A 15-year-old boy was stabbed in northwest Calgary on Monday afternoon. Investigators believe the incident occurred around 4:30 p.m. in a green space near John G. Diefenbaker High School and St. Helena School. Paramedics transported the boy to the Alberta Children’s Hospital in serious but stable condition. A weapon was reportedly discovered near the scene, and police are investigating but have not yet identified any suspects.
John Bean has stepped down from his position as President and CEO of Calgary Sports and Entertainment (CSEC) after over 14 years with the company. Robert Hayes has been appointed as the new President and CEO, while Lorenzo DeCicco will take on the role of Chief Operating Officer.
Alberta has launched a new program to bolster its wildfire response capabilities by recruiting volunteers with skills or heavy equipment to assist in mitigating wildfires. The Wildfire Reservist Program allows individuals to register their interest in providing non-firefighting support or operating heavy equipment to establish fire barriers and contain blazes near communities. Candidates for emergency firefighter positions will undergo training and fitness assessments to ensure readiness. The program aims to create a pool of qualified volunteers who can be deployed when needed to supplement existing resources. While current wildfire conditions do not necessitate activating reservists, Alberta Wildfire emphasizes the importance of advance preparation to ensure timely deployment in case of emergencies. Contractors with specialized equipment and services, such as bulldozers, water trucks, and aircraft, can also sign up through a separate contracting form.
Residents in northern Alberta remain on evacuation alert as wildfires continue to burn out of control, but fire officials report that a change in the weather is providing some assistance to crews. The largest fire in the province, estimated at 6,579 hectares, is located about 16 kilometers southeast of Fort McMurray and 12 km west of Highway 63. After a windy weekend that fueled rapid growth of the blaze, Alberta Wildfire officials issued an update on Monday stating that “light rain showers are expected today, which will help lower fire activity.” Environment Canada forecasts a high temperature of 19 C in Fort McMurray for Monday, with mainly cloudy skies, a 60% chance of showers, and winds from the southeast at 20 km/h. Fire officials anticipate that “this will give firefighters a good window to continue making progress on containing the fire,” while heavy equipment operates on a fire guard on the northeast side of the blaze. Six crews of firefighters are working to establish a containment line, supported by 13 helicopters and airtankers on standby. Notably, two night vision helicopters worked overnight to drop water on the fire using their buckets.
Tristain Hoath, an Edmonton police officer with Saskatoon roots, achieved an impressive fifth place ranking in the World’s Strongest Man competition held in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. His journey into weightlifting began during his high school years, where he participated in football, wrestling, and rugby. Hoath’s dedication to strength training led him to establish his own gym in Edmonton called United Strength and Power. He has been competing in strongman competitions since 2018 and has witnessed significant progress, including the ability to pull heavy-duty trucks in competitions. Hoath’s ultimate goal is to pull a plane, and he is actively preparing for upcoming competitions, including the North American World’s Strongest Man competition in Quebec and Canada’s Strongest Man competition in September.
During the second official Alberta NDP leadership debate, former Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi faced scrutiny over a 2019 letter he signed, which suggested anti-union sentiments. Alberta Federation of Labour President Gil McGowan questioned Nenshi’s stance on collective agreements, while other candidates, including Sarah Hoffman and Kathleen Ganley, raised concerns about housing and economic policies. Nenshi defended his actions as an effort to prevent privatization of city services, but his opponents remained critical. The debate highlighted the challenges Nenshi faces as a newcomer to the party, with his rivals questioning his alignment with the NDP’s values. Despite the disagreements, all candidates expressed a desire to broaden the party’s appeal and defeat the United Conservatives in the 2027 election.
An evacuation order for Grande Prairie County has been downgraded to an alert as the wildfire moves away from the community. However, residents must prepare for a possible evacuation at any time. Meanwhile, evacuation alerts are still in place for Fort McMurray and surrounding areas in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB). Fire crews and resources continue to work on the fire, which is expected to increase in activity as temperatures rise. Winds are expected to push the fire away from Highway 63 and towards the Athabasca River.
British Columbia Premier David Eby and his Alberta counterpart, Danielle Smith, put aside their provincial rivalry to attend Game 2 of the Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks playoff series on Friday. Despite the friendly encounter, the two premiers did not sit side-by-side during the game. The attendance of the two politicians comes after a social media bet over the series, where the losing Premier will have to wear the opposing team’s jersey and deliver a statement written by the winner in their provincial Legislature.
Wildfires are spreading rapidly in Western Canada, prompting evacuation orders and alerts in several areas. In Alberta, a fire near Fort McMurray has grown to over 1,000 hectares and is listed as out-of-control, forcing the evacuation of residents. An evacuation order has also been issued for Grand Prairie County No. 1 due to a nearby wildfire. In British Columbia, an evacuation order has been issued for the town of Fort Nelson as a wildfire poses a threat to human life. The wildfire service suspects the fire to be human-caused and is battling it with ground crews and air support. In the Northwest Territories, six active wildfires are burning, with the largest fire affecting over 1,500 hectares. Government officials have warned of potential damage from the fires due to warm temperatures and drought conditions, following the worst wildfire season on record in 2021.
Calgarians have expressed mounting concerns over the dilapidated state of the city’s roads, which have become riddled with hazardous potholes. Mukul Verma, a concerned citizen, has launched a petition demanding immediate action to address the issue, particularly on the busy Deerfoot Trail. Auto mechanics have reported a surge in vehicle damage and alignments due to the severe potholes. The City of Calgary acknowledges the problem, claiming that crews are working tirelessly to fill potholes, with a budget of $6.9 million allocated for repairs. However, the fluctuation in temperatures and moisture penetration continue to exacerbate the formation of potholes.
