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Province: Alberta | AB

Silhouette of a woman and girl looking at each other in front of a sunset. Text above says "funding cuts to impact Pincher Creek's Women's Emergency Shelter."

Funding cut raises concerns for Pincher Creek women’s shelter

Written on . Posted in Civic & Government, Health & Wellness.

Alberta’s overhaul of its family violence funding system is prompting concern from the Pincher Creek Women’s Emergency Shelter Association, which says it will see a five per cent reduction in operating funding under the new Emergency Family Violence Services program.

The province says the $62-million program is intended to improve access to services and align funding with demand, while shelters and the Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters warn the changes could destabilize already under-resourced organizations in rural areas.

The Pincher Creek Women’s Emergency Shelter Association says the reduction comes as demand for services is rising and operating pressures have not eased after more than a decade without significant funding increases.

Executive director Lori Van Ee says the cut, while appearing small on paper, will have immediate consequences for both staffing and service delivery.

“This funding cut means job losses, people being turned away, not having access to safe supports,” she says. “We are already underfunded and to receive a five per cent cut from our budget is huge.”

Announced May 19, the program is described by the province as a “needs-based” funding model intended to better align resources with geography, community needs and operating costs.

Children and Family Services Minister Searle Turton said the shift is designed to make supports more flexible and accessible.

“Through the Emergency Family Violence Services program, we are making it easier for Albertans to access help in ways that work best for them and their families, while continuing to strengthen existing programs,” Turton said in the province’s announcement.

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The program also introduces a provincewide data collection framework to track service demand, capacity and outcomes. It includes a $4-million capital grant pilot over three years to help shelters fund urgent building repairs and safety upgrades.

Province defends shelter funding cuts

According to the Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters, more than a dozen shelters across the province have received reductions in their operating funding under the new program, including the Pincher Creek shelter.

Van Ee says the cases the shelter handles are becoming more severe and complex, even as wages have stayed flat for more than a decade. She also points to what she calls a lack of transparency in how the decisions were made.

“Clients not being able to access safe supports, job losses, families being turned away from the shelter,” she says, describing the potential consequences of the funding change.

She says the Pincher Creek shelter was given only six weeks’ notice of the reduction. The province, however, says the new funding model was developed following extensive engagement with shelters and community partners over two years.

In a statement, senior press secretary Chinenye Anokwuru says the updated approach is intended to better match funding with service demand and operating realities across the province.

Anokwuru says any reductions under the new formula were capped at five per cent.

Event poster for a Secondhand Dreamcar concert at the Empress Theatre on November 20, 2026, at 7:30 PM, featuring a photo of the band members.

“In fact, 23 women’s shelters, including many rural shelters, received an increase or saw no changes to their funding,” she says.

Acknowledging that some organizations have concerns about the new allocation approach, Anokwuru points to additional funding opportunities available under the program.

“Twelve million dollars is available to support implementation this year. Existing shelter programs and other community and family violence prevention agencies will be able to access funding for new programs and regional collaboration and innovation,” she says.

The ministry also notes that $8 million was provided between 2023 and 2026 to address operational pressures and rising costs, and says the new capital grant is designed to free up operational dollars that shelters have historically spent on building maintenance and repairs.

Sector sounds alarm, urges delay

The ACWS has raised concerns about both the scale and the timing of the changes. In a letter to Premier Danielle Smith dated May 27, the organization asks the government to delay implementing the funding cuts until the 2027-28 fiscal year, giving affected shelters time to adjust their operations and identify alternative sources of revenue.

The letter, signed by ACWS executive director Catherine Champagne, board president Sandy Vander Ziel and Van Ee, along with members of eight other shelters, warns the cuts are set to take effect July 1 — midway through the fiscal year for most shelters — after budgets have already been approved and staffing commitments made.

“After more than a decade without stable increases to operational funding, shelters have little remaining capacity to absorb cuts of this magnitude,” the letter says. “Without sufficient time to secure alternative funding, the result will be immediate job losses and reductions to core services for women and children seeking safety.”

The letter says the impacts will fall disproportionately on rural communities, which already experience higher rates and greater severity of gender-based violence, and that cutting rural shelter capacity would shift the burden onto emergency rooms, RCMP detachments and child intervention services.

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“Distance, transportation barriers and lack of local support networks mean that urban services simply cannot fill the gap left by cuts to rural women’s shelters,” the letter reads.

The ACWS says it and affected shelters have been raising concerns with the ministry through established channels since the changes were announced, but have not seen movement toward a solution that will prevent disruption to services.

In total, the letter asks the province to defer $970,000 in cuts across more than a dozen shelters to the 2027-28 fiscal year.

“Such a deferral would give our member organizations time to identify alternative funding sources, adjust their operations responsibly and minimize disruption to critical safety infrastructure for rural Albertans,” the letter adds.

Shelter calls for stable, sustained funding

Van Ee says what rural shelters need is straightforward: stable, predictable funding they can count on year over year, and wages that allow them to recruit and retain qualified staff.

“Regular sustained funding. Increases in funding that we can count on,” she says. “Women and children matter too.”

The ministry says it remains committed to the sector and to ensuring Albertans impacted by family violence can access the safety and support they need.

Emergency Family Violence Services Program, Family Violence, Family Violence Prevention, Gender-Based Violence, Operational Funding, Rural Shelters, Shelter Funding, Women’s Shelters

An elderly man in a brown leather jacket and black scarf sits with his hands clasped and his head bowed in quiet reflection. Red blankets are draped beside him and a cane rests nearby, with people gathered in the background.

Standing into the wind: Remembering Piitaapoyi (Eagle Speaker)

Written on . Posted in Culture & Community, Opinions.

As I sat outside sipping coffee in front of my house early the other morning, I was drawn in by the action of the wind gently caressing the linden tree across the street. In a philosophical moment I realized it spoke to how we should treat ourselves and others — softly and with a light hand.

The flags on my inukshuks stationed on the hill above also gave evidence of the fingers of the wind moving through them that morning. Nearby, my old wind spinner rotated slowly, standing straight into the wind in whichever way it should blow, as it has for years.

It was then I thought of the inni (buffalo), a deeply sacred animal in Blackfoot culture. It is, I have discovered, both a pillar of physical survival and a central figure in spirituality and daily teachings of these remarkable Niitsitapi people.

These inni the Niitsitapi so revere stand looking straight into the wind, even in the fiercest storms. A lesson for us all, perhaps, in how we should live our lives — with grace and strength, looking straight into our challenges.

An elderly man wearing a long, trailing feathered headdress and a beaded headband holds a microphone as he speaks. He is dressed in a blue jacket with white gloves and a beaded cuff, standing outdoors before green leaves and a brick wall.

Piitaapoyi speaks in Crowsnest Pass in 2023 — the first time John Kinnear met the Piikani Nation elder.

This brought to mind an image of Peter Strikes With a Gun (Piitaapoyi), a Blackfoot elder who has touched my life in a game-changing way.

In July 2023 I saw the beloved Piitaapoyi, a highly respected former chief of the Blackfoot Piikani Peoples, for the first time. That day he was a guest speaker at a Roxy Theatre donation event in downtown Coleman. In his regal headdress, Piitaapoyi stood proudly in front of the theatre and spoke in both English and Siksikápowahsin (Blackfoot) to the crowd.

Accompanying himself on guitar, he sang traditional country songs and recalled being in Coleman as a young man. He spoke not with anger, but with a smile. This, from a man who was standing in front of a theatre that for more than 50 years played movies vilifying his people as savages.

He gave the Roxy a special Blackfoot prayer blessing in his language and also in English, and observed with kindness, “Here, now, we find the childrens that came to this lodge, all grown up and working together to preserve this place.”

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It was then I realized I was in the presence of true greatness and humility, and promised myself that I would learn more about him.

I came across Piitaapoyi later that fall when he was in Crowsnest Pass as the opening speaker at our Remembrance Day gathering. Once again, profound words and a blessing in both languages were given to the crowd.

Piitaapoyi never needed a script; his words always came from the heart.

A year later I witnessed him conducting the sacred feather ceremony at Crowsnest Consolidated High School for graduates with First Nations blood. The students stood on a buffalo hide to receive their blessing and the gift of a sacred eagle feather.

An elderly man in a brown leather jacket holds a microphone and a raised eagle feather as he offers a blessing to a young woman in a blue sweater, who stands with her head bowed. Behind them, guests sit at tables in a community hall.

Piitaapoyi (Peter Strikes With a Gun) offers an eagle feather blessing for Cecilia Big Bull last November. She had recently completed her master’s degree.

I learned that Piitaapoyi was kind enough to attend dozens of similar events in the Pass, giving blessings and always speaking to the crowds with kindness and wisdom.

How was it then, I wondered, that a child known only as No. 67 in the residential school at Brocket could rise above that heartbreaking trauma and become a man who was a shining example of his people?

His early life’s journey led him into the hell that is alcoholism, which literally left him by the roadside.

At some point, after many years of being lost, he entered the AA program and surrendered his life to his Creator. It was transformative. He found peace and with it tremendous strength, gratitude and a determination to be a leader of his people.

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And lead he did.

The list of all that Piitaapoyi became and did is impressive and profound: ceremonialist, chief of the Piikani First Nation from 1997 to 2006, knowledge keeper, historian, Niitsitapi teacher, addictions and wellness counsellor, dedicated community leader, and advocate for Indigenous culture, reconciliation and youth.

Piitaapoyi and his amazing wife, Jeannie Provost, fostered more than 60 children over 30 years, all of whom embraced them with love and gratefulness. Jeannie was acknowledged six times by the Alberta government as foster parent of the year.

Piitaapoyi was a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal and the Alberta Centennial Medal, recognitions he was very proud of.

A framed collection of Peter's medals and eagle feathers, displayed with a nameplate marking his service on the Alberta Foster Parent Association board of directors.

A framed collection of Piitaapoyi’s medals and eagle feathers, displayed with a nameplate marking his service on the Alberta Foster Parent Association board of directors.

Last year, Piitaapoyi was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Family and community rallied around their pillar of strength with a special celebratory event in November. It was spectacular, with dancers, musicians and respected leaders from all Blackfoot Nations coming to celebrate Piitaapoyi.

I had the honour of being at his home and listening to his wisdom, and on one occasion witnessed the giving of a Blackfoot name to Crowsnest Pass Mayor Pat Rypien.

Despite his worsening condition, Piitaapoyi stayed strong and calm. The biblical verse from 2 Timothy 4:7 was his mantra: “I have fought a good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith.”

As the end of his 83-year journey drew near, roles were reversed. Instead of Piitaapoyi being there for his people in all ways, his people came to support him. Visits were made with deep respect and filled his days with love and acknowledgment.

An elderly man in a long feathered headdress, red shirt and a striped wool blanket, leaning on a cane, stands beside a smiling woman who holds her hands together near her face. Behind them, a wall is covered with framed family photographs.

Crowsnest Pass Mayor Pat Rypien receives a Blackfoot name from Piitaapoyi.

An older couple smiles while leaning on a wooden railing outdoors, above text describing their $879 profit share from Vision Credit Union and a website link.

On May 24, a special gratitude gathering was held at Piitaapoyi’s property on the northern edge of the Piikani lands. Dozens of acknowledgments and heartfelt speeches were made by those close to him, and there were no fewer than four church services, including a formal mass said by Anglican minister Jacqui Durand.

In a remarkable show of his indomitable strength, Piitaapoyi sang a song as part of the service. He played his bass guitar and spoke strong words with advice for all, as he has always done.

“Always look to the Creator for strength and direction,” he said. “Believe in yourself and move forward.”

One week later, on May 31, Piitaapoyi’s journey here on earth ended, but his legacy and his influence will never be diminished.

An elderly man in glasses, a tan puffer jacket and a red embroidered shawl sits at a microphone, playing a guitar, with a wooden music stand and water bottles in front of him. Clear tent walls and an outdoor gathering are visible behind him.

Piitaapoyi plays and sings at the gratitude gathering, a week before he passed.

I was blessed, as many were, to really “see” Piitaapoyi and understand his message, and I am forever changed by those encounters.

There is something fitting in his name. Peter Strikes With a Gun carried the same name as the apostle Simon Peter — the name Jesus gave Simon, meaning rock, to signify he would be the foundation on which his church would be built. I see Piitaapoyi’s legacy the same way: a foundation from which we can all learn to act as one people, with kindness and humility.

If his life carried a single lesson, it was this: the purpose of life is to live a life of purpose. Piitaapoyi lived his fully.

Rest easy, Piitaapoyi. You did splendid work and many will carry forward your torch of kindness, gratitude and respect for all living things.

An elderly man in a brown leather jacket and black scarf sits with his hands clasped and his head bowed in quiet reflection. Red blankets are draped beside him and a cane rests nearby, with people gathered in the background.

Piitaapoyi sits in quiet contemplation at a November celebration in his honour.

Addictions Recovery, Blackfoot Culture, Community Leadership, Elders, Indigenous Relations, Personal Remembrance, Piikani History, Reconciliation, Residential Schools, Sacred Ceremony

Oldman Watershed Council logo with a river in the background

Oldman Watershed Council expands its work

Written on . Posted in Community Life, Environment.

The Oldman Watershed Council, a two-decade-old non-profit, says it is carrying out some of its most consequential work yet.

From planting thousands of willows along eroding streambanks to restoring wetlands and fencing sensitive areas, dozens of annual OWC stewardship projects add up to millions of dollars in ecosystem benefits across southern Alberta, according to the organization.

OWC says those efforts are part of its broader mission to improve water security across the Oldman River basin through collaboration and hands-on restoration.

Founded in 2004 and based in Lethbridge, OWC describes itself as a neutral forum that brings together municipalities, Indigenous nations, industry, government and landowners to tackle water security across southwestern Alberta — roughly from High River south to Grassy Lake west.

Chief executive officer Shannon Frank says the organization’s role is rooted in collaboration rather than advocacy.

“We bring people together to discuss complicated issues and find practical solutions so that we can maintain our water security,” she says.

Frank presented to Pincher Creek town council at its regular meeting on May 25.

The organization recently crossed its 150th project milestone under its Watershed Legacy Program, a cost-sharing initiative that funds boots-on-the-ground stewardship work with landowners, First Nations, agricultural producers and government.

In the fiscal year ending March 31, OWC completed 39 such projects, enhancing 5,600 acres of land.

Frank said the organization works across four main areas: convening and collaboration, education and literacy, monitoring and assessment, and on-the-ground planning and implementation.

One of its most visible tools is the Ecosystem Services Calculator, an online platform that assigns a dollar value to natural landscapes based on the services they provide, such as water filtration, flood mitigation and drought resilience.

“Nature does have a lot of value,” Frank says. “If we had to replace those services — water filtration, for example — and build a water treatment plant to do that for us, it would be much more costly than trying to work with nature.”

The free calculator, available on OWC’s website, allows anyone to enter the number of hectares of land they manage — whether grassland, forest or wetland — and receive an estimate of the annual dollar value of ecosystem services provided.

“It’s only been on our website for a few weeks,” Frank says. “We wanted to test it out and make sure everything was working well before we launched it publicly.”

Among the trends OWC is tracking closely is a surge in virtual fencing — a technology that uses GPS collar systems to manage livestock movement without physical fencing.

Frank says the organization saw a notable uptick in virtual fencing applications among ranchers last year, alongside a rise in requests for help drilling deeper groundwater wells as drought stressed existing water sources.

OWC offers grants covering roughly 50 per cent of eligible project costs. Applications for its current funding intake are open until July 1 and the organization says anyone with land — municipalities, ranchers, First Nations, food producers — can apply through its website.

Alongside data tools, OWC is also expanding hands-on habitat restoration. One current program supports publicly accessible pollinator gardens helping bumblebee populations, which researchers warn face extinction risk.

The organization plants about four such gardens per year, covering the cost of plants, soil and mulch, and prefers locations on public land where educational signage and community tours are possible.

“When pollinators go extinct, we will go extinct,” Frank says. “It matters and there are a lot of efforts underway to improve pollinator populations.”

Frank says town councillor Bernice Cyr expressed interest at the meeting in situating a pollinator garden in a local park and OWC plans to follow up.

OWC also runs stewardship programs that include willow planting, erosion control, wetland restoration and fencing projects designed to protect sensitive water areas from livestock.

Frank says willows are especially critical for stabilizing streambanks. The organization plants between 5,000 and 10,000 willows annually.

The organization also plays a major role in water monitoring across the region. Frank said OWC currently monitors about 20 sites annually, focusing on stream health and aquatic insects that act as indicators of water quality.

“We haven’t seen any huge issues flagged there,” she says, noting that results have generally shown good water conditions in monitored areas.

Groundwater monitoring is another growing priority as drought conditions persist across southern Alberta. OWC is working with Living Lakes Canada to expand well monitoring in the region, with funding to track nine additional wells on top of the 13 already monitored by the provincial government.

“This is really going to help us with drought management,” Frank says, adding that better data is needed as more communities report dry wells and deeper drilling requirements.

OWC is also preparing a new “state of the watershed” report card, expected in 2027, which will update data last compiled in 2010. The new version will expand beyond environmental indicators to include socioeconomic data and Indigenous perspectives.

Education is another key pillar of the organization’s work. OWC runs programs that include outreach in recreation areas, where staff speak with backcountry users about responsible land use, and agricultural literacy initiatives that connect urban residents with farms and ranches.

The goal, Frank says, is to reduce misconceptions about food production while building public understanding of how land use connects to water health.

At the governance level, OWC operates with a 19-seat board representing municipalities, Indigenous partners, provincial and federal governments, health, environment and industry sectors. The structure is designed to ensure representation across the watershed’s roughly 200,000 residents.

The Town of Pincher Creek supports OWC’s operations through a voluntary per-capita funding model. Frank says the town contributes 49 cents per resident, for about $1,700 annually.

As drought pressures continue and water security becomes increasingly uncertain, OWC says its focus remains on practical, collaborative solutions rooted in science, land stewardship and community engagement, all aimed at keeping the watershed functioning for those both upstream and downstream.

Drought, Ecosystem Services, Habitat Restoration, Pollinator Gardens, Water Monitoring, Water Security, Watershed Stewardship, Wetland Restoration

The image features the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) crest on a background of blue and red police lights, with the text "Crowsnest Pass RCMP" in bold white letters on a black banner.

Crowsnest Pass RCMP credit victim reporting for crime stats increases

Written on . Posted in RCMP & Public Safety.

Crime statistics in the Crowsnest Pass RCMP detachment area rose sharply in the first three months of 2026.

The detachment’s January-to-March provincial policing report shows crimes against persons jumped 64 per cent year-over-year, but detachment commander Sgt. Mark Amatto says the spike reflects something positive: more victims of domestic violence are coming forward.

According to the report, total Criminal Code offences climbed 46 per cent, from 124 cases in 2025 to 181 in the same period this year. Amatto attributes a significant portion of that increase to the detachment’s deliberate, multi-year effort to encourage domestic violence victims to report their abuse.

“It’s not from a spike in regard to firefights or assaults happening outside the realm of domestic violence,” Amatto says. “I do believe that stat bump is entirely based upon domestic violence stats capturing and recording.”

The detachment has been running community presentations through Crowsnest Pass schools and public outreach programs to help residents understand how police define domestic violence, what to expect when charges are laid, and what supports are available when charges are not warranted.

In 2024-25, before enhanced reporting measures were in place, the detachment recorded 97 domestic violence-related occurrences. That figure rose to 146 in the first year of the initiative. The program uses increased reporting as a measure of success rather than a sign of worsening conditions.

“We rely more on our victim services unit. They can offer different referral programs and ensure that these people get the help that they need,” Amatto says.

Within the crimes against persons category, assaults rose from 22 to 31 cases, while criminal harassment rose from 12 to 22 cases.

Uttering threats doubled from three to six cases and sexual assaults rose from one to two. The detachment also recorded its first kidnapping or abduction occurrence in the past five years.

Property crime, by contrast, saw only a modest increase, up from 59 to 63 cases. Theft under $5,000 tripled from four to 12 cases, and break-and-enter cases doubled from three to six.

Theft of motor vehicles dropped from seven to three cases, and fraud was cut in half, from 12 to six cases. Mischief causing property damage edged down to 11 cases.

The sharpest increase came in the other Criminal Code category, which more than doubled from 26 to 54 cases year-over-year.

Amatto says the biggest driver there was a jump in fail-to-comply and breach charges, which rose from seven cases to 25. He attributes this to the detachment’s habitual offender management program, which involves closer monitoring of individuals on probation or facing charges.

“We have more people who are in the charged-and-accused category, so we have officers ensuring compliance on those who are either on probation or charged and accused, ensuring that they are adhering to their conditions,” he says. “If not, they’re being charged with either failed to comply or a breach.”

Disturbing the peace cases also increased significantly from six to 16.

No drug offences were reported this quarter, down from three last year. Amatto says this does not mean the detachment has turned a blind eye to drug activity, but rather that officer resources were directed toward traffic, the area’s most pressing call-for-service demand.

“Every community has an issue with drugs, but right now what we’re focused on is the increased amount of vehicular traffic in and through the Highway 3 and 22 corridors,” he says. “The enforcement will rise to the demand or the need for it.”

The detachment recorded 55 motor vehicle collisions during the quarter, down from 82 the previous quarter, with two non-fatal injury collisions and no fatalities. Fifty-one tickets and 15 warnings were issued along Highway 3 and 22.

Amatto says road safety remains the top community policing priority for 2026-27, with enforcement planned in partnership with community peace officers and sheriffs through joint-force operations.

Other priorities for the coming year include a habitual offender management program focused on reducing property crime, continued domestic violence outreach now entering its second year, and the launch of a community patrol initiative. This will blend the existing Citizens on Patrol program with a new wildlife watch component — a tailored approach to Crowsnest Pass’s unique mix of public safety and predator activity.

The detachment also operated below full strength in the quarter, with only six of nine regular member positions active. Amatto says the newly formed relief unit helped fill the gap, rotating six constables through the detachment over a six-week period.

Break and Enter, Crime, Crime Statistics, Domestic Violence, Habitual Offender Management, Persons Offences, Property Crime, Road Safety

Graphic with the text "Municipal News from the Town of Pincher Creek" on the left side, featuring a stylized image of people seated around a meeting table on the right.

News briefs from May 25 Town of Pincher Creek council table

Written on . Posted in Civic & Government, Community Life.

A decision on new funding for the Pincher Creek Curling Club was put on hold, two properties were set for public auction and the town’s electricity franchise agreement was renewed for five years at town council’s May 25 regular meeting.

Mayor Wayne Oliver and Couns. Mark Barber, Bernice Cyr, Brian McGillivray, Sahra Nodge and Valerie Wynder were present. Coun. Gordon McMullen was absent.

Curling club funding request deferred

Council’s longest discussion centred on the curling club’s request for additional municipal support. The project is roughly $1.8 million short of the amount needed to complete construction of a new rink.

Oliver said administration did not provide a recommendation. Instead, council received several possible funding approaches and supporting documents for consideration.

McGillivray said a complete record of council motions on the rink project, dating back to 2018, was missing from the agenda package.

“I went through it twice yesterday and I could not find it,” McGillivray said, adding he was not prepared to vote on a funding question of that magnitude without that historical record.

He made the motion to postpone further discussion until June 8 and several councillors also identified information they would like before making a decision.

Cyr requested updated projections on fundraising, year-round building use and future revenue generation.

Wynder asked what would happen to provincial grant funding if the project is not completed. She also questioned whether council had received a formal request outlining exactly how much additional funding the club is seeking from the town.

“I just don’t feel like we’ve had a really formal ask there,” she said.

Oliver said residents had also raised questions about whether the project’s reported shortfall includes demolition costs for the old curling rink and expenses related to relocating the ice plant.

Council voted 5-1, with Nodge opposed, to postpone any vote on additional municipal support until June 8.

Two properties headed for public auction

Council approved terms and conditions for the town’s 2026 tax arrears recovery public auction. Two properties could be offered for sale if outstanding taxes remain unpaid.

The auction is scheduled for Sept. 16 at 2 p.m. in council chambers.

Property owners can redeem their land by paying all arrears, penalties and costs until the property is officially declared sold.

The town established reserve bids based on assessed market values. This includes $355,100 for a property listed as Plan 8089JK, Lot 274 and $28,600 for a property listed as Plan 850IB, MHPK, Lot 21.

Administration noted the properties would be sold on an “as is, where is” basis and purchasers would be responsible for taxes, utilities, registration fees and obtaining vacant possession.

Fortis electricity franchise renewed

Council directed administration to proceed with a five-year renewal of the town’s franchise agreement with FortisAlberta for the provision of electricity. The current intermediate term expires at the end of December.

The original agreement began in 2017 with a 20-year overall term, including scheduled renewal periods.

Discussion focused on whether alternative models for electricity service could exist in the future.

“You’d have to come up with the capital to purchase all of the poles and wire, the infrastructure,” chief administrative officer Konrad Dunbar said. “It’s quite the process.”

McGillivray suggested the town could explore acting as a local electricity retailer, essentially as a middleman between the distributor and residents, instead of residents relying on outside retailers.

Nodge said the issue generated community interest during the previous term of council. Some residents explored whether profits from such a venture could fund a local granting program for non-profit groups.

Dunbar said he would research the idea further.

Cyr raised concerns about deteriorating electrical hookups in some of the town’s mobile-home parks.

Dunbar said infrastructure on private property is the responsibility of the property owner, not FortisAlberta, once it crosses the property line. Oliver suggested complaints in those cases would need to originate from residents themselves.

Financial reports show strong revenues in 2025

Council accepted several quarterly financial reports as information, including year-end 2025 operating summaries and first-quarter 2026 financial statements.

The fourth-quarter operating reports for 2025 show the town ended the year with total revenue of just over $15.1 million against total expenses of about $15.2 million, leaving an operating shortfall of roughly $55,800 before other items.

User fees and sales of goods reached about $3.46 million in 2025, well above budgeted amounts, while licence and permit revenues finished at more than double projections.

On the expense side, total spending of $15.17 million came in about $1.13 million under budget, as several departments underspent their allocations. Administration and legislative costs both came in well below budget.

Recreation and culture remained the town’s largest spending category at about $5.59 million against a budget of $4.25 million .

The largest expense overage was salaries, wages and benefits, which came in at $6.76 million, roughly $1.72 million over the budgeted $5.04 million.

Transfers to organizations came in well under budget at $1.70 million against a budgeted $3.79 million.

After accounting for capital transfers and other items, the town recorded a net surplus of about $14,700 for the year, compared to a surplus of $213,700 in 2024.

The first-quarter operating statements for 2026, covering the three months ending March 31, were also accepted as information. The figures reflect expected seasonal patterns, with most revenue and expense lines tracking well below their annual budgets.

Total expenses for the first quarter stand at about $3.42 million, or about 25 per cent of the annual budget of $13.4 million.

Transfers to organizations tracked at nearly 100 per cent of their first-quarter budget at just over $1.01 million, reflecting timing of scheduled grant and transfer payments early in the year.

On the revenue side, the first-quarter total showed a negative figure due to the timing of property tax billing, which administration said is standard practice and not a cause for concern.

User fees, franchise fees and licences and permits were all tracking in the range of 17 to 70 per cent of annual budgets for the period.

Seniors Week and community events

Dunbar advised council that the Fred Huddleston Senior Centre board is hosting events to mark Alberta Seniors Week, running June 1 to 8. This included a Coffee With Council event on June 2, which Cyr and Barber agreed to attend.

Council also received invitations to the Pincher Creek Rodeo Parade on Aug. 15 and Elkford’s Wildcat Days Parade on June 27.

Barber expressed interest in attending the Elkford parade again this year.

Councillors also discussed a provincial Built Together grant opportunity offering five $50,000 community grants across Alberta. Oliver suggested administration pass the information to the curling club.

Council also noted Creating Inclusive Community Spaces, a free bystander intervention workshop scheduled for June 9 at 1 p.m. at Lebel Mansion.

Wynder encouraged community members, organizations and businesses to take part, describing it as practical training on how to safely support people who feel threatened without escalating a situation.

Alberta Seniors’ Week, Bystander Intervention, Community Events, Community Grants, Curling Rink, Electricity Franchise Agreements, Financial Reports, Municipal Funding, Municipal Governance, Tax Arrears

Local teachers welcome class-size funding, urge more support

Written on . Posted in Civic & Government, Education.

Teachers in southwestern Alberta say the province’s new $200-million class-size reduction plan is a welcome step, but warn it will do little to solve ongoing classroom pressures in rural schools such as those in Livingstone Range School Division.

The Alberta government announced May 13 that it will fund the hiring of more than 1,400 teachers for kindergarten to Grade 9 classrooms in the 2026-27 school year through a new Class Size Reduction Grant.

Livingstone Range School Division is set to receive funding for three teacher full-time equivalents and $405,000.

Madison Stocker, president of Alberta Teachers’ Association Local No. 14, says local teachers see the funding as “a good start,” but not enough to address growing classroom complexity, large class sizes and staffing pressures in rural schools.

“We have some classes in Livingstone Range that have 30 or 38 kids in them, and there’s more than three of those classes,” she says.

Stocker represents teachers across LRSD, including schools in Pincher Creek, Lundbreck, Crowsnest Pass, Fort Macleod, Claresholm, Granum, Stavely and Nanton.

The provincial funding announcement comes after years of concerns from teachers and parents over growing class sizes and increasingly complex classrooms. Those issues were central during last fall’s teacher strike.

In a May 13 statement, ATA president Jason Schilling called the funding announcement “a positive step,” but said school boards may still face challenges hiring and deploying additional teachers while managing increasingly complex classrooms.

“Every student in Alberta deserves the opportunity to learn in a classroom where they can receive the attention and support they need to thrive. And every teacher deserves the professional conditions necessary to meet the diverse needs of their students,” Schilling said.

The grant will target schools experiencing the greatest pressure from class size and classroom complexity, based on classroom-level data collected from more than 108,000 classrooms across Alberta.

Schools with more core classes exceeding the province’s threshold for class size and complexity, often in larger or faster-growing divisions, will receive proportionally more funding.

“Moving forward, it’s important that the very different challenges faced by schools serving rural communities are not disregarded,” Schilling said.

Those concerns also reflect what teachers are experiencing locally, Stocker says.

While she welcomes the additional positions, she says reducing class sizes alone will not fully address the challenges teachers face.

“You can make the classes smaller, but you might still have different behaviours and complexities in there that make it still quite challenging to manage,” she says.

Stocker says teachers in rural communities are also struggling with substitute teacher shortages, which can contribute to burnout among permanent staff.

“Because we live rurally, there’s just not a surplus of teachers who aren’t working full time that want to sub,” she says.

The province says nearly 90,000 students have joined Alberta classrooms in the past four years as record population growth continues to put pressure on schools and teachers.

Stocker says the latest funding is unlikely to fully meet staffing needs across the province or in rural divisions if enrolment continues to grow.

“I do think it’s a step in the right direction, and I’m happy to see that education is being funded, but I don’t think it’ll be enough,” she says.

“We’re looking at maybe four more teachers next year, but already I’ve heard cutbacks across the division. We’re losing teachers all over.”

The latest grant builds on $143 million announced earlier this year to address class size and classroom complexity in the current school year. The province says that funding supported the hiring of up to 476 teachers and 952 educational assistants.

Schilling said the announcement reflects concerns teachers, parents and students have raised for years.

“Teachers will take some satisfaction that years of advocacy, culminating in the largest strike in this province’s history, created a consensus opinion that left government with no choice but to take concrete action to reduce class sizes and address classroom complexities,” he said.

“Class size and classroom complexity matter.”

Schilling said the ATA will monitor how school boards use the funding to ensure it is directed toward classroom staffing and support rather than administrative purposes.

“We will be able to look at their own financial statements to see where this money is being allocated and how it’s spent,” he said. “We also have the ability to ask our members questions to see just how we are seeing impacts within the classrooms.”

The one-year nature of the funding commitment also drew scrutiny.

“We have seen time and time again governments make funding announcements for a school year that don’t materialize in the following budget,” Schilling said. “We will just see a return to the complex, large classes that we have right now.”

Stocker says many teachers remain cautious heading into the next school year despite the announcement.

“Sometimes messages can get twisted a little, so that people think everything is going to be awesome next year,” she says. “I think people are nervous about going back in September and facing the same issues.”

Schilling said the association expects the government to address the needs of high school students in grades 10 to 12 within the coming year and to sustain and increase education funding in future budgets.

“We expect this announcement to be the first step in repairing the damage done by years of chronic underfunding,” he said. “But now the real work begins.”

Livingstone Range School Division did not respond to requests for comment.

Class Size Reduction, Class Size Reduction Grant, Classroom Complexity, Education Funding, Rural Schools, Substitute Teacher Shortages, Teacher Burnout, Teacher Strike

Graphic with the text "Municipal News from the MD of Pincher Creek" on the left side, featuring a stylized image of people seated around a meeting table on the right.

Briefs from May 12 MD of Pincher Creek council table

Written on . Posted in Civic & Government, Environment.

MD of Pincher Creek council dealt with recycling changes, a Burmis Lake lease transfer, summer meeting cancellations, sponsorship requests and several land matters during its May 12 meeting.

Reeve Rick Lemire and Couns. Dave Cox, John MacGarva and Jim Welsch were present; Coun. Tony Bruder was absent.

Recycling changes

Council approved a public information release regarding upcoming changes to curbside and depot recycling services, scheduled to begin Oct. 1.

The changes fall under Alberta’s Extended Producer Responsibility framework and will bring single-stream recycling to Lundbreck and Beaver Mines at no cost to residents.

The Eco Centre will also transition to a single-stream system, with compensation provided through Circular Materials.

Administration said new material streams will be introduced, along with a provincewide education campaign expected to begin in mid year. The MD will release information ahead of that campaign and co-ordinate messaging with the Town of Pincher Creek.

Public communication will be made through social media, the MD website, email lists, newspaper advertising and community organizations.

Burmis Lake lease

Council approved the transfer of Recreation Lease 2348 for Burmis Lake from the MD of Pincher Creek to the Alberta Conservation Association.

The municipality has held the lease since 1965 but has not been responsible for site operations or maintenance beyond minor road upkeep. The Alberta Conservation Association has managed the area for years, including fish stocking and contracted maintenance work.

Administration said the transfer aligns the lease with the organization already carrying out day-to-day management.

The MD will cover a $3,150 administrative transfer fee, through its operating budget.

Summer meeting schedule

Council approved cancelling regular council and committee meetings scheduled for July 28 and Aug. 11, along with municipal planning commission and subdivision authority meetings set for Aug. 4.

The motion allows meetings to be called if urgent matters arise.

Funding requests and provincial programs

Council reviewed several correspondence items, including a support request from Pincher Creek Minor Hockey Association for its upcoming golf fundraiser. A raffle basket donation valued up to $75 will be funded through the operating budget.

Council also received information on Alberta Day 2026, a provincewide initiative encouraging municipalities to host local celebrations between Aug. 29 and Sept. 1, with funding available based on population.

Family and Community Support Services encouraged council participation in a seniors’ needs discussion being organized in the community. Coun. Welsch will attend, with Coun. Cox as alternate.

Council approved a $250 sponsorship for the 2026 Huckleberry Festival at Castle Mountain Resort, happening primarily on Aug. 22.

Council also declared May 19 as Family Doctor Day in the MD, recognizing family physicians and primary-care providers.

April delegations formally received

Council formally received as information several updates presented at the April 28 council committee meeting.

Waterton Lakes National Park provided information on its 2026 operational priorities. These include continued restrictions on non-motorized watercraft, aquatic invasive species prevention, and expanded visitor management tools such as 511 alerts and additional signage to manage park capacity.

Council also received an update from Pincher Creek Curling Club outlining revised project costs now exceeding $5 million and a funding shortfall of about $1.6 million. The club also indicated interest in having a council representative sit on its building committee to strengthen communication during the project.

A third presentation, from resident Marco Bergeron, raised concerns about municipal water rates following recent increases. Administration noted the MD has been implementing staggered increases over four years to bring rates closer to mid-range levels compared to other municipalities.

Closed session

Following a closed session, council authorized attendance at a June 29 meeting and tour at Pincher Creek Airport.

Council also approved the sale of municipally owned Lots 1 and 2, Block 8, Plan 1993N in Pincher Station at fair market value under MD policy.

Another motion approved a request to close and purchase portions of undeveloped road allowance near NW-7-4-28-W4 and NE-12-4-29-W4, with the applicant responsible for associated costs.

Alberta Day, Aquatic Invasive Species, Community Sponsorship, Extended Producer Responsibility, Family Doctor Day, Huckleberry Festival, Municipal Governance, Road Allowances, Single-Stream Recycling, Water Rates

A globe showing Africa and Europe is surrounded by a large brown cardboard recycling symbol with three arrows on a light blue background, representing environmental sustainability and recycling.

More materials, less sorting in new recycling program

Written on . Posted in Civic & Government.

Pincher Creek residents will soon be able to recycle everything from glass jars and pizza boxes to chip bags and foam meat trays, without leaving home and without additional cost.

Starting Oct. 1, Pincher Creek will join Alberta’s enhanced recycling system under the province’s Extended Producer Responsibility framework, bringing curbside collection and expanded material acceptance to local households.

The new service will be managed by Circular Materials, a not-for-profit producer responsibility organization, and will apply to residential households in the town of Pincher Creek and the hamlets of Beaver Mines and Lundbreck in the MD.

What is changing and why

The transition is driven by provincial legislation. Alberta’s Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act created the Extended Producer Responsibility Regulation, which shifts responsibility for recycling programs from municipalities and taxpayers to the companies that supply packaging and paper products to consumers.

Konrad Dunbar, the town’s chief administrative officer, says the program has been years in the making.

“This program stretches back to 2022 and has many pieces and dates associated with it, including a provincial EPR partner, Circular Materials,” he says.

October marks Phase 2 of Alberta’s EPR rollout, following a Phase 1 launch in April 2025.

Who is eligible and what about rural residents?

The program covers only residential households and does not extend to commercial businesses.

In the MD, eligibility is tied to existing curbside garbage service, which is why only Beaver Mines and Lundbreck qualify at this time.

David Desabrais, the MD’s utilities and infrastructure manager, says that could change down the road.

“If in the future, curbside garbage services come to another hamlet or community, eligibility would change for recycling for that community,” he says.

Rural MD residents outside those hamlets will still have access to recycling through the Eco Centre depot, where two bins are expected to transition to single-stream collection with a broader range of accepted materials.

What residents can recycle

One of the most significant changes is the expansion of accepted materials.

The new program will accept glass containers, foam packaging such as meat trays and takeout containers, flexible plastics like chip bags and pet food bags, rigid plastics, aerosol containers, cardboard, paper, metal containers and other packaging materials.

The biggest change will be convenience, as the new program is single-stream, meaning residents will not need to sort recyclables before putting them out.

Desabrais says the new arrangement will divert more residential recyclables from the landfill.

Bins and collection schedules

Residents will receive new recycling bins ahead of the Oct. 1 launch.

Circular Materials will provide bin delivery details directly to residents. Neither the town nor the MD had received information on exact delivery dates or contractors as of this report.

No changes to existing waste collection schedules are anticipated.

Circular Materials will oversee recycling operations, including hiring contractors, handling communications and education campaigns, and managing service concerns such as missed pickups or damaged bins.

Costs and existing fees

There will be no additional charge to residents for the EPR recycling program but existing fees will remain in place.

For instance, the town’s 95-gallon cart fee, which applies to garbage collection, will continue.

Dunbar says any future changes to its fee structure would be a council decision made once the impact of the new program is better understood.

Town and MD roles going forward

Once the program launches, both the town and MD expect minimal day-to-day operational involvement after spending the past several years working with Circular Materials to ensure local service expectations are met.

The MD will continue managing the Eco Centre depot site alongside landfill operations.

Details on the new program are available online at circularmaterials.ca/ab.

Recycling, Waste Management

Pincher Creek RCMP

Pincher Creek crime files up, RCMP say fluctuation normal

Written on . Posted in RCMP & Public Safety.

Crime statistics in the Pincher Creek RCMP detachment area rose during the first three months of 2026. Sgt. Ryan Hodge says the numbers reflect the natural ebb and flow of rural policing statistics rather than a dramatic shift in community safety.

According to Pincher Creek RCMP’s January-to-March policing report, total Criminal Code offences increased 32 per cent year over year, from 87 cases in 2025 to 115 in the same period this year.

Hodge says quarterly statistics in smaller rural detachments can fluctuate significantly and often do not reflect a clear underlying cause.

“I don’t know if there’s any real driver on that,” he says. “I think these things just kind of naturally go up and down.”

Persons offences return to previous levels

Persons crimes showed the largest increase among major categories, rising 94 per cent from 17 files in 2025 to 33 this year. This brings the category back in line with the previous three years, when persons offences ranged from 33 to 36 files per quarter.

Assault accounted for the largest share of that increase, climbing from 10 cases in 2025 to 15 in 2026.

“Persons crimes are really tough because it can be everything from a verbal dispute between two people to an actual physical assault,” Hodge says.

Criminal harassment increased from two cases in 2025 to nine in 2026, while uttering threats rose from three cases to eight.

By contrast, several serious offences recorded no incidents during the quarter. Sexual assaults dropped from two cases in 2025 to zero and there were no robberies, kidnappings or offences related to death.

Property crime increase tied partly to rural thefts

Property crime also increased, from 39 to 58 files.

The detachment’s quarterly report notes that clearance rates for property crime remained strong despite the uptick. Break-and-enter investigations have focused on commercial and industrial locations throughout the Pincher Creek area.

“We did see an increase in some of the break and enter and theft to rural properties, specifically more industrial properties,” he says. “We have a group of criminals that are targeting sites mostly for copper theft.”

Break-and-enter cases doubled from three in 2025 to six this year.

Hodge says the detachment is working with property owners and its crime-reduction unit to identify the individuals involved.

Theft under $5,000 saw the largest increase within the property category, rising from nine cases to 20.

“That could be just simply your shoplifting offences. Those things go up,” he says. “With the current state of the economy and people’s finances, that’s a normal thing that we see go up and down.”

Mischief causing property damage rose from 10 cases to 13. Theft over $5,000 went from zero reported cases in 2025 to two in 2026, while fraud rose slightly, from seven cases to eight. Theft of motor vehicles held steady at two cases.

Drug files remain low

Drug-enforcement files increased 67 per cent in the first quarter of 2026, from three cases to five.

“The percentages are very misleading, because we went from a three count to a five count. Only two more seizures and that’s hardly anything, really,” Hodge says.

He adds the total of five drug files remains “very, very low” overall for the detachment area.

Other report highlights

Mental Health Act-related files increased from 11 to 17 cases, while roadside alcohol suspensions rose from one to five. Property damage motor vehicle collisions also increased, from 32 to 37.

Several categories declined. Fail-to-comply and breach offences dropped from 20 to nine, liquor-related offences decreased from eight to one and injury-related motor vehicle collisions fell from two to zero.

Staffing pressures continue

The report also noted ongoing staffing pressures within the detachment.

Of 11 established RCMP officer positions, six members are working, two are away on parental leave and three positions remain vacant.

Hodge says staffing shortages do not appear to have had a direct impact on the increase. It is more likely to affect the detachment’s ability to investigate and solve files rather than influence whether crimes occur.

“A lot of these crimes are committed out of opportunity because rural locations have a lot of opportunity to commit crimes,” he says.

Scams remain a concern

The report also highlighted ongoing concerns about scams and fraud targeting residents, particularly seniors.

“It might be a grandparent scam one month, but the next month it’s something different,” Hodge says.

Online and telephone scams continue to evolve across Canada, making public education increasingly important. The detachment is planning future public awareness initiatives focused on elder scams.

Break and Enter, Copper Theft, Crime, Crime Statistics, Persons Offences, Property Crime, Rural Policing, Scams

Cameron Jaeger sitting outdoors with his English springer spaniel, and a second photo of Cameron and his partner Kayleigh holding a spaniel puppy

A gift for adventure, a legacy of kindness — remembering Cam Jaeger

Written on . Posted in Community Life.

Cameron Jaeger held a profound love of outdoor adventure and, to him, it was never meant to be experienced alone. Whether with friends, family or his beloved dogs, he took every opportunity to bring others along for the ride.

Two years after his untimely passing, that spirit of adventure lives on through Cam’s Doggy Day Adventures, a Pincher Creek Humane Society volunteer program.

Shelter dogs can now leave their kennels behind for a day of extended nature-based outdoor adventures with volunteers like hiking, bike riding and lake swimming.

For Cam’s mother, Sandy, the program perfectly reflects her son and is a beautiful tribute to his memory.

“I love that it’s taking a dog out being active,” she says. “I can’t think of any better tribute to Cam than for somebody to say, ‘I’m going to take a dog for a walk today and get it out for some fresh air and some socializing.’ ”

Cam lived in Crowsnest Pass for several years with his partner, Kayleigh Montgomery, and their two English springer spaniels, Robbie and Leo. They took every opportunity to experience the region’s unique landscapes.

While not originally from the area, Crowsnest Pass was the perfect place for them to settle. From Cam’s love of nature, which developed from the moment he was born, to his passion for climbing, hunting, fishing, skiing and competitive swimming, the fit was natural.

“Cam was someone who loved the outdoors and he was someone who loved sharing it with the people around him,” Sandy says. 

“He was that guy that would be the one initiating an adventure floating down the Bow River in Cochrane with his buddies and camping overnight on an island.”

Born in Canmore and living in Kananaskis Country, Lac La Biche, Cochrane and Calgary, Cam was introduced early to the natural wonders of Alberta.

His father, Rod, served as a conservation officer with Alberta Parks, primarily in Bow Valley Provincial Park. While living in a little ranger house in Bow Valley as a child, Sandy says, Cam quickly came to hold deep appreciation for the life around him.

“He was exposed to wildlife on his front lawn,” she says. “We would hear the elk bugling in the night, we would walk to his dad’s park ranger office and see the elk along the park road, so Cam grew up surrounded by wildlife.”

Sandy and Rod instilled deep respect for living things in both Cam and his brother, Conrad.

She recalls the care Cam showed for every creature in his life — the family dogs, a pet hedgehog and lovebird, and an injured owl.

“He was not afraid of jumping in with both hands,” she says.

“He and his dad were down in the Milk River and they found an owl that had been porcupine quilled. Cam went over and wrapped the owl in a blanket and they put it in a Rubbermaid tote and took it to a rescue society.” 

Cam grew up with English springer spaniels, a breed near and dear to the Jaeger family. He and Kayleigh carried on the tradition with pups Robbie and Leo, who accompanied the pair on countless excursions.

“Dogs have always held a very special place in our family’s life,” Sandy says. “Every picture that we have of him from his time in the Crowsnest always has a dog in it.”

Tragically, on April 27, 2024, Cam was struck and killed by an impaired driver while riding his mountain bike in Montana after a day spent outdoors with friends. He was 36.

The loss was felt deeply and widely. Cam touched countless lives as a wildland firefighter for six seasons across Canada, as a geologist with Teck Resources and as someone with a gift for pulling people toward adventure.

His life was celebrated in Hillcrest Mines with an evening of fireworks on May 25, 2024.

A repeated expression during the celebration of Cam’s life was his ability to inspire others to try new things and embrace the outdoors.

“He was someone who introduced many, many people to climbing,” Sandy says.

In the midst of grief, Kayleigh channelled her love for Cam into something lasting. After seeing repeated calls for help from the Pincher Creek Humane Society during a period of overwhelming animal intake, she asked friends and family to donate to the shelter in his memory in lieu of flowers.

Kayleigh “wanted something that would have longevity, because they both love dogs so much, it was the natural choice,” Sandy says.

What followed was an outpouring of support that initially raised more than $22,000 in 2024, followed later by another $10,000 contributed by friends, family and community supporters.

Staff and PCHS board members hadn’t met Cam, so when donations began accumulating in his honour, co-manager Crissy Riegert says, staff were gobsmacked by the overwhelming support and its impact on the organization.

“We’d never had something like this,” she says. “It’s humbling and it’s so amazing to know that Cam was so loved.”

Kayleigh and Sandy eventually connected with the shelter, allowing staff to express their gratitude and begin discussing ways to honour Cam’s memory.

Since then, the donations have greatly impacted animals in the shelter’s care and the greater community. This includes purchase of a much-needed van to transport animals to veterinary appointments and community events, and a new printer to manage paperwork demands, along with veterinary expenses.

The financial support came at a perfect time for PCHS, which was in the midst of a record-setting year that saw more than 400 animals pass through the shelter.

“We just had a massive intake in 2024. It was nuts. We’d never seen a year like that,” Crissy says.

The idea for the adventure program emerged naturally while staff were searching for a way to ensure Cam’s name and legacy remained clearly and publicly connected to the shelter.

“We came up with Cam’s Doggy Day Adventures so people can come in if they’re heading out for an adventure for the day,” Crissy says.

“Maybe they’re going down to Waterton for a hike or heading to the lake and we’ll hook them up with a friendly dog who would just love to get out for the day.”

For Sandy, the program is a direct reflection of her son’s philosophy and outlook on life, which she describes as “Let’s get out there and enjoy, and make the most of the day.”

“He would have been gratified to know that funds raised in his name went to support the Pincher Creek Humane Society through Kayleigh’s hard, hard work,” she says.

“Our family, led by Kayleigh, are thrilled that we are able to give back to the community, and he would be absolutely delighted. He’d be out there with his dogs enjoying it and would just say, ‘Take care of the things around you. Show them kindness and love.’ ”

The impact has been significant for dogs in the shelter. 

While regular walks are important, Crissy says longer excursions offered through Cam’s Doggy Day Adventures provide a deeper level of enrichment, as well as physical and mental stimulus, as they enjoy newfound sights, smells and experiences.

As a result, many dogs return from outings noticeably calmer and more content.

“They got that happy, slow tail wag because they’re just like, ‘That was a great day. I am pooped. I have sniffed everything. I have peed on everything. I have enjoyed stretching my legs,’ ” she says with a laugh.

The outings also help shelter staff better understand each dog’s temperament and needs outside the kennel environment, improving chances for successful adoption.

Volunteers often become emotionally attached to the experience.

“They always come back with smiles on their faces,” Crissy says. 

“They’ll tell us stories about the dog running into the lake or chasing dragonflies. I think there is a [part of them that’s] like, ‘Hey, I’ve done something for somebody else,’ and that’s always a really nice feeling.”

About $18,000 of the memorial donation is earmarked for major yard improvements at the shelter, including a new community dog agility area dedicated in Cameron’s memory.

The agility project, which Crissy hopes will break ground in the coming weeks, includes new fencing, dedicated dog runs for shelter animals, storage space and an agility area accessible to the community during operating hours.

The MD, local businesses, volunteers and grant applications are all helping move the project forward.

Seeing his legacy carry on through the shelter provides comfort to Cam’s family amid unimaginable loss.

“It was our silver lining,” Sandy says. “It’s a positive. It’s a silver lining out of something that otherwise could have been very bleak.”

Sandy is now also involved with MADD Canada advocacy efforts, promoting safer roads and responsible decision-making. She inspires people to never get behind the wheel while impaired and hopes Cam’s story expresses a simple but meaningful message. 

“Enjoy every day, live life to the fullest,” she says. “Cam wasn’t a saint, but he had a really good heart and we miss him, and we’ll miss him eternally.”

Anyone interested in volunteering for Cam’s Doggy Day Adventures can contact the Pincher Creek Humane Society at 403-627-5191 or visit the shelter in person.

 

Impaired Driving, Memorial, Volunteerism

A piece of blue paper is torn open to reveal the word "APPLICATION" typed in black, all-capital letters on a white background.

Northback water bid contradicts public statements, LLG says

Written on . Posted in Environment.

A water licence application filed by Northback Holdings is drawing sharp criticism from the Livingstone Landowners Group. The group says the application contradicts the coal company’s public statements and raises questions about transparency.

Calling the application filed with the Alberta Energy Regulator to divert water from the Blairmore Creek watershed “premature,” the LLG is urging municipal and provincial leaders to demand full disclosure before any permit is approved. The concerns are tied to the Grassy Mountain coal project, along the Eastern Slopes of the Rocky Mountains.

In a letter sent to both the Town and MD of Pincher Creek on April 22, the LLG said Northback’s March 13 application to divert 185,022 cubic metres of water annually from the Blairmore Creek watershed for 25 years is inconsistent with the company’s previous public assurances.

The group pointed to statements on Northback’s website and a Dec. 9, 2025 presentation to council committees, where the company said the project would require no water drawn from rivers and creeks.

In the letter, the LLG also argues the application is being made ahead of a full mine proposal and therefore does not provide sufficient context for regulators or the public to assess the broader environmental implications.

Bobbi Lambright, LLG board member, says the water issue is central to the group’s concerns about how Northback presents information.

“It just doesn’t feel like Northback is being upfront about what their requirements are,” she says. “How do you trust somebody who’s saying one thing to your face and then is going behind your back essentially to ask the regulator for a permit?”

Lambright raises concerns about the scale of the proposed diversion, saying the application seeks to take water from a tributary of Blairmore Creek in an area she describes as already water-constrained.

“If you have a city of between 120,000 to 150,000 people, that’s how much water they would use, and that’s a lot of water from an area that is very water constrained,” she says.

The LLG also takes issue with the timing, saying the application predates any broader environmental assessment or public disclosure of total water requirements.

The group says this prevents regulators and the public from understanding the full project scope, including total water demand, treatment needs and environmental risks.

“There’s no way that this application should even be considered in advance of a formal application for the mine itself,” Lambright says. “You don’t have enough information for people to fairly evaluate what the implications are going to be.”

The LLG also flags that the Oldman River Basin is already fully allocated and has been closed to new licences since 2007.

However, the group says Northback is seeking to access water under a clause in an earlier allocation order that allows for industrial use.

The group argues the company is attempting to secure a significant portion of that allocation without disclosing its full water requirements for the mine or potential cumulative impacts on the watershed.

Lambright questions the data being used in Northback’s submission, saying the application relies on older hydrological information rather than current conditions.

The LLG has raised its concerns with local and provincial leaders with letters sent to the MD of Pincher Creek, the Town of Pincher Creek, Premier Danielle Smith, the minister of energy, the minister of environment and protected areas, and Livingstone-Macleod MLA Chelsae Petrovic.

Lambright said no responses had been received at the time of the interview.

Northback, in a written response, defended the application as part of its broader water management plan. The company says the water application is part of its revised mine design and water management approach, and is required under Alberta’s water allocation system.

“Northback is advancing a revised mine design which will provide significant benefits to Alberta, while operating with the highest environmental standards,” says James Robson, the company’s manager of strategic communications.

He says water contacting the mine site will be captured for use and treated if necessary, and that full details of water management will be included in its integrated environmental assessment application.

“As such, this application is part of Northback’s water use plan and the full details will be available as part of the integrated environmental assessment application.”

The Grassy Mountain coal project has been the subject of long-standing debate in the region, particularly over its potential impacts on water resources in the Eastern Slopes.

The LLG says its position is not only about the current application, but about ensuring complete disclosure of all water requirements before any approvals are considered.

Lambright says the group’s immediate concern is that the Alberta Energy Regulator does not approve the water permit until a full mine application is submitted and reviewed.

Coal Mining, Resource Development, Water allocation, Water Licences

Graphic with the text "Municipal News from the" at the top and "Town of Pincher Creek" at the bottom, featuring a stylized image of people seated around a curved meeting table in the center.

News briefs from May 11 town council table

Written on . Posted in Civic & Government, Community Life.

More than 80 Town of Pincher Creek policies could soon be rewritten, combined or scrapped altogether after council unanimously approved funding for a comprehensive review aimed at modernizing the municipality’s governance framework.

Council voted during its May 11 regular meeting to authorize Transitional Solutions Inc. to complete the overhaul. Administration said the work is needed to clear outdated documents, improve consistency and support a shift toward a more policy-driven budgeting model.

The decision came after council heard that many of the town’s existing policies are outdated or no longer aligned with current operations and that internal capacity alone would not be enough to complete the level of review required.

Council also spent significant time debating a draft joint-use agreement with Livingstone Range School Division.

Coun. Gordon McMullen was absent from the meeting.

Council approves $30,000 for policy overhaul

Council approved up to $30,000 from the municipal income stabilization reserve to hire Transitional Solutions Inc. to complete a full policy review and rewrite.

Administration told council the town currently has more than 80 policies, many of which are outdated, inconsistent or no longer required.

Chief administrative officer Konrad Dunbar said the scope of the review would be too large for internal staff to complete in a reasonable timeframe.

“We’ve got a lot of them, most of them probably just need to be rescinded,” he said, adding the consultant would help streamline, combine and modernize the policy framework.

Councillors supported the move. Mayor Wayne Oliver said bringing in outside expertise with a broader provincial perspective was the right call.

Council approved the motion unanimously.

Joint-use agreement draws lengthy debate

Council spent the most time reviewing a draft joint use and planning agreement with Livingstone Range School Division. The document, required under the Municipal Government Act, is intended to formalize shared use of municipal and school facilities.

Councillors raised concerns about timelines, implementation details and whether the draft provided enough opportunity for input before provincial deadlines.

Coun. Sahra Nodge said she was “a little disappointed” the agreement came forward for approval without more time for review, noting the issue has been discussed at joint council meetings for several years.

Despite concerns, administration and council members noted municipalities across Alberta are working under similar timelines and that extensions can be requested if agreements are not finalized.

Oliver said the document was a reasonable starting point and emphasized council still had time to refine it through further feedback.

Coun. Brian McGillivray cautioned against overly complex agreements, saying they should remain as simple as possible while still meeting legislative requirements.

Council ultimately directed administration to amend the draft based on feedback provided and bring it back for further consideration.

Chinook Arch highlights library system value

Council heard a delegation from the Chinook Arch Regional Library System, which emphasized the regional value of shared library services and the return on public investment in library programming.

CEO Robin Hepher told council that research suggests every dollar invested in public libraries generates about $6 in economic return through services that support literacy, employment, social services and community programming.

“Your public library is one of the best public dollars you can spend in terms of the impact it has on your community,” Hepher said.

The system includes 40 member municipalities across southern Alberta. Chinook Arch handles behind-the-scenes services such as cataloguing, purchasing, IT support and interlibrary delivery.

The system moves roughly 600,000 items annually through its delivery network, covering about 80,000 kilometres per year.

The delegation also raised a pending request to return the per-capita levy to pre-pandemic levels of $8.17, up from the current $7.76, which would cost the Town of Pincher Creek roughly $1,500 annually.

The increase requires approval from two-thirds of member councils, representing two-thirds of the total population served. That threshold effectively gives the City of Lethbridge, which accounts for just over 50 per cent of the system’s total population, a veto over any levy change.

A previous levy increase request was declined by Lethbridge.

Gas co-operative introduces itself to council

Council also heard from representatives of Chief Mountain Gas Co-op Ltd., a regional natural gas distributor, who provided an overview of operations across multiple municipalities and its history of serving the region since the 1970s.

The presentation included discussion of infrastructure, customer service and expansion through previous acquisitions of related mechanical and HVAC services in Pincher Creek.

Councillors questioned whether residents could switch providers and what process would be required. Representatives indicated a change would require a formal approval process, potentially including a vote.

Coun. Brian McGillivray said council should at least explore whether alternative arrangements could result in savings for taxpayers. He said he would like to see more information on what such a process would involve.

Arena signage

In his CAO report, Dunbar told council a review of arena signage could likely be handled within the existing operating budget, with costs expected to amount to only a few thousand dollars at most.

He said the plan is to remove the signs, obtain a quote while they are already down, and report back to council once the work is complete.

Tax help sessions on the horizon

Dunbar also reminded council of the annual tax assistance sessions held in the last week of June, where councillors sit with residents to answer questions ahead of the June 30 tax deadline.

He asked for direction on the format and scheduling of this year’s sessions. Councillors directed administration to prepare and circulate a schedule with proposed time slots for council participation.

School sponsorship approved after redirect motion fails

Council approved a $350 sponsorship renewal for Matthew Halton High School’s athletics program after an initial motion to redirect the request through the town’s joint funding process failed to carry.

The school wrote to council seeking renewal of a gym banner sponsorship, noting the town’s banner had been displayed since November rather than August due to a maintenance backlog. As a gesture of goodwill, the school offered the renewal at a reduced rate of $350, down from $400.

A motion by Coun. McGillivray to send a thank-you letter and redirect the school to the joint funding process was supported only by McGillivray and Coun. Bernice Cyr, and did not carry.

Coun. Mark Barber then moved that council approve the request as presented, which carried.

Correspondence and updates received

A letter from Lindsey Johnson, co-ordinator with Pincher Creek and District Family and Community Support Services, invited council members to attend a community conversation on seniors’ needs, organized by the Lethbridge Family Services Link program. Nodge expressed interest in attending.

Council also received several items for information, including an update from AltaLink confirming the 185L and 412L transmission line rebuild project north of the community has been delayed to 2029 due to funding changes, with no other project changes reported.

Council was informed of wildfire safety planning updates from AltaLink and changes to Alberta’s recycling system under Extended Producer Responsibility, which will transition municipalities to a provincewide single-stream recycling model, effective Oct. 1.

Council accepted the correspondence as information.

Community Sponsorship, Extended Producer Responsibility, Joint-Use Agreements, Municipal Governance, Policy Review, Public Libraries

A fountain pen writes the word “Petition” in bold, black ink on white paper.

Water concerns drive support for Corb Lund coal petition

Written on . Posted in Civic & Government, Environment.

With a June 10 deadline approaching, Pincher Creek volunteers continue gathering signatures for a citizen-led petition that would ban new coal mining along Alberta’s Eastern Slopes. Water security is the issue bringing most residents to the table.

The provincewide campaign was launched by country musician Corb Lund. The petition seeks to prohibit new mining on the Eastern Slopes, excluding mines already operating as of Jan. 1, 2026.

To proceed, organizers must collect 177,732 valid signatures by June 10. Elections Alberta began the official signature collection period on Feb. 11 after the campaign was reapproved earlier this year under updated provincial legislation.

Pincher Creek resident Allan Garbutt, one of the local canvassers, says volunteers have hosted signings at Ranchland Mall and most recently at the Annex in early May, with plans to return.

He says the response from residents has been encouraging, though a paperwork snag has slowed things down.

Elections Alberta requires signatories to provide identification showing a physical address, not a post office box, which means a driver’s licence listing a box number is not accepted.

Garbutt says many rural residents don’t carry a utility bill or tax notice, the kinds of documents that satisfy the requirement.

Water at the centre

Garbutt says the petition taps into anxiety that has been building in southwestern Alberta for years. He points to the region’s visibly low reservoir levels over the past three years as evidence of how precarious the situation already is.

“The water we drink comes off the East Slopes,” he says. “If the coal mines are allowed to proceed, the water either may not be there or it may be contaminated.”

He describes southwestern Alberta as “the driest corner in the driest province,” noting that more than 90 per cent of water flowing into the North and South Saskatchewan River basins originates on the Eastern Slopes.

The problem, he says, is that the foothills and mountain terrain in this part of the province are exceptionally narrow, roughly 20 kilometres wide, compared with as much as 200 kilometres farther north near Edmonton.

“Anybody who’s looked at our reservoir the past three years up until this fall knows how precarious our water situation can be,” he says.

Cody Johnson, the Pincher Creek resident who organized the Annex signing event, says selenium contamination from coal mining is what concerns him most and points to communities near mines in British Columbia’s Elk Valley as a warning.

“They will use clean water and they will produce contaminated water,” Johnson says of the proposed mining projects. “They have not yet demonstrated a way that they can clean and clear the water before they return it to the system.”

He notes that the proposed Grassy Mountain coal project, the focus of much of the opposition, was reviewed by a joint federal-provincial panel, which concluded it would have adverse environmental effects and was not in the public interest. That decision was later upheld through multiple appeals.

The Annex event drew fewer visitors than Johnson hoped, but the mall event weeks earlier was more successful. One group of visitors stayed with him.

“Several people used to work in mines in British Columbia and they said, ‘We don’t want it here,’ because they say, ‘We know what happens,’” he says. “I was surprised when miners came up to me and said that.”

He frames coal as a sunset industry ill-suited to the region’s future and questions the economic rationale for a project that would, in his view, put tourism, fishing and recreation at risk for a limited number of short-term jobs.

“You aren’t bringing tourists to look at open-pit mines and blowing up mountains,” he says. “That one industry would put many other things at risk.”

A narrow strip, and a fragile one

Brenda Davison, an environmentalist who lives near Burmis, between Crowsnest Pass and Pincher Creek, says her concerns are both personal and environmental.

She draws her drinking water from a private well fed by groundwater near the Crowsnest River and says contamination from selenium — a byproduct of coal mining that leaches into waterways — would leave her with no safe alternative.

“If the groundwater gets contaminated, I’m in big trouble,” she says. “They can clean the surface water, but they can’t get that deep water.”

She describes the area’s mountains as uniquely fragile water towers. Unlike areas near Canmore or Banff, where multiple mountain ranges provide a broad band of water-capturing terrain, she says the Crowsnest area has only a thin strip between the Continental Divide and the open prairie.

“The reason the Crowsnest River keeps running even when it’s not raining is because the mountains are like big water towers,” she says. “They hold the water.”

Davison also worries about coal dust and the long-term impact of open-pit mining on wildlife habitat and migration corridors along the Eastern Slopes. Grizzly bears, elk and wolves once ranged across the prairies, but she says they have been pushed back by private land development until only a narrow corridor of public land remains.

She describes the Crowsnest area as the narrowest wildlife corridor along the entire Continental Divide and says open-pit mining would further fragment or eliminate it.

Grizzly bears are “an indicator species — if you have bears, you have a healthy ecosystem,” she says. “The only place where there can be grizzly bears or wolves or animals or those kinds of things, where they’re safe, is public land. It’s already very small here.”

She has collected about 50 petition signatures by going door-to-door in the Burmis area, with roughly 70 per cent of those she approached agreeing to sign.

Davison says she understands some residents support coal development because of potential employment opportunities, but believes the economic benefits would be temporary compared with the long-term environmental impact.

“A lot of people in the Crowsnest Pass, their parents and grandparents were coal miners,” she says. “I don’t want to discount other people in the Pass who believe the coal mine will bring jobs, I just believe that a healthy environment is very important.”

Garbutt says organizers plan to continue hosting signing events in Pincher Creek in the coming weeks and encourages residents interested in signing to contact local canvassers.

“Sign the petition — our water security depends on it,” he says. “If somebody up this way wants to sign and they haven’t done it already, I’ll come to their house.”

Citizen-Led Petitions, Coal Mining, Environmental Protection, Open-pit mining, Selenium, Water Security, Wildlife Corridors

Former Town of Pincher Creek mayor Don Anderberg flips pancakes on a griddle. Text next to him says "Pancake flippers needed! Calling local community groups."

Town seeks a host to flip pancakes for hundreds on Aug. 15

Written on . Posted in Civic & Government, Community Life.

The downtown pancake breakfast is a rodeo weekend tradition that draws hundreds every year. The Town of Pincher Creek invites community groups to apply to host the annual affair on Aug. 15.

Service clubs, non-profit organizations and other community groups are eligible.

The breakfast has been a Pincher Creek tradition for more than 30 years, according to Konrad Dunbar, the town’s chief administrative officer.

Hosting the breakfast gives an organization a chance to showcase its work, connect with residents and visitors, and take part in one of the community’s biggest weekends of the year. Proceeds go to the host group to support its programs.

“We want to give all local interested organizations the opportunity to participate in co-ordinating this longstanding community tradition,” Dunbar says.

While the town will not serve as the primary organizer, he says municipal support is available where feasible, including tables, garbage services and washroom access.

Members of both Town and MD of Pincher Creek councils will attend the breakfast and assist with serving.

Interested organizations can find application details online at pinchercreek.ca/rodeo-weekend or contact Carolina Hunsperger, executive assistant with the town, at 403-627-3156.

Community Events, Pancake Breakfast, Volunteer Opportunities

Close up of a person's hand signing and stamping and official document

New traffic bylaw reshapes road-use rules in MD

Written on . Posted in Civic & Government, RCMP & Public Safety.

Where you park your camper, whether your cattle are grazing on a road allowance and how quickly you must shovel your sidewalk — a newly passed bylaw touches on a wide range of everyday issues across the MD of Pincher Creek.

Council approved Bylaw 1365-25 on May 12, establishing updated rules governing traffic, parking, recreational vehicles, off-highway vehicles and the use of municipal road allowances.

The traffic bylaw was passed following a process that began with first reading in September 2025 and included a public open house, legal review and multiple rounds of amendments.

The bylaw is intended to give the MD clearer authority to regulate traffic, parking, vehicles, animals and pedestrian activity while supporting public safety, property protection and the orderly use of public spaces.

In its report to council, administration noted the move was driven by growth of the MD’s enforcement services department and the need to modernize existing rules to better serve and protect ratepayers.

A public hearing was not legally required — the Municipal Government Act mandates hearings for land-use bylaws and rezoning applications, not traffic bylaws. The MD chose to actively seek public feedback anyway.

The bylaw came back to council in December 2025, but administration determined further changes were needed, particularly around road allowances and clarity of enforcement and appeal processes.

A council committee reviewed the amended bylaw in January 2026 and legal counsel reviewed the road allowance provisions and two schedules attached to the document.

The changes made after the legal review included updated terminology, replacing “Lessor/Lesee” with “Grantor/Grantee.” The termination notice period for road allowance permits from three days to 30 days, in line with the Traffic Safety Act.

What the bylaw means for residents

For most residents, the bylaw’s day-to-day implications are straightforward.

Provisions include restrictions on draining vehicle fluids onto highways, placing debris or obstructions on roads and sidewalks, and creating hazards that interfere with traffic or pedestrian movement.

Property owners adjacent to sidewalks are required to clear snow, ice, dirt and other obstructions within 24 hours of accumulation. The bylaw also prohibits extension cords from being placed across sidewalks or driveways in a way that could create a hazard.

The municipality has authority to remove obstructions or impound vehicles and equipment that block highways or create unsafe conditions, with associated costs recoverable from the responsible party.

Heavy vehicles face their own restrictions. They are generally prohibited from parking in the MD’s hamlets — Beaver Mines, Lowland Heights, Lundbreck, Pincher Station and Twin Butte — unless they are actively loading or unloading, or are construction equipment parked next to a work site.

Vehicles equipped with metal cleats or tracks are barred from paved highways to prevent road damage.

The bylaw also places restrictions on recreational vehicles. Unattached RVs may not be parked on highways, while attached ones may only be parked adjacent to the owner’s residence between May 1 and Oct. 15.

Recreational vehicles parked on highways are limited to 72 consecutive hours and must then be removed for at least 48 hours before returning.

Camping or residing in recreational vehicles on highways, ditches, road allowances or other public places is prohibited outside approved campground facilities.

Off-highway vehicles, including quads and similar machines, are generally prohibited from operating on municipal highways unless used for agricultural work, snow removal or under a special permit issued by the municipality. Any off-highway vehicle operating under those exceptions must be registered and insured under the Traffic Safety Act.

One of the most detailed sections of the bylaw deals with the use of developed and undeveloped municipal road allowances, the strips of publicly owned land that run alongside or between properties in the municipality.

The bylaw prohibits residents from developing, irrigating, farming or otherwise using road allowances for agricultural purposes without municipal authorization. Fencing, corrals and barriers are also prohibited unless approved through a Temporary Road Allowance Permit.

The permit system formalizes how livestock grazing and certain agricultural uses may occur on road allowances.

Applications must identify the location, intended use and fencing plans. Permit holders must also carry at least $2 million in general liability insurance and install a public access sign at the gate.

The bylaw requires livestock on road allowances to be secured using electric fencing and gates must remain unlocked to maintain public access.

It also creates an appeal process through the Enforcement Services Appeal Board for applicants whose permits are denied or cancelled.

The bylaw outlines enforcement powers available to peace officers, including issuing municipal orders, violation tickets and towing or impounding vehicles involved in contraventions.

For unauthorized agricultural activity on road allowances, the municipality may order corrective action, remove equipment or livestock and recover costs from the responsible person if compliance orders are ignored.

In cases involving livestock placed on road allowances without approval, the municipality may capture and confine animals in accordance with Alberta’s Stray Animals Act.

The bylaw establishes penalties for offences ranging from parking violations to unauthorized agricultural use of road allowances.

Specified penalties start from $75 for some traffic-control offences. Fines for road allowance violations start at $375 and can reach $8,000 for failing to comply with a municipal order affecting more than 15 acres.

Across all sections of the bylaw, penalties can reach as high as $10,000 upon conviction, with repeat offenders facing doubled or tripled fines within a 12-month period.

The bylaw passed at the May 12 meeting with all attending members in favour. Coun. Tony Bruder was absent.

Municipal Enforcement, Off-Highway Vehicles, Parking Regulations, Recreational Vehicles, Road Allowances, Stray Animals Act, Traffic Bylaw, Traffic Safety Act

Wooden gavel resting on legal books beside brass scales of justice

‘Historic victory’ for Piikani as court quashes separatist petition

Written on . Posted in Civic & Government.

Piikani Nation is calling a recent Alberta Court of King’s Bench decision a “historic victory” for treaty rights. A May 13 ruling by Justice Shaina Leonard struck down the approval of a citizen-led petition that would have triggered a referendum on Alberta separating from Canada.

Chief Troy Knowlton says the decision affirms that Treaty 7 is a “living, constitutionally protected agreement” that cannot be overridden by a citizen-led initiative or provincial referendum.

Leonard’s decision quashed chief electoral officer Gordon McClure’s approval of the Referendum Relating to Alberta Independence petition, finding he made an error in law that rendered the approval unreasonable.

The court also found the province failed in its duty to consult First Nations, including the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, Blood Tribe, Piikani Nation and Siksika Nation, before allowing the process to advance.

In her ruling, Leonard says approval of the petition triggered a legally binding chain of events under Alberta’s Citizen Initiative Act, including a mandatory referendum if enough signatures were verified.

The court found Elections Alberta failed to properly consider earlier judicial findings that a secession proposal would violate treaty rights protected under the Constitution.

The legal backdrop

Leonard’s ruling builds on a Dec. 6, 2025 decision by Justice Colin Feasby, who found a referendum proposal seeking Alberta’s separation would violate treaty rights.

Days later, on Dec. 11, the provincial government amended the Citizen Initiative Act to remove a requirement that referendum proposals be compatible with Charter and treaty rights. A transitional provision applied the change to the existing petition, allowing it to move forward.

Leonard’s ruling casts doubt over the future of the petition.

Stay Free Alberta, the campaign led by Mitch Sylvestre, CEO of the Alberta Prosperity Project, says it had gathered more than 300,000 signatures — well above the roughly 178,000 required to trigger referendum consideration under Alberta’s citizen initiative rules.

The signatures have not been counted. Stay Free Alberta delivered the petition to Elections Alberta on May 4, but the agency was barred from verifying signatures by an interim court injunction issued in April. The boxes remain locked in a secure Elections Alberta facility.

Piikani Nation: Treaty not ‘historical footnote’

For Knowlton, who also serves as president of the Blackfoot Confederacy, Leonard’s ruling validates a position First Nations have maintained from the beginning.

“Treaty 7 is not a historical footnote — it is a living, constitutionally protected agreement that established a nation-to-nation relationship and guaranteed our rights to our lands, our way of life, and our self-determination,” Knowlton says.

“The court has confirmed that those rights cannot be ignored, overridden, or placed at risk by a citizen initiative or provincial referendum.”

He says the ruling makes clear that any attempt to sever Alberta from Canada without proper consultation and accommodation of First Nations rights is “unlawful and unconstitutional.”

He says Piikani Nation “remains committed to protecting our treaty rights through every lawful means available.”

Smith calls ruling ‘anti-democratic,’ vows appeal

The Alberta government says it will appeal the decision.

Premier Danielle Smith, responding to questions at an unrelated press conference on May 13, called the ruling “incorrect in law and anti-democratic,” saying it would deny “well over 300,000 Albertans” the opportunity to have their petition verified.

She says cabinet and caucus will meet to review next steps.

Smith also suggests the ruling raises broader questions about independence movements in Canada and said Alberta would likely seek to continue the legal argument at a higher court.

She maintains the citizen initiative process was designed to be permissive and says the government remains committed to hearing from Albertans.

May 16 appeal

Stay Free Alberta filed its own appeal on May 16. Sylvestre’s lawyer, Jeffrey Rath, says the group will request that the appeal be fast-tracked.

The court filing lists more than a dozen grounds for appeal, including arguments that Leonard erred in finding McClure’s approval unreasonable and in finding that the Crown had a duty to consult in this case.

Opposition tells Smith to accept court decision

Opposition NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi welcomes the decision. Calling out Smith directly, he says the ruling exposed her government’s failure to uphold its legal obligations and urges the premier to “accept the court’s decision.”

Nenshi praises the First Nations who led the legal fight, calling them fearless and saying they acted not just for their own communities but for all Albertans and all Canadians.

He says the referendum proposal is “dead” and calls on the premier to abandon any further effort to revive it, warning that pursuing it would be costly and divisive.

“Albertans are proud Canadians and want nothing more than to move on from this and focus on the things that really matter,” Nenshi says.

The petition at the centre of the case asked Albertans: “Do you agree that the Province of Alberta should cease to be a part of Canada to become an independent state?”

It was approved in January, before being challenged in court by First Nations groups over constitutional and treaty concerns.

Alberta Independence | Separation, Citizen Initiative Act, Citizen-Led Petitions, Constitutional Law, Duty To Consult, First Nations, Treaty 7, Treaty Rights

A group of people at an awards ceremony

Bev Thornton honoured for leadership in economic development

Written on . Posted in Business & Economy, Community Life.

When Bev Thornton was nominated for the Gerry Gabinet Mentorship Award, something unexpected happened — more than 20 letters of support poured in from colleagues, partners and leaders across Alberta, Canada and the United States. Thornton had no idea any of it was happening.

“I was quite surprised,” says Thornton, executive director of Alberta SouthWest Regional Economic Development Alliance.

“I feel very blessed to have wonderful colleagues and organizations and professionals to work with. It’s very nice to have the people that you work with take time to express appreciation.”

The award is named after Gerry Gabinet, described by Economic Developers Alberta as a giant in economic development in Alberta and across Canada. It recognizes professionals who demonstrate mentorship, leadership and a commitment to supporting others in the field.

She received the award April 16 during the EDA Xperience conference in Kananaskis.

She is only the third recipient since it was established, following Linda Erickson and Bob Aspelco.

“Gerry was a very strong member of EDA, of the board, of setting the direction and just helping raise the standard of professionalism among economic developers,” Thornton says. “After he passed away, this award was set up to remember him. I’m honoured to be the third one in that group.”

Thornton traces her involvement in what would become Alberta SouthWest Regional Economic Development Alliance back to 1999, when southwestern Alberta mayors started conversations about working more collaboratively as a region.

The partnership formally began in 2001 with a memorandum of understanding and evolved into a larger regional alliance representing 15 municipalities.

While working for the provincial government, Thornton was assigned to help establish regional economic development collaborations.

“In 2011, the province changed the structure and I decided at that time to leave government and just stay with Alberta Southwest as the executive director,” she says.

Before entering economic development, Thornton taught high school in Claresholm and Pincher Creek. She moved to Alberta with her husband, Doug, whose family operated hardware and furniture businesses in Crowsnest Pass, Pincher Creek, Claresholm and Fort Macleod.

Her philosophy on economic development is straightforward.

“I often think of economic development as being career planning for communities,” she says. “Know yourself, know your options and make a plan.”

Thornton is one of Alberta’s most-recognized economic development professionals, with career achievements spanning more than two decades.

In 2013, she was named Economic Developer of the Year by EDA. She served on the EDA board from 2014 to 2019 and was president of the organization from 2017 to 2018.

In 2017, Thornton became the first Canadian recipient of the Jeffrey A. Finkle Organizational Leadership Award from the International Economic Development Council.

Under her leadership, AlbertaSW became one of just a few organizations in Canada to achieve Accredited Economic Development Organization status through the IEDC in 2018, with reaccreditation in 2022.

Projects led through the alliance have collectively received more than 30 provincial, national and international awards in areas including tourism, sustainability, digital marketing, investment attraction and regional collaboration.

Thornton received the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal in 2023 for leadership in sustainable economic development and community service.

In announcing the Gerry Gabinet Mentorship Award, EDA described Thornton as “a mentor who meets people where they are, sees their potential and helps them move forward, often before they see it themselves.”

And, as the letters of support repeatedly highlighted, much of this work happens quietly, behind the scenes, without looking for recognition.

Her own description of mentorship is characteristically practical.

“It’s just communication — talking to people, listening to people, trying to understand where their concerns are, where their strengths are and then trying to make connections,” she says. “Connecting the dots, I guess, is one way to put it.”

Thornton is particularly proud of two initiatives.

The regional business licence program launched in 2003, allowing businesses to operate across partner municipalities without needing a separate licence in each community.

“We still sell about 300 to 350 of those every year,” she says. “It’s just a little partnership agreement that works really well.”

The Peaks to Prairies EV charging station network is an example of regional collaboration extending beyond southwestern Alberta.

“None of us do this by ourselves,” she says. “We are just really fortunate to have a group of communities who are very committed.”

Thornton encourages those considering work in economic development to embrace the diversity of backgrounds people bring to the field. She recalls the words of a former Lethbridge mayor who said he liked economic development because “we get to play what if.”

One of the biggest lessons Thornton has learned is the importance of understanding communities and adapting to changing needs.

Looking ahead, AlbertaSW is focused on deepening collaboration among its 15 member communities — connecting regional chambers of commerce for the first time, exploring shared strategies for the area’s network of small airports, and expanding value-added agriculture.

“When things are changing so rapidly, the best thing we can be doing is communicating with each other and collaborating with each other,” Thornton says. “Nothing happens if you don’t start the conversation.”

After 25 years at the centre of southwestern Alberta’s regional economic development story, Thornton shows no signs of slowing. When asked what continues to drive her, her answer is simple.

“Just the possibilities,” she says.

“Every day is different. Just when we think we have everything figured out, things change. So you’re always having to do something new.”

economic development, EV Charging, Gerry Gabinet Mentorship Award, Mentorship, Regional Business Licence Program, Regional Collaboration, Regional Economic Development, Value-Added Agriculture

Graphic with the text "Municipal News from the MD of Pincher Creek" on the left side, featuring a stylized image of people seated around a meeting table on the right.

Briefs from April 28 MD of Pincher Creek council table

Written on . Posted in Civic & Government, Environment.

Conservation, water use and municipal advocacy were among the key topics discussed at the MD of Pincher Creek’s April 28 council meeting.

Councillors approved a conservation easement registration request from the Southern Alberta Land Trust Society. They also finalized amendments to the municipality’s land-use bylaw governing agricultural reservoirs and dugouts.

Conservation easement approved

Council acknowledged receipt of a notice from the Southern Alberta Land Trust Society regarding a proposed conservation easement on the Fitch Bradley property located at NE-36-5-1-W5.

The project covers about 67.79 hectares, or 160.1 acres.

Under the Alberta Land Stewardship Act, municipalities must be notified before a conservation easement is registered.

SALTS asked the MD to waive the standard 60-day notice period to allow immediate registration. Council approved the request.

Administration noted that while municipalities may object to a conservation easement registration, the easement can still proceed. The notice primarily serves to inform the municipality that the conservation easement will be placed on the property.

Dugout and reservoir bylaw passes

Council gave second and third readings to Bylaw 1369-26, which amends the municipality’s land-use bylaw to better define and regulate dugouts and agricultural water reservoirs. The changes clarify the difference between smaller dugouts and larger agricultural water storage projects within agriculturally oriented districts.

The amendments define dugouts as excavated water storage areas generally located below natural grade, while larger reservoirs exceeding one acre or involving above-grade storage would fall under a separate classification with additional requirements.

The bylaw also introduces provisions allowing some dugouts and reservoirs to proceed without a development permit if they meet setback, sight-line and capacity requirements. Additional regulations address engineering requirements for larger projects and possible fencing requirements near residences.

The bylaw received first reading March 3. No members of the public spoke and no written submissions were received at an April 14 public hearing.

FCM membership not renewed

Council voted not to renew the municipality’s membership in the Federation of Canadian Municipalities for 2026-27. The motion stated council believes the organization is more urban-focused.

Summer Games invitation received

Council received as information an invitation from the Town of Bow Island to attend the opening ceremonies for the Southern Alberta Summer Games.

The Games are scheduled to run July 8 to 11, with opening ceremonies planned for July 8 at Centennial Park in Bow Island.

Letter to province requested

Under new business, council directed administration to send a followup letter to Environment and Protected Areas Minister Grant Hunter regarding red-tape reduction and a previously denied diversion permit application connected to pumping raw water from dugouts.

The discussion referenced a 2023 permit application that was denied, despite water hauling from the same location being permitted.

Agricultural Water Reservoirs, Alberta Land Stewardship Act, Conservation Easements, Land-Use Bylaw, Municipal Advocacy, Red Tape Reduction, Water Diversion Permits

A graphic of a yellow road sign that says "Rural Crime Watch Area" next to a yellow logo for Alberta Rural Crime Watch

The neighbours are watching as Rural Crime Watch rebuilds

Written on . Posted in Community Life, RCMP & Public Safety.

Before dawn on a morning in 2019, three men arrived on Main Street in Pincher Creek, hot-wired Anne Stevick’s truck and drove off, taking her RV with it. Surveillance footage from a nearby business captured the whole thing — they were gone within seven minutes.

“It really invades your personal space and makes you feel very vulnerable,” Stevick says. “I just felt like there had to be a way that community could help.”

That belief eventually led her to Rural Crime Watch and now, as the newly elected president of the Southwest Rural Crime Watch Association, she’s leading a push to rebuild the organization from the ground up.

The volunteer-driven association works alongside the RCMP, Alberta Fish and Wildlife, municipal enforcement and other partners. Stevick was recently appointed as president alongside vice-president Shelly-Anne Dennis, treasurer Blanche Lemire and secretary Barb Boyer.

“Police can’t be everywhere all the time,” Stevick says. “If we can work with our neighbours, our community, our RCMP and our municipality, it will make it a lot easier to prevent and detect crime before it even happens.”

The association serves as the local chapter of Alberta’s provincial Rural Crime Watch program, encouraging residents to report suspicious activity and share information to help keep rural communities safe.

Why reorganization was needed

The theft of Stevick’s truck came during a broader wave of vehicle thefts and farmyard break-ins that swept the area around 2019 and 2020. RCMP encouraged the formation of a local Rural Crime Watch chapter and she became involved shortly after.

The association did not sustain its early momentum. Over the years, meeting attendance dwindled, a quorum became difficult to reach and the executive struggled without enough volunteers to keep it running effectively.

The organization began reorganizing late last year after newly appointed community peace officer Robyn Potter and local RCMP members encouraged residents to revive the association and recruit a new executive team.

Organizational meetings were held in December and January. On Jan. 21, the association held a formal election of officers, with nominations open from the floor.

Stevick, who served as vice-president during a previous, less active period, put her name forward for the top role.

“It’s a way bigger job than we thought,” she says, noting the team has spent many hours working to reinstate the society.

Crime is quiet — for now

Stevick says southwestern Alberta is currently in a relatively calm period when it comes to rural crime.

At the association’s April meeting, RCMP Const. Val Dennis reported that the past couple of years have been notably quiet compared to the spike seen around 2019, when multiple theft rings operated in the region.

But this calm is not taken as a reason to stand down as the group works on preparedness.

Stevick points to a recent incident in which residents reported a suspicious vehicle in a rural yard, leading to quick recovery of a stolen ATV later the same day.

The collaboration helps both law enforcement and rural residents respond more effectively to suspicious activity, Stevick says.

Signage, membership and fundraising

The association has nearly 60 members and has already started rebuilding its presence through community outreach efforts, including participation in the recent Pincher Creek Trade Show, where members promoted Rural Crime Watch and signed up new residents.

Membership costs $25 per family annually and includes a Rural Crime Watch sign for property entrances. As a deterrence measure, the association hopes to install larger signs along major roads entering the municipality.

“Just so people with ill intentions think maybe this community is paying attention,” Stevick says.

Looking ahead

At the annual general meeting, scheduled for June 15, members are expected to discuss bylaws, recruit additional directors and hear from guest speakers on crime prevention topics.

Following a summer break, the association will hold quarterly meetings going forward. Stevick says the goal is to make meetings worthwhile, not simply routine.

Future discussions may include cybercrime, telephone scams and online fraud targeting seniors.

“We hope to reinvigorate it so it keeps going for another 20 to 25 years,” she says.

Residents interested in getting involved can visit the association’s Facebook page or contact the MD of Pincher Creek office.

Community Safety, Crime Prevention, Cybercrime, Farmyard Break-Ins, Rural Crime, Rural Crime Watch, Vehicle Theft