Strathmore

Strathmore Town Council has voted against opening a new childcare facility.

The request to amend Land Use Bylaw 24-23 to allow the daycare was brought before council at a meeting on Wednesday, Mar. 19.

The daycare was planned for 416 and 417 80B Archie Klaiber Trail, next to the Strathmore Arby's. The proposed facility would have the capacity to hold 50 children with seven staff members.

At the public hearing, Strathmore business owner Jason Hollingsworth spoke against the facility, saying he is not opposed to the daycare itself, but rather to the location.

After 4 incredible years, this weekend marks the final episode of the Canadian Country Showcase. I want to take a moment to send out a massive THANK YOU to all the amazing artists who have joined me on the show over the years and, of course, to YOU – the listeners – for tuning in, supporting, and sharing in all the special moments along the way.

From celebrating big wins to debuting brand-new music and everything in between, it’s been an unforgettable ride.

Strathmore residents had their voices heard in a recent report on culture and recreation needs.

The 2024 Recreation and Cultural Needs Assessment was presented by RC Strategies during a town council meeting on Wednesday, March 19.

Rob Parks with the group told council that the purpose of the assessment was to gauge the community’s interest.

A community forum was held with 15 participants, a household survey generated 358 responses, a group survey received 26 responses, and 11 group conversation sessions with 32 organizations were hosted.

The Strathmore Musical Arts Society is preparing to rock the town with another show next month.

Joni Delaurier and Troy Kokol from Scarlett Butler will swing into town to sing some tunes and have fun on April 26.

The pair have been married for over 20 years and decided to start a band during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We're based in Calgary, just up the road and I would say like we got our start writing country music for other people. So, you'll hear those country influences in a lot of our songwriting."

Nominations are now open for residents wanting to run for Drumheller municipal office.

"If you are passionate about making a difference in your community and have a vision for leadership, consider running for municipal office. The Town of Drumheller’s municipal election will occur on Monday, October 20, 2025, to determine the Mayor and Council for the 2025-2029 term," the town said in a release.

According to staff, the town does not have wards, and the mayor and councillors represent the entire area.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is announcing a plan to boost training and jobs for workers in skilled trades.

In a news release this morning, Poilievre says his plan for "more boots, less suits" will expand training halls and provide direct grants and faster employment insurance for apprentices in licensed trades.

He says the goal is to deliver higher paycheques to workers and make Canada less reliant on the U.S.

The federal Liberals are announcing nearly $100 million in humanitarian relief and governance support for Palestinians, days before a widely expected election. 

Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly, who took on the file of international development last week, is announcing funding for major agencies working in the occupied Palestinian territories.

The Wheatland Youth Network (YWN) is seeking the opinions of residents aged 14 to 25.

A Youth Wellness Survey is available for young residents to give their thoughts on the supports and services that matter to them.

"The results will be shared with organizations that work with young people in the community, both in Strathmore and Wheatland County," said Michelle Ryan, program coordinator with WYN.

In previous years the survey received more than100 responses. This time around Ryan said that they hope to get as many participants as possible.

Crime in Strathmore was a big discussion topic in Strathmore recently.

RCMP presented a third quarter crime report to town council.

According to the report from Wednesday, Mar. 19, break-and-enters increased by 800 per cent between the third quarters of 2023 and 2024, rising from one incident to nine.

"That was the result of habitual offenders entering our area, mainly targeting businesses," said Staff Sgt. Mark Wielgosz. "Of the six businesses that were broken into, we were able to identify suspects in two occurrences. Charges were laid against those involved."