Next generation of journalists inspired at SAIT panel
On Monday evening I had the opportunity to participate in a panel discussion with fourth year journalism students at SAIT, many of whom are about to graduate and step into the workforce. The event, titled Next Steps: Moving from School to the Workplace, brought together students who are preparing to begin their final practicum placements and thinking seriously about where their careers might lead.
Fire and Ice set to bring communities together for STARS
Crowsnest Pass Fire Rescue is bringing a successful cross border fundraiser home this weekend, with the Fire and Ice Charity Classic set for March 14 at the Coleman Sports Complex in support of STARS.
Blue bins to roll out in Sparwood ahead of April recycling launch
Sparwood residents will start receiving their new curbside recycling bins next week, with the community wide programme set to officially begin the week of April 6.
Sparwood applies for $400K FireSmart grant
Sparwood council has authorised an application for $400,000 in Community Resiliency Investment funding to support the community’s 2026 to 2027 FireSmart program.
Sparwood backs draft budget with 9.75 per cent tax hike
Sparwood council accepted the district’s 2026 to 2030 draft financial plan on March 3 and approved the capital plan for spending, keeping in place a proposed 9.75 per cent municipal tax increase excluding the mine tax pool.
Sparwood leases land to EVR for temporary parking
Sparwood council has approved a six-month lease allowing Elk Valley Resources to use part of 2600 Middletown Place for temporary parking as staff continue settling into the company’s new building.
Alberta budget bets on services over austerity, but transparency matters
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.
Council agrees to fulltime agricultural fieldman
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.
Suites approved, parking requirements upheld
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.
RCMP report flagged a rise in reported assaults
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.
Looking Back: A Michel Wartime Memory Recounted
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 Municipal office upgrades deferred
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.
Media policy request shelved by Mayor Rypien
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.
Michel Creek animal keeping bylaw advances
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.
Family - The Bond that Links Us All
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.
Rec committee hears price range for gym options
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.
Sparwood students urge stronger youth voice 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.
Always a Mother: When Your Grown Kids Still Need You
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.
Trust comes from transparency, not reputation management
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.
Families turn out for Sparwood Winterfest
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.