Alberta’s latest budget signalled a clear shift toward deficit backed investment in schools and health care as population growth strains public systems. Lisa argues the bigger challenge now is clarity, especially as the provincial education property tax requisition rises and municipalities collect it without setting the rate.

A former member of the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass Agricultural Service Board urged council Feb. 24 to reinstate a full time, year-round agricultural fieldman position and pursue provincial grant funding they said could bring $160,000 annually into the municipality.

Crowsnest Pass council passed a land use bylaw amendment Feb. 24 allowing secondary suites in duplex or semi-detached dwellings and in multi-unit residential buildings.

Crowsnest Pass council heard an RCMP quarterly update on Feb. 24 that pointed to steady service demands, a staffing shortage at the local detachment and a notable in-crease in reported assaults compared with previous years.

The following is a reprinting of a profoundly interesting submittal to the now defunct Elk Valley Miner in 2011.  The introduction below the title of the article says. 

“Compiled and written by Harold Travis (S.S.M . CP).”

Crowsnest Pass council voted Feb. 24 to defer a $2.5 million borrowing bylaw tied to municipal office upgrades after councillors raised concerns about costs, process and the level of detail available before committing to long term financing.

Crowsnest Pass council did not proceed with a planned discussion about developing a municipal media policy at its Feb. 24 meeting, despite a written request that laid out what such a policy could include and why it was being considered.

Sparwood council advanced a zoning amendment Tuesday night that would legalize limited agriculture along Michel Creek Road, following a short public hearing and a staff presentation outlining the proposed changes.

Our families are very important in the lives of each of us. After all, family is like links in a single chain and all chains are inextricably linked.  Each chain can be strong and impervious to any impact or damage, or it can be fragile, and then others can fill the missing links with their support and love. Never  underestimate the role of each family in society. Our traditions and habits, our skills, and everything our family gives us—we fill our lives and the lives of those around us with them. 

Sparwood’s Recreation Facility Advisory Committee heard updated cost estimates for three double gym concepts on Feb. 19, then agreed the next step should include renewed public engagement before the committee recommends a direction to council.

Grade 12 students from Sparwood Secondary School presented capstone projects to Sparwood council Tuesday night, calling for stronger youth representation in local decision making, better support for coaches and improved access to training spaces.

Aiden’s car broke down in Red Deer and the familiar helplessness hit fast, even from five hours away. What followed was a quiet lesson in family, as his brother drove to pick him up without a second thought.

Crowsnest Pass council deferred a proposed media policy after councillors said they lacked time to review it. The Pass Herald argues council can set internal rules but cannot regulate independent media.

Sparwood residents were invited to spend Feb. 16 outdoors at Centennial Plaza for Winterfest, with daytime games and snacks followed by a free glow skate and fireworks after dusk.

Crowsnest Pass council deferred discussion of a proposed media policy Feb. 10 after councillors said the document arrived too close to the meeting to review properly. Mayor Pat Rypien said the draft was intended to guide media interactions and support transparency and public trust.

KPSquared officially opened The Nest in Crowsnest Pass on Feb. 12 with a Blackfoot blessing by Aileen Bastien of Piikani Nation. The centre offers extended hours and a booking model leaders said is designed for shift work and non-traditional schedules.

Castle Mountain Resort’s first high speed chairlift officially opened to the public this week with the Stagecoach Express launching after a Feb. 10 soft opening and a Feb. 11 ceremony. The new high speed quad adds 22 trails and opens terrain that was previously reserved for the resort’s cat skiing operation.

Crowsnest Pass council approved two land use by law amendments Feb. 10 after hearings on a Blairmore rezoning tied to a cemetery boundary and tourism accommodation plus a housing focused rezoning in East Coleman. The meeting also saw council reject a proposed change to the Chinook Intermunicipal Subdivision and Development Appeal Board panel size.

Lisa Sygutek left a Mount Royal University career fair energized by students who see community newspapers as essential and who are studying the publishers’ lawsuit against Google and Facebook. She also reflects on a gender-neutral washroom experience and why design must match intent.

KPSquared will host a Feb. 12 grand opening for its Blairmore childcare centre. CEO Kyla Penner says extended hours, seven day operations and flexible booking are designed for shift work and rural families, with an inclusive unit to support children needing extra care.