Cochrane

Some Conservative MPs are expressing support for party leader Pierre Poilievre after he lost both the federal election and his own seat on Monday.

In his concession speech early Tuesday morning, Poilievre indicated he would stay on as leader. The Conservative party did not respond when asked Wednesday whether he has officially decided to stay.

"My view is he's not going anywhere," said Kory Teneycke, Ontario Premier Doug Ford's former campaign manager and a former director of communications for former prime minister Stephen Harper.

A group trying to make a case for electoral reform by creating very long ballots is declaring victory in this week's election — even as critics accuse it of indulging in stunts that undermine democracy.

"It's been a success," said Mark Moutter, one of dozens of protest candidates who ran in the Ottawa riding of Carleton.

"I've never seen people looking more optimistically at electoral reform, ever."

Manitoba Agriculture has released its first crop report of the season, providing valuable insights into the current state of seeding and livestock activities across the province.

Oilseed Specialist Sonya Wilson says seeding is just getting underway, with provincial seeding progress at approximately three per cent. This is ahead of the five-year average of one per cent. Farmers are currently planting spring wheat, peas, and a small amount of oats, particularly in areas west of Brandon and near Rapid City, with some activity in other regions as well.

The Canalta Cochrane is already making waves in town.

Formerly Ramada, the property is the only hotel in Cochrane to feature a pool, hot tub and waterslide.

General manager Sebastien Leskow said Canalta’s amenities and guest-focused approach set it apart in Canada’s fastest-growing community.

“Something that sets us apart is what we call our ‘Seven Star Service,’” Leskow said. “We put a big focus on guest relations and make sure our team does everything it can to provide guests with a comfortable, safe and friendly stay.”

An open invitation has been issued for a prayer vigil to be held for the victims and families of the Lapu-Lapu Festival tragedy on Friday, May 2 at 6 p.m. at Centennial Plaza in Cochrane’s Historic Downtown.

Cochrane’s large Filipino community is organizing the vigil to offer prayers for the victims and families affected by the horrific incident in Vancouver that left 11 people dead and many others injured.

Candles and flowers are welcome. Donations will be accepted for the families impacted by the tragedy.

With a decision expected as early as next month on the future of the Spray Lake Sawmills Centre, Mayor Jeff Genung has stepped in as president of the Spray Lake Sawmills Recreation Park Society (SLSRPS).

Rocky View County Reeve Crystal Kissel has been named vice-chair. The rest of the board will remain as members of the public-at-large.

The RCW Spring Fever Tour storms into the Cochrane Lions Club and Events Centre tomorrow with two explosive matchups headlining the card.

In a high-stakes showdown, Bobby Sharp challenges Tony Machete for the RCW Canadian Championship, while rising stars Krieger and Scorpious collide in the much-anticipated Battle of the Young Guns.

Those who missed the recent concert at Found have a second chance to enjoy the Cochrane Guitar Quartet on Sunday, May 4, at St. Andrew’s United Church, 128 1st St. E. which will also mark the date's connection to Star Wars.

The performance begins at 4 p.m., an ideal time for the entire family to attend.

The quartet is led by Martin Russell, a classical guitarist and Spanish guitar teacher who has called Cochrane home for 30 years. He is joined by three of his students: Hannah Isinghood, Ryan Kehoe and Griffin Stotscheck.

Six per cent more people voted in the federal election in the Airdrie–Cochrane riding than in the former Banff–Airdrie riding in 2021.

Preliminary results from Elections Canada show a voter turnout of 74.92 per cent. A total of 70,560 ballots were cast from a registered voters list of 94,181. That figure does not include those who registered on election day.

In the 2021 federal election, Banff–Airdrie recorded a 68.8 per cent turnout.

The most recent results of the April 28 election indicate incumbent Blake Richards secured 71.2 per cent of the vote.

Construction on Stage 3 of James Walker Trail in Cochrane is set to begin shortly, with most of the work taking place in undeveloped green-field areas.

The Town says the project is not expected to impact nearby roads or residential areas.

Starting May 1, a key traffic change will affect gravel hauling operations.

Access to the Heidelberg gravel pit from James Walker Trail at Highway 22 will be closed. Instead, gravel trucks will be rerouted via Griffin Road.

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