Cochrane

Southern Alberta, including the Cochrane area is bracing for a significant weather system expected to bring a mix of snow, rain, and freezing rain beginning Wednesday night and lasting through Friday.

With winter travel conditions set to impact much of central Alberta, residents and commuters are urged to stay prepared for challenging conditions.

The Alberta government has agreed to join the Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) in tackling the problem of overdue oil and gas property taxes.

In a news release, the government confirmed that Municipal Affairs Minister Ric McIver and Energy Minister Brian Jean will be involved in the collaboration.

The Glenbow Community Association (GCA) will hold its inaugural annual general meeting on Mar. 31 at the Cochrane Alliance Church, 902 Glenbow Dr. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the meeting set to begin at 7 p.m.

Glenbow is home to several notable Cochrane landmarks, including the Cochrane Lions Event Centre, the Big Hill Creek riparian ecosystem, Glenbow Elementary School, and the Cochrane Alliance Church.

Albertans will have more options when it comes to booking camping spots this summer.

Alberta Parks is adding 330 new campsites and two group camping areas in 15 provincial parks for the upcoming season. Reservations for these new spots open on April 8 at 9 a.m. through the provincial website.

The creative energy was flowing at Saffron Pottery Studio as they got a surprise visit from the McCafé Coffee Break!

CochraneNow and Cochrane McDonald’s stopped by with all the bells and whistles, treating the team to McCafé coffee and cookies to brighten their Tuesday morning.

Saffron Pottery Studio was nominated HERE, and this was attached to the nomination:

Somebunny special needs a home! Meet Bun Bun, this week’s Adorable Adoptable!

Bun Bun is an eight-year-old rabbit with velvety soft fur and a warm heart. She’s a calm and friendly girl who would make the perfect companion for a loving home.

“She gets along really well with kids and is respectful around dogs, so she’s like your multi-pet household animal,” says Robyn Roy, communications coordinator with the Humane Society.

Cochrane has seen a mixed bag of crime trends during January and February of 2025, according to Cochrane RCMP Insp. Dave Brunner.

Overall, crime in the town has increased by nine per cent compared to the same time last year, with property-related crimes being the main contributor to the rise.

"In total, we've seen 36 more property crimes and 22 more total criminal offenses compared to last year," Brunner said. "Property crimes jumped by 33 per cent this year, while person-related crimes dropped by 5 per cent, and other criminal code offenses are down by 15 per cent."

The town will creep closer to its debt limit with the proposed borrowing of almost $11 million to complete infrastructure for the future high school and Horse Creek Sports Park.

Last night, town council gave first reading to the borrowing bylaw for the project that will return for further consideration on Apr. 28 after being publicly circulated.

The Cochrane & Area Health Foundation (CAHF) was quick to respond to a request from Cochrane Search and Rescue for vital life-saving equipment.

The foundation donated $5,725 towards the purchase of life-saving automated external defibrillators (AEDs).

SAR searcher Chantal Ireland says the donation enabled them to purchase AEDs for all three of their rescue vehicles. It was combined with a grant previously received from the Town of Cochrane towards the first one.

The federal Liberals are pushing further ahead of the Conservatives in voter support, and almost one in two Canadians surveyed said they think the Liberals will win the election, a new poll suggests.

The survey, conducted by Leger for The Canadian Press, reports that 44 per cent of decided voters surveyed would vote Liberal in the upcoming election, ahead of the Conservatives at 38 per cent.

The poll surveyed 1,599 Canadians between March 21 and March 23, which includes the first day of the election, and the two days leading into it.