Cochrane

Canada needs to maintain its 100 per cent tariff on Chinese electric vehicles, Ontario Premier Doug Ford said in an open letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney on Wednesday.

Ford said the measure is critical to securing a trade deal with the U.S. and protecting Canada's auto sector.

"If the federal government removes its tariffs against Chinese-made EVs, you will contradict and undermine months of engagement with U.S. officials and lawmakers about the need to protect and enhance our highly integrated cross-border automotive supply chains," Ford writes.

Premier Danielle Smith is directing her jobs minister to use all legal means possible to give Alberta more control over immigration.

In a new mandate letter given to Joseph Schow, Smith says Alberta needs more control over immigration to ensure the province sees sustainable levels of newcomers.

The letter says Canadian citizens should have first access to jobs and that young people should be prioritized over temporary foreign workers.

Immigration is increasingly becoming a focal point for Smith and her government. 

The McCafé Coffee Break got to celebrate The Lost Sock Laundromat this week!

The CochraneNow crew dropped in with hot McCafé coffee and tasty treats from Cochrane McDonald’s to fuel up the hardworking team.

The Lost Sock Laundromat was nominated here and it was these kind words that brought in the win.

“The laundromat is always so welcoming and clean. The wash and fold service is an amazing service that I use personally and for my Airbnb business.”

The Alberta government says the notwithstanding clause is an essential part of the Canadian constitution and the country's top court should not undermine it.

The province’s attorney general filed its arguments this morning in a landmark Supreme Court of Canada case over Quebec’s secularism law, known as Bill 21. 

Alberta says the notwithstanding clause was a "hard-fought and hard-won compromise" during constitutional negotiations, and preserves the provinces' parliamentary sovereignty. 

The Helping Hands Society of Cochrane and Area has reached a major milestone, rescuing over $2.5 million worth of food since launching the Free Food Shed program.

Executive Director Alex Montiel says the achievement is a testament to community support and volunteers. "We have almost 300 volunteers supporting us, and without them, this milestone wouldn't be possible."

The grassroots program collects unsellable yet edible food from local grocers and redistributes it for free through two community food sheds.

If you love live music and intimate settings, you won’t want to miss the Cochrane House Concert Series! These aren’t just living room jam sessions—these are full, professional acoustic shows featuring world-class Canadian artists as they travel through Alberta.

The concerts take place right here in Cochrane at 64 Sundown Way, bringing the magic of live performance to a cozy, up-close venue where every seat is the best seat in the house.

The Bank of Canada cut its benchmark interest rate by a quarter point on Wednesday as the central bank worries less about inflation risks and more about a slowing economy.

The Bank of Canada’s policy rate now stands at 2.5 per cent, breaking a streak of three consecutive holds since March.

Governor Tiff Macklem said the risks have shifted since the Bank of Canada’s last interest rate decision in July.

Cracks in the labour market and a sharp drop in exports are threatening growth, he said, while earlier signs of underlying inflation pressure are fading.

Parks officials are warning hikers to be cautious after an aggressive moose was spotted on the Upper Kananaskis Lake Trail.

The alert is in effect from the Upper Lake Day Use area to the Point Campground, but does not include the campground itself. The warning also covers the Hidden Lake area.

Normally, moose are not aggressive, but a stressed animal, a bull in rut or a cow protecting a calf can attack. Rutting season runs from late September to late October, which means moose are often more active.

Residents and businesses will have a chance to safely dispose of old documents at the Cochrane Eco Centre’s annual Shred It! event on Saturday.

The free community shredding runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 50 Griffin Industrial Point.

Each vehicle can bring up to three banker’s boxes of confidential papers for secure, onsite shredding.

Alberta RCMP and CN Police are reminding drivers and pedestrians to stay alert around train tracks as Rail Safety Week runs September 15 to 21 across the province.

In 2024, Alberta saw 35 collisions at railway crossings, resulting in 12 deaths. Authorities say those tragedies underline the importance of awareness.

“Being alert at all times at railroad crossings is critical to protecting yourself and anyone else in the vehicle,” said Inspector Brian Jones of the CN Police Mountain Division.