Finding Warmth and Supporting Each Other During the Holiday Season
As the Holidays Approach, many of us turn our attention to creating warmth, both in our homes and in our communities. At this time of year, we’re reminded that the holiday season is more than gift giving and large celebrations, perhaps the most important thing is that it’s a time we get together, reconnect and […]
Honouring Service and Sacrifice
On November 11, Canadians across the country pause to honour our veterans and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice so that we can live in freedom and peace today. Remembrance Day was first observed in 1919, originally called Armistice Day, to mark the armistice agreement that ended the First World War on November 11, […]
Thanksgiving: A Time For Reflection, Family and Faith
As Thanksgiving approaches, we’re reminded that despite the conflict, division, and uncertainty seen in many parts of the world, there’s still much to be grateful for here in Canada. This beloved holiday, celebrated on the second Monday of October is a reminder to pause and appreciate the many blessings that surround us. In the Slave […]
Driving Safe This Fall: A Friendly Reminder from Vanderwell
(Photo by Eugene Lazovsky on Unsplash) As the leaves begin to change and the mornings get chillier, it’s a sure sign that fall is upon us and winter isn’t far behind. At Vanderwell, we’ve been part of the northern Alberta community for decades, and we care deeply about the safety and well-being of our neighbours. […]
Managing Our Forests to Reduce Wildfire Risk – A Call for Action
Last month, the Alberta Forest Products Association (AFPA) published an opinion piece titled We Need to Rethink Forest Management — Even in Our National Parks. While the post focused on the national park system, many of the ideas apply equally to any forested area in Canada, including right here in Slave Lake. In a country […]
Summer Safety Starts with You: Enjoy the Season, Stay Aware
As we move into summer, the warmer months are a welcome invitation to get outside, gather with friends and family, and enjoy everything our beautiful province has to offer. But as much as we’re all ready to soak up the sun, it’s important not to let safety take a backseat. In fact, statistics show that […]
Facing Wildfire Season Together: How We Can Prepare and Protect Our Communities
(The PWF044 wildfire burning east of the town of Manning, on the east side of the Peace River, on May 31, 2025. Photo credit: Alberta Wildfire.) Those of us living and working in rural Alberta understand that wildfires have long been a part of the warmer seasons. But over the past few years, the threat […]
Why the first week of May has Special Meaning
Two important weeks are happening here in Alberta from May 4 to 11 — Alberta Forest Week and Emergency Preparedness Week. Both are always important, but in our corner of the province — Slave Lake — they carry extra meaning. We live and work surrounded by forests. Whether you’re enjoying time outdoors or working in […]
Spring in Slave Lake: Renewal, Resilience, and the Forests That Sustain Us
As the ice begins to break on Lesser Slave Lake and the long winter finally loosens its grip, something shifts — not just in the landscape, but in the rhythm of life and work in northern Alberta. The days stretch longer, temperatures rise, and the snow retreats to the shadows. Animals stir from hibernation, and […]
We love Alberta’s Forests
In Alberta we have lots to be thankful for and the recent trade wars between the U.S. and Canada only drive home that point more. Who could have imagined six years ago when the Alberta Forest Products Association (AFPA) first rolled out its public campaign, Love.Alberta.Forests (loveabforests.com), that such a simple message would, today, take […]