APRIL NEWS
- The Town of Cochrane partnered with the Easter Bunny for a pilot project where Easter egg plants were being grown at Cochrane Ranche.
- Albertans born between 1957 and 1963 became eligible to book vaccine appointments at participating pharmacies in Calgary, Edmonton and Red Deer at the beginning of April. At the time, it was unclear when rural pharmacies such as those in Cochrane would be able to provide doses to the newly eligible age group.
- A horse that fell into the Bow River was rescued from its freezing waters near Morley by Stoney Nakoda First Nation members.
- Kiwanis Club of Cochrane kicked off their annual collection of gently used bikes for community youth.
- The Cochrane Jeepers announced their Birthday Parades would be commencing again April 6 after being born out of stress and uncertainty during the COVID-19 pandemic the year prior.
- Fire crews from Rocky View County (RVC), Exshaw, Cochrane, Benchlands, Stoney Nakoda First Nation, Madden and Redwood Meadows were able to limit damage to a family home from a wildfire that started off Highway 1A. The fire forced evacuations from Ghost Station Gas Bar, Wildcat Hills Gas Plant and two nearby homes. A fire ban was put in place for Cochrane and RVC afterwards.
- The provincial 2021 budget announced new funding to allow for additional student spaces in Cochrane schools in the form of modular units.
- Clare’s Law, which gives those at risk, or an individual given consent by someone at risk, the ability to apply for a disclosure to discover if their intimate partner has a history of domestic violence or related acts, came into effect for Alberta April 1.
- The Cochrane Art Club planned a virtual show for its 29 members, spanning from April 24 to May 30.
- A report from HSAA (Health Sciences Association of Alberta), the union that represents healthcare professionals, indicated in a report that Cochrane experienced a critical under servicing of ambulances at the start of 2021.
- Town council voted to allow its mask bylaw to lapse at the end of April in a close 4-3 vote.
- Cochrane restaurants began preparations to open pop-up patios in response to government and Alberta Health Services restrictions.
- Rocky View Schools opted to not participate in Alberta’s controversial Draft K-6 Curriculum pilot.
- The 80s cult classic BMX movie, RAD, which was filmed in Cochrane, celebrated its 35th anniversary. No official celebrations were planned however, due to the pandemic.
- Airdrie-Cochrane MLA Peter Guthrie penned a statement in support of Alberta’s return to Step 1 of COVID-19 restrictions after 16 United Conservative Party MLA’s released a letter criticizing the province's decision to increase health measures once again.
- Cochrane-based Miss Poutine food truck had its soft launch at the end of April, before its official opening to the public.
- St. Timothy High School moved to online learning April 19 after the activation of circuit breaker measures to help limit the spread of COVID-19.
- Cochrane Fire Services First Class firefighters Dale Krawec and Robert Beer were presented with the Alberta Emergency Services Medal April 14 for their 12 years of service.
- Bragg Creek resident Teri Fullerton had a close encounter with a cougar April 10, photographing the animal on her deck.
- Local photographer Jacquie Matechuk won a bronze medal in the World Photographic Cup for her digital composition “Zip It.” Team Canada also placed third overall.
- The Cochrane Primary Care Centre announced it would close by January 2022, citing its reason for closure was due to a changing environment, which includes the pandemic and the departure of 50 per cent of the clinic’s doctors.
- The Cochrane Walmart Supercentre is added to the province’s outbreak list April 27.
- Cochrane man Ivan Scott was charged with at least one child pornography offence after a discovery by ALERT’s Internet Child Exploitation Unit.
- A vigil was held April 28 to honour the life of 23-year-old Stoney Nakoda First Nation member Keesha Crawler, who was found deceased on the side of Highway 1A. Crawler had exited a moving vehicle that was operated by her partner Bryan Kelrick House Junior. The RCMP investigation revealed Crawler had been placed back in the vehicle and then was left on the side of the road where she succumbed to her injuries before EMS could reach her. Junior had called EMS but did not stay by her side and was charged with one count of criminal negligence causing death.
