Every council says it wants public input. They hold surveys. They organize town halls. They encourage residents to share their thoughts on everything from taxes to recreation to economic development.

The stories, traditions and people of the Crowsnest Pass will take centre stage this summer as the annual Crowsnest Pass Heritage Festival returns from July 30 to Aug. 3.

The Regional District of East Kootenay is recruiting election officials to help staff voting places during this fall’s general local election.

Alberta voters can now apply to cast a mail-in ballot in the provincewide referendum scheduled for Oct. 19.

A new bulk water station will be constructed at the end of Sparwood Drive after Sparwood council approved a $308,288 contract for the project.

Sparwood council has advanced changes to its fire services bylaw intended to reduce administrative work, allow controlled use of department equipment and improve cost recovery for emergency responses along Highway 3.

The president of the Crowsnest Conservation Society says the region’s limited mountain headwaters and remaining wildlife habitat are central to the organization’s opposition to open-pit coal development.

Crowsnest Pass council has approved a $15,000 contribution toward a regional film and tourism campaign proposed by Blue Squall Media.

Crowsnest Pass council will send a renewed letter supporting continued regulatory consideration of Northback’s proposed Grassy Mountain coal project.

Residents in the southeast corner of British Columbia are being asked to weigh in on whether the region should continue changing clocks twice a year or move to permanent year-round time observance.

Alberta is investing $100 million in new classroom supports for students with complex learning, behavioural and safety needs, including one new Grades 7 to 12 complexity team for Livingstone Range School Division.

Applications are now open for Alberta’s new $100 Energy Rebate, a one-time payment the province says is intended to help residents with the rising cost of everyday essentials, including fuel.

A small kindness project started by two University of Lethbridge students is encouraging people in Crowsnest Pass to slow down, explore their community and share a little joy with their neighbours.

The regional library system serving Crowsnest Pass is warning municipalities that flat funding and rising costs are putting pressure on shared library services across southwestern Alberta.

Crowsnest Pass council has approved a land use bylaw amendment allowing two planned units in a Southmore Drive development to be redesignated for residential use.

The Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation is asking Crowsnest Pass council to help advance plans for expanded cardiac care in southern Alberta, saying residents continue to face higher cardiovascular risks while travelling long distances for treatment.

Crowsnest Pass council will debate a proposal next month that would direct administration to prepare 2027 operating budgets with expenses reduced by 10 per cent compared with 2026 levels.

Elk Valley firefighters responded to a gas leak in Hosmer Wednesday afternoon after a resident struck a gas line while using an excavator.

Crowsnest Pass residents were asked to help shape municipal priorities during a town hall focus group held June 16 at the Crowsnest Community Hall.

The session, which ran from 6 to 8 p.m., was described by Mayor Pat Rypien as the municipality’s first town hall meeting and a council-led initiative meant to gather ideas directly from residents. Approximately 46 people attended the open house.

Raylene Oram has been recognized as the Regional District of East Kootenay Electoral Area F Volunteer of the Year for 2026.