Okotoks

A black bear seen earlier this week in Okotoks seems to be sticking around.

On Sunday, Aug. 17, the Town of Okotoks warned of a black bear sighting in Waller Park.

Signs were posted in the area, and the Town notified residents via Facebook.

On Wednesday, Aug. 20, the Town posted an update following another sighting.

Residents are reminded to give wildlife plenty of space, keep pets and children close, travel in groups, and carry bear spray if bears are known to be active nearby.

Agriculture Canada modelling expects above average yields for most crops

 Agriculture Canada is predicting solid yields for most crops on the Prairies, based on computer modelling that was done at the end of July.

“At the national level, the CCYF (Canadian Crop Yield Forecaster) model predicts above-average yields per unit area for 11 of the 12 spring-planted crops compared to the average yields of 2020-24,” says an executive summary of the Agriculture Canada predictions, published on a website called Canadian Crop Metrics.

World Humanitarian Day is designated as day to honour people who risk everything to do good.

Being a humanitarian should be the world’s safest job, instead, it has become one of the most dangerous.

From conflict zones to disaster-stricken regions, aid workers face increasing threats, including violence, abduction, and harassment. According to the Aid Worker Security Database, 265 aid workers have died this year so far increasing the likelihood that 2025 will surpass 2024 as the deadliest year on record (383 deaths) for humanitarian workers.

Temporary Traffic Calming (TC) Curbs will remain at the intersection of High Country Drive and High View Gate after construction is completed.  

During the Aug. 11 regular meeting, High River Town Council reviewed the temporary traffic measures currently in place on High Country Drive, while pathway realignment and fibre optic installation is underway.   

The Federal Government announced the designated and buffer areas for the 2025 Livestock Tax Deferral Program this week.

The Livestock Tax Deferral provision allows livestock producers in prescribed areas, who are forced to sell all or part of their breeding herd due to drought, excess moisture or flooding, to defer a portion of their income from sales until the following tax year.

A three-week pathway closure is in place in High River starting today (Aug. 20).

Crews will be carrying out rehabilitation work north of 12 Ave SE.

While the work is underway, the sidewalk between High River Ford and the High River Fire Hall will be closed.

Pedestrian detours will be in place, the the Town recommends people make use of the south sidewalk when walking down 12 Ave.

The work is expected to be completed in three weeks.

Crews will be on-site from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Monday to Saturday.

With school starting, there are ways to help keep children safe.

As part of the Government of Canada's Back to School Safety and Planning for Emergencies initiative, they offer up numerous tips to help keep children safe as they head back to school.

They suggest reviewing the family's emergency plan and check emergency kit supplies with the children of the household, and if creating an emergency kit, involve the children in that process as well.

There are 31 water shortage advisories in effect in Alberta, as of Aug. 20.

According to Living Lakes Canada, which is a charitable water stewardship NGO with over 20 years of experience working to protect freshwater, water security is still a pressing concern for Albertans, even though parts of Alberta has received above normal summer rain.

While parts of southern Alberta have received higher than normal rainfall this summer, Living Lakes Canada (LLC) says that for the Oldman watershed, forecasts range from average to far below average water supply.

Drivers can expect delays near Cowboy Trail for road maintenance.  

Alberta Transportation is conducting slide repair work on Highway 540 east of Cowboy Trail near Pekisko.  

Drivers can expect speed reductions to 50 km/h, and one-lane closures with alternating traffic as needed.