FortSask

With inflation and a steady rise in rent, how does this affect vacancy rates in Fort Saskatchewan?

Jarett Johnson, a local realtor, says that it's hard to find accurate vacancy rate information that's current.

"I use the term 'vacancy rate', but in my head, I think 'What is the rate of properties that are not rented yet?'" Johnson said. "The actual reality is the Fort Saskatchewan rental market is extremely strong and has been for five to fifteen years."

Farmers are busy pricing out and lining up crop inputs for spring seeding.

The rising cost of fertilizer and supply chain challenges has been an increasing concern for producers, especially over the last couple of years.

StoneX is a global financial services organization focusing on commercial hedging, global payments, securities, physical commodities, foreign trade and clearing and execution services.

Josh Linville, vice president of Fertilizer at StoneX says when it comes to fertilizer this year, he doesn't believe we'll see a supply shortage.

Fort Saskatchewan Senior High School has all sorts of sports teams. Whether it's Basketball, Volleyball, or Football, they have it all.

Now they've gotten themselves into the E-Sports scene.

The team, simply called Sting ESports, was formed at the beginning of the school year by students in Fort High's leadership class.

The team had their first competition on Tuesday (Jan. 17) against Marion M. Graham Collegiate in Saskatoon.

Saskatchewan and Manitoba appeared before the Federal Court this week to intervene in a judicial review of the Vancouver Port Authority’s new gateway infrastructure fees.

The fees which increased January 1, 2023 range from eight to 40 cents per tonne for bulk, non-containerized cargo, including potash and grain.

As a result of the increase, a number of companies, are seeking a judicial review of the decision.

A local distillery is hitting the skies. 

The Fort Distillery has teamed up with Porter Airlines to serve their signature Tumbler & Rocks pre-mixed cocktails on all long-haul flights. 

Nathan Flim, the founder and president of the Fort Distillery, is ecstatic about the opportunity. 

"We're extremely excited about this deal," said Flim. "It's really exciting for us to be able to expand outside of the borders of Alberta and into other provinces and into the U.S." 

"This airline deal is kind of like a dream come true." 

The 2008 film Cat's Cradle, released by Skyline Motion Pictures, features a story of fame, fortune, and finding love in a small town. Keen-eyed viewers might recognize a few locations in the film.

From the old Fort Hotel to a cameo appearance from former mayor Jim Sheasgreen and murder mystery maestro Stuart McGowan.

Local RCMP arrested a Fort Saskatchewan woman for allegedly stealing a vehicle. 

On the morning of December 19, police received a report of a stolen SUV in Fort Saskatchewan. 

After an investigation, 24-year-old Crystal Hee was identified as a suspect and police say she was arrested on Tuesday (Jan. 17). 

Hee is facing the following charges: 

Fort Saskatchewan RCMP has found the remains of a missing man. 

On Jan. 9, police received a report of a missing person. 50-year-old Trent Milligan was last seen in July of 2022.

Milligan's remains were found by police during a search of a rural area in April of 2023. His identity has been confirmed through DNA testing.

An investigation into Milligan's disappearance is still ongoing.

The Alberta government is now accepting applications for their inflation affordability payments. 

The portals to apply opened up on Wednesday (Jan. 18) morning and will allow eligible Albertans to apply for the cash. 

Payments of $600, spread out over six months in $100 installments, are being offered to Alberta families and seniors to help deal with rising inflation costs. 

Families could receive $600 for every child under 18 and senior that lives in the household. 

When it comes to agriculture a number of outside influences from weather to politics, can have a major impact on your operation.

In the last couple of years, supply chain challenges have had a major impact on everything including agriculture.

Another key factor right now is the Russia/Ukraine war.

Geopolitical economist Peter Zeihan says we're in a situation where the world's number one wheat exporter is deliberately destroying the fifth largest wheat exporter.