Motorists travelling through the region next week may notice a large industrial transport vehicle moving through parts of east-central Alberta, including a scheduled staging stop near Two Hills.

The load — a de-methanizer pressure vessel used in natural gas processing — will be transported from Edmonton to Fort McMurray beginning Feb. 22.

According to provincial officials, the unit measures approximately 6.5 metres wide, 7.92 metres high and 104 metres long, weighing more than 563,000 kilograms including support equipment. The trailer system carrying the load includes 352 wheels.

The transport will travel below posted speed limits and may use the full width of highways, including shoulders, accompanied by guide vehicles.

The convoy is scheduled to stage at the Two Hills Scale at approximately 6 p.m. on Feb. 23 before continuing northward on its route.

A second oversized load — a purge bin used in the oil and gas industry — will also travel from Edmonton to Fort Saskatchewan on Feb. 24. That unit measures approximately 9.3 metres wide, 10 metres high and 96 metres long, with a total weight exceeding 600,000 kilograms.

Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead and exercise caution when travelling in affected areas.

Residents in Two Hills and surrounding areas are advised that the Emergency Department (ED) at the Two Hills Health Centre will experience temporary disruptions to overnight physician coverage over the coming days.

According to Alberta Health Services (AHS), the temporary change is due to a gap in physician coverage.

The ED will be without on-site physician coverage during the following times:

• 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20 to 8 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 21
• 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21 to 8 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 22
• 8 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 22 to 8 a.m. Monday, Feb. 23

Currently, regular ED hours at the Two Hills Health Centre are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 24 hours a day from Friday at 8 a.m. until Monday at 8 a.m.

During the affected periods, nursing staff will remain on-site to support patients who present to the department. The facility may also receive coverage from a Virtual Emergency Physician (VEP), which allows an experienced Alberta emergency physician to provide remote support by telephone or videoconference for patients with non-life-threatening concerns.

The VEP program enables physicians to collaborate with on-site staff, speak directly with patients, order tests and medications, and determine whether transfer or discharge is appropriate.

AHS notes that recruitment efforts for additional physicians are ongoing, and options for locum coverage continue to be explored in order to restore expanded ED hours.

All other services at the Two Hills Health Centre will continue to operate as normal during this time.

Residents experiencing a medical emergency are reminded to call 911. For non-emergency health-related questions, Health Link is available 24/7 by dialing 811.

The community will be notified if regular overnight ED coverage is restored.

Non-profit organizations across Alberta are receiving a significant boost as the provincial government invests $64 million to support community facilities and local initiatives.

Through the Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP) and the Community Initiatives Program (CIP), funding is being directed toward projects that help strengthen communities, improve public-use spaces and support organizations that serve thousands of Albertans each year.

In the past year alone, the province has invested $64 million through the two programs, helping non-profits enhance facilities, deliver services and respond to local needs. From community halls and cultural centres to family supports and food security initiatives, these organizations play a vital role in building welcoming spaces where residents can connect and thrive.

“Non-profits are the heart of strong, thriving and resilient communities,” said Tanya Fir, Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women. “Our community grant programs help ensure organizations have the tools and facilities they need to keep making a difference and continue building stronger, safer and more welcoming communities across Alberta.”

The Community Facility Enhancement Program assists organizations with building, renovating and improving public-use facilities such as recreational spaces, community halls and cultural centres. Since a temporary three-year funding increase was announced in 2023, more than 1,100 community infrastructure projects have received support.

Meanwhile, the Community Initiatives Program provides funding for one-time projects, initiatives and events that bring people together and strengthen community life. Budget 2025 allocated $14 million to CIP, and the province has already received 812 project applications for the 2025–26 fiscal year.

Since 2019, more than 5,700 community grants have been awarded across Alberta. According to the province, every government dollar invested through CFEP and CIP generates an additional three dollars in funding from other sources, multiplying the impact within local communities.

While specific projects highlighted in the announcement are based in larger centres, the funding programs are available to eligible non-profit organizations across Alberta, including rural communities.

Organizations interested in applying can find more information through the province’s CFEP and CIP program guidelines.

After several years of dry conditions across the province, Alberta’s early 2026 water outlook is showing encouraging signs.

New provincial data released Feb. 18 indicates that mountain snowpack levels across much of Alberta are reporting normal to well above normal conditions — the most favourable early-season outlook since early 2022. The improved moisture follows several challenging years marked by drought and the impacts of El Niño, which brought warmer and drier winters.

According to Alberta’s Ministry of Environment and Protected Areas, February forecasts suggest river volumes in many basins will exceed 2025 levels.

The Milk River basin is currently forecast to see normal river volumes.
Above-normal volumes are expected in the North Saskatchewan and Red Deer River basins.
The Bow and Oldman River basins are forecast to range from normal to above normal.

Mountain snowpack surveys show conditions ranging from normal to significantly above normal. Major reservoirs in southern Alberta are also reported to be in good condition, with storage levels normal in the Oldman and South Saskatchewan River basins and above normal in the Bow River basin.

Environment and Protected Areas Minister Grant Hunter called the findings “great news” for farmers, businesses and communities that rely on a stable water supply, adding that the province will continue monitoring conditions closely in the months ahead.

Agriculture and Irrigation Minister R.J. Sigurdson said the government is taking a whole-of-government approach to managing Alberta’s water systems, noting that while 2025 brought improved growing conditions for many areas, localized weather events continued to challenge producers.

Drought Status Remains in Place

Despite the positive outlook, drought advisories remain active across much of the province. As of Feb. 18, 40 water management areas are under conditional winter water shortage advisories due to frozen conditions.

Drought stages currently range from Stage 1 to Stage 3 across major river basins:

• Stage 1: Sounding Creek, Athabasca River, Battle Creek, Beaver River
• Stage 2: Milk, Oldman, South Saskatchewan, Bow, Red Deer, North Saskatchewan, Peace, Hay
• Stage 3: Buffalo River, Great Slave Lake basin

Alberta measures mountain snowpack monthly from February through June and uses the data to forecast water supply conditions for 20 key locations across central and southern Alberta.

While officials say this is a promising start to winter, the province typically receives much of its annual moisture during March and April snowfalls and June rains — meaning the coming months will remain critical.

For farmers and communities watching closely after several difficult years, the early numbers offer cautious optimism heading into the 2026 growing season.

As someone of Indian descent, it feels natural that this should be one of my first posts. Yet even now, I struggle to distill a single teaching from it. Perhaps that is why this will become a recurring feature until I work out all the kinks — and in truth, that will not be a waste at all.

As a career journalist and politician, my father has led an illustrious and admirable life. I will be the first to admit that when I was younger, I did not always see it. With the benefit of age, however, I now recognize the deep wisdom contained in every conversation we share.

One of the qualities that stands out most is his philosophy of treating everyone with equal respect, regardless of social status or wealth. This is not only a profoundly human attitude, but a deeply spiritual one as well.

We are all children of God and part of His creation. Though we may differ in appearance or circumstance, we ultimately belong to the same larger human family.

For those of us fortunate enough to still have our fathers with us, let us take the time to offer a special thank-you or a word of respect — and not wait for Father’s Day to express the impact they have had on our lives.

Alberta’s government has signed a major contract with De Havilland Canada for five new, locally built waterbombers aimed at improving the province’s ability to respond quickly and effectively during wildfire season.

The $400-million investment will see the purchase of five DHC-515 Canadair aircraft, significantly increasing Alberta’s aerial firefighting capacity while also supporting job creation and economic growth within the province. The first of the new aircraft is expected to arrive by the spring of 2031.

Premier Danielle Smith stated that public safety remains the government’s top priority, emphasizing that the new fleet will help protect communities while creating hundreds of skilled local jobs.

Minister of Forestry and Parks Todd Loewen added that the aircraft will play a critical role in battling wildfires and safeguarding Alberta’s economy and natural resources for years to come.

Economic and Industry Impact

Beyond wildfire response, the agreement is expected to deliver long-term economic benefits. Joseph Schow, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade and Immigration, highlighted the importance of aerospace manufacturing in Alberta, noting that the partnership could create and sustain approximately 1,000 high-skill, well-paying jobs.

Brian Chafe, CEO of De Havilland Canada, expressed appreciation for the province’s investment, stating that building the aircraft locally will fuel economic growth while strengthening Canada’s aerospace industry.

Strengthening Wildfire Response

Currently, Alberta positions airtankers across 13 bases throughout the province during wildfire season to ensure rapid deployment. The addition of five new waterbombers is projected to increase Alberta’s total water-drop capacity by nearly 60 per cent.

Key performance features of the new aircraft include:

• Speeds up to 330 km/h
• Tank refill times as fast as 12 seconds
• Capacity of over 6,000 litres of water per drop

The government also continues to invest $160 million annually toward wildfire response, with contingency funds available for severe seasons.

With De Havilland Canada headquartered in Alberta and constructing a new manufacturing facility in Wheatland County, officials say the partnership not only boosts emergency preparedness but also reinforces Alberta’s growing reputation as a hub for aerospace innovation.

Premier Danielle Smith has issued a statement recognizing the Lunar New Year and extending warm wishes to those celebrating across Alberta and around the world.

In her message, the Premier noted that more than two billion people globally observe the Lunar New Year as a time for gathering with loved ones, reflecting on the past year, and welcoming new opportunities ahead. This year marks the Year of the Fire Horse, a symbol often associated with ambition, passion, and vibrant energy.

The Premier drew parallels between the Fire Horse’s characteristics and Alberta’s evolving economic and cultural landscape, highlighting the province’s spirit of entrepreneurship, innovation, and determination.

She concluded her message by wishing all those celebrating a year filled with joy, strength, and prosperity, encouraging individuals and communities to pursue new opportunities throughout 2026.

The Lunar New Year is celebrated by many cultural communities within Alberta, reflecting the province’s growing diversity and commitment to multicultural inclusion.

Most of us treat sleep like a luxury — something we’ll “catch up on later.” But science continues to show that sleep is not optional maintenance; it is mental fuel.

If you’ve ever noticed that a poor night’s sleep makes everything feel heavier — shorter patience, lower motivation, more worry — you’ve already experienced the connection firsthand. What researchers are now confirming is that sleep and mental health don’t just influence each other… they depend on each other.

The Two-Way Street Between Sleep and Mood

Sleep and mental wellbeing operate like a feedback loop:

• Poor sleep can increase anxiety, irritability, and low mood.
• Ongoing stress or depression can make it harder to fall or stay asleep.

When one side slips, the other often follows. Left unchecked, this can become a cycle that is difficult to break. The encouraging news is that improving sleep habits can often create a positive ripple effect in emotional health as well.

It’s Not Only How Much — It’s When

We often focus on hours of sleep, but timing matters too. Consistently going to bed extremely late and waking late can disrupt natural body rhythms and has been associated with higher stress and mood instability. Aligning sleep with more natural nighttime hours helps the brain regulate hormones tied to alertness and calm.

In simpler terms: your brain likes rhythm. Give it one, and it performs better.

Signs Your Sleep May Be Affecting Your Mental Health

You don’t need a lab test to notice the clues. Watch for:

• Increased irritability or short temper
• Difficulty concentrating
• Persistent fatigue even after resting
• Feeling emotionally “flat” or unmotivated
• Racing thoughts at night

These aren’t character flaws — they’re often biological signals asking for rest.

Small Changes, Big Impact

Improving sleep doesn’t require perfection. Small adjustments can make meaningful differences:

• Keep a steady bedtime, even on weekends if possible.
• Limit caffeine late in the day.
• Reduce screen time 30–60 minutes before bed.
• Create a wind-down routine — reading, stretching, or quiet music.
• Make your sleep space calm and comfortable.

Think of these as investments, not restrictions. You are not “losing time” by sleeping — you are improving the quality of the hours you’re awake.

A Gentle Reminder

If sleep difficulties persist for weeks or begin affecting daily life, reaching out to a healthcare professional is a strength, not a weakness. Mental wellness is not about pushing through exhaustion; it’s about recognizing when your mind and body need support.

Mental Health Monday Thought:

Rest is not laziness.
Rest is maintenance for the mind.

Sometimes the most productive thing you can do… is sleep.

In small communities, news cycles tend to ebb and flow. Some weeks are filled with announcements, events, and public initiatives, while others pass more quietly. But these slower periods offer something just as valuable — an opportunity to refocus attention on the local businesses and services that keep the community running every day.

Local shops, trades, cafés, and service providers are the backbone of regional economies. Unlike large chains, they often operate with smaller margins and rely heavily on consistent community support rather than seasonal surges. A single purchase, referral, or positive review can have a meaningful impact.

Quiet weeks are also when residents have more space to explore what exists close to home. Trying a new restaurant, booking a local service, or even sharing a business post on social media helps circulate awareness. These actions may seem small individually, but collectively they strengthen the local economic ecosystem.

Beyond economics, supporting local businesses builds relationships. Owners and staff are often neighbors, volunteers, and contributors to community initiatives. When residents invest locally, they’re not just purchasing goods or services — they’re reinforcing community identity and resilience.

There is also a practical advantage. Local businesses frequently offer personalized service, quicker response times, and a deeper understanding of regional needs. In many cases, they adapt faster and provide solutions tailored specifically to the area.

While major announcements and large-scale projects attract attention, the day-to-day strength of a region comes from its consistent support of local enterprise. Quiet weeks remind us that community growth isn’t only driven by big headlines; it’s sustained by everyday choices.

Choosing local doesn’t always require grand gestures. Sometimes it’s as simple as picking up coffee from a neighborhood café, hiring a nearby contractor, or recommending a trusted shop to a friend. These small decisions accumulate into long-term stability and shared prosperity.

In the end, quieter moments can be the most meaningful. They give communities the chance to look inward, appreciate what they already have, and ensure that local businesses continue to thrive long after the headlines fade.

Valentine’s Day often arrives with a mix of excitement, pressure, and the expectation that meaningful gestures must come with a high price tag. In reality, the heart of the day has never been about expensive gifts or elaborate plans. It is about appreciation — taking a moment to recognize the people who add value, comfort, and joy to our lives.

Whether celebrating with a partner, a friend, family member, or simply practicing a little self-care, small thoughtful actions can often carry more weight than grand displays. Here are a few simple ways to make Valentine’s Day feel special without stretching the budget.

Write a Handwritten Note

In a digital world, a handwritten message stands out. A short letter, card, or even a sticky note with sincere words can become something a person keeps for years. It costs little, but its emotional value can be significant.

Share a Home-Cooked Meal

Cooking a favorite dish or baking something sweet creates an experience rather than just a purchase. Even a simple meal prepared with intention can feel more personal than dining out.

Plan a Movie or Game Night

Staying in doesn’t mean settling. A themed movie night, board game session, or even a shared playlist can turn an ordinary evening into a memory. Comfort often beats extravagance.

Support Local Businesses

If you do decide to purchase a small gift, choosing a local bakery, coffee shop, or artisan adds a community-minded touch. A small purchase can support neighbors while still keeping spending modest.

Take a Walk or Enjoy Nature

A quiet walk, watching a sunset, or simply stepping outside together allows space for conversation and connection. These moments often become the most genuine highlights of the day.

Reach Out to Friends and Family

Valentine’s Day does not have to revolve around couples. A phone call, message, or quick visit to a friend or relative reminds people they are valued and remembered.

Create Something Personal

A photo collage, short playlist, or printed memory sheet shows time and effort — two things money cannot replace. Personal creations often become treasured keepsakes.

Practice Self-Care

For those spending the day solo, Valentine’s Day can be a reminder to show kindness inward. Reading a favorite book, taking a long bath, or simply unplugging for a while can be just as meaningful as any external celebration.

At its core, Valentine’s Day is less about romance alone and more about appreciation in all its forms. Grand gestures are optional; sincerity is not. A few intentional moments, however small, can transform the day from a commercial event into a genuine expression of gratitude and connection. Sometimes the simplest actions leave the longest impressions.