Cochrane

A former deputy premier's petition to have Alberta declare that its official policy is to remain in Canada can start rolling out across the province.

Chief electoral officer Gordon McClure says canvassers with the Alberta Forever Canada citizen initiative can begin gathering signatures.

Submitted by Thomas Lukaszuk, a former Progressive Conservative cabinet minister, the petition is for a policy proposal asking people: "Do you agree that Alberta should remain in Canada?"

Canvassers have three months to gather around 294,000 signatures on the petition.

Alberta has announced plans to invest $1.3 million to strengthen the health, biodiversity, and long-term resilience of the province's rangelands. 

Agriculture Minister RJ Sigurdson says healthy rangelands are the foundation of a strong agricultural sector. 

The 5th annual Mayor’s Invitational Charity Golf Tournament has once again teed up a new record, raising nearly $123,000 in gross proceeds to support Big Hill Haven, a Cochrane-based organization aiding women and children fleeing domestic violence.

Cochrane’s Furry Fun Fest wrapped up with a whopping $9,212 raised for the Cochrane & Area Humane Society.

“It was a tremendous success,” says organizer Jana Husmann. “I never imagined it would grow this big.”

Despite some last-minute weather issues, the event was quickly relocated to the grassy area beside the Cochrane Lions Event Centre.

“We had over 400 people come through,” says Husmann. “We moved everything and it turned out even better.”

Cochrane RCMP are investigating a rash of vandalism that occurred overnight between July 26 and 27, with several businesses reporting graffiti tags on their buildings in the 1st St. area.

Rugby Alberta has selected seven players from the Bow Valley Rugby Club to compete on Wolfpack teams for interprovincial play.

Five were named to the U17 women's team, and one to both the U19 and U17 men's teams.

Amelie Brown, Avari Horvath, Livi Poluin, Olivia Harris, and Sydney Blydo will travel to Shawnigan Lake School (B.C.) to train and compete in the Vancouver Island Tour, Aug. 3 to 8.

Besides Bow Valley club play, they were standouts with Cochrane's CobraCats high school rugby team.

A thick layer of fog has once again settled over Cochrane, prompting another fog advisory this morning.

Environment Canada warns visibility may drop to near zero in some areas.

The dense fog has made for a slower, more cautious morning commute.

Drivers are urged to be alert and adjust their speed to match the changing conditions.

The advisory says visibility could suddenly drop without warning.

Conditions are expected to gradually improve by late morning and turn into a beautiful afternoon. 

After a successful debut in 2024, Cochrane’s Community Tree Fruit Round-Up is back—and organizers hope it will yield even more fresh fruit for food banks and wildlife rehabilitation, while reducing the potential for unwanted wildlife encounters in local neighbourhoods.

Cochrane ball player Maeve Maguire is returning to the diamond to represent Alberta in the Baseball Canada 19U Women’s National Championship.

Team Alberta opens the tournament against Manitoba at noon on July 31 at AGAT Field, a showcase stadium at Webber Academy Athletic Park on Lower Springbank Road.

Maguire, 18, is pencilled in to play second and third base on the 15-player roster.

Redwood Meadows Emergency Services (RMES) Fire Chief Rob Evans is urging townsite residents to limit their water use to help preserve resources for emergency situations, especially firefighting.

“By reducing daily water use, you're helping to ensure there's enough available for critical situations,” said Evans. “Our fire trucks carry 4,300 imperial gallons, but having the ability to refill quickly during an emergency can make a real difference.”