Cochrane

While the recent federal election turned into a tight race between the Liberals and Conservatives that left other parties trailing far behind, a new poll suggests most Canadians don't want the country end up with a two-party system.

The poll of over 1,600 Canadians, conducted by Leger Marketing for the Association for Canadian Studies between May 1 and 3, suggests only 21 per cent of Canadians think the country would be better off with a system where two parties dominate the political landscape.

Cochrane’s own Josh Krushel—jazz pianist, composer, and educator—returns to his hometown for a rare and intimate evening of jazz this Thursday (May 15) at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, 73 George Fox Trail.

Backed by acclaimed Calgary musicians Stefano Valdo on bass and Afolabi Kapojuwo on drums, Krushel brings his distinctive blend of jazz to local audiences for just $10 at the door. Cash is preferred. The performance begins at 7 p.m.

A 55-year-old Cochrane man has died following a motorcycle crash involving a deer on Highway 24 near Township Road 215A.

Strathmore RCMP responded to reports of the collision shortly after 8 p.m. on May 9, while a group of motorcyclists was riding together in the area.

Police say the lead rider, a Cochrane resident, struck a deer and suffered serious injuries. He was transported by STARS air ambulance but later died despite medical efforts.

The Cochrane and Area Humane Society officially opened two new private off-leash dog parks just north of Cochrane on Friday, celebrating a milestone more than a decade in the making.

The two parks, Sadie’s Nature Park and Paws in the Park, offer a combined 9.6 acres of outdoor space for dogs and their people to enjoy, while also supporting animal rehabilitation.

“It’s a monumental day,” says Tracy Keith Harvie, executive director of the Humane Society. “It’s really a win-win for everybody.”

The national chief of the Assembly of First Nations says talk of Alberta separatism is 'irresponsible' and it's "not smart" for politicians to make statements about it without consulting with First Nations first.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has introduced a bill that would make it easier for Albertans to launch referendums on various topics — including splitting from Canada.

Smith has pointed to growing alienation in her province and frustration with Ottawa, saying those wanting to separate "are not fringe voices."

Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a rainfall warning for the Cochrane area as heavy rain moves into town today.

"Heavy rain is expected today, with total amounts of 50 to 70 mm," Enviroment Canada said in a statement early Monday morning.

The rain is expected to intensify through the day and continue overnight.

Precipitation could also turn to wet snow in higher elevations, like Kananaskis. "Up to 10 cm of accumulation possible."

The rain is expected to taper off by Tuesday morning.

The Tigers scored 55 seconds into the game, but a massive first-period response powered the Spokane Chiefs to a 6–2 win in enemy territory.

Spokane has tied the WHL championship series 1–1, stealing one on the road in Medicine Hat on Sunday.

The Chiefs got on the scoreboard at 6:50 of the first period, then added three more goals in an impressive 4:36 span.

Momentum is already building for the Hearts in Motion campaign to raise the final $36,000 needed to buy robotic legs for three-year-old Brielle.

A community-wide fundraiser is underway with the goal of reaching that amount by June 14. Organizer Dan Kroffat is urging residents to pitch in by holding garage sales, bottle drives and other creative fundraisers.

The Mountain View Stingers spoiled the Mother’s Day home opener for the Rocky View Rage on May 11, posting a 12–6 win at Totem One.

Down 5–0 early, the Rage bounced back with four quick goals to close the gap. But the Stingers added one to end the first period up 6–4, then dominated the scoreboard in the final two stanzas.

Rage head coach Reese Sellwood said his team may have come in too confident.

“We were coming into this game thinking we were going to come out here and just stomp them a bit,” said Sellwood. “So I think that was kind of in their heads.”

Alberta's access to information watchdog has found the provincial government to be non-compliant with its own freedom of information rules.

A new report from information and privacy commissioner Diane McLeod says Alberta's government has implemented internal procedures and policies that allow government employees to wrongfully deny freedom of information requests.