Cochrane

Work is set to begin this week on the two-year Glenpatrick Drive infrastructure replacement project, a major overhaul aimed at modernizing roads, pathways, and underground utilities in Cochrane’s Glenbow neighbourhood.

As farmers continue their seeding operations, the latest crop report brings a mix of optimism and caution. 

Crop Extension Specialist Tyce Masich says at this point 72 per cent of the provincial crop is now planted; that's an increase of 23 per cent from last week. 

He notes it's a smaller increase than the week before, largely due to rain delays in parts of the south and east regions of the province. 

The union representing about 55,000 Canada Post employees said the latest offers from the postal service "fall short" with hours to go until a looming strike deadline.

Canada Post meanwhile said Thursday it's already seeing mail volumes decline ahead of another possible labour disruption and is pushing for an urgent resolution.

Spokesperson Lisa Liu said Canada Post hasn't yet received a response from the union about its proposals issued a day earlier.

The postal service is ready to resume bargaining "as soon as possible" with a mediator at the table, she said.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has re-appointed Airdrie-Cochrane MP Blake Richards as the party’s Shadow Minister for Veterans Affairs, reaffirming the longtime MP's central role in advocating for Canadian veterans in the 45th Parliament.

Richards, who represents the riding of Airdrie-Cochrane, said he is honoured to continue leading the Official Opposition’s work on veterans’ issues.

Time to break out the swim trunks and sunscreen!

The popular spray park at the SLS Centre is reopening tomorrow (May 23), just as sunny skies return to Cochrane.

Families can enjoy the water fun daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., weather permitting.

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With the G7 summit on the horizon and air traffic expected to surge, residents of Cochrane are being reminded that areas around Springbank Airport are strict no-fly zones for drones.

Springbank Airport, located just a short distance southeast of Cochrane, falls under a federally regulated ‘No Drone Zone’ covering 3.5 nautical miles, or 6.5 km, from the airport's center.

“Most may not realize the risk even a small drone can pose to aircraft, passengers, operations and emergency services,” said Chris Dinsdale, President and CEO of The Calgary Airport Authority.

Cochrane drivers heading into Calgary faced reduced visibility during Thursday’s (May 22) morning commute.

Thick fog rolled in early, with heavy patches along Highway 1A, Highway 22 and throughout Cochrane.

Motorists are urged to use headlights, leave plenty of space between vehicles, and stay alert for sudden shifts in road conditions.

The fog is expected to ease later this morning as temperatures climb, but early drivers should plan for delays and remain cautious.

Check the road visability HERE.

The Cochrane Lions Club is helping ease financial barriers to childcare for local families with a $5,000 donation to BGC Cochrane and Area.

The service club's contribution will support families who may not otherwise be able to access BGC programs.

The Bighill Creek Preservation Society (BCPS) says a new provincial task force aimed at streamlining regulatory approvals for sand and gravel operations on private land is barking up the wrong tree.

This week, the province struck a sand and gravel task force to review and recommend changes to speed up permitting processes, while maintaining environmental protections under existing provincial legislation.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has named 73 MPs to his party's leadership team and critic roles ahead of next week's return to the House of Commons.

He has named 48 Conservative members of Parliament to critic roles, while another 14 will become associate critics.

Most of them are returning MPs, though some have been shuffled to new positions left by people who were not re-elected on April 28.