Cochrane

Agriculture and Irrigation Minister RJ Sigurdson has announced an increase in the lending limit on the Feeder Associations Loan Guarantee Program (FALGP).

Locally owned feeder associations utilize the program for low-interest financing backed by a government guarantee. Through the program feeder associations help livestock producers get financing to buy animals and grow their herds.

Producer, Dustin Lamb says the program played a huge part in his decision to return to the family farm and will be instrumental in keeping it going.

Rocky View County has issued a fire advisory, banning all permit burning due to dry and windy conditions. The county says all outstanding burning and fireworks permits are suspended until further notice.

Police have charged a man with three counts of aggravated assault for stabbings at the Calgary Stampede last month.

Police say they identified the 18-year-old following an extensive investigation that included witness interviews and camera footage.

Officers executed a search warrant of the suspect's house and seized a folding knife and clothing they say believe are consistent with the stabbings.

The man is scheduled to appear in court next week.

Three males were stabbed in an area of the Stampede midway, including two 18-year-olds and one 15-year-old.

The rodeo spirit is flying high in Cochrane with the official start of the Labour Day long weekend.

Students at Bow Valley High School in Cochrane will begin the new school year online after construction delays postponed the reopening of the building.

Rocky View Schools says the expansion and modernization project at BVHS will not be finished in time for classes to start on September 2.

As a result, the staggered entry for Grade 9 students that day has been cancelled, and all students will shift to online learning from September 3 to 5.

Longtime councillor Tara McFadden is seeking re-election, pledging to balance the town’s rapid growth with the “small-town feel” Cochranites treasure.

McFadden was one of five candidates officially added to the candidates’ list today for the Oct. 20 municipal election.

A Cochrane resident for 22 years, McFadden says she wants to continue focusing on making life more affordable and accessible for residents. She has long advocated for improved public engagement, as well as expanded parks and recreation spaces.

With the nomination deadline less than a month away, several Rocky View County residents have already put their names forward for council.

RVC councillors are elected by division, with voters casting ballots in their own area. The County has seven divisions in total, and each October, council selects a Reeve and Deputy Reeve at its annual Organizational Meeting.

According to the County’s website, the following candidates have filed in each division:

Alberta RCMP are reminding people to stay safe on the road and on the water this Labour Day long weekend.

Last year, officers handed out nearly a thousand speeding tickets, along with dozens of fines for distracted driving, seatbelt violations, and impaired driving.

With more vehicles expected on the highways and hot weather drawing people to lakes and rivers, police are urging Albertans to plan ahead, avoid distractions, and never drive tired or impaired. They also remind drivers to buckle up, follow speed limits, and ensure trailers and vehicles are roadworthy.

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.