Alberta’s plan to move a massive number of oil tanker cars by rail could potentially congest the flow of grain, say transportation experts, but they caution that any impact won’t fully be known until the additional trains are running. The plan would see the province move two train units shipping 120,000 barrels of oil every […] Read more
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Alta. municipalities focus on well reclamation, cougars
Addressing predatory cougars, ensuring reclamation of oil and gas wells, enabling high-speed internet, and improving wetland restoration will all be part of the Rural Municipalities of Alberta’s advocacy efforts as it heads into 2019. Representatives of the organization passed all 24 resolutions during its recent fall convention in Edmonton. Here are some of the key […] Read more
Notley continues push for oil pipelines
Rural Alberta still recovering from the crash in the oil sector, but price discounting continues to take a toll on industry
Pushing for pipeline expansion and upgrading oil remain top priorities for Alberta Premier Rachel Notley as the province continues to be hammered by steep discounts to energy prices. Speaking to municipal officials at the Rural Municipalities of Alberta fall convention in Edmonton, Notley again emphasized her support for pipeline expansion as the Canadian economy continues […] Read more
Alberta residents fight to clean up lake
The northeastern Alberta lake is plagued by an algae-bloom that has been blamed on human activity, including farming
BONNYVILLE, Alta. — Efforts are heating up to deal with persistently re-appearing cases of scummy blue-green algae bloom on a popular lake in northeastern Alberta. The Moose Lake watershed is home to farmers, ranchers and other residents. Human activities are affecting the lake, which includes direct dumping, the clearing of riparian areas, fertilizing lawns, leaky […] Read moreAlta. graziers called safe in plan for new park
Province to increase enforcement efforts as more users are expected to use the proposed Bighorn Country park
The Alberta government is looking to get feedback on a proposed park plan for an area known as Bighorn Country, a massive piece of land in the southwestern and west-central part of the foothills and Rockies. The proposal, which primarily affects Clearwater and Brazeau counties, includes establishing Bighorn Wildland Provincial Park and creating three new […] Read moreAlta. spud growers say no to refundable checkoff
Alberta potato farmers are expected to soon no longer get refunds for checkoffs they provide to their crop commission. In a November plebisite of Potato Growers of Alberta, a majority voted in favour of making service charges non-refundable. Of the 68 votes cast, 56 (82.3 percent) were in favour of non-refundable service charges while 12 […] Read more
Rural crime rate drops in Alberta
Cases of rural property crime have decreased in Alberta since the province partnered with the RCMP to establish new units to tackle the issue. Following her speech to rural representatives at the Rural Municipalities of Alberta fall convention, Justice Minister and Solicitor General Kathleen Ganley said property crime across rural Alberta has dropped by 11 […] Read more
Renewed grazing lease plan hits roadblock
Political will for updating the framework wanes as province enters election cycle, says Alberta Beef Producers chair
IRON RIVER, Alta. — Producer organizations pushing to rejig Alberta’s grazing lease framework say it has reached a roadblock, though the issue could regain traction after next year’s provincial election. Following an Alberta Beef Producers meeting in Iron River in late October, board chair Charlie Christie said the window of opportunity for updating the grazing […] Read more
New antibiotic regulations challenge lamb producers
LEDUC, Alta. — Many Alberta lamb producers are raising concerns over upcoming changes to antibiotic rules, arguing the potential lack of veterinarians willing to work on sheep could make business more challenging. While solutions have been offered to try and ease concerns, farmers are still worried the changes could mean added costs. As well, some […] Read more
Kenney proposes Peace land auction
United Conservative Party leader Jason Kenney says he is seriously looking at the idea of auctioning off more crown land in Alberta’s north Peace country for farming if he were to become premier. Following a question and answer period at the Rural Municipalities of Alberta fall convention in Edmonton Nov. 21, Kenney said the idea […] Read more
