Collision claims the life of Okotoks youth
By Cindy Ballance
Editor
For more than 12 hours as the Okotoks RCMP and Calgary Traffic Unit sifted through
the charred remains of a truck and a semi tractor trailer amid burned fruit and remnants
of groceries supplies, they could only speculate what had happened.
According to Cst. Keith Roblin of the Okotoks RCMP detachment, on Friday, Sept. 1
at about 1:50 am a GMC Sierra truck was travelling eastbound on 370th Avenue, about
two miles north of the Aldersyde Gas Station, when it collided with a semi tractor
trailer which was heading southbound on Highway 2. The semi trailer was hauling a
load of groceries to Lethbridge.
Roblin explained that there is one confirmed fatality
as a result of the collision, however as of Friday, police were not aware of the
driver's identity.
However, as of Monday police identified Matthew Blake Bridle, 19, of Okotoks as the
deceased involved in the accident.
The driver of the semi trailer did not suffer any injuries.
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'All we know is there was an explosion,' added Cst. Phil Paul with High River Highway Patrol, Collision Investigation Team.
According to Roblin the road conditions were dry and clear, however, it was dark.
A Calgary traffic analyst was also on the scene examining the collision to determine the cause.
Roblin speculated that the truck may have run through the stop sign, however, he said details have not been finalized.
The southbound lanes of Highway 2 past the Okotoks overpass were closed and traffic was rerouted onto Highway 2A while crews worked at the scene.
Police are continuing their investigation. No charges are pending.
Alive and kickin'
Kyle Thomson of Black Diamond receives
a score of 76 for his saddle bronc ride on Saturday night at the Okotoks Indoor Pro
Rodeo at the Okotoks Recreation Centre.
photo by John Barlow
Funding announced for Eden Valley arena
By Cindy Ballance
Editor
After a traditional ceremony for the opening of the new Eden Valley bridge, residents
of the reserve received another boost for their community.
George Arcand, assistant regional director of Indian Northern Affairs, announced
that $190,000 was approved to assist the community in their efforts to renovate the
arena.
According to Raymond Vaivada, the head of Asset Management Real Properties Service
for Indian and Northern Affairs Canada Alberta region, the Bearspaw Band Council
and the Stoney Tribal Administration submitted a request to Indian Northern Affairs
for funding to help renovate the almost 20-year-old arena.
Renovations to the arena will include such upgrades as emergency lighting, plumbing,
electrical, kitchen renovations, roof repairs, change room upgrades and much more.
The total cost of the renovations is about $350,000 of which the remaining funds
have been contributed from other government agencies.
Arnold Bish, Bearspaw Band economic development officer, explained that through the
efforts of MLA Don Tannas the community was able to secure $75,000 in community lottery
funds and the remaining funds will be contributed by the Bearspaw Band.
Bish explained that the community is optimistic that the renovations to the arena
will commence immediately and will be completed by this fall.
'Our hope is that by mid-November (the arena) will be up and operating,' said Bish.
He added that the arena is an important centre for the community of Eden Valley and
with the new upgrades it will be utilized more often.
'This is an opportunity on the reserve for the kids to devote their energy toward
recreational (activities),' he added.
