Economic development group eyes aerospace and critical minerals
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.
Lemonade Day funded, path denied by council
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.
Tax decision delayed by council at last meeting
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.
Bylaw opens door for former Coleman school
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.
Utilities warn of potential power shutoffs
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 adopts recycling, waste bylaws
Sparwood council has formally adopted two amendment bylaws tied to the community’s new curbside recycling program and upcoming food waste diversion pilot.
Looking Back: Bellevue Mine Volunteerism
Last weekend our community acknowledged our amazing volunteers and the dedication they display by being there for the causes that help keep things running around here. The occasion was the annual municipally sponsored volunteer dinner and at that event the one and only Anita Ferguson was called up to the stage for the volunteer of the year award. You just don’t get any better than Anita when it comes to commitment to community. There are so many that are pitching in but it is becoming tougher and tougher as interest in volunteerism is waning. People burn out and interest groups are always looking for new blood.
Council backs arts event, renews contracts
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.
A regional issue that demands a regional perspective
The recent decision by the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) to step back from its proposed shift to year round time alignment and instead move toward public consultation is a clear reminder of why local journalism still matters.
Sparwood mayor Wilks resigns ahead of move
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 posts clean audit, strong surplus
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.