FortSask

Bon Accord is saying goodbye to a relic of the past.  

The town's remaining payphone is to be removed due to a lack of usage. The payphone is located at the former Moonlight Hotel, now home to the Winchester Tavern and Golden City Bistro. 

“Maybe sad for some and not so much for others, Bon Accord’s last payphone will be hanging up forever,” said mayor Brian Holden.  

Alberta’s government has officially scrapped the provincial fuel tax, meaning Albertans will be saving 13 cents per litre when they fill up at the pumps. The measure is in effect until at least June 30. 

The government will consider the future of the tax based on a sliding scale of the West Texas Intermediate crude price. 

“Alberta’s government is pleased to implement a measure that will provide real economic relief to Alberta families and businesses alike,” said premier Jason Kenney. 

Six new proposals have been given the go-ahead to explore how carbon storage hubs can reduce emissions in Alberta's industrial heartland.

Companies will be invited to work with the province to evaluate the suitability of each location for safely storing industrial carbon emissions. 

A local fire department is doing its part to help Ukraine.

Lamont County regional fire chief Shayne Milliken delivered a pallet of gear, including around 20 sets of bunker gear, 10 pairs of boots, 10 helmets, five nozzles, and other equipment that will be flown to Ukraine and used for protection and safety. 

In the past, the county has collaborated with Firefighter Aid Ukraine, a non-profit organization founded by Edmonton Fire Rescue Services fire investigator Kevin Royle, to donate a significant amount of equipment for use in Ukraine. 

Pope Francis has apologized for the Roman Catholic Church's role in residential schools.

The Pontiff, speaking in Italian, asked for God's forgiveness for the deplorable conduct of members of the Catholic Church.

"I want to say to you with all my heart: I am very sorry," Francis said, during a final meeting with First Nations, Inuit and Métis delegates at the Vatican.

"And I join my brothers, the Canadian bishops in asking your pardon."

Francis also said he will come to Canada.

The national price on pollution will go up another $10 per tonne of greenhouse gas emissions as scheduled today in most provinces.

Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault is withstanding political pressure to delay or cancel the increase as fuel prices surge due mainly to the Russian invasion in Ukraine.

Guilbeault says the government is not going to stall or move backward on its climate action plan, of which the carbon price is seen as a "cornerstone" policy.

Vaccinated travellers can enter Canada without a COVID-19 test beginning today. 

The change will spark a surge in travel bookings both into and out of the country, according to the Tourism Industry Association of Canada, although it's not likely to reach pre-pandemic levels yet. 

People could still be randomly tested when they arrive and Health Canada requires anyone coming from outside the country to wear a mask in public for 14 days. 

An Edmonton man faces several charges related to a sexual exploitation case in a nearby community. 

St. Albert RCMP began the investigation in late February after receiving information that a minor had been sexually exploited by a teacher.  

As a result, 28-year-old Bryce Hughes of Edmonton was charged with: 

You may have noticed a change in the smell of your tap water recently. 

As the snow melts and flows into the North Saskatchewan River, it brings large amounts of sediment, decomposing vegetation, and other materials washed off the land and into the stream. 

The annual event can give the water a musty smell due to the organic materials. 

Albertans could see some relief at the pumps come Friday (Apr.1) once the provincial gas tax is scrapped. 

Premier Jason Kenney announced the move earlier this month in response to rising gas prices. According to GasBuddy.com, the gas prices in Fort Saskatchewan are currently hovering at around $1.65 per litre. 

Once the tax is removed, it will drop fuel prices by 13 cents.