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.

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.

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.

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.

District of Sparwood council scheduled a special meeting for Tuesday, March 31 at 6 p.m. in council chambers at the municipal office on Spruce Avenue, with the published agenda showing little public business before a planned closed session.

Elk Valley Resources says a new socioeconomic analysis shows its operations remain a major driver of employment, wages and tax revenue across southeastern British Columbia and beyond, including in nearby Crowsnest Pass. The report, released April 1, was commissioned by EVR and prepared by KPMG using 2024 data.

A regional wildfire preparedness event returning to Jaffray on May 1 is being positioned as more than a family friendly spring outing. For residents across the Elk Valley and South Country, organizers say the third annual Ember Stomp is meant to provide practical, local information that could make a real difference when wildfire risk rises.