More Communities Evacuated Near Fort McMurray
Officials have ordered the evacuation of three more communities in northern Alberta, amid fears that unpredictable winds could drive a raging wildfire toward them.
Residents of Anzac, Gregoire Lake Estates and Fort McMurray First Nation were told last night that they had to leave.
The evacuees included people who had already been evacuated from nearby Fort McMurray, and were staying at the Anzac recreation centre.
There had been 2,500 evacuees registered there, although it's not clear how many were actually staying.
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Manitoba Unable to Send Aid as It Fights Its Own Wildfires
The Manitoba government says it doesn't have enough equipment or manpower to send to Alberta right now because crews are busy battling wildfires here.
The province's wildfire program reports this month's weather conditions have increased the risk of grass and wildfires.
The extended dry conditions raised the fire risk to high, lasting until the trees green up later this month.
This Tuesday, two new wildfires were reported in the province near Nelson House and Pine Falls. The total number of fires to date is 28. The average number for this time of year is 60.
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Mossey River Looking to Increase Tourism Spending
It was a packed room as the Mossy River Municipality held a town meeting last night regarding their 2016 Financial Plan.
One thing that the municipality is looking more into is tourism.
Head of Council, Kate Basford says that in their budget they increased funding for tourism from $2,000 dollars to $17,000.
"That's a big jump and I think for an RM such as our size that's a lot of money. So we've started doing some more advertising, started looking (at) programming, (and) how can we make this a destination spot?"
At the meeting they talked about how they have discovered a "nice little gem" up by Red Deer Point, north of Winnipegosis, and hope to start up a stewardship program for the bird sanctuary that is there.
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Federal Government to Announce Review of Canada Post
Door-to-door delivery from Canada Post is up for debate as the federal Liberals prepare to launch a review of the Crown corporation.
Public Safety Minister Judy Foote is expected to announce the review at a news conference today in Ottawa.
It will consist of a four-member independent panel, which will look at whether Canada Post should continue its plans to cut door-to-door delivery.
It may also examine whether the national mail carrier should get back into the banking business.
