Kananaskis Country

“We’re seeing that impact not only the community and its ability to retain community members and build a place that people want to call home for the future, but it’s also beginning to impact the labor force and our ability to retain and attract workers, whether that be in tourism and hospitality or nursing or teachers.”

Environment and Climate Change Canada says conditions are favourable today for the development of funnel clouds in the Kananaskis and Canmore area, and warmer than average conditions are expected for the weekend. 

“Overall, our division’s picture for the 2023-24 school year is bright. We are delighted to see a significant increase in provincial education funding.”

“People have been receptive about being part of the guide. It puts them on the housing map. People looking for jobs here find it amazing they have this resource.”

Anytime the Friends of Kananaskis Country can leave a trail better than they found it, they’re happy. Anytime they can take the reins of a $240,000 trail project on their stomping grounds, they’re ecstatic.

“Where I keep coming back to is that it’s undeniable that our mountain communities are tourism-oriented economies and that building a successful tourism destination requires successful infrastructure to support them.”

EDITORIAL: Regardless of which party is in power in Alberta four weeks from now, if Kananaskis Country is going to be of continued importance for residents work needs to begin on new management plans before the year is out.

“Unfortunately, with cuts to Alberta Parks, the capacity is just not there. What happens when you cut the capacity of the parks operations division, is you basically end up in a situation where staff are just putting out fires – there’s not an opportunity for staff to think ahead and think strategically about planning for the future.”

“To me, there are certain things about this that are really meaningful. One is finally not as many people will have to leave the valley to get the care they need, and they’ll be near their community for support – that’s huge."

The election could go either way in the swing riding, but environmental conservation, tourism, and healthcare – all key issues to the Bow Valley – are likely to divide votes in the selection of candidates.