Summary of Local News Stories March 6 – March 19, 2025

Here are the local news stories making headlines from March 6 – March 19, 2025:

Town News:

Central Alberta town's retail gap survey projects increased demand, spending - The Albertan News A recent survey found that retail spending is projected to increase from $696 million in 2024 to $893 million by 2034

Central Alberta town looking for contractor to study transit service - The Albertan News A contractor to undertake the study could be chosen by late March, community services director Guy Lapointe says

Olds College & Chinooks Edge:

Olds College - Olds Launches New Environmental Science & Technology Diploma Program Olds College of Agriculture & Technology has been preparing students for careers in reclamation and remediation, environmental stewardship and land use planning for more than 35 years through its Land & Water Resources diploma program.

A circuit to success - Chinook's Edge students amped up by new skilled trades dual credit course Chinook's Edge high school students have access to a new, advanced level of a dual credit course for this semester. Readiness for the Skilled Trades in mechanics, hydraulics and electrical is now available at a level 2. The only Readiness for the Skilled Trades level 2 program offered to Chinook's Edge students prior to this one is Welding 2167

Community News:

Olds Chamber President hopes new board can provide "really valuable insight" - My Mountain View Now 

About three dozen members of the local business community gathered on Thursday, March 14th for the Olds & District Chamber of Commerce’s annual general meeting.

The AGM at the Olds Legion included Doug Rieberger presenting the Olds Chamber President’s message. He noted that the Chamber is in a good financial position and it will be increasing collaborations to bring benefits to members

Central Alberta town council approves nearly $54,000 in FCSS grants - The Albertan News

Grants approved ranged from $26,050 for BGC Olds & Area programming to $1,100 each to Mountain View Regional Libraries and the Olds & Area Pregnancy Support Centre

Green light given to finalize sale of central Alberta town's land for $1 - The Albertan News

Land will be sold to Masterbuilt Projects Ltd. if the developer constructs a mixed-use building with commercial space on the bottom and residences above that meets with the town’s approval

Central Alberta councillor says he's still eligible to be on council - The Albertan News

Harvey Walsh says he does live part of the time with his wife in a home in the county, but says his primary residence is in Olds.

Regional, Provincial & Federal:

Alberta budget helps create 'perfect storm' in Central Alberta town - The Albertan News

Coun. Darren Wilson says pressures created by an increasing education tax and low provincial grants are squeezing the Town of Olds and its taxpayers

Federal Conservative leader's wife tours central Alberta emergency shelter - The Albertan News  Mountain View Emergency Shelter Society president Joe Carignan says Anaida “Ana” Poilievre wanted to take the tour because she's very interested in family and children and seems concerned about human trafficking

Unclear if province will ever pay taxes on provincially-owned buildings in central Alberta - The Albertan News Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills MLA Nathan Cooper says he'll contact Municipal Affairs Minister Ric McIver to get the answer to that question

Central Alberta town's grant request turned down by Alberta cabinet minister - The Albertan News   Town of Olds officials had hoped to obtain a Local Growth and Sustainability Grant to help cover costs for water and wastewater upgrades

Protective Services:

RCMP commanding officer in central Alberta to retire in April - The Albertan News  RCMP Staff Sgt. Warren Wright, originally from Olds, served in nine postings in Alberta and Saskatchewan over a 32-year career

Too early to say if Central Alberta RCMP camp will be held again this year - The Albertan News  One of the officers who organized the first camp last year has been moved to another position so it's a question of whether he has the time to organize a camp this year, Olds RCMP commanding officer Staff Sgt. Warren Wright says