Leaders take their campaigns to Western Canada as federal election nears midpoint

The leaders of the top three federal parties were campaigning Tuesday in Western Canada, where Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre promised to crack down on offshore tax loopholes by appointing a tax task force.

The Conservatives said the task force would be asked to make the rules simpler and more fair and would ensure large companies can't "stash their money in offshore tax havens."

Rise in asylum seekers to Canada as migrants' protected status set to expire in U.S.

There has been a steady rise in the number of people seeking asylum at a major border crossing south of Montreal, border officials said Tuesday amid concerns that Trump administration policies could drive another massive influx of migrants to Canada.

The rise in would-be refugees at the St-Bernard-de-Lacolle crossing coincides with the looming expiration of the temporary status of hundreds of thousands of migrants in the United States.

Chestermere reviewing property assessments through open houses

Property owners in Chestermere are receiving assessments.

The city announced that it began mailing out assessments last week, asking residents to ensure their property was assessed correctly through the city's website.

"If you have any questions or concerns, you may contact Accurate Assessments directly at 1-877-438-2305 or bob@aag-gis.com," wrote the city on social media.

Nearly 100 jobs up for grabs at CGC's new gypsum plant near Carseland

A manufacturer has launched a recruitment drive to fill approximately 100 roles at its new facility near Carseland.

CGC Inc. produces gypsum-based building materials.

"The facility, currently under construction and set to open in 2026, represents a major advancement in CGC's domestic manufacturing strategy to increase production capacity and local job creation as the country works to meet rising housing demand," said a release.

According to staff, the building will process raw materials, including gypsum into products for buildings.

From family fun to public art: Strathmore resident turns fence into a creative showcase

A Strathmore resident is sharing her art with the community.

It all started with an idea from Maralie Toth's father-in-law.

"By living in my home, he decided to tap into his kid side and sort of putting things on the fence to get his grandkids' attention," said Toth.

Toth says it quickly became a source of amusement for neighbouring kids.

The first project her father-in-law created featured the original Donkey Kong, with Peach and Mario.

Trash to Treasure brings new life to unwanted items in Strathmore

Unwanted items will be strewn throughout Strathmore this week.

The Trash to Treasure initiative kicks off Thursday, Apr. 10, ahead of the Heavy Item Garbage (HIG) collection.

The Town of Strathmore said it runs until Sunday, with HIG collection starting the following day.

The program is meant to encourage residents to put out any items ahead of time so that others may pick them up to give them a new home.

The town says that the initiative "is a great opportunity to give unwanted items a new life while keeping them out of landfills."

Chestermere Food Bank releases wish list of most wanted items

The Chestermere Food Bank is running low on certain supplies.

In a social media post, the food bank listed some items that are in high demand, including condiments, beans, soda crackers, paper towels, and more.

"Those are things we have none of," said Mardi Oel, executive director of the food bank. "There's about a ten percent increase of clients from last year."

Despite having a food drive in February, most of the filled shelves have been emptied over the following month.

Other items that the food bank is looking for include:

The Boss emerges from hibernation in Banff National Park

The Boss is back in Banff National Park, marking the start of the spring wildlife season.

Grizzly 122, commonly referred to as The Boss, was seen on April 7 in the Lower Bow Valley.

The sighting was captured by a remote trail camera.

The Boss is one of the dominant bears in the valley who has developed a bit of fame over the years. 

As a prime breeding male, he is known for chasing off other bears to assert his territory, even eating a black bear and having a run in with a train.


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Agra Risk Wheatland Kings announce $10,000 donation for dressing room upgrades

This past weekend, the Agra Risk Wheatland Kings celebrated a historic season.

At the awards ceremony, Kings General Manager Cody Holdaway announced upcoming changes to the dressing room.

Kidco Construction is giving the Kings $10,000 to upgrade the locker room.

According to Holdway, before the needed renovations the locker room was inherited from the former AA Bisons team.

Siksika Nation Fair announced for June, lineup revealed

The Siksika Nation Fair is coming to the area this summer.

"Please check out our official pow-wow poster, which highlights the weekend agenda and lineup, including the host drum, Ho-Chunk Station from Lydon Station, Wisconsin," the nation said in a social media post.

The event runs at the Siksika Nation Fair Grounds from June 27 to 29.

Additional details about the fair can be found here.