HighRiver

Métis leaders left a meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney on Thursday saying they're confident they will be included in talks about major projects Ottawa hopes to use to bolster the economy in the face of a trade war with the United States.

"When things really matter, Métis governments come together and we get the work done," said Métis Nation of Ontario president Margaret Froh.

The Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs says it's time for Ottawa to stop studying the idea of a national forest fire co-ordination agency and take action.

The organization's president wants the federal government to take inspiration from the U.S. Fire Administration to establish a similar office in Canada.

The U.S. office is part of Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, but Ken McMullen says a Canadian version could be simpler and less costly.

There have been numerous grizzly bear and black bear encounters in K-Country this week, leading to Bear Warnings and Closures.

On Aug. 5, Alberta Parks issued a Bear Warning for the Buller Mountain Trailhead, because of multiple grizzle bears feeding on abundant berries in the area, as well as the Mount Kidd RV Park, because of a grizzly bear frequenting the area with its cubs.

The West Foothills Water Fill Station will be closed for 10 days, starting Monday.

From Aug. 11 to Aug. 20, the bulk fill station will be closed due to construction.

While the work is happening, Foothills County is recommending that anyone who needs to get water to go to one of the other open fill stations located in Blackie and Aldersyde.

The fill station will re-open the morning of Aug. 21.

"We apologize for the inconvenience and will update if the opening is delayed," Foothills County stated on their website about the closure.

Update:

Environment Canada issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for areas of the Foothills today (Aug. 7) at 3:02 p.m.

The Warning is in effect for:

•  Foothills Co. near Longview and Eden Valley Res

Environment Canada meteorologists are tracking a severe thunderstorm capable of producing strong wind gusts, up to toonie-sized hail and heavy rain.

A Wastewater Restriction Advisory is currently in place in Nanton due to a backup at the town’s Wastewater Treatment Plant.

According to a Facebook update from the Town, the issue stems from recent heavy rainfall in the area.

The Town says neighbourhoods east of the highway are being affected the most, and that crews are working to address the situation as quickly as possible.

In the meantime, residents are being asked to limit water use to help reduce pressure on the system.

Suggestions include:

Update:

The Town of Nanton advised that the water line was repaired and water service was restored this afternoon. 

Original story:

Repairs to a water main break were underway in the Town of Nanton Thursday (Aug. 7) afternoon.

Police have identified the remains of a Calgary man who disappeared 2 1/2 years ago and are investigating his death as a homicide.

The remains were discovered in May 2024 at an undisclosed location outside Calgary.

Robert Stanley Mainland was last seen in January 2023 at a 7-Eleven convenience store.

He was 65 at the time of his disappearance and had lived in the same northeast Calgary neighbourhood for over 40 years.

Police say they believe Mainland was the victim of foul play.

Update:

The Bubble Chase was cancelled due to weather conditions on Aug. 8.

"The safety of our participants, volunteers, and staff continues to be our top priority," the Town of High River said in a Facebook post.

The town thanks participants for their understanding and patience.

Swimmers in Okotoks will have to find a new place to swim for a while.

The Okotoks Rec Centre's aquatic facilities will be closed while crews complete their annual maintenance.

Currently, the work is scheduled to happen from Aug. 24 to Sept. 7.

While the work is being completed, there won't be any classes scheduled.

To check out other drop-in activities in town at that time, click here.