Cochrane

A non-statutory public hearing is set for June 11 at 5:30 p.m. to allow public input on the growing controversy over the proposal for YMCA Calgary to take over the operation of the SLS Centre.

In advance of the hearing, Jeff Genung, in his role as interim president of the Spray Lake Sawmills Recreation Park Society, is arranging individual meetings between YMCA representatives and user groups. The society's board held a special meeting earlier today.

A major change is coming to one of Cochrane’s historic structures.

Starting in July, the River Avenue Bridge will be closed to regular vehicle traffic and converted to a dedicated pedestrian and active transportation corridor.

The move is part of a broader plan to improve community safety and enhance accessibility across the Bow River, according to the Town of Cochrane.

The community continues to find creative ways to raise funds for three-year-old Brielle Thomas, with the latest effort taking place on the pool tables.

A billiards tournament will be held on June 8 at The Venue Bar & Grill, 79 E Railway St., to help purchase a cutting-edge mobility device by Trexo Robotics for Brielle.

Alberta is bringing in new rules this fall to ensure that only what it calls “age appropriate” books are available in school libraries.

Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides says the move was spurred by four graphic coming-of-age novels depicting sexual, LGBTQ+ content found to be in circulation in public schools in Edmonton and Calgary.

Nicolaides says he was extremely concerned to learn such novels were available.

Environment Canada has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for Rocky View County, which includes Cochrane, as conditions become increasingly favourable for powerful storms.

Forecasters warn that thunderstorms developing later this afternoon and continuing into the evening may bring:

• Strong wind gusts capable of damaging roofs, fences and soft-topped shelters

• Large hail that can shatter windows, dent vehicles and injure persons caught outdoors

King Charles arrived in Canada Tuesday afternoon for a short visit that will include reading the speech from the throne in Parliament.

The highly symbolic visit is happening as Canada copes with U.S. President Donald Trump's attempts to upend global trade with tariffs and his repeated calls for Canada's annexation.

The Canadian Armed Forces plane carrying the King and Queen Camilla landed in Ottawa shortly after 1 p.m. 

Canola oil would be one of the main beneficiaries of proposed changes to the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit making their way through U.S. Congress, says an analyst.

The feedstock is not eligible for the credit under the current rules because of its unfavourable carbon intensity (CI) score.

However, under new rules contained in the budget bill that recently passed through the U.S. House of Representatives, canola’s carbon intensity score drops to 38.5 grams of carbon dioxide per megajoule from 54.9.

Quebec Liberal MP Francis Scarpaleggia was elected Speaker of the House of Commons on Monday — after an unusually dramatic race that saw the only Conservative contenders drop out of the running at the last minute.

Conservative MPs Chris d'Entremont and John Nater both put their names forward but withdrew on the House floor before the election began Monday morning.

The Liberals currently have 169 seats in the minority Parliament, leaving them three seats shy of the 172 required for a majority.

Government House leader Steven MacKinnon says the NDP will not be granted official party status because the law says a party needs at least 12 seats to be recognized.

The NDP was reduced to just seven seats in last month's election.

Interim NDP Leader Don Davies has told The Canadian Press he spoke with the Prime Minister's Office about obtaining official party status for the NDP in the House of Commons.

Davies pointed to several past instances of provincial legislatures granting party status to an opposition party.

As bear activity increases during warmer months, Alberta Fish and Wildlife is urging residents, campers, and industrial operators to take extra precautions with garbage disposal to help prevent human-bear conflicts.

Improperly stored garbage remains the number one attractant drawing bears into communities, campsites, and worksites. Experts emphasize that managing waste properly not only protects people and property but also helps keep bears in the wild where they belong.