February 10, 2026 Country Booster

The paper created EXCLUSIVELY for farm families and rural residents of east central Alberta

8 PAGES | FEBRUARY 10, 2026

Skates&Smiles

With the coldest stretch of winter now behind us, conditions are just right to get outside and enjoy the season. The ice is smooth and glide-ready, and the cozy evening temperatures make for a perfect family outing.

The Armena Athletic Association invites the community to a weekly Skating Party at the Armena Outdoor Rink.

Every Friday starting at 5:30 p.m., families, friends and neighbours gather at the Ice Shack for an evening of skating, conversation and classic winter treats. Hot dogs, cookies and hot chocolate are available, and the well-maintained rink offers plenty of space for skaters of all ages and skill levels. So lace up your skates or simply stop by to enjoy the atmosphere.

The Skating Party is a great way to make the most of winter while connecting with the community.

By

Warmer days ahead

emerged from his burrow on February 2 and cast a long shadow, signalling six more weeks of winter for Alberta, according to the province’s well-known Groundhog Day tradition.

For Camrose and area, this means warmer days are expected by midMarch. In the folklore of Groundhog Day, seeing a shadow means winter will continue while no shadow suggests an early spring. While Balzac Bil-

ly’s prediction does not change the real outlook for the region, the warm February does make one question if spring might be arriving earlier than usual. For growers, long-term climate data shared by the Old Farmer’s Almanac

to 5 p.m. Phone 780-672-3142 Fax 780-672-2518

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indicates that the last frost in Camrose area is still expected around May 25, which aligns perfectly with last year’s patterns. Last year warm temperatures were accompanied by rain, which made seeding more challenging for farmers eagerly waiting to get out in the field.

While spring is still months away, residents can find comfort in knowing that the coldest days are in fact behind us.

China to reduce tariffs on canola

By Adan Shaikh

Canola producers celebrated a major breakthrough in January after China announced it will reduce the retaliatory tariffs they implemented on Canadian canola seed and canola meal in March of last year.

On January 16, 2026, Canada and China reached a preliminary agreementin-principle. Under the deal, tariffs on Canadian canola seed imports are expected to drop to 15 per cent on March 1, while the current 100 per cent tariffs on canola meal are scheduled for removal by the end of year.

“The agreement reached on canola seed and meal is an important milestone in Canada’s trading relationship with China,” said Chris Davison, president and CEO of the Canola Council of Canada.

“The Canadian canola industry has been clear since the outset that these tariffs are a political issue requiring a political solution. We are pleased to see significant progress in restoring market access for seed and meal and will continue to build on this development by working to achieve permanent and complete tariff relief, including for canola oil, moving forward.”

China is the second largest market for Canadian canola, and purchased about $5 billion worth of canola and canola products in 2024. Exports in 2025 fell sharply due to the tariffs.

The impact of these tariffs was felt strongly throughout Camrose County, with approximately 227,769 acres of canola fields dotting the rural landscape. Alberta Canola, which represents provincial producers, welcomed the news as a timely boost for farmers preparing for the fast approaching seeding season.

“Reducing the tariffs on seed and eliminating them on meal will get trade flowing again. Predictable, rules-based trade is essential for farmer confidence and long-term investment in our industry,” said Andre Harpe, chair of Alberta Canola.

Alberta Canola said the agreement was made possible through collaboration between federal and provincial governments. The organization will continue working with governments and industry partners to ensure these tariff changes result in sustained market access for Alberta farmers.

County Corner

News and Information from Camrose County

Phone 780.672.4446 | www.county.camrose.ab.ca

Camrose Count y Counc il recognized Marian Williams for her significant contributions to suppor ting local foods in the region and the development of the Food Ar tisans of Camrose Count y (FACC). Thank you for all your dedication Marian!

EQUI PM ENT FOR TENDER

Camrose C ount y currently has :

■ 2020 John Deere 60 -inch Zero Turn Mower

■ 2022 Gravely Pro-Turn 72-inch Zero Turn Mower

■ 2008 Titan 6. 8 Ft X 20Ft Tilt Deck Trailer for Tender. Tenders will be accepted at the Agricultural Services O ice, 423 8-37 S treet C amrose, A lber ta T4V 5B2 in a sealed envelope marke d “At tention 2026 USED EQUIPMENT TE NDER ”. All tenders must be received no later than March 6 , 2026 , at 11:0 0 a.m

See details at ht tps://county.camrose .ab.ca/tenders/ The unit s are being o ered for s ale “AS IS W HERE IS ” and may be viewe d from F ebruar y 2 to March 5 , 2026 , during work hour s by appointment Please c ontact C orey S tuber for information: 780 -672-476 5.

USED 24' x 24' BUILDING FOR SALE BY TEND ER

Viewing on site February 24 , 2026, 9 to 11 a.m.

Tenders will be accepted at the A gricultural Ser vices O ice, 4238-3 7 Street , Camrose, AB T4V 5B2 in a sealed envelope marked “ATTENTION 2026 USED BUILDING SALE TENDER”

000 000 liability insurance.

3. Must follow Camrose C ounty Safety Policy or have own Safety Certificate of Recognition or equivalent

4. Fill out Camrose Count y safety paperwork forms (CONTRACTOR SAFE T Y MANAGEMENT SAFE WORK PERMIT CONTRACTOR SAFE T Y REGISTRATION FORM).

5. Must mee t with Camrose C ounty Safety Coordinator on site prior to commencement of work Camrose Count y assumes no liabilit y as to the age or condition of the used building and errors or omissions on this list It is the purchaser s responsibility to confirm age, condition, e tc Building must be paid for prior to March 17 , 2026. Work may commence once all the conditions abov e have been met to the tion of the Count Buyers must adhere to Government of Alber Dimension

mail, fax or email.

All tenders will be subjec t to GST as per County protocol.

For fur ther information regarding the 2026 USED BUILDING, contact Kevin MacDonald at 780-672-4765.

TENDER CLOSES March 10, 2026, at 2 p.m. Tender results will be available March 11 2026, after 2 p.m.

Closing the Gap

By Nadine Leming

The Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) has started a five week campaign to draw attention to the mounting rural infrastructure shortfall. By securing rural infrastructure, the government can make a strategic move boosting the province’s long-term economic future.

The goal of this campaign is to educate Albertans through the deficit, step by step to understand the extent of the problem and highlight the economic impact. The campaign is also aimed to profile the urgent need for reinvestment and build the case for the importance of rural infrastructure, making it a priority to the province.

Each week of the campaign will showcase a unique part of the story, emphasizing to the government the importance of partnering with the RMA and rural municipalities.

Rural Alberta is the foundation of the provincial economy with 28% of Alberta’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) coming from economic activity within RMA member municipalities. The RMA is advocating that it’s time for the province to invest in Alberta’s economy and prosperity by investing in rural infrastructure.

Sustainable, predictable funding is vital to connecting industries with access to markets and natural resources. This is a province wide priority. When rural assets weaken, industry costs increase, supply chains diminish leading to Alberta’s competitiveness to suffer. By funding rural infrastructure, the government can strengthen Alberta.

“It may surprise many Albertans that rural municipalities manage a larger infrastructure portfolio than anyone else in the province, including the Government of Alberta. This infrastructure is vital to economic growth across the province, but rural municipalities are increasingly challenged to manage an aging network while also investing in upgrades and expansion to support new industrial opportunities,” explained RMA President Kara Westerlund.

During the January 13 Camrose County Council meeting, councillor Carl Bergstrom moved that council direct administration to draft a letter under the Reeve’s signature to MLA Jackie Lovely regarding the RMA Rural Infrastructure Funding Deficit Campaign. For more information on the RMA’s Closing the Gap Campaign, go to www.rmalberta.com

us in the afternoon for ne tworking oppor tuni ties and a variety of demonstrations addressing key disease issue

• Learn about f indings from Provincial Crop Disease Surveys and ongoing research.

• Receive an update on the status of Alberta Crop Diseases, including Aphanomyces, Stripe Rust , Cereal Leaf Spots, Fusarium Head Blight and more.

• Learn about new clubroot and blackleg variants and how these diseases are changing.

As the Deadline for Payment of 2025 Proper ty Taxes was July 31, 2025, a 12 % Penalty will be added March 2, 2026, 4:30 pm, to all Outstanding Tax Arrears Payments can be made online, at any financial institution or at the County O ice, 3755-43 Avenue, Camrose, AB BEFORE MARCH 1, 2026 OR Mailed Payments must be received postmarked by Februar y 28, 2026

Also, there is now a Credit Card Payment Option on the County Website under “Residents”, Credit Card Option Pay, a ser vice charge will apply After Hours/Weekends (Cheques Only) can be placed in the Mailbox beside the County front door Camrose County o ers a Pre-Authorized Monthly Payment Plan for taxes Forms and fur ther information can be obtained by contacting our o ice at 780-672-4446 or from the County website: www county camrose .ab .ca Teresa Gratrix, County Administrator Camrose County

To uris m Operator s Roundtabl e

Tuesday, March 3, 1 to 4 p.m.

Camrose Regional Exhibition (CRE)

Camrose County and the City of Camrose invite all region tourism and recreation operators to join a prac tical,

roundtable fo cused on

s, identifying opportunities and ex ploring collaboration to strengthen regional touris m.

Discussion will cover current challenges, promotion and how the County and City can better suppor t operators through marketing, resources and partnerships. Input will help shap e future tourism initiative s

Bashaw model improves rural healthcare

Continued from page 7

The work of the Bashaw and District Regional Health and Wellness Foundation has been focused on sourcing the matching dollars required for the grant through local fundraising dollars. They are also focused on sharing early learnings and successes with stakeholders, including the region’s municipalities.

One of the most important advocacy efforts is to appeal to the Government of Alberta for sustainable funding for multidisciplinary primary care teams in rural Alberta and expand this approach to care delivery in other rural and remote areas of our province struggling to access primary care.

The Health and Wellness Beat, is the bimonthly newsletter highlighting the important work of the Bashaw & Area Regional Health and Wellness Foundation.

The Bashaw & Area Regional Health and Wellness Foundation is proud to support this communityowned clinic. To share your support or to become a volunteer and help expand patient access, please contact Board Chair Penny Shantz at 780-372-3087.

Water scarcity

Metro News

Water scarcity may be common even in countries with adequate water resources, and it has the potential to impact various industries, including the agricultural sector.

Despite water covering 70 per cent of the Earth’s surface, only about 3 per cent of it is freshwater, advises the World Wildlife Fund. Of this 3 per cent, less than 1 per cent of that water is accessible for human use. Pressures like pollution and over-extraction are depleting the world’s water resources faster than it can be replenished.

It’s important to note that climate change can intensify scarcity of water. When temperatures rise across the planet, drought becomes more frequent and severe. Coupled with unpredictable rainfall patterns that can make water management challenging, climate change has a very real hold on the availability of

Camrose trading area. If you recognize it as yours, come to the Camrose Booster, 4925-48 Street, Camrose. You will be presented with a free 8” x 10” colour enlargement of the photo.

water resources.

Agriculture accounts for 72 per cent of global water withdrawals, and is a large contributor to water scarcity. Learning how farming operations can conserve water more readily can make a difference in the availability of water.

FoodWise reports that farmers can use drip irrigation to save up to 80 per cent more water than conventional irrigation. Capturing and storing water is another way that farmers can manage water usage without relying exclusively on municipal water or wells.