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Last updateThu, 10 Jul 2025 5pm

Joint efforts by Southern Alberta RCMP units leads to seizure of stolen property and guns

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On April 16, 2025, after receiving an initial report of suspicious activity, the Central and Southern Alberta Crime Reduction Units (SAD CRU), with assistance from the Emergency Response Team and Strathmore RCMP, executed a Search Warrant for stolen property in Rockyford.
As a result of the search RCMP recovered five stolen ATVs, three stolen firearms, two stolen trailers, a stolen car and various other stolen items.
The stolen items were linked to thefts from Caroline, Airdrie, Drumheller, Vulcan, Strathmore, and Calgary areas.
“These investigations spearheaded by the Southern and Central Alberta Crime Reduction Units with assistance from RCMP detachments across Southern Alberta showcases the Alberta RCMP’s ability to work collaboratively in interdicting crime networks,” says Constable Adam Heather of SAD CRU, “two of the stolen firearms recovered in Aldersyde are linked to the same break and enter as two of the stolen firearm recovered in the Rockyford search, this demonstrates how different crime groups are interconnected.”

As a result of the investigation RCMP have charged Kevin De Laurier (50) with:
Unauthorized possession of a firearm (x3);
Possession of property obtained by crime (x11);
Break and Enter;
Failing to comply with a release order (x5).
De Laurier was taken before a Justice of the Peace and remanded into custody with his next court date set for May 22, 2025, at the Alberta Court of Justice in Airdrie.
RCMP have charged Nicole Lewis (42) with:
Unauthorized possession of a firearm (x3);
Possession of property obtained by crime (x5).
Lewis was taken before a Justice of the Peace and released with her next court date set for May 20, 2025, at the Alberta Court of Justice in Calgary.
On April 19, 2025, Brooks RCMP received a report of a stolen vehicle. During this investigation, Alberta RCMP Detachments in Brooks, Redcliff, Drumheller, Strathmore, Three Hills, Bassano, Taber-Vauxhall all assisted in locating two stolen vehicles and arresting a suspect. SAD CRU followed up on this investigation and on April 21, 2025, SAD CRU, with the assistance of the Emergency Response Team, High River RCMP, and Okotoks RCMP executed a Search Warrant in Aldersyde.
As a result of the search, RCMP additionally recovered:
Stolen trailers (x3);
Stolen Trucks (x3);
Stolen motorbikes (x3);
A stolen ATV;
Stolen firearm (x3);
Forged documents;
61 other firearms.
After a brief pursuit RCMP arrested and charged Foothills County resident Clayton Whaling (44) with;
Possession of property obtained by crime (x8);
Possession of a stolen firearm;
Flight from police;
Mischief;
Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle;
Failure to comply with a release order (x3);
Possession of break-in tools;
Possession of a prohibited weapon.
Whaling was taken before a Justice of the Peace and remanded into custody for court on May 30, 2025, at the Alberta Court of Justice in Okotoks.
RCMP have charged Foothills County residents Allan Eroshinsky (78) and Chad Eroshinsky with:
Possession of property obtained by crime (x5);
(Allan)Careless storage of a firearm (x2) - (Chad) Careless storage of a firearm (x1);
Possession of a prohibited weapon.
Allan Eroshinsky and Chad Eroshinsky were taken before a Justice of the Peace and released with their next court date set for May 30, 2025, at the Alberta Court of Justice in Okotoks.
From the original Brooks investigation, RCMP have charged William Holub (43) with:
Flight from police
Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000 (x2)
Break and Enter
Possession of break-in instruments
Holub was taken before a Justice of the peace and released for future court dates at the Alberta Court of Justice in Brooks.


2025 Drumheller & Region Business Survey shows optimism, growth potential

Travel Drumheller

A newly released report from Travel Drumheller and partners reveals a promising outlook for the local business landscape.
Conducted in partnership with Community Futures Big Country, Drumheller & District Chamber of Commerce, the Town of Drumheller Economic Development Department, and MH Enterprises, the survey presents a comprehensive snapshot of business health, economic drivers, and community needs across the region.
“This survey underscores the resilience and potential of our local economy,” says Julia Fielding, Executive Director for Travel Drumheller. “Our businesses are proud, persevering, and deeply rooted in community. With focused attention on workforce development, year-round tourism, and business support, we’re poised for incredible growth.”
The 2025 survey builds upon previous years, offering a valuable comparative lens on local trends and a tool for guiding future planning and investment.
The 2025 Drumheller & Region Business Survey, informed by insights from 100 local businesses, highlights that 89% of businesses are sustaining or thriving, with strong optimism for the future.
Among the top findings were that tourism remains a cornerstone, contributing an estimated $116 million annually to the economy and supporting 1 in 4 jobs, yet seasonal limitations persist. Labour shortages, housing, and transportation are ongoing barriers, despite 89% of businesses expressing satisfaction with their current staff.
The vast majority (90%) of businesses expect to maintain or expand operations in the near future, and 76% of business owners say they’d choose Drumheller again as the place to start their business, citing community support and strong local relationships.
Efforts to increase the “shoulder season,” furthering the prospect of Drumheller becoming more of a year-round attraction have progressed. The "Active" season for businesses has increased greatly, with April, May, and October now being a "busier month" for most businesses
The 2025 survey builds upon previous years, offering a valuable comparative lens on local trends and a tool for guiding future planning and investment.
A full copy of the report can be found at traveldrumheller.com/business-impact-survey/

Community Futures Wild Rose secures grant for Innovative Workforce Development project

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Community Futures Wild Rose is pleased to announce the approval of a grant for its groundbreaking project, "Advancing Workforce Development through Apprenticeship/Trades & Engagement."
This two-year initiative, set to launch in April 2025, aims to address critical labour gaps and enhance business support in the CF Wild Rose region.
Reeve Amber Link, Board Chair of Community Futures Wild Rose, emphasized the importance of this project: "We are thrilled to have received the NRED grant. We sincerely thank the Government of Alberta and the Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade for facilitating the Northern and Regional Economic Development (NRED) Program, which plays a vital role in driving economic growth, supporting existing businesses, and promoting regional development across Alberta.”
The project is to run from April 2025 to March 31, 2027, and it focuses on skilled trades, healthcare, and business engagement.
It is planning a number of events, including "Try a Trade Day" events in September 2025 and 2026, Healthcare Trade Information Days in June 2025 and 2026, and HR training sessions, focusing on effective recruitment strategies
This initiative represents a significant step forward in addressing the workforce gaps in
our region. By focusing on skilled trades and healthcare, we are not just addressing immediate needs; we are investing in the future of our communities,” said Link. “Through hands-on experiences, HR training, and enhanced business support, we’re providing our youth, job seekers, and businesses with the tools they need to thrive. Together with our partners, we’re creating a more resilient, skilled, and inclusive workforce that will strengthen our local economy and ensure we remain competitive for years to come."


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