Cochrane

Initiatives in Saskatchewan and Alberta recognize some of the country’s most extensive and unique remaining prairie ecosystems.

There’s a new focus on protecting biodiversity in native prairie grasslands in southwestern Saskatchewan and southeastern Alberta.

It’s coming in the form of new “key biodiversity area” designations, denoting they’re home to species at risk in this rapidly vanishing landscape.

Saskatchewan's Weekly Crop Report shows 49 per cent of the provincial crop has been seeded, that's up from 31 per cent last week and well ahead of the five-year average of 32 percent.

Crops Extension Specialist Meghan Rosso says pulse crops continue to lead in seeding progress with 78 per cent of field peas seeded, 71 per cent of lentils and 65 per cent of chickpeas now in. 

Dealing with a fire on your farm can be both dangerous and devastating. Fortunately, there are things you can do to reduce the risk of fires.

Improper use of burn barrels can easily start fires. People often contribute to the risk of fire by not using proper screens on burn barrels or clearing the grass around the barrel itself.

A 14-year-old Cochrane boy has been charged following an act of vandalism in the Willows neighbourhood that involved a swastika spray-painted on the garage door of a local home.

Cochrane RCMP confirmed the charge on May 14, a day after the hateful symbol was discovered and reported to police.

“We’ve made an arrest in connection with the swastika graffiti incident in the Willows,” said Cst. Clayton Gelinas. “The youth has been charged with three counts of mischief under the Criminal Code.”

Cochrane is looking extra nice this spring thanks to another successful Clean Up Day.

The Heritage Hill Community Association took home top honours for the Cochrane’s Community Clean Up on May 3.

The Town of Cochrane announced that the group collected the most bags of garbage per participant, securing the win among several enthusiastic groups.

As a prize, the association earned a free Block Party trailer booking and a $200 grocery gift card.

The Cochrane Historical Museum is set to open for the 2025 season this weekend, offering visitors a chance to explore the community’s rich past.

Operated by the Cochrane Historical & Archival Preservation Society (CHAPS), the museum highlights the town’s agricultural roots and local heritage through interactive exhibits and rare artifacts.

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It's been a busy week out in the field as farmers continue to work on getting this year's crop in the ground.

Manitoba's weekly crop report shows the provincial crop is now 32 per cent seeded.

Oilseed Specialist Sonia Wilson puts together the weekly crop report, updating seeding progress around the province. 

Alberta Parks has issued a bear closure for parts of Kananaskis Country after multiple bears were reported frequenting the area.

Both the Rockwall Trail and the meadow surrounding the Peter Lougheed Discovery Centre are off-limits to the public.

The closure is aimed at keeping both visitors and wildlife safe.

While an advisory already covers the broader region, officials are reminding the public that bears can be encountered anywhere in Kananaskis at any time.

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Riley Taylor is no stranger to small towns, but the country singer from Burton, N.B., is finding a whole new kind of hometown connection on his latest tour through Alberta.

“I've been loving it,” Taylor says. “This is all brand new to me,the mountains, the Prairies. I think it’s awesome.”

The 27-year-old artist, who won the 2021 Boots & Hearts Emerging Artist Showcase, is currently on the Small Town Hometowns Tour, making stops across Western Canada before wrapping up in Ontario.

Book lovers, mark your calendars!

The Friends of the Cochrane Public Library Spring Book Sale returns May 24 and 25 at the Cochrane Ranchehouse. 

Shoppers can browse a wide selection of gently used books and movies at bargain prices, with all proceeds supporting library services and collections.

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Grow a Reader: Support Cochrane Library’s 75th anniversary goal