Looking Back: Turkey in the Craw(Or The Turkey’s Revenge)
On December 26, 1997, a loud, joyful family Boxing Day in Fernie ended with a midnight trip to the hospital and emergency surgery hours later. What looked like appendicitis turned out to be a sharp piece from a turkey leg that perforated the bowel, triggering a dangerous leak and a week on IV antibiotics. The experience left one clear lesson: even at Christmas, things can go wrong fast.
Pass Herald closes out 2025 with gratitude
In the final editorial of 2025, the Pass Herald looked back on years of weekly storytelling, local business support, and the Shop Local momentum that helped make 2025 one of its strongest advertising years in a long time. The column also highlighted a major step ahead: a Documenters program launching in 2026, developed with Mount Royal University to strengthen transparency and expand coverage of public meetings.
From solstice fires to shopping lists
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.
Darryl Johnson named Firefighter of the Year
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.
CAO contracts at centre of council dispute
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 marks 60th season
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.
EVR gives $500,000 boost to Avalanche Canada
Elk Valley Resources is committing $500,000 to Avalanche Canada to support the South Rockies field team, funding daily avalanche forecasts, outreach and digital tools that backcountry skiers and riders rely on every winter.
Council passes 2026 muncipal budget
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.
New council, same budget
Crowsnest Pass’s new council campaigned on change but passed the 2026 budget exactly as written by its predecessors, keeping recreation funding, Gazebo Park upgrades and a fire practice building, along with a 0.26 per cent municipal tax increase.