Sparwood council gave support in principle to a letter requesting provincial backing for an Elk River Watershed Governance Board, with councillors emphasizing that the district should not be committing money. The discussion took place at the April 21 regular meeting.

The Municipality of Crowsnest Pass Municipal Planning Commission approved a country residential subdivision in the Tecumseh area April 22 after adding a condition meant to support wildlife movement through the property.

Sparwood council has directed staff to schedule a public hearing for a liquor licence application at Game On Indoor Playground Bowling & Rec Room.

Sparwood council gave first readings to its 2026 to 2030 financial plan bylaw and 2026 tax rates bylaw during the April 21 regular meeting, advancing a budget that includes a 9.75 per cent municipal tax revenue increase and a $150 sewer parcel tax increase.

A Sparwood Secondary School student brought a personal and community minded capstone project to Sparwood council on April 21, outlining her effort to create care packages for children admitted to the Alberta Children’s Hospital.

Sparwood residents will soon be asked to weigh in on four possible directions for the future of recreation facilities in the community.

Sparwood council formally accepted the resignation of Mayor David Wilks during its April 21 regular meeting, closing a lengthy chapter of municipal service while setting the stage for a new acting mayor and the fall election.

It is not often the calendar and the press align this precisely. Today, as this edition lands in your hands, marks 123 years since the Frank Slide of 1903. At 4:10 a.m., on a cold April morning, Turtle Mountain came down.

A regional economic development group is looking well beyond traditional promotion as it explores new opportunities that could shape the future of Crowsnest Pass and the wider southwest Alberta region.

Crowsnest Pass council approved support for Lemonade Day and appointed Mayor Pat Rypien to the ARCH committee Tuesday night, but turned down a separate grant request for a sensory barefoot path after debate over whether it fit the municipality’s funding rules.

Crowsnest Pass council put off a final decision on the municipality’s 2026 property tax rate bylaw Tuesday, April 14, choosing instead to hold a special meeting set the following week after a lengthy discussion about what residents will see on their tax bills.

A land use bylaw amendment aimed at creating a new accommodation category for historic buildings moved ahead Tuesday night, giving a boost to a proposal tied to the former Coleman school.

Crowsnest Pass residents could face planned power shutoffs in extreme wildfire conditions under a growing safety strategy outlined to council Tuesday night by AltaLink and FortisAlberta.

Sparwood council has formally adopted two amendment bylaws tied to the community’s new curbside recycling program and upcoming food waste diversion pilot.

Last weekend our community acknowledged our amazing volunteers and the dedication they display by  being there for the causes that help keep things running around here. The occasion was the annual municipally sponsored volunteer dinner  and at that event the one and only Anita Ferguson was called up to the stage for the volunteer of the year award. You just don’t get any better than Anita when it comes to commitment to community.  There are so many that are pitching in but it is becoming tougher and tougher as interest in volunteerism is waning. People burn out and interest groups are always looking for new blood. 

Sparwood council approved funding support for a new arts and culture event, renewed key municipal service contracts and signalled support for discounted recreation fitness classes during its April 7 meeting.

The recent decision by the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) to step back from its proposed shift to year round time alignment and instead move toward public consultation is a clear reminder of why local journalism still matters.

Sparwood Mayor David Wilks announced during the April 7 regular council meeting that he will resign effective May 1 as he and his wife prepare to move to Lethbridge, Alberta.

Sparwood council accepted the district’s 2025 draft financial statements on April 7 after hearing the municipality received a clean audit opinion and ended the year with an accumulated surplus of $118.5 million.

The Crowsnest Pass Repair Cafe is set to return on Saturday, April 11, with organizers hoping a longer day and growing public awareness will bring more people through the doors.