Cochrane

Air Canada flights within North America are expected to ramp up this morning as the airline continues its operational restart following a three-day flight attendants' strike.

The company resumed flights Tuesday afternoon after a complete halt to Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge routes that began early Saturday morning.

It said it was focusing on outbound international flights to start.

In a partial policy reversal, Alberta's government said Tuesday it will cover the cost of COVID-19 vaccinations for health-care workers.

Maddison McKee, spokesperson to Primary and Preventative Health Services Minister Adriana LaGrange, said in an email that COVID-19 vaccine coverage will be extended to all health-care workers this fall under the first phase of the province's vaccination rollout.

"Immunization will remain voluntary," said McKee.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's government is again shifting its expense disclosure policy after critics from across the political spectrum accused her of dodging responsibility.

In early August, the province quietly published new rules axing a requirement for Smith, her ministers, senior staff and deputy ministers to publicly post receipts for expenses over $100. 

Marisa Breeze, press secretary to Finance Minister Nate Horner, said in a Tuesday email that cabinet has directed Horner to see that the previous expense posting policy is reinstated -- but with a tweak.

Farm Credit Canada is extending its trade disruption support program for canola producers impacted by the ongoing trade disruptions.

Last week, China implemented a 75.8 per cent tariff on Canadian canola seed imports.

FCC's President and CEO Justine Hendricks says the agriculture and food industry is resilient, but global trade uncertainty can create real pressure on cash flow and operations.

The town has announced the paved pathway through Riviera’s Environmental Reserve will reopen this week, but the wooded trails and surrounding area between the Riviera and Rivercrest neighbourhoods will remain closed after a protective coyote den was discovered earlier this summer.

Town officials explain that the continued closure of the wooded environmental reserve area and trails will allow local coyotes and their pups the space they need to mature safely.

CN Rail submitted its 2025-26 Grain Plan to Transport Canada at the end of July.

CN's Assistant Vice-President of Grain, David Przednowek, says the grain plan is based on what CN knows from customers and other stakeholders about the volume of grain and processed grain products that it expects to move over the course of the 2025-26 crop year.

Final touches are being added to the inaugural Make-A-Wish Family Run/Walk taking place Sunday, Aug. 31, in conjunction with the Cochrane Lions Labour Day Weekend Rodeo.

Organizer Candice Lee, who has raised funds for the Wish program in the past, says she has set a goal to raise at least $10,000 for good reason.

“Most of the wishes grant cost around $10,000,” Lee explained. “My goal has been to grant at least one wish for a sick child that’s waiting. Right now, there are close to 200 children in southern Alberta waiting for their wishes.”

The McCafé Coffee Break scored big with the Cochrane Wolves summer soccer camp coaches!

The CochraneNow crew dropped in with hot McCafé coffee and tasty treats from Cochrane McDonald’s to fuel up the hardworking coaching team. 

The Cochrane Wolves coaching staff was nominated here and it was these kind words that brought in the win.

“The coaches at my kids’ summer soccer camp go above and beyond every single day. They make learning fun and really care about the kids.”

Alberta Mounties are reminding residents to take extra precautions when it comes to their mail, offering a series of tips to reduce the risk of theft and encouraging Albertans to sign up for the RAVE Mobile Safety alert system.

“Mail theft is a crime of opportunity, and small steps can make a big difference,” said Chad Cronk, Acting Crime Prevention Liaison Supervisor with Alberta RCMP. “By securing your mailbox, picking up your mail promptly, and considering secure delivery options for packages, you can reduce your risk of becoming a target.”

Among the tips provided:

In his first major announcement as a mayoral candidate, Morgan Nagel is proposing a mixed-use riverfront park that would also serve as a permanent home for the Cochrane Farmers’ Market.

The park would be established on land recently purchased by the town beside the Bow RiversEdge Campground, adjacent to the popular Jim Uffelmann Memorial Park and the emerging Greystone community.