Okotoks

China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) has announced the outcome of its anti-discrimination investigation initiated against Canada in September 2024 as a result of the federal government’s tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, steel and aluminum. 

China’s State Council Tariff Commission will impose a 100 per cent tariff rate on Canadian canola oil and canola meal along with several other Canadian agricultural commodities as of March 20, 2025.

The Highwood Lions Music Festival is back for its 47th year thanks to the long-term sponsorship of the Highwood Lions Club based in High River.

Second year festival director Chelsea Bustin is expecting it to be one of their best yet with close to a record number of students signed up.

A Canadian woman detained for nearly two weeks by immigration officials in the United States is back on home soil, her mother confirmed.

Alexis Eagles said her daughter, Jasmine Mooney, landed at the Vancouver International Airport at around midnight Saturday and returned to her home in the city.

Eagles said she was at the airport to greet her 35-year-old daughter, along with friends of the businesswoman and former actress.

It's approaching that time of year when pike begin to spawn in Alberta.

Northern pike are the only member of the pike family that is found in Alberta, and are often called Jackfish, and they tend to spawn in flooded areas of vegetation in the early spring, generally in April or May, and often when lakes still have ice on them.

A maple tree, a red dress and a ceremonial sword may seem like cold comfort for Canadians hoping to hear their head of state defend them against U.S. President Donald Trump’s repeated pitches to annex their country.

But royal watchers say King Charles is showing subtle support for Canada in the only way he can, given his politically neutral role.

A proposed development east of Aldersyde is one step closer to reality.

At their March 12 meeting, Foothills County Council voted on second and third readings for the Highfield & Rowland Acres Area Structure Plan (ASP).

The project would include two neighbourhoods built over 1,162.43 acres of land, including as many as 5,600 residential properties, a fire hall, and a school site.

The ASP received first reading last June, but it hasn't been without its share of controversy.

Prime Minister Mark Carney's first move after taking office on Friday was to eliminate the consumer carbon price, undoing Justin Trudeau's signature climate policy.

Carney addressed members of the media after the Friday afternoon cabinet meeting, saying the government is "focused on action."

"We will be eliminating the Canada fuel charge, the consumer fuel charge, immediately, immediately," he said.

The order-in-council Carney signed in front of cabinet ministers and the press actually stipulates that the "the fuel charge be removed as of April 1, 2025."

The proposed 2025 Alberta budget has seen mixed reactions from municipal leaders since its introduction in late February.

One recurring and irksome issue stuck out to Okotoks Mayor Tanya Thorn.

The province has touted an income tax cut, but Thorn feels a tax hike present in the budget is being swept under the rug.

Budget 2025 includes an increase to the education property tax, which municipalities are required to collect along with other property taxes.

The annual Little Britches Parade is now just over two months away.

Head organizer Hank Leefrink announced this week not only the parade date but also this year's theme and the parade marshalls.

"May 17th, we will do the 66th annual Little Britches Parade starting at 10 o'clock in the morning. This year it's the salute to educators. Our two parade marshalls are Reg and Marlene Powys-Lybbe. They've been teachers in the Foothills for years and we thought they were an excellent choice."

Registration is also now open.

Discs will be flying in Diamond Valley, starting this June.

The Town of Diamond Valley is getting a brand-new 18-hole disc golf course, which will open this June.

The disc golf course is currently being developed in the Town-owned greenspace that runs beside the Sheep River, which is just south of the Field of Dreams baseball diamond.

As part of the most recent Mayor's Message, Diamond Valley Mayor Barry Crane stated that Town Council is enthusiastic about supporting the new course.