Lacombe

Signs that underlying inflation was picking up in April put the Bank of Canada in a tricky position ahead of its June interest rate decision, with some economists arguing a second straight pause is now more likely.

"It is going to make it a much more challenging backdrop for the Bank of Canada to continue cutting rates, at least in the near term," said Benjamin Reitzes, managing director of Canadian rates and macro strategist at BMO Capital Markets.

The Ponoka Lions Club is inviting the community to lace up their walking shoes for a cause that changes lives. The annual Walk for Dog Guides is set for Sunday, May 25, beginning at 1 p.m. at the Lions Clubhouse, located beside the off-leash dog park. 

The fundraiser supports the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides, a national organization that breeds, trains, and places service dogs with Canadians living with disabilities. These dogs are provided at no cost to recipients, thanks to events like the annual walk. 

A spring survey to gauge consumer opinions about food pricing, buying habits and values found affordability the top concern

Whether people throw steaks or hot dogs on the barbecue this summer could reflect how they feel about their food spending.

A new report from the Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University found increasing anxiety about food affordability compared to last fall.

This past Saturday (May 17) was recognized as the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.

The day serves as a reminder that those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, Two-Spirit or non-binary continue to face significant disparities — including negative mental health impacts, unemployment, homelessness, harassment and bullying.

They are often victims of violence simply for being themselves.

Deferred grazing, a practice that involves delaying livestock grazing until after key growing seasons, is a valuable strategy for preserving and enhancing native prairie ecosystems. Unlike continuous or early-season grazing, deferred grazing allows native grasses and forbs the opportunity to complete their life cycles, set seed, and recover from previous disturbances. This approach brings a range of environmental, ecological, and even economic benefits that support both sustainable ranching and grassland conservation. 

Canada needs flexible, farmer-driven standards to guide regenerative agriculture, experts say

With producer and policy interest in regenerative agriculture growing across Canada, policymakers and industry leaders are debating how to standardize the concept without undermining its core principles or grassroots appeal.

Questions around standardization and regulation were front and centre during an April 30 webinar hosted by the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute.

Approximately 50 school bus drivers from across Central Alberta will put their skills to the test this Saturday, during the annual Local School Bus Road-eo, which will be held at St. Joseph High School.

Competitors from Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools, Chinook’s Edge School Division, Wolf Creek Public Schools and Prairie Bus Lines will be put through their paces while navigating an obstacle course designed to test the skills it takes to be a successful school bus driver. 

Alberta's latest crop report shows seeding of major crops is significantly ahead of historical averages. Manglai, product coordinator with Alberta Financial Services Corporation, who helps compile the report, says seeding is now at 47 per cent, well above the five-year average of 26 per cent and the ten-year average of 29 per cent.

Breaking down the regional analysis, the South region leads with 76 per cent of seeding completed, followed by the Central region at 51 per cent  the Northeast at 37 per cent, the Northwest at 29 per cent, and the Peace region at 27 per cent.

The Manitoba government has announced a $1 million partnership to enhance veterinary care services in northern and remote communities, which will include mobile spay and neuter services. Agriculture Minister Ron Kostitsyn emphasized that this funding is a step in the right direction to ensure every animal receives timely and compassionate care.

Lacombe residents are getting help from the city with spring cleaning.

Over the next two weeks, city staff will travel across Lacombe, collecting household garbage and yard waste that cannot be placed in regular garbage bins.

To prepare, place all items for disposal in front of your property. Items must be placed by 7 a.m. when your neighbourhood is scheduled for pick-up.