Okotoks

A Statistics Canada reports says Canadians are spending less time with friends than ever, with the decline sharpest among the working-age demographic.

The data released Tuesday show that in 2022, only 19.3 per cent of Canadians saw friends on an average day, down from 47.9 per cent in 1986.

The questions to those in the survey asks if they were with a friend or family member in person, separate from communicating using technology such as phone, email, or social media.

Prime Minister Mark Carney pulled off a successful performance hosting the G7 summit in Kananaskis, Alta., say some world leaders and foreign policy experts commenting on his perceived pragmatism and savviness.

Fen Osler Hampson, international affairs professor at Carleton University, said Carney guided the G7 "through the diplomatic Rockies," navigating "shifting weather" on the global front and avoiding "avalanches and treacherous cliffs."

Foothills County played host to the FireFit Championships on June 14 and 15, with the BC, Yukon, and Nunavut regional qualifiers being held at Spruce Meadows.

Several Alberta fire departments took part, including members of the Okotoks and Foothills fire departments.

Four Okotoks firefighters competed at the Alberta qualifier event in Medicine Hat on May 30 and 31, with four more joining them at Spruce Meadows.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch that was issued on Tuesday morning (June 17) has been expanded to cover all of Foothills County.

The initial advisory was sent out just after 11:30 a.m., and included all of Vulcan County, as well as Footihlls County near Blackie.

At around 3:15 p.m., Environment Canada issued another watch, this time including other areas of the county:

The 118th Priddis & Millarville Fair is coming up this August, bringing a weekend of competition, creativity and community to the Foothills. 

The long-running event returns August 16 and 17 at the Millarville Racing and Agricultural Society grounds, with festivities also kicking off early on August 15 with Gymkhana events.

Yvonne Sterrenburg, chairperson of the fair's volunteer organizing committee, said preparations are already well underway, with registrations having opened on June 1 for those who want to get in early.

The proposed Rimrock Renewables biodigester project is moving forward in Foothills County.  

The project was approved by Alberta Environment and Protected Areas (AEPA) in December 2023 for the construction, operation, and reclamation of the Foothills County waste management facility for the collection and processing of waste to produce fuel.  

The Town of Okotoks is warning the public about some aggressive animals in town.

They took to social media twice this week to let residents know about aggressive animals in town.

On Monday (June 16), the Town reported there is an aggressive deer in Banister Park, and on Tuesday, they warned residents of an aggressive coyote in Sheep River Cove.

Signs will be posted to let people know to use caution in the area and to always give deer their space, keep dogs on leash, and never walk between a doe and her fawns.

The Calgary Police Service (CPS) is investigating a motorcycle collision in south Calgary from early Tuesday morning (June 17) that left a man in life-threatening condition.

It happened around 12:47 a.m. Tuesday on the on-ramp from eastbound Stoney Trail S.E. to northbound Deerfoot Trail S.E.

Police say a black 2009 Harley-Davidson FXDB, driven by a 39-year-old man, was headed east on Stoney Trail when it veered into the lanes of another on-ramp from Cranston Boulevard S.E.

Saskatchewan's Agriculture Demonstration of Practices and Technologies (ADOPT) projects, and Strategic Field Program (SFP) benefit from Federal-Provincial Sustainable CAP funding.

Farmers benefit from the practical, short-term research projects conducted through the ADOPT, which they can then use on their own operation.

For the 2024-25 fiscal year, more than $1.4 million was invested in six SFP and 32 ADOPT projects.

Tornado season has essentially started in Alberta.

On Friday night, a tornado warning was issued by Environment Canada for the Hanna region.

Fortunately, the warning was downgraded to a watch, and there were no reported touchdowns.

However, it's a good reminder to be prepared in case you get caught in the path of one.

Environment Canada has some tips in case of extreme summer weather conditions.