Cochrane

A distinguished professor emeritus in the Department of Biosystems Engineering at the University of Manitoba will be invested into the Order of Manitoba this summer.

Dr. Digvir S. Jayas, an engineer and agrologist, has received multiple awards for his 30-year research and teaching career. He conducts research related to drying, handling and storing of grains and oilseeds and digital image processing for grading and processing operations in the Agri-Food industry.

The McCafé Coffee Break saddled up and rode out to Cody & Sioux this morning!

Staff were treated to fresh McCafé coffee and goodies as a thank-you for all the work they do keeping Cochrane looking sharp and stylish.

The nomination came in from a longtime customer who said the team “goes above and beyond every time I walk in. They helped me find the perfect outfit for a wedding I was panicking about, and made it fun too.”

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Prime Minister Mark Carney announced his new cabinet today.

One of the new faces at the cabinet table will be 59 year old Heath MacDonald an MP from Prince Edward Island, as he takes on the role of Federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister.

MacDonald was first elected as an MP in 2021 after previously serving in the Provincial Legislature

Kody Blois, who was appointed ag minister in early March following Carney's leadership win i
 was left out of cabinet.

Other key ministers of note relating to the ag industry :

Rocky View County has downgraded the fire ban for the entire county to a fire advisory, following recent precipitation and improved conditions. While the risk has been reduced, officials continue to urge caution and vigilance from residents.

Under the fire advisory, no new fire permits will be issued, and all outstanding fire permits are now cancelled. The county emphasizes that the fire risk is still present, and conditions are being closely monitored. A full fire ban may be reinstated at any time if circumstances change.

Alberta Municipal Affairs Minister Ric McIver has resigned from cabinet amid speculation he will run for the vacant position of Speaker of the house.

Premier Danielle Smith, in announcing his resignation, said in a statement Tuesday that she's grateful for McIver's commitment and hard work in serving Albertans.

Tourism Minister Joseph Schow will take on McIver's portfolio on an interim basis, Smith said.

"Minister Schow will be available to municipalities around the province as they continue to navigate the uncertainty of the wildfire season," she said.

Just in time for May Long Weekend. 

As of 9 a.m. today, fire restrictions in the Town of Cochrane have been officially lifted.

Officials say recent improvements in weather conditions, including increased humidity and reduced wildfire risk, have made it safe to return to normal fire use without restrictions.

Residents are still encouraged to follow safe burning practices and stay informed about changing conditions.

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Prime Minister Mark Carney is giving his cabinet a major shakeup, moving several key players involved in Canada-U.S. relations into new positions and promoting 24 new faces to the front bench.

Carney's cabinet — 28 full ministers and 10 secretaries of state — retains prominent figures from former prime minister Justin Trudeau's government, including Dominic LeBlanc, Mélanie Joly, Chrystia Freeland and François-Philippe Champagne.

This week’s Adorable Adoptables spotlight is on a sweet pup named Soda Pop, a shy but lovable dog who’s ready to find his forever home.

Soda Pop came to the Cochrane & Area Humane Society as a very fearful stray with a serious injury.

Dog complaints were high on the list of frustrations expressed by residents during a recent public consultation on a new community standards bylaw passed May 12 by town council.

Unfortunately, none of the bylaws being amalgamated to create the new one address animal control.

Nor does it address construction site waste or traffic and road safety — two other major issues raised by residents.

Jay Judin, the town’s community safety director, said many residents expressed concern about the number of unleashed dogs and the amount of dog feces left unattended by owners.

A bear warning is now in effect for the Kananaskis Country Golf Course after multiple grizzly and black bears were reported frequenting the area.

The advisory, issued May 8, applies to the entire golf course, including parking lots, the Club House, maintenance compound, and other buildings. It will remain in place until further notice.

Alberta Parks is urging visitors to remain vigilant, as bears can be encountered anywhere in the Kananaskis Region at any time.