FortSask

Today we celebrate Canada's Agriculture Day.

It's a time to recognize the efforts and accomplishments of farmers and those that work in the agri-food sector.

The Canadian Centre for Food Integrity President and CEO John Jamieson says this is an ideal opportunity for everyone to learn more about where their food comes from while getting to know the people who produce it.

StatCan numbers reveal the percentage of permanent residents who become Canadians has plummeted over the past 20 years. 

The Institute for Canadian Citizenship says Statistics Canada data points to a 40 per cent decline in citizenship uptake since 2001.

The group's CEO, Daniel Bernhard, calls the drop alarming and says it should serve as a “wake up call” to improving the experience newcomers have in Canada.

In 2021, nearly 45.7 per cent of permanent residents who'd been in Canada for less than 10 years became citizens.

The Federal Election Boundaries Commission for Alberta is going back on a plan to put Fort Saskatchewan voters into a larger federal riding.

On Thursday (Feb. 2) The commission announced that they were ditching their original plan.

The plan was to split the riding of Sherwood Park-Fort Saskatchewan in two, which would put Fort in the Lakeland district, while Sherwood Park joined with Beaumont.

Since its formation in 1899, a lot has happened in Fort Saskatchewan. From the hanging of Swift Runner to the 1955 prison riot, there's tons of local lore.

This gallery is to show scenes of old Fort Saskatchewan compared to how these areas look today.

Second Chance! Animal Rescue Society (SCARS) has been pretty busy at their newest location. 

Back in October, SCARS opened its newest rescue facility in Morinville. Since opening, they say that they're already reaching capacity.

"Every single day the demand for intake is something I've never seen before," said Amanda Annetts, intake coordinator with SCARS. "We have over 40 animals in the facility as we speak."

Although the location is at full capacity, Annetts said most rescues are adopted in 15 to 30 days, but there have been some long-term residents.

Fort Saskatchewan RCMP is investigating a suspected arson.

Earlier this month, police responded to reports of a fire in an abandoned building located in downtown Fort Saskatchewan. 

Emergency crews were able to extinguish the blaze, but the building suffered severe interior damage to the upper floor. Luckily, no injuries were reported. 

After an investigation, police have determined that the fire was intentionally set, and the matter is being investigated as arson. 

Fort Saskatchewan is preparing to roll out its first municipal census since 2019. 

In April, city officials will be hand-delivering secure access code letters unique to each resident. 

"Collecting up-to-date population data is an important and effective way to plan for the needs of our growing and diverse city," said Sheryl Exley, a legislature officer with the city.

"Census information is used by various city departments, organizations, and stakeholders to deliver a wide range of municipal services." 

 Innovation, Science and Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne, announced $150 million in renewed funding for Protein Industries Canada.

The funding is part of the $750 million investment into the Global Innovation Cluster program which was announced in the 2022 budget.  

CEO Bill Greuel says the renewed investment of $150 Million into Protein Industries Canada will support continued innovation, scale-up of companies and the commercialization of new products in Canada’s plant-based food, feed and ingredient sector.

The Fort Heritage Precinct has a new exhibit for people to check out. 

The Precinct has joined together with the Fort Black Society to put on an exhibit that celebrates Black History Month called 'Experience Africa'.

"This exhibit started with an idea to reach out to more members of the community that aren't really represented by the museum," said Kyle Bjornson, the curator at the Fort Heritage Precinct. 

"The community keeps growing so we want to make sure more voices are represented here." 

The Fort Saskatchewan Multicultural Association (MCA) and Fort Saskatchewan firefighters helped raise money for Kids with Cancer.

On Sunday (Feb. 12), the two groups were outside Freson Bros. handing out hot dogs while local firefighters offered tours of their fire trucks.

"It was a very successful event," said Lana Santana, founder of the MCA. "We were so thrilled and happy by the generosity of people who came."

Overall, the event raised a total of $2000 for Kids with Cancer, an Edmonton-based charity.