FortSask

The Enterprise Machine Intelligence Learning Initiative (EMILI) and Assiniboine Community College (ACC) are working together on ag-tech innovation and education.

The two hope to increase digital skills to address labour shortages in the ag sector. 

Studies show that Canada’s ag sector could be facing a shortage of 123,000 workers by 2030.

RBC's Farmer 4.0 Report suggests that the advanced technologies 
emerging across agriculture and sub-sectors will change the skills needed in the sector over the next decade.

The Western Grains Research Foundation recently committed $2.7 Million to 22 new research projects through Saskatchewan's Agriculture Development Fund.

Board Chair, Dr. Keith Degenhardt says producers remain committed to investing in agricultural research.

"Since we began this funding partnership with ADF in 2012, WGRF has invested almost $30 million dollars to more than 220 research projects that have undoubtedly improved agricultural systems, technology and agronomic practices for western Canadian farmers.”  

The report looks at just how well McCain is responding to the challenges faced by climate change, its priority on enhancing soil health and its farming partners' transition to more regenerative practices. 

Working with its farmer partners, McCain has accelerated its regenerative agriculture ambition by providing technical assistance and financing opportunities that can help tackle the escalating impacts of climate change on yields and crop quality.

Research Infosource Inc. has selected Olds College of Agriculture and Technology as one of Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges, placing it in the top ten.

The continued growth of the Smart Ag Ecosystem and applied research activities on the Olds College Smart Farm launched the College into the top 10 this year. 

Associate Vice President of Applied Research, Dr. Joy Agnew says the Olds College Smart Ag Ecosystem is focused on accelerating the progress and innovation needed to grow Canada’s ag industry through applied research. 

Dogs are fantastic. They're among the most loyal of pets you can have and are considered family to many who own one. 

But they don't always behave the best. 

Though the City of Fort Saskatchewan doesn't have any outright bans on the breed or type of dog that residents can own, they do have a set of bylaws that ensure both dogs and people in the community stay safe. 

The city's animal control bylaw has two distinct characterizations for dogs that have been deemed problematic: a nuisance dog and a restricted dog. 

An update has been released on the cause of last week's train fire.

On Jan. 17, Strathcona County Firefighters responded to reports of a train fire on Range Road 215 north of Wye Road.

According to Strathcona County Emergency Services, the fire was caused by a wiring short in the dynamic braking system.

Firefighters found the blaze originating from one of the train's electrical compartments. 

The estimated damages are around $20,000.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s promise to assemble a panel of medical experts to deliver ongoing advice on public health and COVID-19 will be covered off by former Reform Party Leader Preston Manning’s pandemic review, her office said Wednesday.

“The central role of the (Manning) panel will be to review legislation and recommend amendments to better enable the province to respond to future health emergencies,” Smith’s spokesman Taylor Hides said in a statement, responding to questions on when the science panel would be announced.

Three people have been charged after Edmonton Police Service (EPS) uncovered a drug and catalytic converter trafficking operation at an Edmonton scrap yard.

Back in the summer of 2022, police began investigating A1 Scrap Metal Recycling Ltd. Police say they noticed drug deals happening in the scrap yard, as well as spotting unknown people bringing in catalytic converters.

At the end of November, police searched the business and another residence, where they found the following:

Edmonton Police (EPS) is warning drivers about an uptick in vehicle thefts targeting Land Rovers. 

There have been six recent thefts including these vehicles. It seems as though thieves are specifically targeting 2017 to 2021 editions of the following models: 

• Discovery
• Range Rover
• Sport

According to police, it appears that the people stealing these vehicles are using sophisticated technology to bypass anti-theft systems. 

The intersection of 101 Street and 99 Avenue has been cleared after emergency services were there responding to a collision.

According to RCMP, on early Wednesday (Jan. 25) afternoon, a Chrysler Sebring turning left onto 101 Street collided with a man on a mobility scooter who was in the crosswalk.

The man in the mobility scooter was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, while the driver of the Sebring was unharmed.

The area has been cleared after causing delays for a few hours.

More to come...