Okotoks

The Town of Okotoks held their Canada Day celebrations today.

They were held at the ball diamond number 10 in the Wiley Athletic Park, just outside the Okotoks Recreation Centre.

As part of the celebrations, there was Fit Set Ninja, Barkside Canine Performers, face painting, stage performers, and more.

Fireworks are scheduled to go off after the Dawgs game from the Bill Robertson Park, somewhere around 10:30 p.m.

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Parliamentarians likely will get a chance later this year to debate whether to adopt a livestock brand as an official national symbol.

A bill to create the brand was introduced earlier in June by Saskatchewan Conservative MP Steven Bonk.

If the bill passes, the brand will become Canada's 10th national symbol — joining O Canada, the coat of arms and the maple tree.

Here are five things you may not know about the official symbols that say "Canada."

1. The beaver does not stand alone

Samantha Sannella shed happy tears as she stood to sing the national anthem at her citizenship ceremony in early June, nearly three decades after she moved to Canada. 

She had sung "O Canada" countless times before, but this was the first time she’d done so as a Canadian. 

Originally from Houston, Texas, Sannella moved to Toronto 28 years ago for a job. For the longest time, she still considered herself a U.S. citizen, with a part of her thinking she might move back one day.

But that changed last fall.

Fluoride is back in Calgary's drinking water.

The city, in a news release, says it has begun adding the chemical into the water at the direction of councillors.

Council's decision follows a 2021 plebiscite in which about two-thirds of those who voted said they wanted fluoride put back in the water.

The city says fluoride is safe at low levels and is an effective way to prevent cavities and keep teeth strong.

One of two men jailed last year for their roles in the Coutts, Alta., border protest has been granted bail while he appeals his conviction and sentence.

An Alberta appeal court judge says Chris Carbert does not pose a threat to public safety and is unlikely to commit a criminal offence if released from custody.

Last fall, a jury found Carbert and Anthony Olienick guilty of mischief over $5,000 and possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace for their role in the blockade.

They were each given prison sentences of 6 ½ years. 

With the hot temperatures in areas of Southern Alberta this week, a local animal shelter is offering tips on how to help your pet beat the summer heat.  

Heaven Can Wait Animal Rescue Foundation took to social media encouraging pet owners to shift walking and outdoor times to cooler hours of the day, as pavement and asphalt can become hot and burn paws.   

One of Okotoks' biggest events of the summer is moving to a new location this year.

The 13th annual Taste of Okotoks is coming up on July 19 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., but it won't be held along Elizabeth Street as in previous years.

Due to ongoing construction on North Railway Street, this year’s event will instead take place at the Arts and Learning Campus Plaza on Riverside Drive.

The Town cited several reasons for the move, including public safety, reduced disruption for downtown businesses, and improved traffic flow during the event.

Claresholm Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) is working to address housing insecurity within the community.  

Over the past four years, the FCSS has seen an increase in residents accessing services to find appropriate and affordable housing.  

The FCSS, with assistance from the Rural Development Network (RDN), organized a survey to gain a better understanding of housing insecurity to find solutions.  

Alberta's government is seeking advice to address violence and aggression in schools.

Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides says it's a serious problem as learning disruptions and mental health concerns are becoming more and more common.

Nicolaides says a team of 20 education system officials and teachers will develop potential policy options and solutions over the next six months.

He says some of the recommendations could be implemented as soon as the fall.

A prop from Heartland was left in High River.

Last week, the Town of High River was transformed into a film set for an episode of Heartland.

The scenes were filmed in various areas around town, including George Lane Memorial Park.

After filming wrapped up, the crew packed up and moved on, leaving behind an out-of-place sign.