Cochrane

Redwood Meadows is among more than 40 communities receiving provincial funding to celebrate Alberta Day between Aug. 29 and Sept. 1.

Alberta was officially established as a province on Sept. 1, 1905, through the Alberta Act. Now marked annually as Alberta Day, it's a chance to reflect on 120 years of history, recognize the province’s Indigenous roots, and honour the spirit and achievements of Albertans.

As Cochranites prepare to hit the road for the Heritage Day long weekend, RCMP are urging drivers to put safety first.

“Many collisions are preventable,” says Sgt. Darrin Turnbull with Alberta RCMP Traffic. “By following safe driving practices, such as leaving early, staying alert, and driving according to conditions, we can help ensure Alberta’s roadways are safe for everyone this August long weekend.”

RCMP are reminding motorists that impaired driving can have deadly consequences.

A public hearing is set for August 5 on a proposed land annexation by the Summer Village of Ghost Lake from the MD of Bighorn.

Although the two municipalities had already negotiated an agreement, an objection by the Stoney Nakoda First Natriont triggered the public hearing of the Land and Property Rights Tribunal.

The summer village, 23 km west of Cochrane, wants to take over about 42 hectares to gain jurisdiction over a shoreline area it’s already developed with recreational amenities.

Crews have restored partial water service in the Redwood Meadows townsite after getting one of two pumps at the water treatment plant operational.

"We ask that residents continue to reduce your water usage until we are able to get the required parts for the second pump," officials told residents in the last update late yesterday afternoon. "Once the second pump is operational, we will be able to rebuild the water volume in the reserve tank."

A judge is scheduled to rule today on whether to grant bail to three men facing terrorism charges in an alleged plot to forcibly seize land in the Quebec City area.

Quebec court Judge René de la Sablonnière heard evidence and arguments over three days.

Simon Angers-Audet, 24, Raphaël Lagacé, 25, and Marc-Aurèle Chabot, 24, face charges of facilitating a terrorist activity, and other charges related to the illegal storage of firearms and possession of explosives and prohibited devices.

Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Wednesday that Canada intends to recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations in September, as long as the Palestinian Authority holds elections next year.

"Preserving a two-state solution means standing with all people who choose peace over violence or terrorism. And it means honouring their innate desire for peaceful coexistence," Carney told reporters on Parliament Hill.

He said Ottawa intends to officially recognize the State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September.

Alberta's transportation minister says the province plans to learn from an Ontario court ruling that found a law seeking to remove some Toronto bike lanes unconstitutional.

Devin Dreeshen says Alberta will be watching the case with interest, especially since Ontario's government plans to appeal the ruling. 

Dreeshen says being the second province to go down the same path is helpful, as it gives Alberta the opportunity to analyze the "good and bad" parts of Ontario's legislation.

Australia has officially opened its market for fresh and frozen beef from Canada for the first time since BSE in 2003.

The Canadian Cattle Association is pleased noting its one of the last remaining countries to have maintained bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) restrictions, complete their risk assessment and open their market for Canadian beef. 

CCA President Tyler Fulton says Canadian beef farmers and ranchers are proud to produce the highest quality and safest beef in the world. 

With the playoffs set to begin on Aug. 6, the Western Canadian Baseball League (WCBL) is gearing up for a thrilling finish to the regular season.

The defending champion Okotoks Dawgs sit atop the West Division, but their lead is anything but safe. Just three games back, the Lethbridge Bulls and Sylvan Lake Gulls are both eager to knock the Dawgs from their perch.

The race for first place could hinge on a crucial home-and-home series between the Dawgs and Gulls set for Aug. 3 and 4.

Silage is one way to preserve harvested forage for use throughout the rest of the year. The underlying principle of making silage is allowing bacteria to multiply and produce acid – specifically acetic acid.