Local News

One of Okotoks' biggest events of the summer is moving to a new location this year.

The 13th annual Taste of Okotoks is coming up on July 19 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., but it won't be held along Elizabeth Street as in previous years.

Due to ongoing construction on North Railway Street, this year’s event will instead take place at the Arts and Learning Campus Plaza on Riverside Drive.

The Town cited several reasons for the move, including public safety, reduced disruption for downtown businesses, and improved traffic flow during the event.

Police are asking for the public's assistance in locating a suspect following a shooting on Saturday afternoon. 

At approximately 1:45 p.m. on June 28, police responded to the report of a shooting outside a business in the 500 block of Sargent Avenue.

It is suspected that the shooting was directed at two males who had got into an argument with another male after leaving a nearby business. As the argument escalated, the solo male shot at the two other males. All males then ran off eastbound. 

Both victims are in their 20s and have been located and are not injured.

On June 27, 2025, at 12 :45 p.m., Grande Prairie City RCMP responded to a motor vehicle collision involving a pedestrian hit and run. RCMP members arrived on scene where EMS was attending the victim, who was suffering life-threatening injuries. The victim’s condition has since stabilized. Grande Prairie RCMP reviewed surveillance footage from the area that showed the vehicle striking the pedestrian, who was walking on the sidewalk. Further investigation revealed the identity of the vehicle, which was recovered, and the suspect, who was arrested. The victim was known to the suspect.

There’s lots to see and do around Weyburn this Canada Day, with celebrations within the city and at our regional parks. 

The city’s festivities begin with a flag ceremony at 10 a.m. at the Weyburn Leisure Centre, which will include the Weyburn Legion Colour Guard and greetings from the city. 

Afterwards, cake will be served to commemorate the nation's 158th birthday.  

Claresholm Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) is working to address housing insecurity within the community.  

Over the past four years, the FCSS has seen an increase in residents accessing services to find appropriate and affordable housing.  

The FCSS, with assistance from the Rural Development Network (RDN), organized a survey to gain a better understanding of housing insecurity to find solutions.  

With Canada Day (July 1) right around the corner, there is no shortage of celebrations happening in the area.

Here are a few local events going on for Canada Day:

Strathmore

Kicking off the day will be a pancake breakfast at the Strathmore Fire Hall. Residents will be able to enjoy pancakes, eggs, sausages, coffee, and juice while listening to the tunes of local musician Melissa Matheson.

One person is dead following a head-on collision Sunday night near Friedensfeld.

Hanover Fire Chief Paul Wiebe says they were called to the scene shortly after midnight. Wiebe says two cars collided along Highway 12, just south of Provincial Road 303.

"We did use our Jaws of Life to extricate both occupants," shares Wiebe. "One with serious injuries and one is considered a fatality."

Wiebe says there was only one occupant in each vehicle. The lone survivor was rushed to hospital by ground ambulance.

Alberta's government is seeking advice to address violence and aggression in schools.

Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides says it's a serious problem as learning disruptions and mental health concerns are becoming more and more common.

Nicolaides says a team of 20 education system officials and teachers will develop potential policy options and solutions over the next six months.

He says some of the recommendations could be implemented as soon as the fall.

Cochrane is set to mark Canada Day with a full slate of activities, food, and entertainment tomorrow.

The day kicks off with a pancake breakfast at the Royal Canadian Legion from 9 a.m. to noon.

Adults eat for $3, kids aged 6 to 12 for $2, and little ones under six eat free.

Residents can also stop by to pick up a cupcake, Canadian flag, and temporary tattoo from Mayor Jeff Genung and Cochrane Council while supplies last.

The party then moves to Mitford Park at noon for Cochrane’s biggest celebration of the year.

The overwhelming majority of members of the Innovation Federal Credit Union and ABCU Credit Union are in favour of a merger between the two financial institutions.

Innovation held its Annual and Special Meeting on Thursday in Swift Current, with its membership attending in-person and virtually, voting 82 percent in favour of a merger. The vote comes one day after 96 per cent of members at ABCU were also supportive of the amalgamation.