Year in Review Inside
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Your LOCAL Paper
Wednesday, January 15, 2025 Vol. 48, No. 02
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What will cost Farmer’s Spiel winners more in 2025 Philip Oddi
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Experts say prices will again rise this year as Canadians continue to struggle with significant cost increases for common goods and services. Numerous factors continue to play a significant role in the affordability of necessities. This includes the ongoing battle with inflation, limited housing, a weaker Canadian dollar, global political tensions, and the threat of United States President-elect Donald Trump’s 25 per cent tariff on goods imported from Canada and Mexico. Increases to food items in 2025 by percentage from the 2025 Canada Food Price Report. Food The 2025 Canada Food Price Report outlined that food prices are expected to rise between three and five per cent. Meat products are set to increase the most at four to six per cent, followed by vegetables and restaurants at three to five per cent. Bakery and dairy products will see a two to four per cent increase. On average, Canadians can expect to pay approximately $801.56 more than last year for food for a family of four. The average family of four in Canada spends approximately $16,000 a
year on food alone. Statistics Canada also reported that more than 50 per cent of Canadians have changed their spending habits to make ends meet. Furthermore, the Canadian Food Sentiment Index explained that 47.3 per cent of Canadians stated that affordability was the most important factor when purchasing food, followed by nutrition at 24.9 per cent. Housing The demand for housing, both home ownership and rental units, is likely to continue this year. The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) forecasts national home sales to climb 6.6 per cent in 2025, or approximately 500,000 units, playing into the strong demand and competition for housing in the country. Average housing prices across Canada are hovering around $713,000; a 4.4 per cent increase from 2024. Utilities The cost of heating homes, powering businesses, and filling up the gas tank are all expected to add to the cost of living in Canada. The CBC reported that provinces affected by the carbon tax increase in April will see a jump of 20 cents per litre for gasoline and 14 cents per litre for propane this year. Continued on Page 14
Sixteen teams competed in the Viking Farmer's Spiel hosted by the Viking Curling Club at the beginning of January. The first event winners were First Event Winners: Ryan McLean, Lane Russnak, Brett Vitek, and Dexter Lefsrud.
Second Event Winners were: Mike McLean, Heather McLean, Dean Antos, and Ty Taylor.
Third Event Winners were: Bill Oracheski, Kevin Mizera, Garrett Raasok, and Travis Willerton