Summary of Local News Stories from September 18 to October 1

Election: 

15 Olds candidates vy for six councillor seats, two contenders for mayor 

Daniel Daley and Michael Muzychka are confirmed as running for mayor. 

Fifteen candidates are running for six councillor positions. 

They include: Curtis Cook, Chad Taylor, Mary Anne Overwater, Wanda Blatz, James Cummings, Darren Wilson, Darcy Dobush, Benjamin (Ben) Chrusch, Michael Clark, Debra (Debbi) Bennett, Pat Bekker, Chris Parkhouse, Evelyn Smith, Patrick Dardis and Janey Olson. 

Where, when and how to vote in the October Olds election 

Nominations for those who wish to run for a council seat close Sept. 22 at 12 noon. 

Candidate information packages are available via this link: Candidate Information Package. Prospective candidates will have to book an appointment to submit nomination papers. 

Community News:  

New medical clinic opens in Olds helping to reduce patient waitlists 

Town of Olds Mayor Judy Dahl said it’s her understanding that the wait list for unattached patients in Olds has now fallen from 1,200 to 200 

Alberta teachers reject government contract offer, setting up provincewide strike 

The Alberta Teachers' Association, which represents 51,000 teachers across the province, announced Monday that nearly 90 per cent of those who voted over the past three days rejected the deal. 

Federal government invests in transit planning and service expansion for rural Albertan communities 

Rural Albertan communities will assess local transit needs and purchase public transit vehicles and supporting infrastructure following an investment of more than $8 million from the federal government. 

Airdrie not on ‘Best Towns in Alberta for Retirees’ list — but this town north of us is 

In its entry, WorldAtlas wrote: “Olds, located in central Alberta, mixes rural charm with strong community services, making it an attractive option for retirees.” The site highlighted Olds College, the Olds Hospital and Care Centre, and noted: “The Olds College Botanic Gardens provide beautifully landscaped grounds, ideal for peaceful strolls and seasonal displays.” Centennial Park and the Mountain View Museum were also cited. 

10 Best Towns In Alberta For Retirees 

From cultural hubs that host lively festivals to lakeside communities built for leisure, Alberta’s towns reveal a quieter, more connected side of the province. Discover ten of the best towns where retirees can find both peace of mind and plenty of character. 

Town of Olds advocates for revival of Alberta summer jobs program 

Summer Temporary Employment Program was created by provincial government in 1972, chopped in 2013, reinstated in 2016, then eliminated again in 2019 

Terry Fox Run in Olds hits 20-year fundraising high 

While the 45th annual Terry Fox Run to raise money for cancer research happened in many places across Canada on Sept.14, it was held Sept. 21 at a new location in Olds at Mountain View Strength and Conditioning. 

Karla Bergum shares cultural teachings through equine assisted learning 

“Horses will give you the self-awareness to recognize your feelings and emotions which will lead you to your own healing path,” shared Karla Bergum, owner of Mane Attraction Stables & Spirit Evolution, a home away from home that offers life skills development through equine assisted learning. 

Local Sports: 

Weekend Recap: 3 Games at Home 

Following the Grizzlys opening weekend, the Olds Sportsplex saw 3 straight home games to continue the start of this new season, giving local fans plenty of early chances to watch their team in action. 

Town of Olds launches 10-Year renewal plan for Sportsplex 

Resident feedback from the 2026 Budget Survey indicates the community would prefer to maintain the existing facility rather than invest in a new building.   

Olds College: 

Taking a holistic approach to soil health 

Olds College researcher developing soil health scorecard 

Protective Services: 

Olds Fire Department makes drones permanent after year-long pilot 

The Olds Fire Department is making drone technology a permanent part of its emergency response program after a year of piloting the tool in emergency responses and training exercises. 

Olds RCMP investigate fatal fire 

Investigators are looking into the cause of a fatal house fire in Torrington Wednesday.