Christmas in the Pass can feel timeless, but the holiday is a layered mix of ancient solstice rituals, church calendars, Victorian storytelling and modern retail. From Saturnalia and Yule to the rise of the tree and Santa, the season has kept changing while still chasing the same thing: hope in the dark.

Crowsnest Pass Fire Rescue recognized Captain Darryl Johnson as Firefighter of the Year during a December 6, 2025, presentation, with Fire Chief Jesse Fox crediting him for leadership, mentorship and a steady presence in demanding situations. Fox said Johnson’s impact extended beyond emergency calls through his work improving training and advocating for firefighter safety.

A motion to publicly release the Chief Administrative Officer’s contract and the deputy CAO’s contract arrived amid rising tension in Crowsnest Pass council chambers and a broader debate over transparency, respect and governance boundaries. In an interview with municipal governance expert George B. Cuff, the Pass Herald examined how similar conflicts across Alberta have driven CAO turnover and increased taxpayer costs, while highlighting the legal limits on what councils can disclose and direct.

Castle Mountain Resort has opened for its 60th ski season with daily operations, snowmaking on Huckleberry and a major expansion underway. The new Stagecoach Express high speed quad will add more than 21 runs and boost Castle’s terrain to nearly 3,600 acres.

Crowsnest Pass council approved its 2026 operating and capital budgets on December 4, confirming more than 11 million in capital work, over 1.1 million for community groups and full municipal funding for the new outdoor skate park.

Piikani Nation Spiritual Elder and Knowledge Keeper Eric Crow Shoe shared Blackfoot teachings on honouring Mother Earth at the Crowsnest Conservation Society AGM, urging Crowsnest Pass residents to see care for the land as an everyday responsibility rooted in love, generosity and kindness.

For decades, Crowsnest Pass Santa visits have sounded like Lions Club volunteer Norm Hanson. From helicopter arrivals to Meals on Wheels fundraising, the 82 year old has used the red suit to support seniors and spread holiday joy.

The Crowsnest Pass Food Bank is seeing more families, seniors and working residents turn to hampers as costs rise, with demand up over last year and donations under pressure even as community events and volunteers work to keep shelves stocked.

A 39-year-old contractor from Hosmer has died after a workplace incident at Elkview Operations near Sparwood, prompting investigations by RCMP, the B.C. Coroners Service and provincial mining authorities. Elkview has been temporarily shut while probes continue.

Castle Mountain Resort is tracking for an early December start as temps drop for snowmaking. A new Stagecoach Express Quad and several hundred acres of lift accessed terrain are planned. WOW Card savings and a Dec. 5 to 7 food bank drive return.

Starting Nov. 15, Puzzleneck in Frank will wrap gifts by donation with all proceeds to the Crowsnest Pass food and toy hampers. Drop off at 14701 14 Ave. Wednesday to Friday noon to 5 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Service runs to Dec. 24 at noon.

CNP Allied Arts Association will host a community visioning workshop on Nov. 9 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. as it plans a new community art hub after Alberta Transportation purchased the gallery building for Highway 3 widening. The gallery remains open in Frank with a Nov. 8 exhibit launch.

A local couple donated a Sara Plus patient lift to the Crowsnest Pass Health Centre to support safer sit to stand transfers. Troy and Carmen Linderman gifted the near new Arjo unit after her 46 day stay, working with the Health Foundation and staff to place it where it will be used most.

Alberta unveiled Bill 7 to modernize water law and ease sharing and transfers. Treaty 6, 7 and 8 chiefs opposed the plan, warning it risks treaty rights and northern rivers. The bill adds a quicker path for lower risk transfers and new measurement rules, with consultations to follow.

Council set the 2026 schedule, filled committees and named convention delegates as Mayor Pat Rypien called for respectful, accountable leadership. Council reviewed major projects and weighed joining the Fort Macleod Santa Claus Parade.

Alberta will pay 95 million to Evolve Power, returning the Chinook and Greenfield coal leases to the Crown. The province says it will not lease the lands again. In the Pass, Chinook is off the table while Grassy Mountain exploration continues under AER conditions.

Two advocates seek to finalise a bylaw creating ARCH, a committee to recruit and retain health care providers in the Crowsnest Pass. A Nov. 25 delegation is planned.

Alberta introduced Bill 2, the Back to School Act, to end the Oct. 6 teachers’ strike affecting about 750,000 students. ATA says it stifles legal action and ignores class size and supports. Plan offers 12 per cent over four years and hires more staff. Classes could resume as early as Oct. 29.

A column linked Canadian Thanksgiving with Ukraine’s Obzhynky, stressed gratitude for farmers and nature, recalled Holodomor remembrance in Canada, and closed with a family harvest and wishes for prosperity.

After 26 years, the Pass Herald is modernizing: a new website built locally with Colour Infusion, web ads, and a Dec. 1 e-edition via Local Ink. A “Pass the Popcorn” podcast is coming. The publisher continues AWNA advocacy, co-ops, and the Google ad lawsuit.