Okotoks

A new poll indicates an overwhelming majority of Canadians are in favour of regulating artificial intelligence, and almost half are worried it will contribute to cognitive decline.

The Leger poll found 85 per cent of respondents believe governments should regulate AI tools to ensure ethical and safe use. More than half, 57 per cent, said they strongly agreed with that statement.

"It's very clear Canadians want government involved," said Jennifer McLeod Macey, senior vice-president at Leger.

A new national report on how abuse and maltreatment are handled in sport says "Canadian sport has lost its way" and the federal government must act to better protect athletes across the country. 

The Future of Sport in Canada Commission released its preliminary report Thursday, saying it heard that there are "deeply ingrained" issues across the country, from a culture of silence that has led to abuse and maltreatment to underfunding and a lack of diversity. 

It will be warm all weekend long, finishing off August with a bang.

According to Environment Canada Meteorologist, Crawford Luke, it will be hovering around 30 degrees all weekend.

"It looks like it should be kind of more of the same from what we've seen so far this week, just a lot of, you know, sunshine, warm temperatures, hot temperatures even," Luke explains. 

Luke adds that we'll have to keep an eye on potential afternoon showers closer to the mountains, but it looks as though it should be overall fairly dry, sunny, and hot for much of this weekend.

The Town of Claresholm is advising residents of a planned temporary water shut down on Saturday (Aug. 30). 

The water service interruption is to facilitate work on the 4th Street West water project.  

Residents on the 400 block of 56th Avenue, 57th Avenue West, Claresholm, and all residents of the Claresholm Mobile Home Park will be affected.   

The Labour Day Long Weekend is here, and there are a few facility closures in the Town of High River.  

On Monday, Sept. 1, the Town Hall, Family and Community Support Services (FCSS), Greater Foothills Family Centre, Public Works, the Bob Snodgrass Recreation Complex, Fire Hall and RCMP Administration offices, and the Recycling Centre will be closed.  

Emergency services will not be impacted by the closures.  

The Town of Diamond Valley is advising residents that a black bear was spotted at the local disc golf course.  

“Fall is a busy season for wildlife, and it’s common to see bears moving through town at this time of year,” the Town of Diamond Valley said in a Facebook post. “Please use extra caution when enjoying outdoor spaces.”  

As summer break is quickly coming to an end, the Dr. Lander Memorial Swimming Pool is only open for a few more days.  

To wrap up the season, there will be a Labour Day Pool Party and Toonie Swim on Sept. 1, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.  

The season wrap up party wouldn’t be complete without a special aquafit class on Sept. 2, at 7 a.m. 

Some hydro excavation and utility work will cause a road closure in Okotoks.

The work will take place on Riverside Drive between Northridge Drive and Riverside Gate on Sept. 2, causing that portion of the road to be closed for the day.

Crews will be doing watermain investigation work, using hydro excavation to complete the work.

The sidewalk in the area will also be closed for the day, and there will be parking restrictions in place along Riverside Drive while the work is being completed.

It's going to be a hot long weekend in the Foothills, with plenty to do.

It will be hovering around 30 above all weekend, with plenty of sunshine. 

Let's take a look at what people can get up to this weekend:

Friday, August 29:

Alberta Day celebrates the day our province became a province.

It was Sept. 1st, 1905, which makes it 120 years ago this September, Alberta has been here.

The Town of High River is celebrating with a free concert, including a local 13-year-old future Country star from Millarville.

Amelia Paquette is opening up the free concert put on by the town on Friday night at George Lane Memorial Park.

She's really looking forward to it, and surprisingly, she's only been singing and playing for a year.