Cochrane

As the G7 Leaders' Summit draws closer to Kananaskis this June, local law enforcement, including the Cochrane RCMP, are preparing for their significant role in the event's security.

From June 15th to June 17th, the world’s most influential leaders will gather in the region, and RCMP officials are focused on ensuring both safety and smooth operations.

Cochrane RCMP Insp. Dave Brunner shared that his team is ramping up preparations for the high-profile event, with final touches being put in place as the summit approaches.

Affordability measures dominated the promises on the federal election trail on Saturday, with the NDP focused on capping the price of some food items and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre offering more tax writeoffs to some trades workers.

The first week of the federal election drew to a close with both Liberal Leader Mark Carney and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh paying a visit to the national capital.

Can you imagine the weight of 18 tonnes of truck and 20 tonnes of excavator? 

To put this immense amount into perspective, the combined weight of the machinery is equivalent to about 22 cars. Picturing this number, however, was likely far from Sean Rickards' mind as he found himself crushed between the two pieces of equipment. 

“I was broken within a millimetre of my life,” he said afterwards.  

A spring snowstorm blanketed Cochrane today, with periods of snow accumulating up to 5 cm in some areas. Despite being a spring storm, temperatures remained well below freezing, with a high of -2°C. Winds were light, reaching up to 15 km/h, but wind chills were significant, making it feel like -11°C this morning and -6°C by the afternoon.

A fire that tore through two homes under construction in Rivercrest late last year was caused by a fallen propane heater.

Investigators determined that the portable heater had been placed on a snowbank, but as temperatures rose, the melting snow caused it to tip over and ignite the exterior of one of the sites.

Cochrane Fire Chief Shawn Polley says the fire then spread to the neighbouring structure, resulting in a total loss of both buildings.

Drivers can expect slower commutes this morning as snow continues to fall across the region.

Roads in Cochrane are covered in snow, and some highway sections are slick.

Motorists in the area are also reporting reduced visibility as heavy snow blankets the region.

Cochrane could see up to 5 cm of snow by the end of the day, and more snow is expected to fall this evening. 

Liberal Leader Mark Carney will be campaigning in Nepean today, the Ottawa riding where he is seeking election.

Carney, who has not yet served as an MP, is expected to meet with volunteers in the riding at 10 a.m.

Carney has faced questions about his decision to run in Nepean, which became vacant only after the Liberal party ousted MP Chandra Arya as its candidate three days before the election was called.

Shelley Simpson is celebrating a life-changing lottery win after claiming a $100,000 EXTRA prize.

The Cochrane resident says she felt her heart race when she scanned her Lotto Max and Extra ticket from the March 7 draw.

“My heart started to palpitate,” she says with a laugh. “It feels pretty good!”

Simpson already has two key plans for her winnings.

“I’m going to put the money away,” she says. “I’m going to pay some bills.”

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Cochrane area hockey talent hits the ice tonight (Mar. 28) as the WHL playoffs get underway.

Kadon McCann and Ethan Neutens suit up for the top-seeded Medicine Hat Tigers as they take on the Swift Current Broncos in the Eastern Conference. Neutens was traded to the Tigers earlier this season by the Kelowna Rockets, and McCann has played his entire WHL career in Medicine Hat.

Rookie Riley Boychuk makes his WHL playoff debut with the Prince Albert Raiders, second in the East, against the Edmonton Oil Kings.

RCMP officers across Southern Alberta were busy yesterday as a fast-moving Clipper system brought snow and challenging driving conditions to the region. In total, officers responded to 147 motor vehicle collisions within RCMP jurisdiction. Fortunately, there were no fatalities reported.

Although winter is nearing its end, sudden snowstorms remain a reality in Southern Alberta. The RCMP urges all drivers to remain cautious and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and the safety of others on the road.

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