The Two Hills Chronicle is pleased to share the July 2026 winners of the popular Brosseau Cash Raffle. Each month, the raffle continues to bring excitement to participants while supporting the ongoing work and activities of the Brosseau Community Centre.

Congratulations to all of this month's winners, and thank you to everyone who purchased tickets. Your continued support helps strengthen community initiatives and contributes to the success of local events and programs.

July 2026 Winners

Once again, congratulations to all of the July winners.

If you would like to take part in next year's draws, 2027 Brosseau Cash Raffle Calendar tickets are now available for purchase from the Brosseau Community Centre. Purchasing a calendar not only gives you the opportunity to win monthly cash prizes throughout the year but also supports an important community organization and the many activities it hosts.

The Two Hills Chronicle wishes everyone the best of luck in the upcoming draws.

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Alberta has secured one of the largest private-sector investments in Canadian history after Meta announced plans to build its first Canadian data centre in the province, a project valued at more than $13 billion.

The proposed facility, to be located in Sturgeon County, is expected to create more than 3,000 construction jobs and approximately 300 permanent operational positions, while generating an estimated $250 million annually for Alberta through royalties, taxes, levies and other government revenues.

The investment also includes roughly $60 million in local infrastructure improvements, including upgrades to roads and water systems.

Premier Danielle Smith described the announcement as another milestone in Alberta's strategy to become a global destination for artificial intelligence and advanced technology investment.

"Artificial intelligence is transforming the global economy, and Alberta is making sure we lead rather than follow," Smith said. "This project will create thousands of jobs, generate hundreds of millions of dollars in annual revenue, and make electricity more reliable and affordable."

Alberta's AI Strategy

The announcement follows Alberta's introduction of regulations specifically designed to attract large-scale AI data centres while protecting provincial infrastructure and natural resources.

Unlike many competing jurisdictions, Alberta requires major data centre developers to provide much of their own electricity generation, finance the infrastructure required to support their operations and meet strict environmental and water-use standards.

According to the provincial government, these measures are intended to ensure that new developments do not place additional strain on Alberta's electrical grid or taxpayers.

Gary Demasi, Meta's Vice President of Data Centre Strategy and Development, said Alberta offered the right combination of infrastructure, energy availability and workforce to support the company's expansion into Canada.

"We're thrilled to announce Meta's first Canadian data centre in Alberta," Demasi said. "Sturgeon County is the perfect home for Meta thanks to its strong access to infrastructure and energy, talented workforce and outstanding community partners."

Powering the Future

The new facility will operate under Alberta's "bring your own power" model, combining electricity from the provincial grid with new on-site natural gas generation.

The government says this approach will help maintain grid reliability while supporting growing demand from energy-intensive AI computing operations.

The project is also linked to the recently announced Project Greenlight, a $4.6-billion natural gas-fired electricity generation facility being developed by Pembina Pipeline Corporation, Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners and Kineticor.

Provincial officials estimate the additional generation capacity could reduce electricity transmission costs by as much as six per cent for Alberta consumers.

Minister of Affordability and Utilities RJ Sigurdson said the project demonstrates Alberta's ability to support large-scale technological investment without compromising power reliability.

Environmental Considerations

Water use has also been a central consideration in the project's design.

Meta says the Sturgeon Data Centre will use a closed-loop liquid cooling system with dry cooling technology, eliminating the need for operational water use during cooling. Water consumption will be limited primarily to domestic services, fire protection and equipment maintenance, with all necessary approvals remaining subject to Alberta's Water Act.

The facility will be constructed within Alberta's Industrial Heartland, an established industrial zone rather than agricultural land or residential areas.

Long-Term Economic Impact

Technology and Innovation Minister Nate Glubish said Alberta's success in attracting the investment reflects years of work developing competitive regulations and actively promoting the province to major technology companies.

Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration Minister Joseph Schow added that investments of this scale strengthen Alberta's reputation as a destination for international business while creating employment opportunities for Albertans.

Sturgeon County Mayor Alanna Hnatiw welcomed the announcement, saying the project aligns with the municipality's long-standing vision of encouraging responsible industrial development that delivers jobs, infrastructure improvements and long-term tax revenue.

The investment also includes expanded digital infrastructure that will strengthen Alberta's connections to North American data networks, supporting businesses and future technology development across the province.

The announcement marks another significant step in Alberta's efforts to diversify its economy beyond traditional energy industries while positioning itself as a growing hub for artificial intelligence, cloud computing and advanced digital infrastructure.

(Source: Government of Alberta)

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Alberta is positioning itself as a North American leader in government innovation after announcing a sweeping artificial intelligence (AI) initiative that is dramatically accelerating the modernization of decades-old public sector technology.

The Government of Alberta says advanced AI tools have enabled it to accomplish in hours work that would traditionally have taken years, reducing both the time and cost required to modernize critical government systems while strengthening cyber security and improving the delivery of public services.

Over the past 18 months, Alberta's Ministry of Technology and Innovation has developed its own suite of AI-powered tools using Anthropic's Claude AI models. These AI agents were tasked with reviewing more than 466 million lines of government computer code, completing the analysis in approximately 20 hours and providing officials with the first comprehensive assessment of the province's legacy technology infrastructure.

The systems support a wide range of government services, including registries, social programs, wildfire response, and public safety.

Minister of Technology and Innovation Nate Glubish said Alberta is not only modernizing its own technology but is also making its methods available to governments around the world.

"Alberta spent decades building technology that worked for government. Now we are rebuilding it to work better for Albertans and doing it faster and for far less," Glubish said. "The tools our team built are world-class, and we are sharing them openly because every government is stuck with the same aging systems we were."

As part of that commitment, Alberta has released 21 open-source Velocity White Papers, detailing the province's approach to AI-assisted government modernization. The papers include technical guidance, software tools, simulations and implementation strategies designed to help other governments modernize their own systems.

Officials estimate that Alberta currently operates more than 1,280 applications and 3,400 collections of computer code across its 27 provincial ministries. Traditionally, replacing those aging systems would have cost an estimated $2 billion and taken more than a century to complete. By incorporating AI into the process, Alberta believes it can reduce both the time and cost by as much as 95 per cent.

In one ministry alone, AI is helping replace 185 aging systems with just 16 modern applications, simplifying operations while giving the government greater ownership and control over its digital infrastructure.

The province also says AI is strengthening cyber security efforts. Alberta's systems currently block an average of 189 million attempted digital connections every day, while automated tools help detect and prevent fraudulent activity targeting government social programs.

The initiative builds on the Alberta AI Academy, a free training platform launched in September 2025 to help public servants develop practical AI skills. More than 2,000 Alberta government employees have completed training, while the open-source platform has attracted more than 15,000 users across Canada, including participants from other provincial governments and the federal government.

Industry leaders have praised Alberta's approach.

Brian Peters, Head of North America Government Affairs at Anthropic, described Alberta's work as a practical and scalable solution to one of government's biggest technology challenges.

Google Cloud Canada Country Managing Director Farsad Nasseri said Alberta is emerging as a national leader in government transformation, while Info-Tech Research Group Managing Partner Cole Cioran called the Velocity White Papers the first comprehensive blueprint for implementing AI-powered public service modernization.

As governments around the world grapple with aging technology, rising cyber security threats and increasing public expectations for digital services, Alberta's AI-first approach could serve as a model for future government modernization efforts both in Canada and internationally.

(Source: Government of Alberta).

(Image generated using AI)

Alberta is positioning itself as a North American leader in government innovation after announcing a sweeping artificial intelligence (AI) initiative that is dramatically accelerating the modernization of decades-old public sector technology.

The Government of Alberta says advanced AI tools have enabled it to accomplish in hours work that would traditionally have taken years, reducing both the time and cost required to modernize critical government systems while strengthening cyber security and improving the delivery of public services.

Over the past 18 months, Alberta's Ministry of Technology and Innovation has developed its own suite of AI-powered tools using Anthropic's Claude AI models. These AI agents were tasked with reviewing more than 466 million lines of government computer code, completing the analysis in approximately 20 hours and providing officials with the first comprehensive assessment of the province's legacy technology infrastructure.

The systems support a wide range of government services, including registries, social programs, wildfire response, and public safety.

Minister of Technology and Innovation Nate Glubish said Alberta is not only modernizing its own technology but is also making its methods available to governments around the world.

"Alberta spent decades building technology that worked for government. Now we are rebuilding it to work better for Albertans and doing it faster and for far less," Glubish said. "The tools our team built are world-class, and we are sharing them openly because every government is stuck with the same aging systems we were."

As part of that commitment, Alberta has released 21 open-source Velocity White Papers, detailing the province's approach to AI-assisted government modernization. The papers include technical guidance, software tools, simulations and implementation strategies designed to help other governments modernize their own systems.

Officials estimate that Alberta currently operates more than 1,280 applications and 3,400 collections of computer code across its 27 provincial ministries. Traditionally, replacing those aging systems would have cost an estimated $2 billion and taken more than a century to complete. By incorporating AI into the process, Alberta believes it can reduce both the time and cost by as much as 95 per cent.

In one ministry alone, AI is helping replace 185 aging systems with just 16 modern applications, simplifying operations while giving the government greater ownership and control over its digital infrastructure.

The province also says AI is strengthening cyber security efforts. Alberta's systems currently block an average of 189 million attempted digital connections every day, while automated tools help detect and prevent fraudulent activity targeting government social programs.

The initiative builds on the Alberta AI Academy, a free training platform launched in September 2025 to help public servants develop practical AI skills. More than 2,000 Alberta government employees have completed training, while the open-source platform has attracted more than 15,000 users across Canada, including participants from other provincial governments and the federal government.

Industry leaders have praised Alberta's approach.

Brian Peters, Head of North America Government Affairs at Anthropic, described Alberta's work as a practical and scalable solution to one of government's biggest technology challenges.

Google Cloud Canada Country Managing Director Farsad Nasseri said Alberta is emerging as a national leader in government transformation, while Info-Tech Research Group Managing Partner Cole Cioran called the Velocity White Papers the first comprehensive blueprint for implementing AI-powered public service modernization.

As governments around the world grapple with aging technology, rising cyber security threats and increasing public expectations for digital services, Alberta's AI-first approach could serve as a model for future government modernization efforts both in Canada and internationally.

(Source: Government of Alberta.

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The Government of Alberta is welcoming plans for a potential new west-east pipeline that could strengthen Canada's energy infrastructure while increasing access to domestic and international markets.

In a statement released on July 6, Premier Danielle Smith praised Ontario's announcement of a proposed 3,300-kilometre pipeline route stretching from Hardisty, Alberta, to Sarnia, Ontario.

Known as the Northern Shield Energy Corridor, the project would create a direct link between Alberta producers and eastern Canadian refineries, while also improving access to export facilities capable of serving overseas customers.

According to Premier Smith, the proposed corridor represents an important step toward expanding Alberta's energy capacity and ensuring Canadian resources reach Canadian consumers.

"This project is about making Canada stronger," Smith said. "By connecting Alberta's energy with Canadian refineries and markets, we can create jobs, grow our economy and make better use of the world-class resources we already have."

The Alberta government has identified increased market access as a key component of its long-term energy strategy. Officials say the new corridor could help advance the province's goal of doubling oil production, initially moving an additional 500,000 barrels per day, with the possibility of expanding capacity to as much as 800,000 barrels per day in the future.

The proposed pipeline follows a memorandum of understanding signed in July 2025 between Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario aimed at strengthening trade infrastructure and pipeline connections across provincial borders.

Ontario has now identified a potential route and will begin work on cost estimates, commercial models and development opportunities associated with the corridor.

Provincial leaders believe the initiative could complement other energy expansion projects currently under consideration, including efforts to advance a new west coast pipeline capable of transporting more than one million barrels of oil per day to a strategic export terminal serving growing Asian markets.

Supporters argue that greater domestic refining capacity and enhanced transportation networks would help Canada capture more value from its natural resources while improving long-term energy security.

Quick Facts

• The proposed Northern Shield Energy Corridor would extend approximately 3,300 kilometres from Hardisty, Alberta, to Sarnia, Ontario.
• Alberta estimates the project could initially transport an additional 500,000 barrels of oil per day, with future expansion potential reaching 800,000 barrels per day.
• In August 2025, Ontario issued a request for proposals for a feasibility study following a July 2025 agreement between Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario to explore new pipeline and trade infrastructure opportunities.

Watch the press conference on YouTube here.

Source: Government of Alberta

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There are moments in life when moving forward feels easy. Our routines are established, our goals seem within reach, and each small accomplishment builds confidence for the next challenge.

Then there are seasons when things do not go according to plan.

Projects stall, unexpected obstacles appear, and setbacks can leave us wondering if all of our progress has somehow been lost. In those moments, it is easy to become discouraged. We may question ourselves, our abilities, or whether the effort is even worth continuing.

The truth is that beginning again is one of the most courageous things a person can do.

Society often celebrates dramatic success stories and major milestones, but it rarely speaks about the quiet determination required to start over. Whether it is returning to work after a difficult period, rebuilding relationships, pursuing a long-forgotten dream, or simply getting out of bed after a challenging week, choosing to begin again is an act of resilience.

Mental health journeys are rarely linear. Healing does not happen in a straight line, and growth is not measured by perfection. There will be days when we feel energized and hopeful, and there will be days when progress seems almost invisible. Both are part of the process.

It can help to remember that setbacks do not erase the work we have already done. The skills we have learned, the strength we have developed, and the lessons we have gained remain with us, even when circumstances force us to pause or change direction.

Sometimes, we place unrealistic expectations on ourselves. We believe we should always be productive, always motivated, and always moving forward. Yet being human means experiencing periods of rest, uncertainty, and recovery. These moments are not failures. They are opportunities to regroup, reflect, and prepare for the next chapter.

If you find yourself in a season of starting over, try to be patient with yourself.

Celebrate the small victories. A completed task, a meaningful conversation, a walk outside, or simply making it through a difficult day can all be signs of progress. Over time, these small steps build momentum and remind us that growth often happens gradually.

It is also important to remember that you do not have to carry every burden alone. Reaching out to a trusted friend, family member, community group, or mental health professional can provide support and perspective during difficult times.

Life will inevitably bring challenges, disappointments, and unexpected detours. What matters most is not how many times we stumble, but our willingness to stand back up and continue moving forward.

Beginning again does not mean starting from nothing. It means starting with experience, with wisdom, and with the understanding that resilience is built one day at a time.

This Mental Health Monday, give yourself permission to start where you are, with what you have, and at whatever pace feels right for you.

Sometimes, the most powerful step we can take is simply deciding to begin again.

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At the moment, being more than 15,000 kilometres away from Two Hills, the town where I spent a significant part of my life in Canada, I cannot help but feel a little saddened to be away during one of the country's most cherished celebrations.

For the years I spent in Canada, July 1 meant that summer had finally arrived. It signalled two months of lake visits, backyard barbecues, community celebrations and soaking in the warmth of the nourishing sun while trying to enjoy every precious moment of it before winter inevitably returned.

My first visit was in the summer of 1992, when I was introduced to the land my Dad could never stop talking about. We spent six unforgettable weeks together as he showed me around Athabasca, where he lived and worked at the time. We visited relatives in Barrhead, explored West Edmonton Mall—one of my favourite places as a child—and I even got my first taste of McDonald's. From that moment on, I knew I wanted to live there.

A year or so later, I made the move and began attending school in Canada.

As someone who belongs to two nations, I often felt divided between them, and my time in Canada was punctuated by trips back to South Africa. Yet Canada became the place where I learned many of life's important lessons. It was where I learned to drive, enjoyed my first legal beer and experienced my first true winter.

I came to know frozen roads, snowbanks higher than my head and weather that seemed capable of stealing every ounce of warmth from your body the moment you stepped outside. I discovered the unique Canadian experience of driving on a frozen lake in February and swimming in that very same lake in July.

Although I have resided in South Africa for the past several years to be closer to Mum, a significant part of my heart will always remain in Canada. Whenever I think about the country, I am filled with an indescribable sense of warmth as I remember the friendships I forged, the communities that welcomed me and the breathtaking landscapes that make it one of the finest places in the world to call home.

Canada is not simply a place on a map for me. It is a collection of memories, milestones and moments that helped shape who I am today. It is a country of boundless natural beauty, welcoming communities and enduring opportunities.

So, wherever this Canada Day may find us—whether gathered beneath fireworks in our hometowns, relaxing beside a lake, or reflecting from thousands of kilometres away—we can still celebrate the nation that has touched our lives in so many meaningful ways.

Happy Birthday, Canada. From far and wide, we stand on guard for thee.

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From coast to coast, Canadians are gathering on July 1 to celebrate the country's history, culture and shared sense of community. The sounds of fireworks and the aroma of backyard barbecues fill neighbourhoods across the nation as Canadians take a moment to celebrate the beautiful land they call home.

Across the country, communities large and small are hosting parades, concerts, festivals, family activities and fireworks displays as residents mark Canada's 159th birthday. Canadians are encouraged to explore celebrations within their own communities and enjoy the many activities organized by local groups, municipalities and organizations.

Whether enjoying festivities in major cities or attending local events in rural communities, Canada Day remains an opportunity to reflect on the country's natural beauty, cultural diversity and the values that continue to unite Canadians.

From the rugged coastlines of Atlantic Canada to the towering Rocky Mountains, the rolling prairies and the forests and lakes of the North, Canada's landscapes remain among its greatest treasures. Those who have had the pleasure of visiting the True North have long been captivated by its pristine lakes, breathtaking scenery and countless national parks that are home to an incredible variety of wildlife found nowhere else in the world.

The day also serves as a reminder of the contributions made by generations of Canadians who have helped shape the nation into one recognized around the world for its resilience, compassion and multicultural spirit. Canada continues to be celebrated internationally for its generosity, hospitality and commitment to building strong and welcoming communities.

As families gather beneath red and white flags and communities come together in celebration, Canada Day offers a chance to appreciate not only where the country has been, but also where it is headed in the years to come.

Wherever Canadians may call home, July 1 remains a day to celebrate shared traditions, enduring pride and the unique beauty of life in Canada. As we celebrate this Canada Day, may our hearts be filled with gratitude, love and loyalty for a nation built upon a deep appreciation for nature, community and our fellow citizens.

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Albertans and visitors alike are invited to celebrate Canada Day at the Alberta Legislature Grounds on July 1 with an afternoon of free entertainment, live performances and family-friendly activities.

Hosted by the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, festivities will run from noon until 5 p.m., offering a full slate of attractions designed to celebrate Canada's heritage, culture and communities.

The day begins with a welcome ceremony at noon featuring a performance of O Canada by Robert Clark, official anthem singer for the Edmonton Oilers. The ceremony will also include a land acknowledgement from Elder Leonard Saddleback, remarks from provincial leaders and an address by Her Honour the Honourable Salma Lakhani, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta.

Music lovers can look forward to a strong lineup on the Main Stage, headlined by Calgary indie folk band Reuben and the Dark. The group has gained recognition for its distinctive sound and appearances in television and film productions.

Joining them will be Juno-nominated ensemble Secondhand Dreamcar and the high-energy party band Uptown.

Cultural performances will also take centre stage throughout the day. The South Stage will showcase dance and musical theatre presentations from groups including Al Jabal Dance and Hong De Canada, while the Family Fun Zone Stage will feature entertainment geared toward younger audiences, including hoop dancing and magic performances.

Visitors are also encouraged to explore the Legislative Assembly Visitor Centre, where they can experience the newly updated Your Alberta Legislature: The Story of a Place exhibit in the Borealis Gallery, watch the 11-minute film Our People Our Province in the Pehonan Theatre and participate in interactive activities at the Democracy Discovery Centre.

Capital Gifts will mark the occasion by offering a 20 per cent discount on merchandise both in-store and online for Canada Day only.

Admission to all Canada Day activities at the Alberta Legislature Grounds is free.

Additional information about the celebration is available through the Legislative Assembly of Alberta.

Source: Government of Alberta / Legislative Assembly of Alberta

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Loss is one of the few experiences that touches every life, yet it remains one of the hardest things to speak about.

Whether we have lost a loved one, a relationship, a career, a sense of identity, or even a version of the future we imagined for ourselves, grief has a way of changing us. It does not follow a schedule, it does not ask permission, and it rarely unfolds in a neat or predictable way.

Many of us grow up believing that healing means "moving on," but perhaps a kinder perspective is learning how to move forward while carrying the love, memories, and lessons that remain behind.

Grief is deeply personal. Some people cry openly, while others become quiet and withdrawn. Some feel anger, guilt, relief, sadness, confusion, or all of these emotions at once. There is no right or wrong way to grieve, and there is certainly no timeline that determines when someone should be "over it."

What matters is allowing ourselves the space to feel what we feel without judgment.

One of the most challenging aspects of loss is that the world often keeps moving while we are still trying to make sense of what has changed. Daily responsibilities continue, people expect us to return to normal, and yet internally we may still be searching for solid ground.

During these moments, it is important to remember that healing is not about forgetting. It is about learning to live with our loss in a way that honours both our pain and our resilience.

There are a few simple practices that can help us navigate difficult seasons of grief:

• Give yourself permission to grieve.

There is no prize for being strong all the time. Allowing ourselves to cry, reflect, or simply acknowledge our sadness can be an important part of the healing process.

• Stay connected.

Isolation can make grief feel heavier. Talking with trusted friends, family members, support groups, or a mental health professional can provide comfort and perspective.

• Maintain small routines.

Even basic habits such as eating regular meals, taking a short walk, staying hydrated, or getting enough sleep can provide a sense of stability when life feels uncertain.

• Honour the memories.

Looking through photographs, writing down stories, planting a tree, or participating in activities that remind us of those we have lost can help preserve meaningful connections.

• Be patient with yourself.

Some days will feel easier than others. Anniversaries, birthdays, holidays, or unexpected reminders can bring emotions back to the surface. This is not a setback; it is simply part of being human.

Loss has a way of reminding us just how deeply we are capable of loving. The pain we experience is often a reflection of the bonds we have formed and the significance people and experiences have held in our lives.

While grief may never disappear completely, over time it often changes shape. The sharp edges become softer, memories can bring smiles as well as tears, and moments of joy slowly begin to return.

If you are coping with loss today, know that you do not have to have all the answers. You do not need to be strong every moment of every day. Taking things one day, one hour, or even one breath at a time is enough.

Healing is rarely linear, but it is possible. And even in our most difficult seasons, there remains hope, connection, and the possibility of finding meaning as we continue moving forward.

If you are struggling with prolonged grief or feeling overwhelmed, reaching out to a qualified mental health professional can be an important and courageous step toward healing.