Recent rainfall has eased drought conditions in parts of Saskatchewan, but many areas remain extremely dry, particularly in the southwest region. Wildfire risk remains high despite the moisture, with 111 fires reported this year, more than doubling the five-year average. While some areas may see up to 70 mm of rain, it is still below normal precipitation levels for May. Experts emphasize the need for continued rainfall to mitigate the drought and reduce wildfire risks.
On May 4, 2024, residents in Edmonton’s Ellerslie neighbourhood were shaken by a targeted shooting that left several homes riddled with bullets. Around 6:40 p.m., witnesses reported an exchange of gunfire between two vehicles near 86th Street and 6th Avenue Southwest. Multiple gunshots were heard, with one woman reporting at least 13. A man was seen falling out of a vehicle and calling for 911. As of now, two men have been taken into custody, one of whom is being treated for gunshot wounds. Police believe others may have been involved and continue to investigate, seeking additional security footage.
The Edmonton Elks have signed eight players from their 2024 CFL Draft class, including first overall pick Joel Dublanko. Dublanko, a standout linebacker from the NCAA Cincinnati Bearcats, led the Seattle Seahawks in special teams tackles during the pre-season last year and is excited to bring his skills to Edmonton. The Elks also signed three more linebackers, two offensive linemen, and a long-snapper/fullback. The team now looks ahead to rookie camp on May 8 and their first pre-season game on May 25 against the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
The body of an 85-year-old man was found inside a house that caught fire in Cramahe Township, Ontario, on Sunday morning. The fire is believed to be non-suspicious, and the investigation is ongoing.
Peterborough police arrested a 19-year-old man at gunpoint on May 4th after a reported vehicle theft. The suspect allegedly attempted to flee in the stolen vehicle before being blocked in by police. He was charged with theft of a motor vehicle, driving while under suspension, and had outstanding warrants for theft and possession of property obtained by crime.
WestJet Group and the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA), which represents WestJet maintenance engineers, have reached a tentative agreement, raising hopes that a potential strike has been averted. The agreement, which is subject to ratification, would mark the first collective bargaining agreement between the two parties. WestJet President and COO Diederik Pen highlighted the industry-leading nature of the agreement, recognizing the significant contributions of Aircraft Maintenance Engineers and enhancing their compensation and work-life balance standards.
One year after a mother and daughter were tragically murdered in Edmonton’s Mill Woods neighborhood, loved ones gathered at Red Dress Day to pay tribute and march for missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. The attack claimed the lives of Carolann Robillard and her daughter Jayden Miller, leaving their family and community devastated. Amidst the heartfelt tributes and calls for justice, marchers carried posters bearing the names and faces of those who have disappeared or been killed, highlighting the ongoing crisis of violence against Indigenous people in Canada.
A tragic incident has occurred in Fredericton, New Brunswick, where a speeding vehicle crashed into a tree, killing three individuals and injuring two others. The collision took place on the 700 block of Douglas Avenue, on the city’s northside, in the early hours of Sunday morning. According to Fredericton Police, the vehicle, believed to have been traveling at an excessive speed, struck a tree and landed on another car. The driver and two passengers in the first vehicle succumbed to their injuries at the scene. Additionally, two passengers in the second vehicle sustained injuries, with one being treated for critical injuries and the other receiving minor injuries.
A 57-year-old Naicam man, Kevin Swanson, has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of 81-year-old Dennis Swanson. The victim was found deceased at a home on Third Avenue North in Naicam on Thursday after being subjected to an alleged assault. Both men were reportedly related, although the exact nature of their kinship remains undisclosed. Kevin Swanson was apprehended in Melfort and is scheduled to make an appearance in Melfort provincial court on Monday.
After nearly 50 years, the Citadel Theatre’s lease with the City of Edmonton will expire in September. The city will assume responsibility for the building and its maintenance, which could cost tens of millions of dollars. The non-profit Citadel has been operating and maintaining the building since 1976 but has leased the land from the city. Under the original agreement, the city becomes responsible for the building once the lease expires at the end of September. While the Citadel would continue to handle daily operations, the city would be responsible for capital renewal, repair, and maintenance. The theater estimates it will need $375,000 for tools and other items and an additional $1.36 million each year for operating-funded repair and maintenance. Capital renewal costs over the next decade are estimated at $56.2 million and $131 million over the next 25 years. If no new lease is signed, the city estimates the building would cost around $800,000 per year to own. The proposal for a new lease will require approval from the city council, which could happen later in May, with the new lease being implemented in October.
