms this summer.

Doctors Manitoba says based on the data and feedback it has received, 20 — or one quarter of rural hospitals — will have their emergency rooms open around the clock.

"This isn't a new problem. It's been building for many years, but the prolonged uncertainty and short staffing is taking a toll," group president Dr. Nichelle Desilets said Thursday.

Alberta Health Services is warning the public of potential measles exposure in Calgary following confirmation of a case involving a person who visited public locations while infectious.

AHS says the individual was present at Calgary International Airport on June 25 at two locations:

• Domestic Arrivals Gate A17 from approximately 8:10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

• Domestic Departures Gate C55, including WestJet flight 630 to Charlottetown, from approximately 8:50 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For the first time in over four decades, Winnipeggers are now able to cross on foot at one of the city's most iconic intersections. 

Portage and Main has been closed to pedestrians since 1979, and at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, it officially opened to foot traffic again.

In March 2024, Mayor Scott Gillingham recommended reopening the intersection, as the costs to repair the Portage and Main underground infrastructure began to soar. 

The City of Moose Jaw has provided another update on this year's Infrastructure Renewal Program, and it includes the long-awaited reopening of the intersection at the 0 block of Fairford Street W and 1st Avenue NW.

The intersection will be open today, weather permitting, as will the bus stop located at 1st Avenue NW and Fairford Street W. However, work is continuing on the 100 and 200 blocks of Fairford Street W. As such, the intersection at 2nd Avenue NW will remain closed until further notice. 

The annual Ponoka Stampede Parade will roll through downtown Ponoka today, June 27, starting at 10:00 a.m.

Temporary road closures will be in effect along the parade route beginning at about 9:00 a.m. and ending at approximately 12:00 p.m., immediately after the parade concludes.

The parade will begin at the Ponoka Arena Complex (4410 54th St.) and will proceed:

• North on 55th Street (from 45th Avenue to 48th Avenue)

• East on 48th Avenue (from 55th Street to 51st Street)

Alberta Health Services has issued a water quality advisory for the swim pond at Tim Horton Children’s Ranch in the Kananaskis area.

Recent testing revealed elevated levels of fecal bacteria in the water, prompting AHS to advise against swimming or wading in the pond until further notice.

Health officials warn that contact with the contaminated water could lead to gastrointestinal illness, as well as skin, ear, and eye infections.

AHS reminds the public to avoid drinking or cooking with untreated water from any natural source, as it may contain harmful organisms.

Saskatchewan MLA Doug Steele says he was concerned for a woman’s safety but never contacted police, even as concerns mounted around her immigration status, working conditions and alleged mistreatment by her employers.

Steele testified this week in a human trafficking trial involving two accused men, Mohammad Masum and Sohel Haider, both arrested in June 2023. Masum faces additional charges of sexual assault. The complainant’s identity is protected by a publication ban.

The Weyburn Oilwomen Association held their 18th annual golf tournament on Friday, June 13th, one of two major fundraisers held by the organization each year, which helps them support the community.