Cochrane

The Cochrane Terry Fox Run is adding some new touches this year to draw even more participants when the community comes together on Sept. 14.

One of the biggest additions is “Puppies on Parade,” a special 11:30 a.m. start for people who want to walk their dogs.—some in costume.

“Dogs are welcome at any time, but we thought a special start time would make it more fun and spread things out a little,” said event chair Lesley Hunt. “We’re doing that little extra to bring more people out.”

Rocky View Schools (RVS) is inviting community members with a passion for leadership in public education to attend an information session Sept. 11 for prospective RVS board of trustees candidates.

The session will provide insight into the role of a trustee, how the division operates, and ways participants can help shape the future of education in RVS. Attendees will also have an opportunity to ask questions.

Eight trustees will be elected Oct. 20. Nominations are being accepted until noon Sept. 22.

Tree Canada is inviting Rocky View County landowners to take part in its National Greening Program, which aims to restore forests, enhance biodiversity, and create healthier environments. Last year, the initiative helped plant more than two million trees across five regions of the country.

Landowners with at least four hectares (10 acres) of land may be eligible to participate. Suitable sites include former crop rotation areas, meadows, grasslands, riparian zones, or woodlands in need of restoration or enhancement.

The Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary is getting a boost from the Alberta government to improve its facilities for visitors.

Arts, Culture and Status of Women Minister Tanya Fir announced Friday the sanctuary has been awarded a $125,000 Community Facility Enhancement Grant.

The funding will support a new day-use area, a sheltered interpretation centre and additional paved pathways at the internationally acclaimed centre, located 15 kilometres west of Cochrane.

An unplanned power outage this morning affected a large area in and around Cochrane.

The outage included the transmitter site for 91.5 CochraneNow, temporarily taking the radio station off air.

According to Fortis Alberta, the outage began at 8:35 a.m., but power has now been fully restored.

Cochrane residents might want to start thinking about covering up the garden.

According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the first frost in our area typically arrives around September 6, based on historical climate data from nearby Madden. That gives us a growing season of about 99 days between the last spring frost on May 29 and the first frost of fall.

The Almanac notes these dates are averages with about a 30 per cent chance frost could come earlier or later, depending on local microclimates.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said Thursday her government's sudden shift in COVID-19 vaccination policy was prompted by union demands. 

Earlier this week, her health ministry said COVID-19 vaccine coverage would be extended to all health-care workers this fall under the first phase of the province’s rollout.

That came two months after the government said most Albertans, including health workers, would have to pay for a COVID-19 shot — potentially a cost of $110.

The Bragg Creek wastewater system has returned to normal operating levels, following a period of high inflows that put significant strain on the system.

“Thanks to the community’s water conservation efforts, ongoing system monitoring, and the hard work of our crews, the system has had the time it needed to fully recover,” states a Rocky View County update on what's been a challenging situation for the hamlet.

Residents are being asked to increase water use gradually to avoid sudden surges on the system.

After a solid season, everything is on the line Saturday for the Bow Valley Grizzlies men’s rugby team.

The Grizz are hosting the Division 2 quarterfinals against the Foothills Lions Aug. 23 at the Mitford pitch. Kickoff is at noon.

Coming off a bye, the Grizz dropped their final regular-season game to the Banff Bears, 37-20. The win secured Banff top spot in the Division 2 standings and reclaimed the Grizzly Bear Cup, which Bow Valley had held for the past two seasons.

When it comes to restoring our canola trade with China, the Canadian canola industry wants to see action and engagement from all levels of government with everyone working together to protect our market share.

Premier Scott Moe along with his Agriculture Minister Darryl Harrison and Trade and Export Minister Warren Kaeding met with federal/provincial canola groups, as well as exporters, canola crush and value-added companies.