The Rural Alberta Report
June 13, 2025
Local News
Porter Lane (Red) races to victory in the second heat against Bob Leach and Janine Kobi during Alberta Professional Chuckwagon and Chariot Association action.
Buffalo Lake Stampede
Rodeo fans gathered for the Buffalo Lake Stampede in Bashaw June 12 to 15 courtesy of the Bashaw and District Ag Society. Guests were treated to a weekend of fun in the sun featuring plenty of western events. Featured were APCCA Chuckwagon and Chariot races, heavy horse pulls and kids' sheep scramble. The youngsters were also happy to see the Kid Zone – fun for all ages, plus there was the barrel racing jackpot that was free for all guests to watch. The weekend also featured the annual pancake breakfast and Cabaret Friday and Saturday nights.
Hanna council hears problematic road gets repairs
Stu Salkeld
The Town of Hanna council heard that a problematic road which spurred business owner complaints is getting repairs and surfacing this summer. The report was made at the June 10 regular meeting of council.
Director of Public Works Brent Olesen reported that South Municipal Road was currently seeing repairs and upgrades that very week, and over the next few weeks should expect a chip seal surfacing.
Town of Hanna Director of Public Works Brent Olesen (far
left) reports on the problematic South Municipal Road during the June
10 council meeting. Middle is CAO Matthew Norburn and far right is
Mayor Danny Povaschuk. Rural Alberta Report/Screenshot
Town of Bashaw answers ag society questions over arena
Stu Salkeld
The Town of Bashaw council heard that the local ag society may be involved in plans to have user groups take over management of the community ice arena. The discussion was held at the June 4 regular meeting of council.
Included in the agenda was a draft financial model for user groups to manage the ice arena; Bashaw town council has been talking to the minor hockey and figure skating clubs for months about those groups taking over responsibility for running the arena.
Rural Alberta Report/Screenshot Google Maps
Town of Bashaw hears municipal office closing for computer work
Stu Salkeld
The Town of Bashaw council heard that the municipal office will be closed to the public for a few days in mid-June for computer upgrades. The report was made at the June 4 regular meeting of council.
During Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Theresa Fuller’s regular report it was noted the town office was scheduled to be closed June 16 to 20 for software conversion. During budget deliberations at a previous meeting Fuller noted existing financial software was elderly and somewhat expensive.
Photo: Bashaw town office - Stu Salkeld
Fatal Collision Closes Highway 12 Near Castor
A serious two-vehicle collision shut down Highway 12 west of Castor on June 11, claiming the life of a 79-year-old Red Deer man.
Coronation RCMP say a truck travelling eastbound crossed the centre line and collided head-on with an SUV. The SUV’s driver was pronounced dead at the scene, while his female passenger and the male truck driver were airlifted by STARS with serious injuries.
Highway 12 was closed for several hours between Castor and Township Road 380 as emergency crews responded and investigators examined the scene. RCMP say the investigation is ongoing.
“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased,” Alberta RCMP said in a statement.
County of Stettler - Fire ban lifted, fire restriction in place
As a result of the Current weather conditions the County of Stettler is lifting the Fire Ban. A FIRE RESTRICTION will remain in effect at 10:00 AM June 6, 2025.
The new vegetation growth has helped to reduce the fire hazard in our area. The current weather forecast does not indicate any additional significant precipitation in the upcoming weeks and the fuel moisture content can fluctuate over a short period of time, therefore A FIRE RESTRICTION will remain.
There are restrictions on burning during this time. Please consider the following:
- No NEW PERMITS will be issued. Burning of windrows and any brush piles is prohibited.
- ALLOWS ESSENTIAL BURNING in burning barrels that are constructed of non-combustible material that have a tight-fitting metal mesh screen with openings not larger than 13 mm.
- ALLOWS backyard fire pits, and safe wood campfires contained by non-combustible material with a metal mesh screen with openings no larger than 13 mm. Portable propane fire pits, gas or propane stoves and barbecues.
Conditions will be monitored. We will update the public on any changes
Off-highway vehicles and farming equipment can start wildfires - INSPECT YOUR EQUIPMENT frequently to ensure hot spots are free of debris, and make sure mufflers and spark arrestors are working properly.
This FIRE RESTRICTION does not apply to:
- Fires, which are contained within cooking and heating appliances, and which are fueled by propane, natural gas or wood pellets
- Fires contained within industrial facilities for operational purposes
- Approved Gas/Propane fueled fire pits/stoves/barbecues
- Catalytic or infrared-style heaters
Conditions will be monitored. We will update the public on any changes.
This FIRE RESTRICTION will remain in effect until further notice.
For more information contact SRFD at 403-742-4441 or visit www.albertafirebans.ca
Happy Fathers Day: Sonora Smart Dodd of Spokane, Washington, is credited with starting the movement to create a Father's Day. Inspired by Mother's Day, she wanted to honor her father, a Civil War veteran and widower who raised their six children.
Mark your calendar - local events and happenings
The RCMP’s Musical Ride saddles up to tour across Alberta this summer. See the Musical Ride full tour schedule here.
Alberta News
Alberta pharmacist’s registration cancelled for unprofessional conduct
Media Release - Alberta College of Pharmacy
The Tribunal found that while practising as a pharmacist in Red Deer, Tweedy had diverted drugs (including amphetamines and hypnotics) by creating false pharmacy records (including prescriptions, dispensing transaction records, and a patient profile), filled prescriptions and diverted them for personal use, and submitted false third-party insurer claims. Tweedy also failed to cooperate with the ACP investigation, resulting in an additional finding of unprofessional conduct.
- Tweedy’s registration with ACP be cancelled (Note: Tweedy last practised on May 4, 2024, and he has not held an active practice permit since May 21, 2024, when his practice permit was suspended by ACP);
- a $10,000 fine to be paid within 90 days;
- Tweedy is prohibited from serving as a pharmacy licensee, proprietor, or owner for 10 years; and
- Tweedy to pay 100 per cent of the costs of the investigation and hearing, with a total of $28,640.
RCMP encourages motorists, pedestrians and cyclists to plan ahead as Kananaskis G7 Summit nears
Press Release - RCMP Alberta
As the 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit approaches, the RCMP Integrated Safety and Security Group (ISSG) is encouraging locals and visitors travelling around Kananaskis to plan ahead and familiarize themselves with official updates on the Controlled Access Zone, road and trail closures, and alternative routes. Information is readily available on the RCMP’s Integrated Safety and Security Group website and AlbertaParks.ca/Advisories.
Wait times expected in Controlled Access Zone
The Controlled Access Zone (CAZ) has been established around key Summit venues until June 18, 2025. There will be a heavy security presence to ensure only authorized personnel, residents, and businesses can access the CAZ.
Source: Unsplash Nic Amaya
Backyard Astronomy - Full Moon Names
Submitted: By Gary Boyle - The Backyard Astronomer
The moon is by far the most observed object in the sky. Whether spotted during the day when mostly fully illuminated or gazed upon at night, our natural satellite amazes us. For centuries the moon has been portrayed in works of literature, paintings and songs. There are even ancient artifacts of a flat piece of animal bone with notches etched into it. The cave dweller at the time was recording the ever-changing lunar phases.
Because of its 29.5-day rotation around the earth from full phase to the next full phase, we see a slightly different face each night. This is the best time to examine the lunar terrain with a telescope as long shadows drape across the terminator – the dividing line between the lit and unlit side of the moon.
Submitted: Gary Boyle - The Backyard Astronomer
Officer-involved shooting causing injury in Calgary
Media Release: ASIRT: Update
On June 6, the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) was directed to investigate an officer-involved shooting that occurred in the Manchester industrial area of southeast Calgary.
At 12:15 a.m.*, two plain clothed Calgary Police Service (CPS) officers were travelling in an unmarked vehicle when they passed by a civilian vehicle occupied by numerous people. One of the passengers displayed a handgun to the officers.
The unmarked police vehicle then followed the civilian vehicle into the Manchester area of Calgary at which time a traffic stop was conducted with backup units. When the civilian vehicle stopped a passenger opened his back door and ran from the civilian vehicle. The other occupants stayed in the vehicle and followed police commands.
Two uniformed CPS officers in a marked vehicle drove towards where the man was last observed running into an area of buildings, approximately 300 metres from the site of the traffic stop. The officers located the man and exited their vehicle. One officer had a handgun and the other a shotgun. The officer with the handgun discharged their weapon at the man and hit him with multiple shots. The two officers were joined by other CPS officers who provided medical attention until the man was transported to Foothills Hospital. A 3D-printed firearm with .22 caliber rounds was found in possession of the man after he was hit by the officer’s gunfire.
One CPS officer has been designated as a subject officer and ASIRT will examine the lawfulness of the use of force. All attending officers, including the plain clothed officers were wearing body worn cameras which were activated. This footage, as well as footage from CPS’s helicopter HAWCS, has been provided to ASIRT.
As this matter is now under investigation no further information will be released until the conclusion of the matter.
Source: ASIRT -3D printed firearm found in possession of the man
Canadian News
Fewer fields, higher prices: The challenge facing Canadian agriculture
KCJ Media Group Ltd.
Canada’s farmland is under growing pressure from urban expansion and steeply rising rental rates, squeezing farmers and threatening the nation’s agricultural base. With fewer acres available and some left unused, experts highlight that farmland represents only about 7% of Canada’s land mass, making it increasingly critical to safeguard what's left to maintain food production and rural livelihoods. AlbertaFarmerExpress.com
Source: Unsplash Ant Rozetsky
Ontario's bovine wedding a hit
Love was in the air—and hay bales—at Udderly Ridiculous Farm Life in Bright, Ontario, where two mini Highland cows, Muriel and Rhett, tied the knot in front of a paying audience. Muriel sashayed down the aisle in a floral crown, while Rhett rocked a kilt (briefly) before proving he’s not one for tradition.
Sure, it sounds like a moo-ving rom-com spoof, but with $95 tickets selling out faster than you can say "I moo," this cow wedding is a prime example of how quirky events can milk serious revenue from the staycation crowd. CBC News
Source: Unsplash - Stacey Martin
Canada’s job market softens as unemployment hits nine-year high
KCJ Media Group Ltd.
In May 2025, Canada’s unemployment rate rose to 7.0%, the highest since September 2016, with roughly 1.6 million people without jobs. Employment barely budged—only 8,800 positions added—as full-time gains were offset by declines in part-time and public sector work, while private-sector hiring showed modest strength . Job hunting is taking longer (average duration now 21.8 weeks vs. 18.4 a year ago), and youth—especially students—are struggling, with student unemployment hitting around 20%. Wage growth holds steady at about 3.4%. Sluggish hiring amid population growth suggests softer demand rather than a wave of layoffs. CBC News
Another startup lost: Canada’s struggle to grow its own giants
Cheryl Bowman
One of Canada’s most promising tech startups is winding down after failing to secure further funding, in a move that underscores the country’s ongoing struggle to scale homegrown innovation.
Toronto-based chipmaker Untether AI has agreed to an “acqui-hire” deal with U.S. tech giant Advanced Micro Devices, transferring its staff but not its intellectual property or products.
The deal, reportedly worth around $100 million, follows a year in which the company—despite strong performance benchmarks—could not raise new capital.
Industry watchers say Untether’s closure highlights a persistent weakness in Canada’s startup ecosystem: early success, but limited long-term support.
More than 95 per cent of Canadian startups land seed funding, but fewer than nine per cent reach a second round—the lowest among peer countries.
With a cautious investment climate and a lack of large-scale venture capital, Canadian firms continue to be absorbed by U.S. players rather than growing into global contenders at home.
World News
Agri- and biosecurity under scrutiny as multiple smuggling cases surface
KCJ Media Group Ltd.
U.S. officials recently charged Chinese researchers Yunqing Jian and Zunyong Liu with smuggling Fusarium graminearum—a crop-affecting fungus—into the U.S. in July 2024, allegedly to conduct research at the University of Michigan. Prosecutors branded the fungus a potential agroterrorism threat and cited communications suggesting intent and Chinese government funding. Reuters
Shortly thereafter, authorities arrested a separate researcher from Huazhong University of Science and Technology returning from Wuhan, accusing her of importing biological material linked to roundworms without the proper permits Though deemed low-risk by experts—since the fungus is already endemic and controlled via standard crop protection methods—officials are spotlighting these cases as indicators of escalating biosecurity and national security concerns. AP News
Source: Unsplash Polina Rytova
Did you know?
According to Malwarebytes 78 per cent of people encounter a scam at least once a week, with scams most frequently arriving through emails (65%), phone calls, voice mails (53%), and text messages (50%).
Extortion scams continue to be a serious threat, yet only 10 per cent of people have a “safe word” in place to protect against kidnapping or extortion attempts. The rising number of cases highlights just how easy it is to fall victim to these scams. Read the full report here.
We’re sharing this for your information only—it should not be taken as an endorsement of the product.
Source: Unsplash Adrian Swancar