Mother’s Day is a special holiday. On this day, with love and affection, we congratulate our dear mothers, with whom we will always feel like children. On this day, I always remember the warmth of my mother’s hands, her smile, and my soul becomes happier and brighter.

In late April, Elections Alberta confirmed the unauthorized use of Alberta’s List of Electors by the Centurion Group Ltd., triggering what officials described as an extremely serious situation affecting millions of Albertans. The list contains the personal information of approximately 2.9 million voters. According to Chief Electoral Officer Gordon McClure, Albertans have responded with fear and anxiety, particularly those in vulnerable situations, including domestic violence survivors, law enforcement personnel and members of marginalized communities.

Crowsnest Pass council approved the municipality’s updated Fees, Rates and Charges Bylaw after reviewing utility rates, development penalties, safety code levies and public access to council meeting recordings.

Crowsnest Pass council approved a multimillion-dollar water infrastructure project for Bellevue after hearing the work is needed to reduce the risk of a major service disruption and improve fire flow in the community.

The Municipality of Crowsnest Pass received a clean audit opinion for its 2025 financial statements, with the auditor telling council the municipality remains in a strong financial position.

Crowsnest Pass council voted to increase the municipality’s Seniors Property Tax Rebate Program from $325 to $500.

The Sparwood Trail System is continuing to grow in 2026, with new trail construction planned in the Sparwood Ridge area and volunteer maintenance work set to begin in May.

KidSport Crowsnest Pass asked municipal council to consider long term support for the program as demand grows and the cost of youth sports continues to rise.

The Regional District of East Kootenay is preparing a public survey on time observance after its board rescinded an earlier decision to move toward year-round Mountain Standard Time.

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.