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After experiencing drought conditions, Calgary now faces flood concerns as the Elbow and Bow rivers surge with higher-than-normal water levels. Environmental experts caution that June is a critical month for both water supply and flood risk, as precipitation patterns can change rapidly. Reservoirs are releasing water at normal rates, but officials emphasize the need to be prepared for potential high-flow events. Striking a balance between releasing water to control flooding and capturing runoff to replenish reservoirs is crucial, as a missed opportunity could delay recovery until next spring.

On Tuesday afternoon, a teenager was hit by a CP Rail train in Bowness, Calgary. The incident occurred near the bridge east of 85th Street Northwest around 1:20 p.m. According to the Calgary Police Service, the teenager was immediately taken to the hospital in critical condition. The cause of the incident is currently under investigation.

A wildfire near Fort McMurray has been brought under control, meaning it is contained and will eventually be extinguished. Alberta Wildfire commended the efforts of firefighters and support staff, acknowledging the challenging days and long hours spent battling the blaze. Although the fire is contained, firefighters remain on standby to address any remaining hotspots within the perimeter. The wildfire remains at 18,593 hectares, with minimal ground fire to be extinguished. Residents evacuated from nearby neighborhoods have been allowed to return home.

`”No Place To Go”`, a report by Vibrant Communities Calgary, reveals a surge in social disorder incidents in public areas, including transit stations. Calls for police assistance related to loitering, littering, and mental health concerns have spiked in recent years, while toxic drug deaths are increasingly occurring in public spaces. The report highlights the need for stable housing, daytime options for the homeless, and improved access to medical care and harm reduction services.

Calgary homeowners should expect their 2024 property tax bills to arrive by the end of next week, with a deadline of June 28 for payment. Failure to pay on time will result in a seven percent penalty on July 1. The funds collected from the property tax are shared between the Alberta government and the City of Calgary.

Habitat for Humanity is developing $24 million in affordable housing for southern Alberta, with the Livingston development worth $9.8 million. The organization is constructing 24 units of housing on an entire city block in Livingston, providing affordable homeownership opportunities for families in need. Habitat for Humanity’s homes are sold with affordable mortgages that have no down payment or interest.

The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 1169, representing library workers in Calgary, rejected a wage deal from the city on Monday, deeming it “insulting.” The union claims the offer fell short of the increases granted to other city employee groups and fails to address critical issues faced by library staff. CUPE Local 1169 will initiate mediation and collaborate with other union groups seeking wage adjustments.

The Alberta government is facing demands to halt the admission of complex mental health patients into long-term care facilities until the potential risks have been thoroughly evaluated. Concerns have been raised by seniors’ advocates, who allege that mixing patients with vastly different needs at the Carewest Colonel Belcher facility in Calgary has resulted in violent incidents. The board chair of the Friends of Colonel Belcher Society, Charles Hamel, has stated that the facility can no longer be recommended due to the unsafe conditions.

The Calgary Composting Facility is expanding its capacity to process organic waste from 100,000 to 160,000 tonnes per year. The expansion will include new anaerobic digestion technology to capture and treat odors from the facility. The city says the expansion will cost $38 million more than the original $50-million budget due to post-pandemic inflation and labor costs. However, the investment is expected to pay off in the long term as it will extend the life of the city’s landfill and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

At 56, Calgary’s renowned golfer Steve Blake received a life-altering diagnosis of Stage 4 lung cancer. Despite the prognosis of 12 to 24 months, Blake’s unwavering belief and support system have driven him to embrace life and continue playing the game he loves. With a sponsor exemption, he will participate in this year’s Rogers Charity Classic, demonstrating his resilience and inspiring others facing similar challenges.