Okotoks

The head of one of Canada's largest federal unions says the federal government needs to focus on repairing the relationship between public servants and management.

Nathan Prier, president of the Canadian Association of Professional Employees, said this is a "delicate moment" and that new Treasury Board President Shafqat Ali has his work cut out for him.

Prier said the Trudeau government made several questionable decisions that eroded trust among workers. They included a messy return-to-office rollout that was conducted without consulting employees, he said.

Signs that underlying inflation was picking up in April put the Bank of Canada in a tricky position ahead of its June interest rate decision, with some economists arguing a second straight pause is now more likely.

"It is going to make it a much more challenging backdrop for the Bank of Canada to continue cutting rates, at least in the near term," said Benjamin Reitzes, managing director of Canadian rates and macro strategist at BMO Capital Markets.

A series that was partially shot in Okotoks and High River has been renewed for another season.

Last week, Netflix announced that My Life with the Walter Boys will be getting a third season, with the announcement coming before the second season's release.

The show's first season premiered in December of 2023, and the second season is expected to debut later this year.

Both seasons were filmed in Southern Alberta, with season two shooting partially in Okotoks and High River in 2024.

The Little Britches Parade brought thousands of spectators from across the Foothills to downtown High River on Saturday.  

This year, the parade featured 80 entries, five marching bands, and the Al Azhar Shriners, including the Mounted Patrol Shrine Unit.   

“It was a huge success,” said Hank Leeferink, Parade Chair. “We had more entries this year, we usually get anywhere from 70 to 75.”  

A group of Okotokians is lacing up for the Alberta Children's Hospital.

The Mermaids Who Run/Walk for Kids is one of many teams participating in this year's Million Reasons Run, a month-long annual campaign that raises funds for the 13 children's hospitals across Canada.

The team was formed by Rae-Lynne Byerley, who joined the run last year in support of the Alberta Children’s Hospital and recruited new members this year.

The Town of Nanton is inviting residents to a Community Open House to learn about local programs, projects, and initiatives. 

Residents are encouraged to drop in, ask town council, staff, and municipal departments questions, and be a part of shaping the community.  

A spring survey to gauge consumer opinions about food pricing, buying habits and values found affordability the top concern

Whether people throw steaks or hot dogs on the barbecue this summer could reflect how they feel about their food spending.

A new report from the Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University found increasing anxiety about food affordability compared to last fall.

The Town of High River started its daily watch on the Highwood River on Friday.

Typically, it starts a month prior to the first day of summer on June 20, which is also the anniversary of the 2013 flood.

The Town of Okotoks is encouraging youth to contribute to the community by joining local committees and boards.  

Town Council created youth positions on the Committees of Council to give youth an opportunity to participate in community discussions and initiatives.