FortSask

It's that time of year again for Fort Saskatchewan's annual Toxic Waste Round-Up event.

One day every year, residents are able to drop off their hazardous waste and electronics for free at the Public Works Yard on 88 Avenue from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This year, the event will go on Sept. 24. 

From household chemicals like disinfectants, bleach, and pesticides, to items such as empty propane bottles and batteries, the safe disposal of hazardous waste helps reduce a carbon footprint and stay environmentally friendly.

The outlook for food and beverage processors remains positive amid economic conditions that have shifted from the start of the year, according to the Food and Beverage Report mid-year update from Farm Credit Canada (FCC).

Year-over-year sales growth is expected to slow in the second half of the year to six per cent from 12 per cent in the first half, finishing the year at nine per cent. 

Even though summer is over, construction is still going strong in Southfort.

Greenfield Way is receiving raised crosswalks, bumped-out intersections, and a speed limit reduction to 40 km/hr in residential areas.

This project has been discussed for several years. It was initiated by a group of residents concerned about increasing traffic volume, speed, and incidents of reckless driving.

“Our street is used as a racetrack, a bypass road, and a detour road to avoid the traffic lights on Southfort,” said resident Vance Mauger. 

The City of Merritt in British Columbia's Interior is launching a four-day work week pilot program in the hope of attracting, recruiting and retaining municipal workers.

The one-year trial, approved by council on Tuesday, will see city hall closed on Mondays, with operational hours extended Tuesday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., an extra hour and 45 minutes each day.

Sean Smith, Merritt’s chief administrative officer, said wages won't change but the city is hoping the compressed work week will allow it to compete with other jurisdictions for staff.

The last of Canada's COVID-19 border restrictions will disappear at the end of this month with the expiry of a cabinet order affecting mandatory vaccinations, testing and quarantine of international travellers.

That expiry also spells the end of insisting travellers use the ArriveCan app to input their vaccine status and test results, though the app will live on as an optional tool for customs and immigration.

A local jeweller put a lot of smiles on the faces of hockey players earlier this month. 

Legacy Jewellers, located in downtown Fort Saskatchewan, decided to donate $12,300 worth of jewellery to girls involved in minor hockey programs. 

Omar Bakali Tahiri, the owner of Legacy Jewellers, said that the donation came from a desire to support the community and encourage girls to participate in sports. 

If you see fire or smoke coming from the Scotford Shell Plant in the coming days, there is no need to worry. 

The plant put out a message on its Facebook page this afternoon (Sept. 22) that it will be conducting maintenance in the area. 

The work will cause more smoke than usual to come from the plant due to increased flaring. 

It is expected to last for the next 48 hours. 

People concerned with the operations of the plant can call 780-992-3600.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has agreed to let a cabinet order enforcing mandatory COVID-19 vaccination requirements at the Canadian border expire at the end of this month.

The news was confirmed by two senior government sources, who spoke to The Canadian Press on the condition they not be named because they were not authorized to speak publicly.

The federal government is still deciding whether to maintain the requirement for passengers to wear face masks on trains and airplanes.

The Canadian Safety Train Express reminding everyone: See Tracks? Think Train!

Sarah Mayes, National Director of Operation Lifesaver Canada says raising public awareness about the dangers of failing to comply with rail safety laws is critical to preventing rail-related deaths and injuries in communities.

Stats show that 100 or more people are killed or injured in Canada in crossing or trespassing incidents each year.

This year alone there have been 174 crossing/trespassing incidents in Canada.

Some basic rail safety tips to keep in mind:

If you've noticed a yellow bag delivered to your doorstep in the last few days, here's what to do with it.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is organizing the City-Wide Food Drive for the Fort Saskatchewan Food Bank this week.

Volunteers have already delivered yellow bags to all residences (excluding apartments). Residents are encouraged to fill these bags with non-perishable food items and to leave these filled bags outside their front doors before 10 a.m. on Saturday (Sept. 24). Volunteers will be by to pick up the bags.