FortSask

As the United Kingdom mourns a beloved queen, the nation is already wondering how King Charles III will reign and whether his monarchy will depart from the traditions of his mother.

If his first full day on the throne is any indication, Charles seemed ready to chart at least a slightly different course.

Fort Saskatchewan RCMP is investigating a recent string of fires that have been popping up in the area. 

Police say the first fire happened on Aug. 14 when they were called to a suspected arson of a building on 104 Street and 99 Avenue. That fire destroyed two businesses. 

They then responded to reports of an outhouse that was burned to the ground at RCMP Park on Aug. 23. That same day, a garbage can at a strip mall was set on fire. 

More recently, crews were called to another structure fire at the Historic Site on 100 Avenue and 100 Street. 

The community of Fort Saskatchewan continues to remember Queen Elizabeth II’s 1978 visit. 

The revered Queen passed away on Wednesday (Sept. 8) at the age of 96 after a 70-year reign. 

Deb Galloway, 64, was at the event. Her father, Peter T. Ream had the honour of presenting Her Majesty with his book The Fort on the Saskatchewan. 

The Morinville RCMP is looking for witnesses to a dangerous driving incident that occurred on August 27. 

Details surrounding the incident have been vague. 

What is known is that police were called to a disturbance at the Fable Gardens Hall around 11 p.m. that night.

RCMP say that there was a small group of teenagers or young adults that may have witnessed the dangerous driver leaving a parking lot adjacent to Fable Gardens. Police would like to talk to these people to see if they can help to identify the vehicle or driver.

There were hugs, tears and calls for change Thursday as Indigenous leaders gathered on the James Smith Cree Nation — a Saskatchewan community struck by a deadly mass stabbing.

Darryl Burns, whose sister was killed in the attacks Sunday, hugged Skye Sanderson, the wife of Damien Sanderson, a suspect found dead the day after the killings.

"Our family is here to forgive," Burns said. 

Forgiveness has been important to Indigenous people long before colonization, Burns added.

As momentous as the death of Queen Elizabeth II may be after her 70 years on the throne, it's pretty much business as usual in terms of Canada's governance.

The monarch remains the constitutional head of state in this country, no matter who is filling the role at any given time, says Philippe Lagassé, an associate professor of international affairs at Carleton University and an expert on the role of the Crown in the Westminster system of government.

Statistics Canada says total stocks for most crops were down as of July 31st compared with the same period one year earlier. Lower stocks were largely the result of lower total supply for the 2021/2022 crop year, which was because of low production in 2021 caused by drought in Western Canada. 

Jon Driedger is vice-president with LeftField Commodity Research.

Canadians are used to seeing Queen Elizabeth II on our money.

But this could change following the death of the longest-serving British monarch and Canadian head of state.

However, the Bank of Canada, which produces Canada's paper bills, says changes likely won't be seen immediately. 

It says the current $20 bank note, which features the Queen, is intended to circulate for years to come.

The central bank says there is no legislative requirement to change the design within a prescribed period when the monarch changes.

A Sherwood Park restaurant was ordered to close by Alberta Health Services (AHS). 

On Sept.2, an executive officer with AHS inspected Golden 88 and found 18 violations including evidence of a mouse infestation.

“Mouse droppings observed throughout the facility, including the floors, on various shelf surfaces, in food storage areas, on equipment, and within storage containers,” says a report from AHS.

Dead mice were also found in traps.

According to AHS, other issues included flies in the food preparation area and poor sanitation throughout the kitchen. 

Locals are mourning the passing of Queen Elizabeth II at the age of 96. 

Gale Katchur, mayor of Fort Saskatchewan passed on her condolences. 

“We have our deepest condolences for the Royal Family and everyone around the world,” said Katchur. “It’s a very sad day, we have already lowered our flags and will be following proper protocol.” 

Strathcona County mayor, Rod Frank, also put out a statement regarding the matter.