Cochrane

Alberta's livestock producers will benefit from increased funding for the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Diagnostic Services Unit. 

Agriculture and Irrigation Minister RJ Sigurdson says the government is investing $9.5 million over three years, with $3.5 million being allotted each year. The funding is earmarked for the continued development of a full-service veterinary diagnostic laboratory in Calgary. 

He says the province has been supporting this project since 2020 and has been closely monitoring its impact as it continues to grow. 

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has called three byelections to take place on June 23.

The three vacant ridings are Edmonton-Strathcona, Edmonton-Ellerslie and Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills.

Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi will run in Edmonton-Strathcona, which became vacant when former premier Rachel Notley resigned her seat late last year. It'll be Nenshi's first chance at getting a seat in the legislature since taking over the party reins last summer.

Thanks to Cochrane and Area Victim Services (CAVS), the Cochrane and Area Health Foundation (CAHF) has received its largest donation to date.

On May 26, representatives from Victim Services, which is currently winding down its operations, presented a cheque for $100,000 to the foundation to help enhance health services in the community.

Prime Minister Mark Carney's vision for nation-building and economic growth is expected to form the main thrust of the throne speech when King Charles reads it today in the Canadian Senate.

The Medicine Hat Tigers return to the ice tonight with a shot at a bye to the Memorial Cup final.

The Tigers improved to 2-and-0 at the tournament with a 3-1 win over the Moncton Wildcats last night in Rimouski.

They’ll face the also-undefeated London Knights this evening, with the winner securing a direct path to the championship game.

Cochrane town council has approved at least one project to preserve the legacy of the beloved Grandfather Tree, but not without some members questioning the cost.

A custom-made commemorative bench will be installed at its original location in Cochrane Ranche park, alongside interpretive signage and a permanent reflection mailbox. The bench will incorporate some wood from the tree.

A non-statutory public hearing is set for June 11 at 5:30 p.m. to allow public input on the growing controversy over the proposal for YMCA Calgary to take over the operation of the SLS Centre.

In advance of the hearing, Jeff Genung, in his role as interim president of the Spray Lake Sawmills Recreation Park Society, is arranging individual meetings between YMCA representatives and user groups. The society's board held a special meeting earlier today.

A major change is coming to one of Cochrane’s historic structures.

Starting in July, the River Avenue Bridge will be closed to regular vehicle traffic and converted to a dedicated pedestrian and active transportation corridor.

The move is part of a broader plan to improve community safety and enhance accessibility across the Bow River, according to the Town of Cochrane.

Alberta is bringing in new rules this fall to ensure that only what it calls “age appropriate” books are available in school libraries.

Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides says the move was spurred by four graphic coming-of-age novels depicting sexual, LGBTQ+ content found to be in circulation in public schools in Edmonton and Calgary.

Nicolaides says he was extremely concerned to learn such novels were available.

Environment Canada has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for Rocky View County, which includes Cochrane, as conditions become increasingly favourable for powerful storms.

Forecasters warn that thunderstorms developing later this afternoon and continuing into the evening may bring:

• Strong wind gusts capable of damaging roofs, fences and soft-topped shelters

• Large hail that can shatter windows, dent vehicles and injure persons caught outdoors