Lacombe

Some outdoorsy Canadians are planning to build their tents with elbows up this summer as the season unofficially kicks off this long weekend.

Sally Turner says she and her husband plan to do their camping, canoeing and biking this year in Canadian national parks, including at Jasper National Park this weekend, because of the U.S. trade war and U.S. President Donald Trump's calls to make Canada a 51st state.

"I have, in the past, camped in the United States, but that's not going to happen in the near future," Turner said while shopping for camping gear in Edmonton.

Severe thunderstorms need rising air, and to get that you need heat, or rather, you need a large difference in temperature between two areas.

Many people associate thunderstorms with a very hot day, but just having one of those does not mean that there is a large difference in temperature.

To get thunderstorms on a hot day, you need to have cool air aloft.

Initiatives in Saskatchewan and Alberta recognize some of the country’s most extensive and unique remaining prairie ecosystems.

There’s a new focus on protecting biodiversity in native prairie grasslands in southwestern Saskatchewan and southeastern Alberta.

It’s coming in the form of new “key biodiversity area” designations, denoting they’re home to species at risk in this rapidly vanishing landscape.

Stettler County has lifted its fire ban; however, a fire restriction remains in effect.

No new fire permits will be issued and the burning of windrows and brush piles is prohibited.

The fire restriction allows for the essential use of the following:

• Burn barrels and backyard fire pits that are:

  • Contained by non-combustible material

  • Covered with a metal mesh screen with openings no larger than 13 millimetres

Also permitted are:

• Portable propane fire pits

The Town of Ponoka 2025 combined assessment and property tax notices have been mailed or emailed to all property owners in Ponoka this week. Please check your mailbox or email inbox.

Citizens have until July 31, to pay property taxes without penalty.

The 2025 tax rate bylaw, which was passed by town council this week, sets municipal property taxes based on the revenue required to fund town services approved in the 2025 Town of Ponoka Budget.

Saskatchewan's Weekly Crop Report shows 49 per cent of the provincial crop has been seeded, that's up from 31 per cent last week and well ahead of the five-year average of 32 percent.

Crops Extension Specialist Meghan Rosso says pulse crops continue to lead in seeding progress with 78 per cent of field peas seeded, 71 per cent of lentils and 65 per cent of chickpeas now in. 

Dealing with a fire on your farm can be both dangerous and devastating. Fortunately, there are things you can do to reduce the risk of fires.

Improper use of burn barrels can easily start fires. People often contribute to the risk of fire by not using proper screens on burn barrels or clearing the grass around the barrel itself.

Are you ready to ignite your career in Canada's dynamic energy sector? The inaugural Nisku Energy Show, taking place May 14th and 15th at the Silent Ice Sports & Entertainment Center in Nisku, AB, is your launchpad. Hosted by The Leduc Nisku Wetaskiwin Region of Commerce, this two-day event is a vital hub for local innovation and collaboration, bringing together leaders from across the energy landscape to showcase the expertise and advancements shaping Alberta’s future.

Red Deer County has lifted their fire restriction.

Those interested in obtaining permits can visit the county website. You will need to login or register an account if new. 

A reminder that a fire permit is required for all open fires year-round, except for safe acceptable residential fire pits within Red Deer County.