Cochrane

Underlying inflation remained stubbornly hot in June, leading financial markets and many economists to firm up calls for a third straight interest rate hold from the Bank of Canada later this month.

Statistics Canada said Tuesday that the annual pace of inflation accelerated to 1.9 per cent in June, up from 1.7 per cent in May and largely in line with economists’ expectations.

Prices didn't ease much at the gas pumps last month, the agency said, and higher prices on motor vehicles and other durable goods also drove inflation higher.

Cochrane council has approved moving forward with talks on the future of Southbow Landing Park as a shared gateway to the town and Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park.

They’ve directed administration to work with the Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation (GRPF) on a Memorandum of Understanding to explore park programming and services.

The future park is envisioned to be a gateway to both Cochrane and the provincial park when it becomes a key link in the Trans Canada Trail.

The popcorn is popping once again, as Cochrane Home Treasures brings back its popular free movie day next Wednesday, July 23.

Free tickets will be available starting today [Tuesday] at 12:30 p.m. at the Cochrane Movie House. Each person can claim up to five tickets while supplies last.

“We’re always looking for ways to connect the community,” says Cayley Breeze, manager of Home Treasures. “This started as a pilot project a few years ago and the response has been amazing.”

Town council has turned down an application to develop automobile-focused businesses, including a lube express and car wash, on three commercial lots adjacent to Highway 1A in the recently established Historic Downtown direct control district.

Councillors cited concerns about impacts on adjacent residents in the Homestead building operated by the Cochrane Society for Housing Options (CSHO), including noise, pollution, and traffic. Some also expressed that this type of development isn’t desirable at a major entrance point to the community.

Town council has agreed to release all legal and administrative costs related to meetings, investigations, and sanctions involving Councillor Marni Fedeyko — along with a summary providing context and timelines.

Council passed the motion 5–2, with Mayor Jeff Genung and Councillor Susan Flowers opposed. A related motion prompted a much deeper discussion.

Cochrane’s own Cody Matechuk was back in action at this year’s Calgary Stampede, performing jaw-dropping motocross stunts for tens of thousands of fans, but this time, with a brand-new twist.

Matechuk, a seasoned freestyle motocross rider, returned to the Stampede for his third year, pulling double duty across both the Midway and the Grandstand shows. He estimates he took part in around 45 Midway shows over the course of the 10-day event, in addition to nightly performances at the Grandstand.

This week’s Adorable Adoptables star is Titan, a dog so big and speckled you might mistake him for a cow at first glance.

“He’s white with these black spots and kind of has that cow-dog look,” says Robyn Roy, communications coordinator with the Cochrane & Area Humane Society.

“But don’t worry, he doesn’t moo.”

Titan is four years old and full of love. Despite his size, he walks nicely on a leash and is always ready for a snuggle.

RCMP are investigating a shooting that took place Monday evening in the Airdrie southeast neighbourhood of Lanark.

Police responded to reports of shots fired around 6 p.m., and an increased presence of officers was seen in the area into the night.

A damaged SUV was visible at the scene, with a shattered window and what appeared to be bullet holes along the side of the vehicle.

Mounties have confirmed there is no ongoing risk to the public.

The annual pace of inflation accelerated to 1.9 per cent in June as consumers were paying more at car dealerships, Statistics Canada said Tuesday.

The June price hike is up from 1.7 per cent in May and was largely in line with economists’ expectations.

StatCan said gasoline prices were nearly unchanged in June as higher crude oil prices and geopolitical conflicts ratcheted up pressure at the pumps. Motorists saw a steeper monthly decline in prices this time last year, which the agency said led to a rise in headline inflation.

A toxic weed with a nasty smell and fast-growing seeds is making unwanted appearances in Cochrane this summer.

Black henbane has been spotted in several areas around town and officials are urging caution when dealing with it. 

“We’ve had about 30 calls about black henbane since the start of June,” says Trish Kluane, manager of parks and open spaces for the Town of Cochrane. “It’s showing up on both public and private land.”