Strathmore

There are many iconic Canadian foods, but which one is your favourite?

To celebrate Canada Day, we asked StrathmoreNow readers to vote on their favourite Canadian dishes through a poll on our website. A total of 92 votes were made.

Out of those votes, 30 of them went to poutine (32.61 per cent). In second place was farmer's sausage at 16 votes (17.39 per cent).

Tied for third place was saskatoon berry pie and Nanaimo bars, which each received 13 votes (14.13 per cent).

Parliamentarians likely will get a chance later this year to debate whether to adopt a livestock brand as an official national symbol.

A bill to create the brand was introduced earlier in June by Saskatchewan Conservative MP Steven Bonk.

If the bill passes, the brand will become Canada's 10th national symbol — joining O Canada, the coat of arms and the maple tree.

Here are five things you may not know about the official symbols that say "Canada."

1. The beaver does not stand alone

Samantha Sannella shed happy tears as she stood to sing the national anthem at her citizenship ceremony in early June, nearly three decades after she moved to Canada. 

She had sung "O Canada" countless times before, but this was the first time she’d done so as a Canadian. 

Originally from Houston, Texas, Sannella moved to Toronto 28 years ago for a job. For the longest time, she still considered herself a U.S. citizen, with a part of her thinking she might move back one day.

But that changed last fall.

Fluoride is back in Calgary's drinking water.

The city, in a news release, says it has begun adding the chemical into the water at the direction of councillors.

Council's decision follows a 2021 plebiscite in which about two-thirds of those who voted said they wanted fluoride put back in the water.

The city says fluoride is safe at low levels and is an effective way to prevent cavities and keep teeth strong.

One of two men jailed last year for their roles in the Coutts, Alta., border protest has been granted bail while he appeals his conviction and sentence.

An Alberta appeal court judge says Chris Carbert does not pose a threat to public safety and is unlikely to commit a criminal offence if released from custody.

Last fall, a jury found Carbert and Anthony Olienick guilty of mischief over $5,000 and possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace for their role in the blockade.

They were each given prison sentences of 6 ½ years. 

Construction will be taking place in Wheatland County right after Canada Day.

Construction crews will be working along Range Road 253B starting on Wednesday (July 2). The work is part of the ongoing construction of the Goldfinch Raw Water Supply Project. 

Crews will be installing a water pipeline throughout July, with completion expected on July 31. 

Access to the road will be restricted; however, foot traffic will be allowed down to the Bow River. 

Wheatland County is advising residents and drivers to follow posted signage. 

Fountain Tire in Strathmore held a customer appreciation event over the weekend.

The event was put on to thank customers and for residents to meet Frank Worthington, the new owner of the store.

Residents were asked to come down and donate food or cash to the Wheatland Food Bank in exchange for free lunch from food trucks that were on site.

Worthington explained why they put this event on.

"The community here is awesome. They look after us, and we just do our best to look after them in return."

Fountain Tire changed ownership a few months ago.

With Canada Day (July 1) right around the corner, there is no shortage of celebrations happening in the area.

Here are a few local events going on for Canada Day:

Strathmore

Kicking off the day will be a pancake breakfast at the Strathmore Fire Hall. Residents will be able to enjoy pancakes, eggs, sausages, coffee, and juice while listening to the tunes of local musician Melissa Matheson.

Alberta's government is seeking advice to address violence and aggression in schools.

Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides says it's a serious problem as learning disruptions and mental health concerns are becoming more and more common.

Nicolaides says a team of 20 education system officials and teachers will develop potential policy options and solutions over the next six months.

He says some of the recommendations could be implemented as soon as the fall.