Funding for Immigrant Service Agencies
Sunday, September 5th, 2010
The provincial government will be extending funding of $850,000 to immigrant service agencies, to provide service for temporary foreign workers adjusting to life in Alberta. Employment and Immigration Minister Thomas Lukaszuk says while their focus will always be jobs for Albertans and Canadians, it is important to recognize the contributions of temporary foreign workers to the province. Lukaszuk says most of these workers need help as they adjust to a new job and life in a new country, as well as with finding housing, healthcare or legal services. The funding will be split amongst agencies in Fort McMurray, Edmonton, Red Deer, Calgary, Banff, Brooks, and Lethbridge. Government says during the funding extension they will also be looking at the impact of the arrival of thousands of temporary foreign workers on Alberta's workforce, its communities, and its people to identify future programming options.
Boutiler on Edmonton City Center Airport
Sunday, September 5th, 2010
Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo MLA Guy Boutiler will be holding a special meeting in Fort McMurray on September 16 to discuss the closure of the Edmonton City Center Airport. Boutiliers speech, which is set to take place at the Sawridge, is designed to explain how the airport acts as an important gateway to the oilsands. Several notable guests will take part in the meeting including Wildrose Alliance Leader, Danielle Smith, Municipal Council; and Fort McMurray's Dr. John O'Connor. One of the runways at the Edmonton City Centre Airport was shutdown last month. The closure has already effected medevac flights and other air traffic that use the current runway which uses the less accurate GPS approach .
2010 Stars of Alberta Volunteer Awards Deadline
Sunday, September 5th, 2010
The nomination deadline for the 2010 Stars of Alberta Volunteer Awards is quickly approaching. The annual awards program recognizes extraordinary Albertans whose volunteer efforts and achievements have contributed to the well-being of their communities and fellow community members. Six awards will be handed out: two in each category of youth, adult, and senior. This is the eleventh year of the Stars of Alberta Awards Program. Sixty-seven Alberta volunteers have received this honour since the program began in 2000. Fort McMurray Metis Elder Elsi Yanik was honored with a Stars of Alberta Award in 2006. Yanik, who is known for carrying the Olympic torch in Fort McMurray, was nominated four years ago for her contributions in health, education and recreational services to sharing and preserving Aboriginal heritage. Those who are looking to submit nominations for this years awards can do so by visiting the Alberta Governments website. The deadline is September 24.
Lazy River Race
Sunday, September 5th, 2010
MacDonald Island Park will be hosting a Lazy River Race on September 13 to determine the first to enjoy the new Aquatics Centre. MacDonald Island Corporation began distributing mini beach balls in early August. Residents have been able to drop them into a large tower in the foyer of the Suncor Community Leisure Centre. The draw for the First 250 Beach Bash will take place next Monday. All qualifying beach balls will be entered into a lazy river race initiated by Olympic Swimmer and Wood Buffalo Sport Hall of Fame inductee, Jennifer Button. The first 50 beach balls to cross the finish line will determine the winners. In addition, the first two beach balls to cross the finish line will allow the winners to be the first to go down Mac Island's giant waterslides. The next five will be the first to enjoy the water park. The rest of the winners will enjoy entrance into main pools, and the rest of the Aquatic Centre.
RCMP Continue to Crack Down on Drivers
Saturday, September 4th, 2010
Alberta Law Enforcement partners will continue to crack down on impaired drivers, unbelted occupants, intersection violators and speeders this long weekend. RCMP and the Sheriffs Integrated Traffic Units will be using roving enforcement patrols on Alberta roads and highways, as well as conducting checkstops at various times of the day. Motorists are reminded to make use of their seatbelts, obey all traffic signs and laws, and not drink and drive.
Single Vehicle Accident
Saturday, September 4th, 2010
Traffic travelling Highway 63 had to be diverted down Highway 881 yesterday after a single vehicle rollover closed the road. The province issued a travellers' advisory shortly after 3:00 yesterday afternoon, advising motorists of the issue. Electronic message boards in Lac La Biche, Grassland, and Fort McMurray were activated to notify motorists of the situation.
College Orientation Successful
Saturday, September 4th, 2010
Keyano College says their orientation was a huge success with more than 500 students in attendance for the General Assembly and Service Expo Monday. Part-time Office Administration Certificate Program student, Janeen Samson, walked away from the event with $2000 in free tuition. Spokesperson Anne Everatt says the student orientation is always an exciting day for the staff and faculty at Keyano College. This was the second year of a new approach to student orientation activities. She says the event was organized to promote a more simplified process, that allowed students to become aware of all the services available to them.
Local Walmart Raises Big Bucks for Red Cross
Saturday, September 4th, 2010
Fort McMurray's Walmart raised the third highest amount in the province during a Canadian Red Cross campaign aimed to raise funds for local Disaster Response programs. The local store raised over $12 million in August, while Grand Prairie topped the list in the province with an astonishing $24 million. Canadian Red Cross Alberta spokesperson, Steve Armstrong, says they are grateful to all Walmart staff and customers across Alberta for making this the best campaign ever since it began eight years ago. In total this campaign raised more than $2 million across the country, with Alberta's Grande Prairie Walmart leading the pack as the number one fundraising store. The Canadian Red Cross responded to 129 disasters across Alberta last year providing emergency relief aid to more than 650 people.
Strong Profit Expected on Oil
Friday, September 3rd, 2010
A new report shows Canada's oil producers can expect another period of strong profitability to begin this year due to a revival in global demand and rising prices. A report by the Conference Board of Canada says oil production in the country will will expand by 4 percent this year. Future growth is expected due to higher oil sands production. Economist Todd Crawford says global consumption has rebounded almost to pre-recession levels. As a result, prices have nearly doubled from their lows of 2009, boosting the industry's profitability. The report says prices rose steadily in the first quarter of this year though they remain below their 2008 peak. Pre-tax profits are expected rise from $1.7 billion in 2009 to $8.4 billion this year, as revenue growth outpaces cost increases. However, the outlook assumes a status quo regulatory regime. Changes to tighten environmental regulations would pose a downside risk to the industries medium-term outlook.
CNRL Production Down
Friday, September 3rd, 2010
A shutdown caused a 50 percent reduction in oil production at CNRL's Horizon project north of Fort McMurray last month. The company performed a plant wide shut down in mid August for maintenance to address localized pipe will thinning in the amine unit. The company says during the shut down they were able to move forward and complete planned maintenace originally scheduled for late August and September, including furnace pigging cycles and screen changes in the Ore Preparation Plant. CNRO says as a result, full ramp up to design rates was delayed because they were restricted to running on only one of two wet trains in the OPP for a significant period in the month. The Horizon site was producing 93 thousand barrels a day in July, before a decrease to 50 thousand barrels a day in August. CNRL targets production rates at design capacity for the remainder of 2010.
Province Funded Dirty Oil Film
Friday, September 3rd, 2010
The Wildrose Alliance is accusing the Stelmach government of double-crossing the provinces vital energy sector by funding a documentary film that blasts oilsands development. Dirty Oil is narrated by Hollywood actress Neve Campbell, has received $54 thousand in funding from the government. The film will be screened for audiences from all over the world later this month at the Calgary International Film Festival. Wildrose Alliance Leader Danielle Smith says the Premier is writing editorials in foreign newspapers supposedly defending the oil sands, while one of his Ministers hands out cash for the kind of anti-Alberta propaganda he claims to condemn. Smith says people who are against oil sands development have every right to express their views, but the Alberta government shouldn't be in the business of helping them do it. Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo MLA Guy Boutilier calls the film funding yet another example of the governments ineffective track record of promoting the oil sands.
Another Municipal Candidate
Friday, September 3rd, 2010
The first candidate has stepped forward for Ward 3 in the October municipal election. Long time resident and local businessman Allan Vinni is joining the race for a seat on regional council, representing the communities of Saprae Creek and Draper. Vinni has more than a decade of experience as a lawyer and professional mediator, he serves as chair for Habitat for Humanity Wood Buffalo and sits on the board of the YMCA. Vinni is hoping to follow in the steps of Councilor Rene Rebus, who he referred to as a legend in the Draper area. He says there is a lot of momentum to develop Highway 69 as an industrial corridor and he's concerned about how this kind of development is going to affect smaller communities like Saprae Creek. He says they need to keep a buffer in place to maintain the character of the community. Vinni says a road through Draper for the development would have a huge impact on the town and needs to be taken into consideration when planning.
Drive Safe This Long Weekend
Friday, September 3rd, 2010
Alberta Law Enforcement partners are cracking down on impaired drivers, intersection violations, those not wearing a seatbelt and speeders on the long weekend. K Division Traffic Services Inspector James Stiles says motorists who choose to disregard traffic laws face not only killing themselves, their friends or someone else, but also very serious legal, financial, and social consequences. Police say they will be using roving enforcement patrols as well as Alberta Checkstops throughout the weekend as part of ongoing effort to save lives and reduce injuries on Alberta roads. Alberta Traffic Sheriffs Assistant Deputy Chief Rick Gardner says too many Albertans are killed or seriously injured on Alberta roadways each year, and everyone should make the right choice and obey all traffic laws, slow down and leave a little earlier for destinations.
Construction Continues on 63
Friday, September 3rd, 2010
Construction work continues this evening on Highway 63 between the Athabasca Bridge and Thickwood Boulevard. Alberta Transportation says the work is being done between 10 pm and 4:30 am and is expected to be completed by Sunday, weather permitting. Motorists may experience slight travel delays in this area in the overnight hours. Drivers are reminded to use caution in the area and obey all posted signs as workers will be present in the area.
Be Bear Aware
Friday, September 3rd, 2010
Sustainable Resource Development is reminding residents to be aware of bears as the cold weather approaches. Wildlife Officer Tyler Murphy says this is typically the time of year when they receive more calls about bear sightings in the region as the animals are preparing for their winter hibernation. Murphy says there a few simple steps people should take if they come in contact with a bear. Murphy says anyone who does see a bear within the city should call SRD at 743-7200 or the 24 hour bear hotline at 1-800-642-3800. A website has also been set up to inform residents at www.bearsmart.com.
Shopping Bag Ban Reactions
Friday, September 3rd, 2010
It has been two days since the implementation of the single use shopping bag ban in Wood Buffalo. Mayor Melissa Blake says it seems residents are taking well to the ban as there has been very little negative feedback received at the mayor's office. Blake says the majority of feeback is coming from media sources outside of the municipality. She says these sources are gathering their feedback from business owners and operators with individual concerns. Blake says this is going to take an adaptation period, but eventually everyone will get into the habit of bringing their cloth bags.
Contest to Decide on Munsch Book Release
Friday, September 3rd, 2010
An online contest has been created to help choose one of three books to be the 30th release from children's author Robert Munsch. All three stories are based in Canada and the third choice is a story based in Fort McMurray. Scholastic Publishing says the stories were inspired by children Munsch had met while visiting the communities in which the story lines are based. Munsch made an appearance at the Fort McMurray Public Library back in June where he got the idea to write a book about a boy named Matthew who finally gets his own bedroom in a new trailer. The story description tells that Matthew's own room is short-lived as family comes to visit. The other stories up for Munschs' 30th release are based in Brussels, Ontario and Rigolet, Labrador. The voting poll has been posted to the Scholastic Canada website, and voting closes on October 31st. The book with the most votes will be published in May, 2011.
Road Hockey Challenge for Kids Forever
Friday, September 3rd, 2010
Longshots Sports Bar is holding their second annual Road Hockey Challenge in support of Kids Forever. Longshots owner Leanne Pederson says the event is a double elimination tournament with teams of five players. She says there is an entry fee for all teams, with all proceeds from entrants and sales going to the organization that helps families with medical costs that they wouldn't be able to afford otherwise. The tournament takes place September 11th in the Longshots parking lot.
Woman Still Missing After Three Years
Thursday, September 2nd, 2010
RCMP are asking for the public's assistance as they continue to investigate the 2007 disappearance of Fort McMurray resident Shirley Ann Waquan. Waquan was last seen on July 1st, 2007 but police later received information that she may have been sighted on the corner of 95th Street and Jasper Avenue in Edmonton two weeks later. Family members say Waquan was living on the streets and has drug and alcohol problems. She is described as first nations, 42 years old, 5'3" tall and 198 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. She has a tattoo of 'Shirl' on her right wrist and is missing several teeth. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Shirley Ann Waquan is asked to contact RCMP or Crime Stoppers.
Water Treatment Upgrade Planned
Thursday, September 2nd, 2010
Bird Construction has signed an $82 million contract with the Municipality for upgrading work on the water treatment plant. Water Treatment Manager Shane Hogan says Bird will be responsible for a number of upgrades, necessary with the ever expanding population in Wood Buffalo. He says the plant will basically be expanded to support a 50 percent increase in capacity. The work will be completed under a fixed price construction contract, and is expected to wrap up in the fall of 2012.
Back to School Safety
Thursday, September 2nd, 2010
The Alberta Integrated Traffic Units will be educating the public on back to school safety over the next month. Corporal Adam Schedlosky says the education lies in both the parents and teachers hands as they need to ensure students understand how to cross the street safely. Schedlosky says motorists should pay special attention to school zones and buses as there is always a chance that a child could wander out where they aren't supposed to.
Construction on Highway 63
Thursday, September 2nd, 2010
Construction on Highway 63 may cause some traffic disruption in the overnight hours. Alberta Trasportation says motorists can expect the disruptions between the Athabasca River and Thickwood Boulevard from 10pm to 4:30 am. The work is expected to be completed by Sunday, weather permitting.
BYO Campaign Continues
Thursday, September 2nd, 2010
The muncipality continues to roll-out the single use shopping bag ban. The ban took effect yesterday and local retailers are no longer able to distribute bags with customer purchases. Part of the ban includes the BYO Bag campaign which will continue over the coming weeks with the focus of educating residents about the health and wellness when using reusable bags. Information on proper disinfection of the bags, as well as suggestions on separating goods within them will remain posted on the municipal website.
New Emergency Fund at Keyano
Thursday, September 2nd, 2010
Keyano College is making funds available for students who experience emergency situations through the Jane Hubert Student Emergency Loan Fund. Former Keyano cashier Jane Hubert saved tip money to fund scholarships for culinary arts in the 1980's an 90's. When the program was dropped, the money laid idle. The Keyano College Foundation took the money raised by Hubert five years ago and created the fund in her name. The initiative is meant to help with emergency situations that students might encounter such as an out-of-town death in the family, a fire, or other similar problems. The fund will also support the Hot Lunch Program that will provide access to pre-paid hot lunch tickets for students. The Anonymous Donor Group has pledged $30 thousand to the fund over the next three years and Nexen has contributed $50 thousand, while Shell has pledge $35 hundred. Eligibility for the programs is based on a case-by-case basis and students in need should talk immediately to the Keyano Career & Counselling Services.
College Opens New Data Centre
Thursday, September 2nd, 2010
Keyano College has unveiled a new state-of-the-art Data Center in the Clearwater Campus. The 650 square foot facility will serve as a centralized location for the college's computer servers and the I-Net Security system. It features an un-interrupted power supply system to ensure data is safe during power service interruptions. Keyano Chief Technology Officer Brad Yoder says the Data Center means added protection to Keyano's backbone systems such as Power Campus, and will provide protection from power surges and temperature fluctuations. Yoder says the Center also features an underground coolant system and a fire supression system as well as eight security cameras to monitor activity in the area. The facility, constructed by Titan General Contracting, took nine months to complete at a cost of $1.6 million.
SummersEnd Begins Today
Thursday, September 2nd, 2010
The SummersEnd Festival formerly known as the Blueberry festival, kicks off today at MacDonald Island Park. Organizers say the final outdoor event of the summers returns this year with the mid-way, something residents haven't seen in years. Events Wood Buffalo Executive Director Claude Giroux says there will activities for everyone to enjoy from the local talent concerts to the midway. He says there will also be a fish fry by Fort McMurray tourism on Saturday, and a pancake breakfast on Sunday. He says they are still looking for volunteers to help with the event and anyone who to get involved can visit the Events Wood Buffalo website.
SPCA Needs Help for Avery, Harley
Thursday, September 2nd, 2010
The Fort McMurray SPCA is looking to the public for help with two animals. Executive Director Catherine Stevenson says Avery, a female Corgi-cross is need of a surgery that could come with a cost of more than $3 thousand. Stevenson says the animal was brought to them after receiving surgery to have metal parts placed in her leg. She says the parts are no longer working out and they have to be removed, which may result in the animal having to go to Edmonton. She says the other animal, a siamese cross cat named Hurley, is blind and in need of a foster home or forever home. The SPCA is also looking for volunteers to assist at the shelter.
Only Walgreens Will Boycott Fuels
Wednesday, September 1st, 2010
Three American companies say they aren't boycotting the use of fuels from the Alberta oil sands. The Gap, Levi Strauss and Timberland were rumored to have told their transportation companies that preference would be given to those that avoided using oilsands fuels. Forest Ethics says they never said the actions taken by the companies are a boycott, but they're certainly not good for Canada's tar sands. The environmental group says the Gap plans to reduce its carbon footprint by ensuring transportation providers are working to eliminate high carbon-intensive fuels. Timberland asked all transportation providers to demonstrate how they are increasing their use of low carbon fuels and avoiding carbon-intensive sources. Levi Strauss is planning to give preference to low-carbon fuels and transportation services with lower-than-normal greenhouse gas footprints and environmental and social impacts. Walgreens, however, is switching suppliers that provide fuel for delivery trucks to ensure they don't use gasoline sourced from the oil sands.
Critics Dismiss Study on Metals in Water
Wednesday, September 1st, 2010
Critics are quick to dismiss a new study by University of Alberta scientist Dr. David Schindler that shows there is an increase in mercury in the Athabasca River. Many claim the province as a whole, not just the oil sands, has had problems with mercury levels. Currently there are over a dozen advisories recommending that women and children not eat fish due to mercury contamination. The government and industry claim that mercury occurs naturally in rocks, soils, and water, however the substance can also originate from burning coal. A study by the University of Alberta in 2006 looked at whether coal-fired power plants contributed to mercury contamination at three Alberta lakes. Coal-fired power contributed to higher mercury contamination in lake sediment for Lac Ste. Anne, Wabamun, and Pigeon lakes. Wabamun Lake is located near two coal-fired power plants and had the highest increase of mercury contamination.
Government Not Protecting Water; Liberals
Wednesday, September 1st, 2010
Liberal Leader David Swann says the Stelmach administration has not done nearly enough to protect Alberta's watersheds or the international reputation of the oil and gas sector. The Liberals are responding to the peer-reviewed research of David Schindler's team at the National Academy of Science on environmental pollution from oil sands development. Swann says contrary to the Stelmach government's prior claims, toxic contamination of the Athabasca River can't be entirely blamed on nature. He says oil sands development, including toxic tailings ponds, is almost certainly responsible. Swann says protecting human health as well as lakes, rivers and wildlife requires independent, more accurate monitoring and enforcement. This means equipment and qualified specialists on the ground, with the tools, funding and enforcement powers necessary to do the job. Swann says the government's decision to cut the environmental department by $17.5 million this year speaks volumes about its priorities. Swann says slick communications strategies aren't enough, the Premier must take direct action now.
Bag Ban Starts Today
Wednesday, September 1st, 2010
The municipal single use shopping bag ban comes into effect today. The ban was approved in council chambers late last year and will see the majority of retailers in the region without supplied bags for their customers. The municipality says the bylaw will reduce the negative effects that paper and plastic bags have on the environment. They say it will also help with their goal of reducing the waste stream going to the landfill by 50 percent by 2012. Several retailers in the region are considered exempt including take-out and drive through restaurants, liquor stores and pharmacies. No fines have been set for residents still using the single use bags, but retailers could face a fine of up to $120 if found in violation. Residents are enouraged to purchase reusable cloth bags to transport goods to and from stores.
Passport to Success at Keyano
Wednesday, September 1st, 2010
Students attending Keyano College will now receive help to address childcare, living expenses, and tuition cost through a program called Passport to Success. Keyano established this initiative to help underemployed or unemployed single parent students attend post-secondary education with assistance from an anonymous donor group. The group has pledged $120 thousand over three years. This year's funding will assist three students attending Keyano College.
