Cochrane

The Bow Valley Parkway is once again closed to public vehicles for the fall cycling season.

The 17-kilometre stretch of the scenic roadway is open only to cyclists and pedestrians. The closure runs until October 2, with vehicle access resuming on October 3.

The initiative is part of the Bow Valley Parkway Cycling Experience Pilot, which began in 2022 as a three-year trial. The pilot restricted vehicles in spring and fall to create a safer, quieter experience for cyclists.

The bad news for Alberta's oil-reliant budget is set to get worse.

Finance Minister Nate Horner says softening oil prices mean this year's projected budget deficit is expected to grow by $1.3 billion, and will now finish at $6.5 billion in the red when the fiscal year ends next spring.

That represents a massive multibillion-dollar swing in Alberta's financial fortunes, as it is coming off an $8.3-billion surplus the year prior.

"We are going to have to weather some of this," Horner told a news conference Thursday.

Flirt Cosmetics Studio is breaking new ground, literally. The popular Cochrane beauty and wellness studio has officially started construction on a brand-new 4,500-square-foot location just a block away from its current 3rd Avenue space.

“It’s super exciting because the building is being custom built with everything we need in mind,” said Founder and co-owner, Ciara Ramsden. “We started Flirt in 2016 out of the den of my house, and I never imagined we’d be here today. The community really grew this business.”

Walking up to the SLS Sports Field, the changes ahead of the Bow Valley Bobcats’ season opener are immediately noticeable.

The Bobcats face the George McDougall Mustangs tonight in the second game of a doubleheader on Ed Eggerer Field.

Head coach Dustin Paul says the energy has been high since camp opened last week.

Limited details are available on the new water licence acquired by the Town of Cochrane, which officials believe will allow the community to continue its rapid growth for at least the next 30 years.

This week, the town announced it had received approval from the Alberta government to acquire a new consumptive water licence.

A new poll indicates an overwhelming majority of Canadians are in favour of regulating artificial intelligence, and almost half are worried it will contribute to cognitive decline.

The Leger poll found 85 per cent of respondents believe governments should regulate AI tools to ensure ethical and safe use. More than half, 57 per cent, said they strongly agreed with that statement.

"It's very clear Canadians want government involved," said Jennifer McLeod Macey, senior vice-president at Leger.

A new national report on how abuse and maltreatment are handled in sport says "Canadian sport has lost its way" and the federal government must act to better protect athletes across the country. 

The Future of Sport in Canada Commission released its preliminary report Thursday, saying it heard that there are "deeply ingrained" issues across the country, from a culture of silence that has led to abuse and maltreatment to underfunding and a lack of diversity. 

Friday has been declared a free day by the Cochrane Lions as a salute to the community that has fuelled their rodeo for more than half a century.

From sunrise to sundown, there’s free food, live music and the annual Slimdor Ranch Rodeo to launch the 56th annual Cochrane Lions Labour Day Weekend Rodeo.

A Calgary-region economic development initiative backed by Cochrane town council in July has now been officially launched.

Cochrane is one of eight municipalities taking part in Invest Greater Calgary, a three-year program designed to boost investment, create jobs and strengthen the region’s identity as a competitive North American business hub.

Cochrane’s own Kyla Lightfoot is chasing her biggest rodeo dream yet.

Lightfoot, who currently holds the title of Miss Ponoka Stampede 2025, will compete this fall for Miss Rodeo Canada 2026. The competition takes place September 27 to October 3 during the Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR) in Edmonton.

“It’s been a long-term goal of mine,” Lightfoot said. “It all started back in Cochrane as the 2023 Lions Rodeo Queen, then I became Miss Rodeo Airdrie, and now Ponoka. I’m really excited to take this next step.”