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.
Council shelves media policy for further review
Crowsnest Pass council deferred discussion of a proposed media policy Feb. 10 after councillors said the document arrived too close to the meeting to review properly. Mayor Pat Rypien said the draft was intended to guide media interactions and support transparency and public trust.
Extended hours daycare centre opens in Blairmore
KPSquared officially opened The Nest in Crowsnest Pass on Feb. 12 with a Blackfoot blessing by Aileen Bastien of Piikani Nation. The centre offers extended hours and a booking model leaders said is designed for shift work and non-traditional schedules.
Castle Mountain Resort marks 60 years of skiing
Castle Mountain Resort’s first high speed chairlift officially opened to the public this week with the Stagecoach Express launching after a Feb. 10 soft opening and a Feb. 11 ceremony. The new high speed quad adds 22 trails and opens terrain that was previously reserved for the resort’s cat skiing operation.
Council approves two rezonings after public debate
Crowsnest Pass council approved two land use by law amendments Feb. 10 after hearings on a Blairmore rezoning tied to a cemetery boundary and tourism accommodation plus a housing focused rezoning in East Coleman. The meeting also saw council reject a proposed change to the Chinook Intermunicipal Subdivision and Development Appeal Board panel size.
Community journalism is a foundation, not a fallback
Lisa Sygutek left a Mount Royal University career fair energized by students who see community newspapers as essential and who are studying the publishers’ lawsuit against Google and Facebook. She also reflects on a gender-neutral washroom experience and why design must match intent.
KPSquared opens seven day childcare in the Pass
KPSquared will host a Feb. 12 grand opening for its Blairmore childcare centre. CEO Kyla Penner says extended hours, seven day operations and flexible booking are designed for shift work and rural families, with an inclusive unit to support children needing extra care.
Resilience and Cultural Solidarity
The Ukrainian bandura is more than an instrument. For generations, travelling kobzari carried history in song. Russian imperial restrictions and Soviet repression sought to silence them. Today, the bandura’s revival has become another note in Ukraine’s resilience.
Resilience and Survival in Ukraine
From a cozy home in the Crowsnest Pass, Iryna reflects on Ukraine’s winter of blackouts and bitter cold as strikes hit the energy system. Through Kyiv and Odesa, she shares survival, humour and the stubborn will to keep living.