Cochrane

Rocky View Regional Handibus Society is reporting a second consecutive year of full recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic in an interim report, delivering nearly 14,000 trips in 2024 and seeing growth beyond pre-pandemic levels.

The agency provided 13,726 rides to almost 15,000 passengers, companions, and attendants last year — a 1.5 per cent increase from 2023, and up 12 per cent compared to 2019.

Many of the trips supported essential needs such as medical appointments, grocery runs, and life-sustaining treatments.

As part of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, running April 13–19, Alberta RCMP is shining a spotlight on the crucial work of its Operational Communications Centre (OCC) staff, and launching a new province-wide tool to support them.

The new non-emergency phone line, 310-RCMP (310-7267), is now available for all Albertans to report incidents that don’t pose an immediate threat to public safety. The goal is to streamline reporting, reduce pressure on 911 services, and ensure frontline officers can focus on high-priority calls.

Two Cochrane dancers have touched down in Dublin, Ireland, where they’ll represent Canada and their Calgary-based dance studio at the prestigious World Irish Dance Championships.

Riley Daley and Carra Hurley, both seasoned competitors from Cochrane, are among 17 dancers from the Gott-Hughton Irish Dance Academy to qualify for the event — the largest group the studio has ever sent to the world stage.

Cochrane’s annual street sweeping program is set to begin in two weeks, and residents are being asked to do their part to help keep the community clean and safe.

The spring cleanup effort targets debris and leftover sanding material from the winter months. It’s a key part of road maintenance that helps prevent vehicle damage, improves safety for pedestrians and cyclists, and keeps storm drains clear.

Cochrane families are in for a splash of fun this Saturday as the SLS Centre brings back its popular EggaPOOLooza Easter Egg Hunt.

“It’s not your traditional Easter egg hunt where you go around looking for hidden eggs,” says Christian Leader, Marketing and Communications Coordinator with the SLS Centre. “We’ve actually turned it into a competition in our pool.”

As bears begin to emerge from hibernation across Alberta, provincial officials are warning outdoor enthusiasts to stay alert and follow safety guidelines.

Alberta Forestry and Parks, along with Public Safety and Emergency Services, issued a public advisory, reminding people to take extra precautions when spending time in parks, on trails, and in other backcountry areas this spring and summer.

Alberta’s top doctor is urging residents to ensure their measles immunizations are up to date as the province faces a growing number of confirmed cases.

As of April 11, there have been 58 confirmed cases of measles in Alberta, with the majority concentrated in the south and central health zones.

RCMP are asking for the public’s help in locating 32-year-old Elizabeth Thuy Nguyen, who has been reported missing.

Nguyen was last seen in Airdrie on April 11.

Authorities believe she may be in the Regina, Saskatchewan area, and there is concern for her well-being.

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The 10th annual Taste of Bragg Creek returns April 25th with over 30 food and drink vendors, including local favorites like Creekers Bistro, Figs and Honey, and The Italian Farmhouse.

There’s no admission fee—just buy $2 tickets for samples ranging from one to four tickets each. 

Half of each ticket supports the Bragg Creek Foundation. Last year, $10,000 was donated to Easter Seals Camp Horizon.

Dr. Wade Abbott and his research team at AAFC Lethbridge are embarking on a groundbreaking study aimed at unlocking new possibilities for the humble field pea, a crop primarily known for its use in food production.

The project will explore underutilized aspects of the legume, including its protein, starch, and fibre, with an eye on developing new food and non-food products that could benefit both the agricultural and industrial sectors.