Strathmore

Two new polls suggest Quebeckers are feeling pretty good about their relationship with Canada these days.

Between December and February, the share of Quebecers who said they were "very proud" or "proud" to be Canadian increased 13 points from 45 per cent to 58 per cent, according to an Angus Reid poll conducted online Sunday and Monday.

We are two weeks away from the 46th annual general meeting (AGM) for Manitoba Beef Producers. The two-day event takes place February 20th and 21st at the Victoria Inn Hotel and Convention Centre in Winnipeg.

General Manager Carson Callum says the AGM features a lot of great speakers. He notes it starts with an Industry Knowledge Session on Day 1, led by Dr. Eric Behlke of TELUS Agriculture and Consumer Goods.

Snowplows have been working in Strathmore since early Wednesday (Feb. 5) morning following a few centimetres of snow that fell overnight.

To keep sidewalks clean, the town is offering tips to residents on ways to keep the streets safe.

These tips include:

Fentanyl has emerged as the primary cause of illicit drug deaths in Canada and the United States, and its trafficking has been cited by U.S. President Donald Trump to justify his threat of steep tariffs on goods from Canada.

But the potent opioid also has a decades long history and is extensively used as a medical pain management tool. Here's a look at the drug and how it's used:

— Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid used to help relieve severe pain.

— Health Canada says fentanyl is 20 to 40 times more potent than heroin and up to 100 times more potent than morphine.

Wheatland County is hosting a special night for residents to meet their councillors.

"You don’t need an appointment, or a speech prepared—just bring your thoughts, share your brilliant ideas, ask those burning questions, and chat about what matters to you—whether it’s potholes, parks, or big-picture plans," mentioned a news release from the county.

"No question is too big or small, and your ideas can actually help shape the future of our county."

CGC Inc. and Wheatland Family and Community Support Services will also be on hand to answer questions.

A Strathmore resident captured some captivating photos of snow sculptures at the recent Banff SnowDays Festival.

According to Ellie Jubenville, she stumbled across the pieces while walking in the town.

"When I saw one of the sculptures, I just got into it and started taking pictures."

Participants chiseled their way into breathtaking art pieces at several spots around the town.

Jubenville said she noticed that there were artists from across western Canada including Alberta and British Columbia, and even some from the Netherlands and Russia.

Staff with the Town of Strathmore spoke about the history of its municipal building.

The current facility, located on Park Lane Drive, has been in use since 2021.

"As Strathmore has grown, so too has its need for a town hall that can serve its residents effectively," wrote the town. "Over the years, expansions and new buildings have been necessary to accommodate a growing population, increased municipal services, and the evolving needs of the community."

This weekend Real Canadian Wrestling is returning to Strathmore with a brand-new show.

My Bloody Valentine will be a lead-up celebration to Valentine's Day next week. 

The show will feature a lady's championship match and a barbwire bat on a pole match, which will be the first one ever to be hosted in town.

The match will run this Friday (Feb. 7) at the Ag Pavilion at 7 p.m.

We have tickets to give away, and you can text the word wrestling to 403-902-1111 to enter.

Strathmore resident Taura Fox Walker is taking on a fitness challenge for mental health.

The Push-Up Challenge is run by the Canadian Mental Health Organization (CMHA), with participants raising funds by doing 2,000 pushups between February 11 and 28.

Fox Walker said that her friend asked her to take part in the event.

"I started with 10 pushups, and I tried to do them on the floor. I could not," said Fox Walker. "My husband said why don't I do it against the counter to build proper posture?"

One Strathmore business said there could be a hike in price for certain products if tariffs between the United States and Canada go through.

Daniel Wiewel, owner of MaxSPL Music in Strathmore added that a lot of products he brings in come from Indonesia or from China along with a few from Canada.

"I sell guitar strings, as far as I'm aware there's no manufacturer of guitar strings in Canada. I fully expect certain products that my customers use every day could have a major increase.