Cochrane

The stairs connecting Bow Ridge Drive and Bow Ridge Road will be closed for maintenance next week.

The closure begins Tuesday, March 25, at 9 a.m. and will remain in effect until Thursday, March 27, at 3 p.m.

A special avalanche warning has been issued for the Central Rockies, in effect until Monday, due to dangerous conditions.

Avalanche Canada issued the alert on Thursday, covering Banff, Kananaskis Country, Yoho, Kootenay, as well as Jasper National Parks. The warning extends to adjacent areas as well.

"Recent storm snow sits atop a weak snowpack structure, leading to numerous large avalanches over the past two weeks," the agency stated. Avalanches have been widely triggered, even in forested areas, and have involved the entire snowpack depth.

More financial support is on the way for fire-ravaged Jasper, Alta., as the federal government has announced $187 million in new funding for the town's rebuild.

It is the largest funding package to be announced since a runaway wildfire ripped through Jasper National Park and destroyed a third of the town last July.

The money will help rebuild roads, campgrounds, trails and permanent staff housing, and help provide interim housing while the town is rebuilt.

The largest group ever from the Cochrane Skating Club has advanced to this weekend's StarSkate Provincials in Tsuut'ina.

The hard work and dedication of Bentley and Piper Halliday, June Gartner, Claire Moore, Atera Kirkpatrick, Megan Lewis-Moore, and Evalea Foley have been rewarded with an appearance at provincials, many for the first time.

It's Cochrane Indigenous Arts & Culture Week so there are many events to support that this weekend in Cochrane. 

Indigenous Fashion Show & Cultural Performances - Friday, March 21

From 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM at the Cochrane Lions Club Event Centre, experience a showcase of Indigenous fashion and cultural performances. This adult-only event is sponsored by ATB. Purchase tickets in advance.

Nina Balac is proving that confidence and dedication can take you far, even at just 11 years old.

This weekend, the young Cochranite will take the stage in Strathmore to compete in the Calgary Regional 4-H Communications event.

Nina has earned her spot by winning at multiple levels, starting with her club and then moving on to area and district competitions.

Competing in the junior category, Nina will have her four-minute speech judged for content, delivery, and timing.

Business. Community. Family.

Chances are, you’re part of all three. That means you likely know first-hand the unique joy – and incredible challenges – that each one can present.

Burning out trying to grow your business, struggling to build consensus within a non-profit organization, or just trying to figure out how to maintain sanity in the midst of busy schedules; these challenges are all too common in today’s fast-paced world.

For Juli Rohl, founder of Revivis Consulting, it's those challenges that drive her “why”.

Cochrane Home Treasures is offering a special program for moms looking to unwind and rejuvenate.

The local non-profit community and family thrift store is launching Mamas on the Mat, a free six-week yoga series designed to help mothers relax and connect in a welcoming environment.

The classes will be held at The Study - Movement & Wellness Studio, starting on Saturday, March 22, at 11:30 a.m. Each 50 minutes session will offer moms the opportunity to focus on self-care, build community, and enjoy some much-needed relaxation.

Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to call a federal election on Sunday for a vote as early as April 28.

Sources would not confirm the specific date of the vote, but federal campaigns must run at least 37 days.

This will be Canada's 45th federal election.

Canada's political parties have been mobilizing campaigns by nominating candidates and organizing leaders' tours.

Carney was elected as Liberal leader to succeed Justin Trudeau on March 9 and was sworn in as prime minister along with his new cabinet on March 14.

Rocky View Schools (RVS) has issued a letter to parents, guardians, staff, and volunteers, alerting them about the growing number of measles cases in Alberta and across Canada.

While no cases have been confirmed at any RVS schools, the letter emphasizes the importance of awareness and preparedness, as supported by Alberta Health Services (AHS) Public Health.