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Unseasonable conditions raise concerns for residents, farmers and local infrastructure

Residents across the Two Hills region have been experiencing a stretch of weather that many are calling unusual—even unsettling.

From sudden temperature swings to unseasonal precipitation and shifting wind patterns, the past weeks have delivered conditions that feel increasingly unpredictable. What might once have been dismissed as a passing anomaly is now prompting broader conversations about changing weather norms and their impact on rural communities.

Local residents report sharp contrasts from one day to the next—calm, mild mornings giving way to strong winds or abrupt drops in temperature by evening. In some areas, moisture levels have also fluctuated in ways that are out of sync with typical seasonal expectations.

For farmers, the stakes are especially high.

Planting schedules, soil conditions and livestock management all depend on a level of seasonal consistency. When that rhythm is disrupted, even slightly, it can ripple across an entire operation. Fields that are too wet or too dry at the wrong time can delay planting, while temperature swings can stress both crops and animals.

“It’s not just one strange day—it’s the pattern,” one area producer noted. “You can’t plan the same way when things keep shifting.”

Beyond agriculture, the changing conditions are also affecting day-to-day life. Drivers are urged to remain cautious as road conditions can change quickly, particularly in early mornings and late evenings when temperatures fluctuate. Strong winds have also been noted in open areas, reducing visibility and increasing hazards for high-profile vehicles.

While weather variability is nothing new in Alberta, the intensity and frequency of these recent swings have caught attention.

Experts often point to broader climate trends as a contributing factor, noting that increased variability—not just warmer temperatures—is one of the most noticeable changes in recent years. This can mean more extreme shifts, less predictability and greater challenges for communities that rely heavily on the land.

For now, residents are doing what they’ve always done: adapting.

Layered clothing, flexible planning and a watchful eye on forecasts have become part of daily routine. But as these patterns continue, many are beginning to wonder whether this is the new normal.

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Alberta is making a strategic move to ensure the ideas born within its borders stay there—fueling local companies, jobs and long-term economic growth.

The province has announced the creation of a new Intellectual Property (IP) Office, designed to help Alberta innovators protect, manage and commercialize what they create. The initiative aims to close a long-standing gap in the innovation ecosystem, where too many homegrown ideas have historically been developed in Alberta but owned and monetized elsewhere.

“Alberta has world-class researchers, entrepreneurs and innovators, but too often we give our IP away to other jurisdictions,” said Nate Glubish, Minister of Technology and Innovation. “The Alberta IP Office will help ensure that when great ideas are developed here, the IP is created, protected and commercialized here.”

Operating under Alberta Innovates, the new office will act as a central hub for intellectual property expertise in the province. Its role will span the full IP lifecycle—from early-stage awareness and strategy to protection and commercialization—helping transform research breakthroughs into viable products, startups and growing companies.

The move comes as Alberta continues to build momentum in key sectors such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, energy transition, agriculture, health sciences and advanced materials. While the province has developed a strong reputation for research excellence, translating those innovations into economic returns has remained a challenge.

Michael Mahon, CEO of Alberta Innovates, said the new office is part of a broader effort to make Alberta a leading destination for building and scaling IP-rich companies.

“We look forward to engaging our community of post-secondary institutions, founders, investors and inventors to design and deliver a high-impact suite of resources,” Mahon said. “This is about strengthening the role of innovation in diversifying Alberta’s economy and improving quality of life.”

Industry voices have welcomed the announcement, noting the growing importance of intellectual property in a knowledge-driven global economy.

Jess Sinclair, director of government affairs for the Prairies with the Council of Canadian Innovators, said stronger IP policy is essential for long-term prosperity.

“Intellectual property like patents, trade secrets and data are increasingly valuable assets, especially in the AI age,” Sinclair said. “Ensuring those assets are developed and retained in Alberta is key to building competitive, domestic companies.”

The Alberta IP Office will be guided by a board of directors and supported by input from national and international IP experts. Its services will include province-wide IP intelligence, legal and strategic support, and tools to help innovators better understand and leverage their intellectual property.

The province has committed $8 million to establish and operate the office, which will work closely with entrepreneurs, researchers, post-secondary institutions and technology transfer organizations. It will also integrate IP strategy into public funding programs to strengthen outcomes across the innovation pipeline.

The stakes are significant. Globally, IP-intensive industries account for more than 40 per cent of both GDP and employment in the United States, underscoring the economic power of intangible assets. Yet in Canada, only a small fraction of businesses actively file patents, and more than 40 per cent of Canadian inventions are ultimately owned by foreign firms.

By addressing these gaps, Alberta is aiming to keep more of its innovation-driven wealth at home.

With the launch of the Alberta IP Office, the province is not just supporting innovation—it’s working to ensure that the value created from that innovation stays in Alberta, turning ideas into lasting economic opportunity.

For more information about Alberta Innovates, visit their website at albertainnovates.ca.

Information for this article was sourced from the Government of Alberta website.

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Alberta’s government is investing in a simple but powerful idea: that continuing care facilities should feel less like institutions and more like home.

With more than $7 million committed to improving living environments in 52 provincially funded continuing care homes, the province is aiming to enhance daily life for over 4,000 residents. The initiative focuses on creating warm, familiar spaces that support not just physical care, but emotional well-being and dignity as Albertans age.

“Where you live matters – especially as you age,” said Jason Nixon, Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services. “That’s why we’re making continuing care feel more like home, ensuring Alberta is not only the best place to live, work and raise a family, but also the best place to retire.”

The funding is being directed toward practical, quality-of-life improvements that transform clinical settings into more welcoming and personalized environments. These include features designed to support residents living with memory or cognitive challenges—such as murals and visual cues that help individuals navigate their surroundings and reduce anxiety.

Beyond physical upgrades, the initiative also focuses on strengthening connection and community. Residents will benefit from culturally meaningful meals inspired by their favourite foods and traditions, as well as opportunities to engage with younger generations through local programming. Technology is also being introduced to help residents stay connected with loved ones, while hands-on activities like gardening aim to foster a sense of purpose and belonging.

“Aging with dignity begins in places that truly feel like home,” said Toby Schneider, acting CEO of Assisted Living Alberta. “This funding supports the transformation of continuing care homes into environments where comfort, familiarity and connection are part of everyday life.”

Importantly, the improvements are being guided by input from residents and care staff, ensuring that each project reflects the unique needs and preferences of the people who live and work in these spaces.

The investment is part of a broader effort to expand and modernize Alberta’s continuing care system. The province is currently undertaking the largest expansion in its history, with billions of dollars planned over the next decade to build new spaces and meet growing demand.

Since 2019, more than $750 million has been invested to create over 3,000 continuing care spaces, with an additional $400 million allocated for shovel-ready projects. Today, Alberta has approximately 30,000 provincially subsidized continuing care spaces supported by more than 240 home and community care providers.

The need continues to grow. Alberta is currently home to about 865,000 seniors—a number expected to surpass one million within the next decade. Within 20 years, one in five Albertans will be over the age of 65, placing increasing importance on accessible, compassionate and community-focused care.

Through initiatives like this, the province is working to ensure that as demand rises, so too does the quality of life for those who call continuing care home.

For more information about continuing care in Alberta, visit the Government of Alberta website at www.alberta.ca/continuing-care-in-alberta.

Source: Government of Alberta press release
(Adapted and edited for publication by the Two Hills Chronicle)

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As global trade uncertainty continues to ripple across industries, Canada is turning to one of Alberta’s strongest economic assets—its tourism sector.

During National Tourism Week (April 20–24), the federal government announced more than $1.9 million in funding aimed at strengthening tourism experiences across the province. The investment, delivered through Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), will support eight projects designed to expand attractions, enhance cultural and heritage offerings, and improve accommodations.

The announcement was made in Edmonton by the Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister responsible for PrairiesCan, who emphasized the importance of tourism in building resilient local economies.

“Alberta has what the world is looking for,” the minister said, pointing to the province’s diverse landscapes and cultural experiences as key drivers of growth.

The funding comes at a time when economic pressures—including tariff-related uncertainty and shifting global trade conditions—are placing increased importance on sectors that can generate local jobs and long-term stability.

According to PrairiesCan, the projects will help create and sustain more than 50 jobs while encouraging year-round tourism spending. A particular focus is being placed on rural communities and off-peak travel periods, areas often overlooked in traditional tourism strategies.

By investing in both infrastructure and experience-based tourism, the federal government aims to position Alberta as a more competitive destination, not just during peak seasons but throughout the year.

Local businesses and non-profit organizations receiving support will be able to expand their offerings, attract new visitors, and contribute to stronger, more vibrant communities.

As Alberta continues to promote its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and hospitality, this latest investment signals a broader effort to ensure the province remains a top destination for both domestic and international travellers.

This article is based on a Government of Canada press release issued by Prairies Economic Development Canada. View the full release here.

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Municipal leadership shapes the foundations of daily life—often in ways we rarely see.

In this commentary, writer and engineer Greg Wilson argues that the growing strain on Canada’s aging water infrastructure points to a deeper issue: a disconnect between technical challenges and political priorities. As cities grapple with costly repairs and long-deferred maintenance, he makes the case for a different kind of leadership at city hall.

The following opinion piece was originally published by C2C Journal and is republished here with permission.

Beneath our feet lies an unseen network of water pipes and valves that we depend on every day.
Without this vast underground liquid highway our taps would run dry and our toilets wouldn't flush –society as we know it would soon screech to a halt.

This is no idle threat. In June 2024, Calgary's Bearspaw South Feeder Main that supplies up to 60 percent of the city's drinking water ruptured catastrophically – turning roads into rivers and parks into lakes. An immediate city-wide emergency followed, along with months of severe water restrictions. Then, less than two years later, the same pipe broke again.

There have been more than 600 failures of below-grade piping across North America in recent decades. Two months ago, a massive sewer pipe burst in Washington, D.C., pouring 300 million gallons of untreated human waste into the Potomac River, raising E. Coli levels to 12,000 times the recommended limit.

In 2019, the Canadian Infrastructure Report Card (CIRC) identified over 50,000 km of below-grade water piping and over 1,800 water and wastewater treatment facilities – approximately 30 percent of the country's entire water system – that were either "approaching the end of [their] service life" or "unfit for sustained service".

More recently Statistics Canada's Core Public Infrastructure Survey calculated that as of 2022, it would take $113 billion to bring all of Canada's potable, wastewater and storm water systems up to a uniform "good" level of repair. That year Canadian governments at all levels spent just $10 billion on infrastructure maintenance and repair, or less than 10 percent of the requirement.

The problems facing Canada's water systems are twofold. First is age: much of Canada's postwar infrastructure is now reaching the end of its expected lifespan. Second is inattention: Canada's underground networks aren't particularly interesting to most municipal politicians.

Elected officials generally consider building above-ground projects such as bike lanes, recreation centres, and rapid transit to be far more exciting than pipes no one will ever see. And they love the ribbon-cutting opportunities. The same goes for showboating political stunts like raising flags and making declarations about national or international politics. All these efforts distract local governments from their core responsibilities.

In Calgary, an expert panel report into the Bearspaw disaster found the maintenance and repair of the underground concrete pipes had been repeatedly deferred, overlooked and underfunded. While a much earlier 2004 rupture should have served as a wake-up call, the city chose to continue deferring. The Bearspaw report further identified dividends paid by the city-owned water utility into general revenues as a contributing reason for the lack of timely repairs.

A subsequent C2C Journal investigation discovered that over the past 10 years, more than $1 billion in water user fees have been removed from Calgary's water utility to be spent on other things. In 2026, two years after the first Bearspaw break, the dividend hit an all time high of $130 million. It should be noted that this figure is not readily discernible from Calgary's city budget. C2C Journal had to ask specifically for a water dividend breakdown.

The Bearspaw expert panel recommended that management of the water system be removed from city hall and placed in the hands of an arm's length, city-owned corporation. This is to ensure experts are in charge and to prevent the city from skimming off user fees into general revenue.

Corporatization is a reasonable solution, but there's another way to fix the problem. Ensure city hall contains elected officials who actually understand and care about their city's underground infrastructure. And who better to solve an engineering problem than engineers themselves?

Engineers are trained to assess complex problems and create functional solutions. More so than the long line of lawyers, teachers and union leaders who typically fill the seats at city hall, engineers are equipped with a deep knowledge about how these systems work over their lifecycle. And while other professions and trades require important critical thinking skills, engineers also come with the detailed technical knowledge necessary to assess the condition of underground systems.

In 2024, the City of Regina elected political newcomer (and mechanical engineer) Chad Bachynski as mayor. Bachynski was elected on a platform that emphasized the importance of infrastructure. "You need rinks," he said in an interview. "But not to the detriment of running water. You should expect to turn on your tap and get clean water."

His background in below-grade infrastructure has had a direct influence on his work at city hall. Bachynski said he often finds himself translating technical requirements into plain language for others on the council, as well as educating the electorate on the need to spend money on projects they'll never see.

Beyond greater representation by engineers, fixing Canada's infrastructure problem requires that voters recognize and reward municipal leaders who put the long-term interests of their community ahead of grandstanding and politicking. In order to keep faucets running and toilets flushing, it is necessary that a substantial portion of user fees and local taxes be spent on the water system. We need politicians who can admit this fact.

Among the greatest accomplishments of ancient Rome was its comprehensive system of aqueducts that could deliver clean drinking water wherever needed. Many of these structures are still standing today, more than 2,000 years later. When we look at our current municipal infrastructure, what do we see? In many cities it is an open question whether the taps will still be working a week from now. That needs to change.

This commentary was written by Greg Wilson and originally published by C2C Journal.
It has been republished here without edits, in accordance with C2C Journal’s reprint guidelines. The extended version of this article is available through C2C Journal.
C2C Journal is an independent online publication focused on in-depth commentary, investigative reporting, and long-form journalism covering public policy, culture, and current affairs. For more information about C2C Journal, visit them online at c2cjournal.ca.

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Alberta is once again shining a spotlight on the people who quietly hold communities together.

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Stars of Alberta Volunteer Awards, an annual celebration recognizing individuals whose time, energy, and dedication continue to strengthen communities across the province.

From mentoring youth and supporting vulnerable populations to organizing local events and championing inclusivity, volunteers play a vital role in shaping Alberta’s social fabric. The awards aim to honour those everyday heroes whose efforts often go unseen but leave a lasting impact.

“Volunteers are the foundation of strong and connected communities in Alberta,” said Tanya Fir, Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women. “The Stars of Alberta Volunteer Awards are an opportunity to recognize these everyday heroes who make our province a better place to live, work and raise a family.”

The 2026 nomination period officially opened on April 20, coinciding with National Volunteer Week—a nationwide celebration highlighting the importance of volunteerism across Canada. Albertans have until June 30 to nominate someone who has made a meaningful difference in their community.

Each year, the program presents awards across three age categories:

• Youth (up to 24 years)
• Adult (25 to 64 years)
• Senior (65 years and older)

In addition, the Breaking Barriers category recognizes individuals working to build more inclusive communities. This includes volunteers who are actively fighting racism, advocating for LGBTQ+ communities, and challenging gender discrimination. Three awards are presented within this category.

“National Volunteer Week is a celebration of the people who bring life to our communities,” said Gemma Dunn, executive director of the Edmonton Chamber of Voluntary Organizations. “Programs like Stars of Alberta and the Northern Lights Volunteer Recognition Program are important ways to highlight the vital role volunteers play.”

The impact of volunteerism in Alberta is significant. Across the province, more than 28,000 non-profit organizations rely heavily on volunteer support—many operating entirely through the dedication of unpaid contributors. In 2023 alone, Albertans contributed more than 145 million volunteer hours, representing an estimated $4 billion in economic value.

Beyond the annual awards, the province also recognizes volunteers year-round through the Northern Lights Volunteer Recognition Program, which celebrates individuals helping to build stronger, more connected communities.

As nominations open, Albertans are encouraged to take a moment to recognize someone who has made a difference—whether through small acts of kindness or years of dedicated service.

Because behind every strong community, there are people who give their time simply to make life better for others.

For more information about the Stars of Alberta Volunteer Awards, visit the Government of Alberta website at www.alberta.ca/stars-of-alberta-volunteer-awards.

Information for this article was sourced from the Government of Alberta website.

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Alberta is set to significantly expand its presence in Asian energy markets following a new agreement that removes a key trade barrier on crude oil exports to South Korea.

Premier Danielle Smith has signed a joint statement with Myeong-ku Lee, confirming that Alberta’s diluted bitumen qualifies as a Canadian-origin product under existing trade rules. The decision eliminates a three per cent tariff previously applied to Alberta crude entering South Korea.

The move is expected to strengthen Alberta’s competitiveness in Asia while reinforcing trade ties with one of its key economic partners.

In 2025, Alberta exported nearly $400 million worth of crude oil to South Korea—a surge of more than 500 per cent compared to the previous year. With tariffs now removed, projections suggest exports could climb to between $400 million and $1 billion annually, depending on refinery demand.

Smith said the agreement will create new opportunities for Alberta producers while securing long-term demand for the province’s energy.

“This makes Alberta energy more competitive and strengthens a partnership built on reliability and trust,” she said. “It supports investment in our economy and opens the door to sustained growth in exports.”

The agreement also reflects growing cooperation between Alberta and South Korea as both jurisdictions work to strengthen energy security. South Korea, which relies heavily on imported energy, continues to diversify its supply chain, while Alberta aims to expand global access to its oil resources.

According to Lee, the agreement represents a proactive approach to overcoming structural challenges in energy trade.

“It is a significant achievement,” he said, noting that customs authorities played a key role in addressing barriers within the framework of free trade agreements.

Infrastructure has also played a major role in enabling Alberta’s export growth. Trans Mountain Corporation, which operates the pipeline connecting Alberta crude to British Columbia’s coast, has been instrumental in linking Canadian producers to Asian markets.

CEO Mark Maki said the pipeline provides the fastest and most direct route for shipments to Asia. In 2025, more than 65 per cent of exported volumes were delivered to Asian markets from the Westridge Marine Terminal in B.C.

The broader trade relationship between Alberta and South Korea continues to expand. In 2025, total bilateral trade reached $1.8 billion, with Alberta exporting a range of goods including oil, coal, nickel, propane, beef, pork and wood pulp.

Major South Korean refineries—including SK, HD Hyundai Oilbank and GS Caltex—already import Alberta crude, while several Korean energy companies maintain Canadian headquarters in Calgary.

Alberta has also maintained a long-standing relationship with South Korea’s Gangwon State since 1974, underscoring decades of economic and cultural ties.

With tariffs removed and infrastructure in place, Alberta is positioning itself to play a larger role in meeting Asia’s growing energy demands—while driving investment and job creation at home.

Information for this article was sourced from the Government of Alberta website.

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It starts small.

A comment that lands wrong.
A delay that shouldn’t matter—but does.
A moment that flips a switch inside you.

Suddenly your chest tightens. Your jaw locks. Your thoughts speed up. And before you know it, you’re no longer reacting—you’re erupting.

Anger isn’t the enemy. Losing control is.

What’s Really Happening When You Get Angry

Anger isn’t just emotional—it’s biological.

When something triggers you, your brain shifts into fight-or-flight mode. Your heart rate spikes, your breathing speeds up, and your body prepares for action. The problem? Your rational thinking takes a back seat.

That’s why people say things they regret… or turn a minor issue into a major fallout.

The goal isn’t to eliminate anger.
It’s to interrupt the escalation.

The 10-Second Rule That Saves Relationships

Before anger explodes, there’s a window—a small one.

Use it.

Count to 10. Or even 100 if needed. This simple pause slows your heart rate and gives your brain time to catch up with your emotions.

It sounds basic. It works.

Step One: Pause Before You Speak

In the heat of the moment, words become weapons.

Taking even a few seconds to think can stop you from saying something you’ll regret later.

A good rule?
If your voice is rising—your wisdom is dropping.

Step Two: Control Your Breath, Control Your Fire

Anger speeds up your breathing. Flip the script.

Slow, deep breaths tell your body: we’re safe. This reduces the intensity of the emotional surge and helps you regain control.

Try this:

• Inhale slowly through your nose
• Hold for a moment
• Exhale longer than you inhaled

Do it 5 times. Feel the difference.

Step Three: Move Your Body, Change Your State

Anger builds energy. If you don’t release it, it explodes.

Go for a walk. Hit the gym. Step outside.

Physical movement reduces stress hormones and gives your mind space to reset.

Sometimes the best response… is distance.

Step Four: Ask Yourself—“What Am I Really Angry About?”

Anger is often a mask.

Underneath it might be:

• Hurt
• Disrespect
• Fear
• Frustration

Understanding the root helps you respond instead of react.

Because yelling about the dishes is rarely about the dishes.

Step Five: Say It Right (Not Loud)

Once calm, express what you feel—but don’t attack.

Use “I” statements:

• “I feel frustrated when this happens…”
  instead of
• “You always do this…”

Blame escalates. Clarity resolves.

Step Six: Use Humor—But Don’t Weaponize It

A little laughter can defuse tension instantly.

But be careful—sarcasm can make things worse.
The goal is to lighten the mood, not win the argument.

Step Seven: Train Your Calm Before You Need It

You don’t build control in the moment—you build it daily.

Simple habits help:

• Deep breathing
• Journaling your thoughts
• Listening to calming music
• Taking short “timeouts” during stressful days

These tools make you less reactive over time.

When Anger Goes Too Far

Unchecked anger doesn’t just damage relationships—it affects your body too.

Frequent outbursts can increase stress, strain your heart, and impact your long-term health.

If anger feels constant or uncontrollable, it’s not weakness to seek help—it’s strength.

Final Thought: Master the Moment

Anger is a spark.

Handled right, it can light clarity, boundaries, and change.
Handled wrong, it burns everything around you.

The difference?

A pause.
A breath.
A choice.

Quick Reset Checklist (Save This)

When you feel anger rising:

• Pause
• Breathe
• Step away
• Move your body
• Ask what’s really going on
• Respond—don’t react

Taking the time to process anger can be the difference between a moment you regret—and a moment you master.

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The Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village is preparing to welcome visitors once again, marking a major milestone nearly one year after a devastating fire destroyed its visitor centre.

The beloved cultural site, located just east of Edmonton, is set to reopen to the public on May 16 during the May long weekend, signaling both recovery and resilience for Alberta’s Ukrainian community.

The fire, which occurred on April 18, 2025, caused significant damage to the main visitor centre, destroying galleries, offices, and irreplaceable artifacts. While no historic buildings were lost, the impact was deeply felt across the province.

Despite the setback, restoration efforts have moved steadily forward.

“The UCHV holds a deeply meaningful place in Alberta’s history and in the hearts of the Ukrainian community,” said Tanya Fir, Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women. “We are proud to reopen the Village this May to ensure Albertans and visitors can continue to learn and celebrate Ukrainian culture and heritage.”

Visitors returning this season can once again explore the historic village, take part in cultural programming, and experience traditions that have shaped generations. Field trips have already resumed, with nearly 1,500 students welcomed back since programming restarted in late 2025.

Special events are also making a comeback, including the popular Ukrainian Day celebration scheduled for August 16.

According to David Makowsky, director of the Village, the reopening represents a collective effort to preserve history in the face of adversity.

“Their support has made it possible to welcome visitors back just a year later, ensuring Alberta’s Ukrainian stories, traditions and history will continue to be shared and celebrated,” he said.

While the loss of artifacts and research materials was significant, earlier digitization efforts and off-site storage at the Royal Alberta Museum helped preserve important pieces of the collection.

Work continues behind the scenes, with cleanup, utility repairs, and planning for a new visitor centre underway. Construction on a replacement facility is expected to begin later this year.

For many, the reopening is about more than restoring a building.

“As parliamentary secretary for Ukrainian evacuees, I recognize how vital places like the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village are to preserving identity and culture,” said Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk, Parliamentary Secretary for Settlement Services and Ukrainian Evacuees. “Ensuring this site continues to honour Ukrainian-Albertan history and resilience is incredibly important.”

The site will operate from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday, as well as holiday Mondays, through the summer season. A temporary visitor centre will be set up in the Silska Domiwka, also known as the Red Barn, where guests can access services including food and the gift shop.

As rebuilding continues, the Village stands as a symbol of cultural preservation and community strength—ready once again to share its stories with visitors from across Alberta and beyond.

For more information about the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village, visit their website at ukrainianvillage.ca.

Information for this article was sourced from the Government of Alberta website.

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Wine lovers in Alberta are about to enjoy a broader selection and easier access to bottles from British Columbia, thanks to a renewed agreement between the two provinces aimed at simplifying direct-to-consumer sales.

The updated memorandum of understanding allows Albertans to purchase wine directly from B.C. wineries more easily, while also ensuring those out-of-province producers contribute fairly through Alberta’s existing fee structure. At the same time, the deal opens continued opportunities for Alberta wineries to sell directly to customers in British Columbia, creating a two-way pathway that supports growth on both sides.

Provincial officials say the agreement is part of a broader effort to reduce trade barriers and strengthen Canada’s internal market.

“Alberta already has the most open liquor market in Canada, and we’re not slowing down,” said Dale Nally, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction. “We’re knocking down barriers to give consumers more choice while helping local businesses in our province grow.”

Beyond expanding access, the agreement also focuses on improving how the two provinces work together behind the scenes. Measures include better data sharing, streamlined systems, and steps to help Alberta-made products reach shelves in British Columbia.

Industry voices are welcoming the move, noting it could signal broader progress on interprovincial trade.

“This progress matters, and we look forward to a permanent solution that supports Canadian wineries,” said Ron Kubek, owner of Lightning Rock Winery in B.C. “Alberta, by doing this, is showing that it is leading Canada in opening up interprovincial trade.”

British Columbia’s wine industry is a major player, with more than 300 licensed grape wineries operating across the province. The renewed agreement gives Alberta consumers more direct access to that variety, while encouraging competition within the liquor market.

Alberta’s system remains unique in Canada. With more than 1,600 private retailers and access to over 34,000 liquor products, the province offers one of the widest selections in the country. There are currently 26 licensed wine and mead producers based in Alberta, all of whom stand to benefit from expanded access to new markets.

The agreement is set to remain in place until March 31, 2027, with the option to extend or replace it with a longer-term arrangement.

For consumers, the change is simple: more choice, fewer barriers, and a growing connection between two of Canada’s key wine regions.

Information for this article was sourced from the Government of Alberta website.