Two U of L researchers win Parkland Institute awards

Dr. Tiffany Boulton

University of Lethbridge - Two research projects, one on midwifery care in Alberta and the other on the use of gallows humour among the Kainai, got a significant boost thanks to research awards from the Parkland Institute.

RCMP Major Crimes South investigating death of 2-year-old

RCMP Alberta - RCMP Major Crimes are investigating the death of a two year old girl who was taken to hospital on August 2 with serious injuries. The Cardston RCMP were notified of this situation on August 3, 2018 and launched an investigation. On August 6, the young girl died in the hospital as a result of her injuries. On August 7 an autopsy was completed at the Calgary Medical Examiner’s office. The RCMP are working with several agencies as the investigation continues.

An update will be provided when available.

Fire advisories in effect for Crowsnest Pass, Cardston County, Longview, Calgary Forest Area

Source: Alberta Fire Bans

Municipality of Crowsnest Pass 

A Fire Advisory has been issued for the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass due to increasingly dry conditions. All active fire permits are cancelled, and no new fire permits will be issued until further notice.

What is allowed

• Safe wood campfires in campgrounds (within fire rings), backyards, or random camping areas
• Charcoal briquettes
• Portable propane fire pits
• Gas or propane stoves and barbecues
• Catalytic or infrared-style heaters

Off-Highway vehicles can start wildfires – check frequently to ensure hotspots are free of debris, and make sure mufflers and spark arrestors are working properly.  Never leave a campfire unattended. Soak it, stir it and soak it again until cool to the touch to ensure it is extinguished.

The Fire Advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve.

Cardston County

"Due to a change in condition(s) within the County, we are currently implementing a Fire Advisory for all areas of the County. We are requesting that you use extreme caution while using the permit process. Permits are still being issued."

Village of Longview

Conditions are warming up and drying out. Please be careful with open flame and ensure your fires are thoroughly extinguished.

Calgary Forest Area

A Fire Advisory has been issued for the Calgary Forest Area due to increasingly dry conditions.  All active fire permits are cancelled, and no new fire permits will be issued until further notice.

What is allowed

• Safe wood campfires in campgrounds (within fire rings), backyards, or random camping areas
• Charcoal briquettes
• Portable propane fire pits
• Gas or propane stoves and barbecues
• Catalytic or infrared-style heaters

Off-Highway Vehicles can start wildfires – check frequently to ensure hotspots are free of debris, and make sure mufflers and spark arrestors are working properly.

Never leave a campfire unattended. Soak it, stir it and soak it again until cool to the touch to ensure it is extinguished.

The Fire Advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve.

Click here for a complete list of current Fire Bans and Fire Advisories in the province.

Grants intended to boost visitor experiences

Pincher Creek's Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village Information Centre is one of the recipients

• Among the recipient communities: Pincher Creek, Fort Macleod, Cardston, Crowsnest Pass

Government of Alberta - Sixteen visitor services providers in communities across the province have received grants to help them modernize their operations and develop new ways to strengthen connections with more travellers. Visitor services providers often represent the initial point of contact for travellers in Alberta. They can help influence visitors to extend their stays by promoting the province’s attractions and destinations.

26 calves reported stolen from Cardston, Picture Butte, Blood Tribe farms

RCMP Alberta - Officers from the Southern Alberta RCMP Livestock section are asking for the public’s assistance in a string of thefts of calves. Between February 19 and April 22, 2018, a total of 26 calves have been reported from farms in Cardston, Picture Butte and Blood Tribe areas.

Proposed changes to Alberta's electoral boundaries

Government of Alberta - If passed, the Electoral Divisions Act would let the Government of Alberta accept recommendations to create three new ridings and consolidate ridings in three other areas of the province with a population below the average. New electoral divisions are proposed for Calgary and Edmonton, with a third northwest of Calgary. It is also proposed that the number of electoral divisions in three slower-growing rural areas be reduced. Special status would be kept for two rural electoral divisions in the far northwest of the province. The independent Electoral Boundaries Commission recommended all boundary changes.

Visitor restrictions due to air quality lifted at health centers

Due to an improvement in the weather and level of smoke in the air, visitor restrictions have been lifted at Cardston and Pincher Creek Health Centres. We sincerely thank those people who postponed visiting their loved ones to help us protect air quality.

September 12 updates: Southwestern Alberta wildfire evacuations

• Alberta Emergency Alerts (click here)
• Emergency Kit (click here) 
• Cardston County Mandatory Evacuation for selected areas (click here)

^ Video: On Tuesday evening September 12 a press conference/update was held at the Town of Pincher Creek council chambers about the wildfire situation. Participants included Waterton Lakes National Park Superintendent Ifan Thomas, Pincher Creek Emergency Services Chief Dave Cox, M.D. of Pincher Creek Reeve Brian Hammond, Town of Pincher Creek Mayor Don Anderberg, Cardson County Reeve Jim Bester, Alberta RCMP Information Officer Curtis Peters, Alberta Agriculture and Forestry Incident Commander Scott Elliot, and Alberta Emergency Management Agency Managing Director Shane Schreiber, and several others who contributed as well.

• Shell Canada shuts some gas operations due to Alberta wildfire (external link)
• Offer of help: An offer to assist with livestock and other concerns in the event of further evacuations has been extended by a group located north of Castor Alberta.  Call 780-385-1817 for more information.

Alberta Government situation update at 9:30 pm:

• The Kenow wildfire currently covers approximately 33,000 hectares in Alberta, with a total size of approximately 42,000 hectares. A mandatory evacuation order was issued on Sept. 11 at 10:15 p.m. for a section of the Municipal District of Pincher Creek from Highway 505 South to Waterton Lakes National Park and Castle Mountain Resort. An estimated 150 residences have been affected. A reception centre has been set up at the Vertical Church at 1200 Ken Thornton Blvd. in Pincher Creek. Residents leaving their community should go to the reception centre or call 403-904-8016 to register.
• A mandatory evacuation was issued on Sept. 11 at 11:44 p.m. for the area of Cardston County between Waterton Lakes National Park and Hwy 800 from the U.S. border north to Twp Rd 40. More than 50 homes have been affected. A reception centre is located at 1050 Main Street in the Town of Cardston. Residents who are leaving and need accommodation should call 403-653-4977.
• A mandatory evacuation was issued on Sept. 12 for areas of the Blood Tribe in Zone 1, including Fish Creek, St. Paul’s area extending north to Russell and Many Fingers residences. An evacuation advisory has been issued for Zone 3, including north of Russell and Many Fingers residences extending to Lavern and little Chicago area. An estimated 180 people have been affected. A reception centre has been set up in the Standoff multipurpose building and residents are asked to register at the multipurpose building even if they do not intend to stay there.
• Approximately 500 people are under a mandatory evacuation order from their homes in Waterton townsite, parts of Cardston Country, parts of the MD of Pincher Creek and parts of the Blood Reserve.
• In the town of Waterton, roughly 60 structural firefighters from neighbouring municipalities, including the City of Calgary, are working to protect the structures within the perimeter of the town. Unfortunately structures outside the perimeter have been lost, including the Visitor Centre and several out buildings.
• Crews are working hard to protect houses and other structures there and our latest information is that they have been successful.
• Firefighters working within Waterton were relieved Tuesday, Sept. 12 by a second team coming in and will continue their work with 17 fire trucks on site.
• Within the park itself, there are roughly 135 firefighters, nine Alberta air tankers and 14 helicopters.
• Alberta Forestry has an additional 125 firefighters and 23 helicopters on standby, waiting for direction from the incident command team.
• The Kenow wildfire has spread outside Waterton Lakes National Park into Cardston County and the Municipal District of Pincher Creek. 
• High winds, high temperatures and low humidity continue and intense fire behaviour is anticipated.
• The Office of the Fire Commissioner coordinated additional resources that were brought in Tues. Sept. 12 to replenish and supplement firefighting efforts from Coalhurst, Didsbury, Milk River, Olds, Ponoka and fire protection companies.
• Other information from this update was the same as reported earlier in this thread.

Excerpts from September 12 evening press conference in Pincher Creek:

• Regarding Glenwood and Hillspring - "Currently the two villages are not in the evacuation zone, and we can't tell till tomorrow where the wind's taking it, but we're very hopeful... Tomorrow morning, I can give you a better answer than that.  We are not out of the woods yet." - Cardston County Reeve Jim Bester   
• I want to appeal to the citizens of our county, and our neighbouring counties and MDs here... We ask you to cooperate with us.  Stay out of the (way).  No more rubbernecking.  Stay out of the areas that can cause more harm to other people.  - Cardston County Reeve Jim Bester
• We don't know just exactly how it's going to end yet, but it's going to end okay." - Cardston County Reeve Jim Bester
• "On September 11, the Kenow wildfire demonstrated extraordinary fire behaviour. The fire advanced significantly throughout the night, which presented limited options for fire management. Unified Command was well prepared for the forecasted fire behaviour throughout the night. Structural fire crews remained in the townsite to protect the facilities. Extensive fire protection measures were effective in safeguarding the majority of infrastructure located in the community, and the Prince of Wales Hotel." 
• "Every indication is that in the townsite, the townsite is intact." - Waterton Lakes National Park Superintendent Ifan Thomas
• "The fire is out of control. It is still classified as out of control, and it will probably remain out of control for some time, until we see significant change in the fire behaviour." - Government of Alberta Wildfire Information Officer Leslie Lozinski
• "The fire was more aggressive Monday September 11 due to high winds, low relative humidity, and warmer temperatures. "We didn't experience the aggressive fire behavior that we experienced yesterday. What's going to happen overnight, we don't know. But going into it, it's a little bit calmer than it was last night, and we hope it's going to stay that way, overnight." - Government of Alberta Wildfire Information Officer Leslie Lozinski

Update from Parks Canada issued at 7:36 this evening:

Please see the (above) updated map of the Kenow Wildfire. There have been no significant development to report in addition to the information provided today. At this time, the majority of the townsite appears to be intact. An update will follow tomorrow.

Parks Canada understands that this is a very difficult situation and our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by the fire. The safety of residents, staff and fire crews and the protection of infrastructure in the community of Waterton are Parks Canada's priorities.

^ Video of this afternoon's press conference at the MD of Pincher Creek No. 9 administration building with Reeve Brian Hammond, Mayor Don Anderberg, and various other officials and representatives.

Statement from Town of Pincher Creek Mayor Don Anderberg, September 12, 2017, 4:22 pm - The Town of Pincher Creek is NOT in a state of local emergency. Our neighbors the Municipality (MD) of Pincher Creek #9 and Waterton have declared a state of local emergency. The Town of Pincher Creek are part of a joint emergency management agency and have provided personnel to both the Emergency Operations Centre and the Reception Centre. The Town of Pincher Creek will actively continue to participate as needed.

Due to the fluid nature of the wildfire event the Town of Pincher Creek and the Emergency Management Agency have actively been working on an evacuation plan. This plan would impact Town of Pincher Creek residents as well as those who have been displaced from the MD of Pincher Creek and Waterton.

We will continue to monitor the situation. At this time, the Town of Pincher Creek is not in immediate danger. If circumstances dictate, we may have to declare a state of local emergency.

September 12 evening updates:

• Recommendations for horse owners preparing for possibility of evacuation (click here).
• While the generosity of Albertans is appreciated, please refrain from making Alberta Fire donations until requested by local municipalities. - Government of Alberta
• Update: The Nanton Fire Dept. has had an overwhelming response to their request for donations of water, Gatorade, non-perishable snacks for Firefighters responding to the Kenow fire. They're fully stocked and ready to go and no more donations are requested.

Government of Alberta update (issued at 3:39 pm):

• The Blood Tribe, Cardston County and Municipal District of Pincher Creek have declared local states of emergency in response to southern Alberta wildfire conditions.
• Overnight the fire grew by 50 per cent to roughly 20,000 hectares. A mandatory evacuation was issued on Sept. 11 at 10:15 p.m. for a section of the Municipal District of Pincher Creek from South Highway 505 to Waterton Lakes National Park and Castle Mountain Resort. An estimated 150 residences have been affected.
• A reception centre has been set up at the Vertical Church at 1200 Ken Thornton Blvd. in Pincher Creek. Residents evacuating should go to the reception centre or call 403-904-8016 to register.'
• A mandatory evacuation was issued on Sept. 11 at 11:44 p.m. for the area of Cardston County between Waterton Lakes National Park and Hwy 800 from the U.S. border north to Twp Rd 40. More than 50 homes have been affected. Residents who are leaving and need accommodation should call 403-653-4977.
• A mandatory evacuation was issued on Sept. 12 for areas of the Blood Tribe in Zone 1, including Fish Creek, St. Paul’s area extending north to Russell and Many Fingers residences. An evacuation advisory has been issued for Zone 3, including north of Russell and Many Fingers residences extending to Lavern and little Chicago area. An estimated 180 people have been affected. A reception centre has been set up in the Standoff multipurpose building, and residents are asked to register at the multipurpose building even if they do not intend to stay there.
• Approximately 500 people are under a mandatory evacuation order from their homes in Waterton townsite, parts of Cardston Country, parts of the MD of Pincher Creek and parts of the Blood Reserve.
• In the town of Waterton, roughly 60 structural firefighters from neighbouring municipalities, including the City of Calgary, are working to protect the structures within the perimeter of the town. Unfortunately structures outside the perimeter have been lost, including the Visitor Centre and several out buildings.
• Crews are working hard to protect houses and other structures there and our latest information is that they have been successful.
• Firefighters working within Waterton will be relieved today by a second team coming in and will continue their work with 17 fire trucks on site.
• Within the park itself, there are roughly 135 firefighters, nine Alberta airtankers and 14 helicopters.
• Alberta Forestry has an additional 125 firefighters and 23 helicopters on standby, waiting for direction from the incident command team.
• The Kenow wildfire has spread outside Waterton Lakes National Park into Cardston County and the Municipal District of Pincher Creek. 
• High winds, high temperatures and low humidity are forecast for Tuesday, Sept. 12, and intense fire behaviour continues to be anticipated.
• Structural protection units and resources are in place in the Waterton townsite and have worked through the night providing protection.
• The Office of the Fire Commissioner is coordinating additional resources to be brought in today to replenish and supplement firefighting efforts from Coalhurst, Didsbury, Milk River, Olds, Ponoka and fire protection companies.
• Payne Lake Provincial Recreation Area, 25 km west of Cardston, has been closed (new).  A complete list of park closures is available at www.emergency.alberta.ca.

The following highways are closed to the public due to the current wildfire situation:

• Highway 5 east of Waterton Lakes National Park to west of Cardston
• Highway 6 north of Waterton Lakes National Park to Twin Butte

The following highways within Waterton Lakes National Park are closed to the public due to the current wildfire situation:

• Highway 5
• Highway 6
• Chief Mountain border crossing

The following highways are closed to the public, with the exception of permit holders, due to the current wildfire situation:

• Highway 532, west of Highway 22
• Highway 520, east of Highway 22 for approximately 12 km
• Highway 774, from Highway 507 to Castle Provincial Park

Check 511 Alberta for up-to-date travel information.

Resources:

• Emergency.Alberta.ca
• Alberta Emergency Alert app
• Alberta Wildfire app
• Emergency preparedness

Map of estimated extent of wildfire at 3:30 am this morning.

Afternoon updates:

• Exhibition Park Lethbridge South Pioneer Park is open and available to help MD of Pincher Creek #9, Blood Indian Reserve No. 148, and Cardston County emergency evacuees looking for free RV parking. Free power and water provided.  Grass areas available. Animals welcome, please bring corral.  To reserve space please contact Bridget Mearns 403-393-3344. Click here for more information.
• All staff and residents have safely been evacuated from Castle Mountain Resort. - Castle Mountain Resort

Parks Canada update issued at 11:30 am:

The Kenow Fire firmly established itself in Waterton Lakes National Park yesterday afternoon. Adjacent municipalities were alerted that the fire was moving. The wildfire demonstrated extreme fire behaviour for many hours due to high winds and critically dry fuels.

Burning intensified and the fire moved northeast down the Cameron Valley along the Akamina Parkway. Later in the evening, fire became visible from the townsite and then on the north side of Crandell Mountain. The fire began to move north at a high rate of spread through the grasslands along the park’s Entrance Road.

At this time, the majority of the townsite appears to be intact. Extensive fire protection measures were effective in safeguarding the majority of infrastructure and facilities within the community and at the Prince of Wales hotel. Firefighters worked tirelessly throughout the night to extinguish spot fires, monitor sprinkler protection, and protect facilities. High volume pumps and sprinkler systems, in combination with planning and fuel management done in previous years, ensured the townsite perimetre held. We expect extremely dry conditions will influence fire behaviour throughout the burning period today. Additional resources have been dispatched to assist. We are expecting a downturn in weather over the next 24 hours.

Overnight, the fire moved north out of the park and into adjacent lands. Affected municipalities and local fire departments are managing those fires outside of the national park and forest protection area. Local evacuation orders are in effect. Parks Canada staff assisted RCMP with the evacuation of residents adjacent to the park.

The wildfire is still affecting many back-country and front-country areas in the park, including the Cameron Valley, the Crandell Mountain area, the Blakiston Valley and grasslands in the north of the park. Elsewhere in the park infrastructure has been compromised. The unified team is assessing conditions on the ground today and will provide updated information as soon as possible.

The fire crossed into the Forest Protection Area in the Castle drainage area and is moving upslope and not towards values at risk at this time. Airtankers and helicopters are working on this area of the fire, supported by heavy equipment group that is establishing predetermined containment lines to act as fire breaks.

Parks Canada understands that this is a very difficult situation and our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by the fire. The safety of residents, staff and fire crews and the protection of infrastructure in the community of Waterton are Parks Canada's priorities.

Earlier updates:

9:12 am: The TOWN of Pincher Creek is NOT on evacuation notice, evacuation notices at this time are for the MD of Pincher Creek only.

8:14 am: Fortis Alberta reports "We have some customers out in southern Alberta due to the fires. Our crews will re-enter when the fire subsides and it is safe." If you see a downed power line, stay at least 10 metres away and call Fortis at 310-WIRE.

Castle Mountain area: A Mandatory Evacuation Notice is being issued to the residents south of Highway 505 AND Castle Mountain Resort Residents of this area should leave the area.A reception center has been activated at the Vertical Church, located at 1200 Ken Thornton Blvd. in the town of Pincher Creek. Residents should register at the reception center or call 403-904-8016.

MD of Pincher Creek residents South Highway 505 to Waterton Park and Castle Mountain Resort have been ordered to evacuate. A State of Local Emergency has been issued for the entire MD. A reception center has been activated at the Vertical Church, located at 1200 Ken Thornton Blvd. Residents should register at the reception center or call 403-904-8016. Approximately 150 residences were evacuated. 115 residents have registered at the reception center, and 40 residents registered by phone.

At 4:20 am the MD of Pincher Creek said RCMP has closed Highway 6 south from Highway 505 and were securing the area. At that time the fire was burning within Township 2, Range 29 and was heading NE along the MD boundary. The response includes 11 personnel, 2 engines, 1 tender and a command unit, according to the MD's 4:20 am report. Pincher Creek Emergency Services is continuing to assess the situation and has unified command with Alberta Agricultural and Forestry.

The Pincher Creek Humane Society (PCHS)/SPCA is supplying the evacuation centre with kennels,blankets etc. and is establishing a list of temporary foster homes and also a temporary facility to house animals. Please contact 403-632-9760 for assistance. They are asking for additional kennels that can be donated or loaned to PCHS for the duration of the situation. The MD of Pincher Creek is making arrangements with Country Vets and the Humane Society to take small pets.

Cardston County declared a State of Local Emergency and ordered the evacuation of all residents of all areas between Waterton Park and Range Road 281 (Highway 800) from the U.S border north to Township Road 40. The order was issued at 11:44 pm, September 11. An Evaluation Centre is located at the Town of Cardston Civic Center (67 - 3rd Ave West).

Blood Reserve Zone 1 was ordered evacuated at 4:57 am today, September 12. The evacuation area includes the Fish Creek, St. Paul apartments north to Russell, and Many Fingers homes. Residents in Zone 3 (north of Russell, Many Fingers residences extending to Lavern and little Chicago area) should prepare to evacuate on short notice. Evacuees are directed to go to the Standoff multipurpose building and register. Contact the Blood Tribe Police if you have transportation concerns.

• Get the Alberta Emergency Alert app:  www.emergencyalert.alberta.ca

UPDATED EVACUATION MAP for Division 1 of the MD of Pincher Creek

Jared Pierson photo

Evacuation Alert for parts of Cardston County

Issued: Mon Sep 11 11:44 PM 2017

There is a serious fire which is affecting the community. Smoke may severely reduce visibility and create hazardous road conditions.

Cardston County has Declared a State of Local Emergency. Fire has left Waterton Park and has entered the County. Extreme smoke

Evaluation Centre: Located at the civic center 67 - 3rd Ave West in the Town of Cardston.


Instructions:

Evacuate immediately all areas between Waterton Park and Range Road 281 (Highway 800) from the U.S Border North to Township Road 40. Take all necessary precautions. Follow the directions of local authorities. Visibility will be affected. Avoid the area.

Cardston and Pincher Creek Health Centres limiting visitors due to smoke

Alberta Health Services (updated September 11) - Visitor restrictions remain at Cardston and Pincher Creek Health Centres due to smoke that enters the buildings when doors are opened. If visits are not truly urgent, we are asking people to postpone visiting until the air quality improves. At this time weather forecasts indicate that relief does not appear to be imminent.

There was an error in the Lethbridge Herald this morning, saying people were being asked to refrain from visiting evacuation centre. This is not the case- we are only asking people to refrain from visiting Cardston and Pincher Creek hospitals.

Deadstock Removal Program continues in the Waterton Biosphere Reserve

Deadstock bin

Dr. Andrea Morehouse, Science and Stewardship Coordinator for the Waterton Biosphere Reserve Association - Southwest Alberta is ranch country, and many people in this corner of the province make their living from raising cattle. The unfortunate reality is that when you have livestock, you have deadstock. Natural losses of livestock are unavoidable. In the “old days” carcasses were often left on the rancher’s property to decompose, sometimes in an on- farm designated area or “boneyard.” Once a rendering service became available, more ranchers used these companies which removed deadstock from ranches free of charge because the carcasses held commercial value to the rendering company. Things changed, however, with the discovery of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in Canadian cattle in 2003.

Cardston RCMP request public assistance in assault investigation

RCMP Alberta - On the early morning hours of July 30, 2017 Cardston RCMP were dispatched to the area of 7th Avenue and 2nd Street West in Cardston for an injured male. Upon police arrival they located a male who had been assaulted severely and he was transported to hospital. To this date few details can be released but the Cardston RCMP is asking the public for help in identifying those responsible including any surveillance video of the area. If you witnessed this assault or know someone involved please contact the Cardston RCMP at 403-653-4932 or Crime stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)

Cardston gun store implicated in firearms trafficking

ALERT - A Cardston, Alberta gun store has been searched by ALERT following an investigation into firearms trafficking. The entire store’s firearms inventory of 1,000 guns and one million rounds of ammunition was seized.   ALERT Lethbridge’s organized crime and gang team and the RCMP National Weapons Enforcement Support Team (NWEST) conducted a five-month investigation into K&D Implements, which resulted in a search warrant being executed on May 29, 2017. K&D Implements was searched with the assistance of Cardston RCMP and Lethbridge Police Service, and two of the store’s owners were arrested.

MD of Pincher Creek to receive $296,170 in STIP funding for culvert projects

Detail from Government of Alberta map of 2017/18 STIP funded projects (showing southwestern Alberta)

Chris Davis - Today the Alberta Government announced $100 million in Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Program (STIP) funding for 87 municipal road, bridge and community airport projects in 50 communities across the province over three years, including more than $37 million approved for projects in 2017 and 2018. The Municipal District of Pincher Creek No. 9 has been approved for a total STIP contribution of $296,170 for two culvert replacement projects. One of those projects is the replacement of a culvert on Township Road 60 over Kettles Creek near the Town of Pincher Creek, and the other is the replacement of a culvert on Township Road 94A over South Todd Creek near Burmis. The municipality will contribute $66,957 total in funding for the two projects. Nearby, the County of Cardston has been promised $1,025,764 in STIP funding toward four bridge rehabilitation projects, and the MD of Willow Creek has been promised $589,650 in STIP funding toward a bridge replacement project on Flying E Road over Kuntz Creek.

Community Foundation awards $14,000 in Youth in Action grants

Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta - The Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta is happy to announce ten grants to fund projects through its Youth in Action Granting program, for a total of $14,000. Funding will support active youth, learning opportunities, pet care, and a solar energy project. Communities involved include Cardston, Coaldale, Glenwood, Hays, Lethbridge, and Pincher Creek.

AHS South Zone introduces Indigenous Hospital Liaisons

Harley Crowshoe

Harley Crowshoe, Senior Advisor, Indigenous Health, AHS  - The role of the Indigenous Hospital Liaison was introduced to Chinook Regional Hospital (CRH) in December 2015, through Alberta Health Services’ Indigenous Health Program in South Zone.

Southern Alberta communities awarded over $4.8 million in federal funding, including $463,000 for Pincher Creek spray park

Town of Pincher Creek draft conceptual drawings of the water slide and spray park

T. Lucas / C. Davis - Western Economic Diversification Canada yesterday announced a total federal investment of $4,899,327 in grants from three different programs, the 150 Community Infrastructure Program. and Canadian Heritage’s Canada 150 Fund and Canada Cultural Spaces Fund for ten southern Alberta projects "that celebrate our communities and shared heritage" by helping those communities "modernize local recreation facilities, as well as improve social and cultural infrastructure and programs."

“A great legacy for Canada 150 and wonderful addition to the Town of Pincher Creek” - Mayor Don Anderberg, Town of Pincher Creek

Among those projects, the Town of Pincher Creek was awarded a Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program grant of $463,000 to enhance the Pincher Creek Multi-Purpose Facility on Main Street with the addition of a spray park, water re-circulation system, water slide, and landscaping. According to the Town, the facility enhancement will be installed to the north of the facility. "The Town of Pincher Creek has budgeted up to one million dollars for this project including the grant, with an additional contingency for spray park donations. The Town of Pincher Creek is aiming to have the spray park ready for operation in celebration of Canada’s 150th Birthday on July 1st, 2017 and the remainder to be complete by December 31, 2017."

St. Michael's Dragons and Cardston Cougars tops at 2017 Halton Jr Girls basketball tourney

A First Place - St. Michael's Dragons

B First Place - Cardston Cougars

Chris Davis - Last Friday and Saturday the Matthew Halton Gym was the busy site of the 2017 Halton Hawks Junior Girls A and B invitational basketball tournament.  12 teams played in a total of four pools for preliminary games before contesting in A and B final games.

Infill and re-sloping of Lees Creek in Cardston to be subject of Environmental Appeals Board hearing

Government of Alberta - The Environmental Appeals Board will conduct a hearing on February 15, 2017, commencing at 8:30 a.m. in Calgary, location to be determined.  The Board will hear submissions with respect to an appeal filed in relation to Alberta Environment and Parks’ decision to issue Administrative Penalty No. WA-16/02-AP-SSR-16/04 in the amount of $5,000 to Gordon Atkins and Creekworks Ltd. for allegedly conducting unauthorized activities without an Approval, being the infilling and re-sloping of Lees Creek at NW-4-3-25-W4M in Cardston.

Conservative Glen Motz elected in Medicine Hat - Cardston - Warner federal by-election

Newly minted MP for Medicine Hat - Cardston - Warner Glen Motz (Twitter profile photo)

Chris Davis - Conservative Party of Canada candidate Glen Motz was elected last night, October 24, 2016 as the Member of Parliament for Medicine Hat - Cardston - Warner.  Motz, formerly a member of the Medicine Hat Police Service, won the by-election by a wide 69.9% margin. The seat was rendered vacant by the passing of Conservative MP Jim Hillyer, who died in his Ottawa office of cardiomyopathy on March 23 of this year. Liberal candidate Stan Sakamoto received 25.6% of the vote. The remaining four candidates received between 0.6% and 2% each of the votes cast.