Jasper anticipating 20% less visitors than usual this summer

By Peter Shokeir, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter JASPER – With several campsites and hotels destroyed in last year’s wildfire, visitation is expected to be 20 per cent less than usual in Jasper this summer. While interim housing has helped alleviate the accommodation shortage, some rooms meant for visitors are still being used to house residents and contractors, while other properties are … Read more

New solar certificate programs aim to bolster skilled trades

By Natasha Bulowski, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Canada needs more people working in clean-tech trades, and a new solar installation course aims to make it as easy as possible to break into this line of work. George Brown College just launched new solar energy technician and solar panel installer certificate programs to prepare students for solar installation jobs. The two new … Read more

Chamber of commerce discusses year in review

By Rob Vogt The Claresholm and District Chamber of Commerce undertook a variety of activities over the past year.Approximately 30 people gathered at Casa Roma Pizza and Steakhouse for the chamber’s annual general meeting on March 26.President Jordie Bronson then lead everyone through a review of the chamber’s activities during the 2024-2025 year. March 2024The chamber held their annual general … Read more

Provincial budget covers access improvements for three remote Indigenous communities

By George Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Paving the only access route to a trio of remote Alberta Indigenous communities found a home in the province’s first deficit budget since 2021. Capital spending in the budget tabled Thursday includes work on Highway 58, serving John D’Or Prairie, Fox Lake and Garden River. “The paved highway will improve mobility for more than … Read more

New company forecasts 150 aviation jobs in Claresholm

By Mickey Dumont Local Journalism Initiative Reporter When BRC Aircraft’s long term flight plan is realized, it could mean the creation of 150 high-paying aviation industry careers in Claresholm.Zrinko Amerl, BRC Aircraft chief executive officer and president, explained in a Nov. 27 presentation to the Municipal District of Willow Creek council, that the sky is not the limit.In making his … Read more

Chamber of commerce presents roots of excellence award

By Rob Vogt Roostertail’s Hair Salon is the winner of the Claresholm and District Chamber of Commerce roots of excellence award.The chamber handed out its “Best of Claresholm” business awards at a gala celebration at the Claresholm Community Centre on Saturday, Nov. 23.This award is open to all local businesses in operation for at least 15 years; may be awarded … Read more

Nominations open for Best of Claresholm awards

By Rob VogtThe Claresholm and District Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for The Best of Claresholm awards.“We want to help recognize outstanding contributions businesses make throughout the year,” said Jordie Bronson, president of the chamber of commerce.He added the chamber has re-defined some of the categories, hoping to get a little broader participation. The categories are:Community Builder AwardThis category is … Read more