Business Government Affairs Health & Wellbeing 

Pincher Creek pharmacist, seniors concerned as Alberta raises prescription drug co-pay cap

Posted on: Staff Writer

By Somya Lohia, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Alberta’s recent decision to raise the maximum co-payment for prescription drugs under its seniors and non-group health benefit plans could leave many Pincher Creek residents, particularly seniors on fixed incomes, feeling the financial strain. Starting July 1, the province has increased the co-payment cap by $1 per month for 10 months, rising from the … Read more…

Business Community Economic 

Via Rail names railcar ‘Jasper Park’ to honour community’s resilience

Posted on: Staff Writer

By Peter Shokeir, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter JASPER – Via Rail has named one of its train cars after Jasper National Park in honour of the community’s enduring spirit post-wildfire. Parks Canada CEO Ron Hallman joined officials with Via Rail and the Municipality of Jasper to celebrate the naming during a Wednesday (July 2) ceremony at the Jasper Train Station shortly … Read more…

Economic Environmental Government Affairs 

Energy minister leans on oil industry talking points in carbon capture announcement

Posted on: Staff Writer

By Natasha Bulowski, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter At a carbon capture funding announcement, Canada’s energy minister was using rhetoric straight out of Big Oil’s playbook. On Friday, the federal government announced $21.5 million for a handful of carbon capture projects in Alberta, and while the amount isn’t going to move the needle, Energy and Natural Resource Minister Tim Hodgson’s choice of … Read more…

Business Economic Government Affairs 

Keep away from wokeness and DEI, new minister warns municipalities

Posted on: Staff Writer

By George Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Major municipalities should steer clear of creating drug injection sites, licensing body rub parlours and banning plastic straws, says the first municipal affairs minister from rural Alberta since January 2021. Using terms like woke and DEI, Dan Williams said municipalities of every size and type should concentrate on services taxpayers deserve and expect. “I … Read more…

Local News 

Council adopts housing needs report; to pursue recommendations

Posted on: Staff Writer

By Rob Vogt Claresholm town council has approved the Claresholm Housing and Service Needs Community Report and directed the Claresholm and District Family and Community Support Services board to review the report and its findings/opportunities.The decision came at council’s June 23 meeting.Abe Tinney, the town’s chief administrative officer, explained the report was presented at council’s June 9 meeting by the … Read more…

Local News Nanton Sports 

Nanton bareback rider wins at Sundre Pro Rodeo, Wainwright Stampede

Posted on: Staff Writer

By Barb Poulsen Seasoned bareback rider Ty Taypotat entered the weekend with $191 in earnings. But a couple of big wins at Sundre Pro Rodeo and Wainwright Stampede, both SMS Equipment Pro Tour rodeos, changed things dramatically for the 2022 Canadian Champion.He came out of last weekend solidly in the top twelve in Canada and well-positioned for a 13th CFR … Read more…

Local News Safety 

Town council updated on activities of RCMP

Posted on: Staff Writer

By Rob Vogt The Claresholm RCMP were busy with a variety of activities over the first quarter of 2025.Sergeant Perry Pelletier of the Claresholm RCMP appeared as a delegation at the June 23 meeting of Claresholm town council to provide a quarterly update, spanning Jan. 1 to March 31.He noted the provincial RCMP has been requesting assistance from detachments to provide … Read more…