Okotoks

The Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) has set out its principles for sustainable trade and what it hopes to see from international organizations in the future.

Those include global food security, trade stability, climate measures, and pest practices for countries and organizations.

Micheal Harvey, the Executive Director of CAFTA, talks about the need to get out and let others know about Canada's values.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for much of Southern Alberta, including Foothills County.

Environment Canada warns that current conditions could see the development of thunderstorms later in the afternoon and into the evening.

Along with the storms could come strong wind and hail.

The Environment Canada website defines the criteria for a Severe Thunderstorm Watch:

The Alberta Day of Caring fundraiser from last Wednesday, July 31st, brought in a lot more bottles and donations over the August long weekend.

The bottle depots across Alberta remained open over the long weekend as they were still accepting donations for the Jasper fund.

After everything was added up the total amount raised across the province was $973,158.00

The federal and provincial matching donations triple the overall donation to $2,919,474.

The Red Cross sent out the update Tuesday morning.

On Saturday, August 3, Alberta RCMP announced that a firefighter perished while fighting a fire northeast of Jasper.

A 24-year-old Alberta Wildland Fire Employee man from Calgary died after suffering a serious injury from a falling tree while fighting the blaze.

The Calgarian was taken from the scene by STARS but succumbed to his injuries.

The firefighter was based out of the Rocky Mountain House Fire Base.

Occupational Health & Safety are investigating.

Employment Minister Randy Boissonnault says the federal government is considering new regulations that could make fewer employers eligible to hire temporary foreign workers.

It's part of a suite of changes the minister is announcing in an effort to reduce the number of temporary foreign workers in Canada. 

He says he told a group of large business associations today that the program cannot be used to circumvent hiring Canadian workers.

Vice President Kamala Harris has picked Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz to be her running mate, marking a major milestone since her move to the top of the Democratic ticket ahead of the November presidential election. 

They are expected to appear together at a rally this evening after Harris formally clinched the nomination on Monday. 

The search for a running mate began just two weeks ago, after President Joe Biden removed himself as the nominee amid concerns over his age and endorsed Harris. 

The Town of Okotoks was hit by a severe thunderstorm Monday evening, which included large amounts of hail.

Just before 7:30 p.m. on Monday, August 5th, a Severe Thunderstorm Warning was issued for Foothills County

Some water repair work will be happening in Okotoks next week, which will cause a pathway closure.

The water service repair work is scheduled from August 7th to 14th beside the 7-Eleven in Okotoks at 111 Elizabeth Street.

This work will cause the pathway beside the 7-Eleven to be closed for the duration of the work.

While the work is happening, the Town reminds everyone to use caution while in the area and to keep an eye on the detour signage.

The Town of Okotoks will be hosting a Chili Cookoff later this month.

This Cookoff is part of the Town's Summer Round Up event, which also has a corn-on-the-cob relay eating contest called the "Cobzilla Challenge!", an outdoor artisan market, and family-themed activities.

For the cookoff, contestants must prepare and cook either chili or chili-inspired foods, such as chili dogs, chili fries, shepherd's pie, chili empanadas, and more.

Alberta's Open Farm Days is returning in a couple of weeks.

During the annual event, farms and agricultural businesses across the province open their doors to give the public a close-up look at where their favourite products come from.

It’s being held on August 16 and 17, with around 160 farms registered so far.

Tannis Baker, with the Open Farm Days Executive Committee, says there’s something for everyone.