FortSask

The Town of Bruderheim has a big project on the way - a several million-dollar upgrade to their water reservoir system.

The money was given through the Alberta Municipal Water/Waste Water Partnership Program, which serves to provide cost-shared funding to help build municipal facilities for water supply and treatment.

"The total estimated cost of the project is $4.4 million, and the province is putting in $3 million, so the town will have to find $1.4 million," said Phyllis Forsyth, chief administrative officer with the town.

Indian authorities have started the process to have two Canadians extradited to face charges after four members of the same family froze to death in southern Manitoba while trying to cross into the United States, says a police officer.

Chaitanya Mandlik, deputy commissioner of police for Ahmedabad's crime branch in the state of Gujarat, said authorities are looking to send Vancouver residents Fenil Patel and Bitta Singh, who also goes by Bittu Paji, to face charges in India. 

Alberta issued a province-wide fire ban on May 5.

This ban only affects the Forest Protection Area (FPA) of Alberta. Cities, towns, villages, and National Parks are not covered by this fire ban. 

These jurisdictions have the authority to issue their own bans, with many already putting bans in place, such as Strathcona County, Sturgeon County, Lamont County, and Fort Saskatchewan. 

A Fort Saskatchewan hockey player was among the first players selected at the 2023 WHL Draft on Thursday (May 11) morning. 

Defender Keaton Verhoeff, a former U15 AAA Ranger, was selected fourth overall by the Victoria Royals, making him the second-highest pick in Royal's history. 

"The level of excitement is very high here," said J.F Best, the assistant GM and associate coach of the Royals. "We are thrilled to add Keaton." 

"First and foremost, he is an outstanding person, he's got a high character and a great work rate on the ice, off the ice." 

Several properties were damaged in the two wildfires that hit Strathcona County last week.

In total, 18 properties were damaged, including the loss of sheds, vehicles, yard equipment, fences, and vinyl siding damage.

There were no injuries or loss of homes in either fire.

Following the Alberta Emergency Alert notifications, almost 400 residents registered for evacuation, with 240 from the evacuation order zone and 141 individuals from the evacuation alert zone.

Downtown Fort Saskatchewan is a bit cleaner than it used to be. 

That is thanks to a clean-up event that was hosted by the City of Fort Saskatchewan on Tuesday (May 9). 

City employees were joined by residents and volunteers from Dow Canada and Voshell Architecture to help clean up litter in the downtown core. 

"We got a really good showing," said councillor Lisa Makin. "I would say there were 30 to 40 people there." 

"It was really awesome to see." 

A special weather statement has been issued for the region due to some unseasonably hot and dry conditions that are expected to hit the area starting this weekend. 

"A loft is going to sit over the area and bring really hot and dry weather," said Sarah Hoffman with Environment Canada.

Highs in the area on Saturday and Sunday will reach 27 C but will continue to climb heading into next week, plateauing at 32 C on Tuesday. 

Fall registration is now open for the Fort Sask Minor Football Assocation (FSMFA).

Lisa McAleer, the registrar with the FSMFA, says that the program is open to kids of many ages.

"Our minimum age is 4 turning 5 for our novice, and up to 15 years-old as long as they're in Grade 9 not going into Grade 10 this September."

The FSMFA also held a 'Falcons in Training' event at Taurus Field on Wednesday (May 10), to give kids a taste of what's to come from joining football.

Strathcona County has announced the recipients of its 2023 Awards of Excellence.

“The Strathcona County Awards of Excellence is the County’s opportunity to recognize extraordinary people, businesses and organizations for their contributions and positive impact on our community,” said county mayor Rod Frank.

Recipients include a local athlete who has run over 115 marathons, a two-time winner of the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal, and even a youth who showed leadership not only at his school but in the county as a whole.

Canadians who need their travel documents renewed before visiting far-off shores will soon be able to skip the line at the passport office, the immigration minister announced Wednesday.

Starting in the fall, Canadians with simple passport renewals will be able to apply online and upload the necessary documents and passport photo on a secure government website, Immigration Minister Sean Fraser said.