Results for: Crime

Calgary Transit continues to experience substantial ridership growth, with over 25 million trips recorded in the first quarter of 2024. This marks a 21% increase compared to the same period last year, following sustained growth throughout 2023. The City of Calgary attributes this surge to increased demand and expanded off-peak service levels. Notably, CTrain boardings reached an all-time high of 8,792,500 in a single month, surpassing the previous record set in 2014. Furthermore, surveys indicate that perceptions of safety on Calgary Transit are improving, with a growing percentage of Calgarians feeling secure while riding or waiting for CTrains. Despite these positive developments, approximately 49% of Calgarians still express safety concerns and avoid using public transit at times. Calgary Transit plans to further expand services in 2024 and 2025 to enhance accessibility and improve the customer experience.

A student-led pro-Palestinian encampment was established at the University of Calgary on Thursday, joining dozens of similar protests on campuses across Canada and the United States. The Calgary Student Movement, which is leading the encampment, is demanding that the university divest from all corporations involved in the conflict between Israel and Hamas, and condemn Israel’s actions towards Palestinians.

In March, the body of an unidentified man was discovered near the Bow River in Calgary. To assist in identifying the individual and ultimately locate his family, the Calgary Police Service (CPS) has released a composite sketch. The man’s death is believed to be non-criminal in nature, as per the CPS. An autopsy confirmed the absence of suspicious circumstances surrounding his demise.

A Calgary mother is honoring her daughter’s memory and inspiring others to spread kindness through the Kelsey’s Day of Kindness initiative. Ten years after losing her daughter, Kelsey Roberts, to complications from Type 1 diabetes, Cheryl Mihaljevich continues her daughter’s legacy of helping others. Kelsey’s passion for baking led to the establishment of a baking cupboard at Ronald McDonald House in Calgary, where every spring, her family and supporters donate baking supplies in her name. The initiative also encourages acts of kindness, transforming Kelsey’s birthday into a day where people can make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Two young Calgary performers, Katie McMillan and Jillian Hubler-McManus, are actively involved in creating a new production of Beaches – The Musical with legendary American songwriter Mike Stoller. Stoller, known for his iconic hits like ‘Hound Dog’ and ‘Stand By Me,’ is composing the tunes for the international premiere of the show at Theatre Calgary. Both McMillan and Hubler-McManus expressed their excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to learn and work alongside seasoned professionals like Stoller and other Broadway veterans involved in the production.

Shawn McLeod, a former deputy minister and lawyer with experience in both the private and public sectors, has been selected as Alberta’s next ethics commissioner. His appointment has been recommended by a legislative committee and will replace current commissioner Marguerite Trussler. McLeod’s diverse background in legal and government roles, including his experience as deputy minister of labor relations and special advisor, is expected to contribute to his effectiveness in the role.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) are present at a blockade of an oil lease road in northern Alberta but are not enforcing an injunction for members of the Woodland Cree First Nation to clear the site. The dispute began in February when the First Nation raised concerns about Obsidian Energy’s expansion plans without consultation and potential environmental impacts, including earthquakes resulting from the company’s activities. Obsidian faced an environmental protection order after causing the largest earthquake in Alberta’s history in 2022. The First Nation is also alleging that Obsidian is refusing to hire non-Woodland Cree members.

Suncor Energy Inc. has announced it will lease and operate Aframax oil tanker ships to transport crude from the recently completed Trans Mountain pipeline expansion to Pacific markets. This move aims to save on shipping costs and maximize profits for the company. The Trans Mountain pipeline expansion has increased Canadian oil shippers’ access to export capacity, boosting the profitability of Suncor’s oilsands production. It has also enabled future production growth for both Suncor and the oilsands sector. Suncor’s long-term contracts with customers along the West Coast and in Asia ensure a steady demand for the crude oil transported by the pipeline.

The Alberta government has established a committee to explore methods for expediting the rehabilitation of the province’s growing tailings ponds in the oil sands. The six-member committee, tasked with examining policies and options to facilitate safe and timely reclamation, includes experts from various sectors. The committee will collaborate with an external facilitator but has no set deadline for reporting. Despite previous research and initiatives, the issue persists, prompting criticism from environmental groups. Oil sands producers have filed reclamation plans with the Alberta Energy Regulator, though they rely on unproven technology. Some tailings ponds exceed 300 square kilometers in size and continue to expand. The committee’s members represent diverse perspectives, including a First Nations chief, an engineering professor, and an oil and gas executive.

Calgary City Councillor Courtney Walcott has denounced Premier Danielle Smith’s recent social media post as “misinformation,” claiming it misrepresents a motion passed by the city council. The motion, which passed 9-6, calls on Alberta Municipalities to explore the possibility of allowing permanent residents to vote in civic elections. However, Smith’s post suggests that the council is attempting to alter election laws to allow non-citizens to vote, which is not the case. Walcott and Mayor Jyoti Gondek both criticized Smith’s post and the proposed Bill 20, which would give the provincial government more control over municipal affairs. Municipal Affairs Minister Ric McIver has promised to consult with municipal leaders before amending the bill, but some argue that these consultations should have been held prior to its introduction.