Cochrane

A new national report on how abuse and maltreatment are handled in sport says "Canadian sport has lost its way" and the federal government must act to better protect athletes across the country. 

The Future of Sport in Canada Commission released its preliminary report Thursday, saying it heard that there are "deeply ingrained" issues across the country, from a culture of silence that has led to abuse and maltreatment to underfunding and a lack of diversity. 

Friday has been declared a free day by the Cochrane Lions as a salute to the community that has fuelled their rodeo for more than half a century.

From sunrise to sundown, there’s free food, live music and the annual Slimdor Ranch Rodeo to launch the 56th annual Cochrane Lions Labour Day Weekend Rodeo.

A Calgary-region economic development initiative backed by Cochrane town council in July has now been officially launched.

Cochrane is one of eight municipalities taking part in Invest Greater Calgary, a three-year program designed to boost investment, create jobs and strengthen the region’s identity as a competitive North American business hub.

Cochrane’s own Kyla Lightfoot is chasing her biggest rodeo dream yet.

Lightfoot, who currently holds the title of Miss Ponoka Stampede 2025, will compete this fall for Miss Rodeo Canada 2026. The competition takes place September 27 to October 3 during the Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR) in Edmonton.

“It’s been a long-term goal of mine,” Lightfoot said. “It all started back in Cochrane as the 2023 Lions Rodeo Queen, then I became Miss Rodeo Airdrie, and now Ponoka. I’m really excited to take this next step.”

The province is once again giving livestock producers on crown land the opportunity to apply for the Crown Grazing Lease Rental Reduction Program.

Agriculture Minister Daryl Harrison says, given the dry conditions throughout most of the grazing season, they are once again offering the program for producers.

"Crown grazing land lessees who have reduced the number of animals grazing on the land are eligible to apply (by the October 31st deadline) for a rent reduction for the 2025 grazing season.To be eligible, the lessee must reduce their stocking rate by 20 per cent."

Alberta Parks is reminding people to wear a lifejacket on lakes and rivers this summer, saying it could save your life.

Officials warn that while the weather is hot, many bodies of water in the province remain dangerously cold, and falling in can lead to hypothermia within minutes.

Peavey Mart is making a comeback.

A message posted to the farm goods retailer's website says the brand that closed all its stores earlier in the year is planning to reopen in select Alberta markets.

The note says Spruce Grove, Westlock, Camrose and Lacombe will all see Peavey Mart return this fall.

The company says the new iteration of the brand will focus on high quality and locally sourced items meant for farmers, ranchers, homesteaders and more.

It promises to release more details about the relaunch in the coming weeks.

Two weeks of camp—and for some players, summer training—have led to tonight’s season opener for the Cochrane High Cobras.

The Cobras are in Chestermere to face the Lakers in the lone game of the night.

This season, the team moves up to 4A football, stepping into stiffer competition, though they’ve faced 4A schools before in Rocky View divisional play.

People in Calgary can expect to hear a consistent round of loud bangs for at least another day as police try to disarm an explosive substance in a south-end industrial neighbourhood.

Police say a moving company had been tasked with disposing of several substances, including a package of picric acid.

But that package was mislabelled and had been sitting for about 10 days when it was discovered early Tuesday afternoon. Police were notified later in the day.

Cochrane Discovery Days is back for its second year, promising four packed days of heritage, culture, and entertainment from August 29 to September 1.

The town-wide festival features more than 80 events across five districts, anchored by the historic Cochrane Lions Rodeo and the Labour Day Parade.

“This is the weekend to visit Cochrane,” says Callandra Caufield, Executive Director of Explore Cochrane. “Discovery Days was designed to showcase the spirit of our town by uniting dozens of organizations under one banner.”