Cochrane

Canada's elections commissioner said Wednesday she has no evidence to suggest the federal election result in April was affected by foreign interference, disinformation or voter intimidation — even though the volume of complaints about the campaign shot way up.

In a preliminary report, Commissioner Caroline Simard said her office received more than 16,000 complaints about the spring campaign that ended on April 28 — seven times the number of complaints received in the 2019 and 2021 elections.

Sen. Patrick Brazeau is said to be recovering after collapsing on the Senate floor on Wednesday in the midst of debate on the federal government's major projects bill.

Brazeau, 50, rose to speak shortly after 4 p.m. before falling over sideways onto the floor.

A Senate spokesman says Brazeau appears to be recovering following an examination by paramedics.

Warning: The following video contains mild foul language and a medical event.

If you're planning a visit to the Spray Lake Sawmills (SLS) Centre over the next couple of days, be prepared for increased traffic and limited parking.

Graduation events for both Cochrane High School and Bow Valley High School will be taking place at the facility, leading to heavier-than-usual crowds and vehicle traffic.

Today, Cochrane High’s convocation runs from 9 a.m. to noon, followed by Bow Valley High’s ceremony from 2:30 to 5 p.m.

The celebrations continue tomorrow evening, with Bow Valley High’s grad banquet taking place from 4:30 p.m. to midnight.

Cochrane is now the owner of the last undeveloped piece of riverfront property within town limits—land that has drawn considerable interest from multiple parties.

On Tuesday, Mayor Jeff Genung announced the town has purchased the 26-acre parcel from Rocky View County for $5 million. The land has also been eyed by others, including the Bow RiversEdge Campground.

It was triple the fun at an expanded musical showcase presented by Edward Allen of Cochrane Drum Tutor.

Building on the success of last year’s hit recital, John, Paul, George and 30 Ringos, Allen added two more events and moved the celebration to the larger Cochrane Lions Event Centre. Hundreds of people flowed through the venue from early afternoon until evening.

A key member of Alberta's new panel fighting federal overreach says Canada's immigration system needs fixing, but couldn't comment on the panel considering an idea to cut supports for some newcomers.

Business Council of Alberta president Adam Legge says questions about potentially excluding certain immigrants from services like health care should be addressed to Premier Danielle Smith.

Barring services to some newcomers is a solution being put forward on immigration on the panel's website.

Cochrane residents are being called on to rally behind 10-year-old Nathan as he makes a final push to move on in the Ranger Rick Jr. Ranger competition, and time is running out.

The national contest, which encourages kids across North America to explore the outdoors and connect with nature, comes with a top prize of $20,000, a feature in Ranger Rick magazine, and a one-on-one wildlife experience with expert Jeff Corwin.

It's fawning season, and with it comes a reminder to Cochrane residents to be cautious around deer and other wildlife sheltering their newborns in brush and natural woodland areas in and around the community.

With Cochrane’s robust urban deer population, residents are urged to keep their distance and most importantly, leash their dogs.

Hendrik Bösch of Wildlife Coexistence Cochrane is helping spread the message after being contacted by Fish and Wildlife officials in response to increased deer activity in Riverside, along Quigley Drive, and in Glenbow.

The Town of Cochrane has begun preparing for its 2026 budget.

Town council has approved a recommendation from Chief Financial Officer Alvin Allim to base the budget on two per cent inflation and assessment growth—a formula also applied to the 2025 budget.

Additional factors to be considered include feedback from council's spring strategic session, the 2022–25 council strategic plan, the 2025 municipal election, and ongoing economic uncertainty in both Canada and the United States.

Whether Alberta should withhold social services from immigrants is among the issues Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is tabling for debate this summer when she travels the province to consult citizens on potential referendum questions.

The tour is part of what Smith has dubbed the "Alberta Next" panel. At a news conference Tuesday, she announced details of its work and named its 15 members.

At the same time, six online surveys were launched on the panel's website, which are to help inform what questions the government puts to a referendum next year.