Province announces funding boost for Fort Sask, Strathcona County transit
Local transit systems are getting a boost.
On Wednesday (Apr.13), Alberta’s government committed $79.5-million to support municipalities’ transit systems. This funding falls under a new program called Alberta Relief for Shortfalls for Transit Operators (RESTOR), which will provide a top-up to assist municipalities feeling the financial pinch from low ridership over the last two years.
Record $70-million lottery ticket sold in Alberta
On Apr. 1, a record-setting Lotto Max ticket worth $70-million was sold in Alberta.
And the winner is... someone from Saskatchewan!
The Western Canada Lottery Corporation (WCLC) has confirmed that the winning ticket was sold somewhere outside of Calgary and Edmonton and matched all seven numbers for the $70-million jackpot – 7, 10, 18, 29, 38, 43, and 50.
Suspects caught by police after getting stuck in the snow
The Redwater RCMP unconventionally caught a couple of suspects last month.
In early March, a report came in about two suspicious men in a red Honda CRV trespassing on a rural property near Township Road 581 and Highway 28. When the men noticed the homeowner, they tried to reverse out of the driveway but got stuck in the snow.
They then went up to the homeowner and said they were lost and looking for directions to Bon Accord.
Strathcona County recognizes professionals who answer 9-1-1 calls
Apr. 10 – 16 is National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, and Strathcona County is taking some time to recognize the people on the other end of 9-1-1 calls.
Satina Koscielny is the supervisor of the municipal operational communications centre in Strathcona County. Originally from Manitoba, she got into the field after a friend told her about a job opening.
RCMP release information on Brant Hotel robbery: looking for witnesses, suspect vehicle
Police have released information on an armed robbery in Fort Saskatchewan.
Around 9:01 p.m. on Wednesday (Apr. 13), an unknown man entered the lounge of the Brant Hotel, fired a black shotgun and demanded cash. He left with an unknown amount of money before shooting the gun a second time and then fleeing in a grey Honda sedan.
One man was hurt and taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. He has since been released. Witnesses say he was a patron at the bar.
Cold weather delays street sweeping in Strathcona County
The cold weather has pushed back street sweeping in Strathcona County.
Originally, it was supposed to begin this week. However, because of the weather, it's been delayed and will now begin on Monday (Apr. 18).
Signs will be posted at least 24 hours before sweepers begin working in each neighbourhood.
The county asks residents to sweep their driveways in advance, clear the roads of obstacles like curb ramps and remove vehicles. Failure to do so can result in a fine and the vehicle being towed.
Canadian troops heading to Poland to help Ukrainian refugees
Members of the Canadian Armed Forces are set to depart from an Ontario military base today to help with the care, co-ordination and resettlement of Ukrainian refugees in Poland.
Defence Minister Anita Anand is expected to announce and oversee the deployment from Canadian Forces Base Trenton this morning after a reconnaissance team visited Poland last week to plan for the mission.
'It happened so fast' eyewitnesses recall shotgun-wielding robbery at Brant Hotel
Two patrons recounted an armed robbery at the Brant Hotel on Wednesday night (Apr. 13)
Justin Olson and Dexter Mckale were playing pool and finishing their drinks when the incident started to unravel.
"We had spent our last loonie on pool and the next you know 'boom' just a big shot," said Olson.
Olson recounted the shot initially sounding like a loud party popper.
"One shot went off. I saw a guy behind the bar with a shotgun screaming at everyone."
Ten months on, investigation continues into St. Jean Baptiste Parish fire
Police are continuing to investigate a Morinville fire.
In the early morning hours of June 30, 2021, a fire broke out at the historic St. Jean Baptiste Parish in Morinville, rendering the building a complete loss. The fire was deemed suspicious at the time.
The Morinville RCMP confirmed on Tuesday (Apr. 12) that they are still investigating the blaze.
Man allegedly shot with shotgun in Brant Hotel
A man has been taken to hospital after allegedly getting shot at the Brant Hotel.
On Wednesday night (Apr. 13), an eyewitness says a man stormed into the bar with a shotgun, shot at the ceiling and shot toward a man's head. The witness said a suspect was trying to rob the downtown Fort Saskatchewan bar.
The victim, which was a patron at the bar, was taken by ambulance to the hospital.
The Fort Saskatchewan RCMP and emergency services responded to the incident.