Cochrane

Cochrane’s parks and pathways are about to get a major spring refresh, as the Cochrane Community Clean Up returns on Saturday, May 3.

Running from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the event invites residents of all ages to help tidy up green spaces across town, while building community spirit in the process.

“This event is not just about cleaning up; it’s about fostering community spirit, environmental awareness, and making Cochrane a better place for everyone,” said Trish Kluane, Manager of Parks & Open Spaces.

Alberta is fundamentally changing how it funds hospital surgeries, but critics say the change won't improve the public system and will only accelerate more care in the privatized system.

Premier Danielle Smith announced Monday a new "activity-based" model is on the way, to be implemented for some surgeries in 2026. The model ties public funding to the number and type of procedures performed.

Smith said the program will drive costs down by fostering competition among public providers and those who perform publicly funded procedures in private clinics.

Alberta’s government is taking another step toward giving municipalities the option of ditching the RCMP in favour of a new provincial police service.

Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis says an independent Alberta service could step in to help address concerns he's heard about the Mounties' staffing shortages and rising costs.

If passed, a proposed bill would mean a new agency must operate under a Crown corporation that would be at arm's length from the government.

Requests for funding from the town’s Community Investment Operational Grant program will have to wait until a revised policy, framework and application process are finalized.

Most recently, the Route 22 Artist Collective Gallery joined the growing list of nonprofit organizations seeking funding through the program. The nonprofit is requesting $75,000 over three years—the same amount requested by Helping Hands. Sport 4 Life is seeking $100,000.

Athletes from Ippon Karate Dojo returned home to Cochrane with a string of podium finishes following standout performances at the Karate Canada National Championships, held April 3–6 at the Richmond (B.C.) Olympic Oval.

The tournament took on added significance for the dojo as it marks 20 years of fostering excellence in both traditional and competitive karate.

The Bedrock Bowlers came out on top Sunday in their debut bowling tournament, hosting teams from the Foothills and Olds chapters.

The Bow Valley Special Olympics chapter's bowling team had the highest pins-over-average score of the day, clinching the home tournament's trophy.

Ethan Mawson had the men's high double score, Brock Jesse the men's high single, and Robert Paton, the men's most pins overage single. 

With only three weeks away to the Canadian federal election, the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) are ensuring that agriculture is top of mind for campaigning parties by announcing a new strategic agenda called Unleashing Agriculture for Canada's Growth. Jeremy Welter, vice-president with APAS, talks about the need to improve Canadian agriculture and make it a point of focus for the federal government. 

Ottawa police have released the name of the person they say was behind a massive security incident on Parliament Hill over the weekend.

Police say Tyler Hall-Worthington, a 31-year-old Ottawa man, has been charged in connection with the lockdown Saturday afternoon at East Block, a building in the parliamentary precinct that mainly houses offices for senators and their staff.

An Ottawa police spokesperson told The Canadian Press that the suspect was still in custody as of Monday morning.

The Liberal and Conservative leaders both started the third week of the federal election campaign in British Columbia — a battleground province with 43 seats up for grabs when Canadians go to the polls.

The Liberals pledged environmental conservation measures and support for seniors, while the Tories offered more efficient approvals for resource projects.

Libertarian David Sabine believes Canada is on the wrong trajectory and could be a far more prosperous nation.

“I think libertarian-leaning voters in Airdrie-Cochrane are concerned about Canada’s authoritarian drift,” says Sabine. “This is marked by high taxes, market interference, and a new sort of censorship regime. I mean, even Margaret Atwood has criticized this Liberal party’s ‘creeping totalitarianism.’”