Westbridge Renewable Energy Corporation (TSXV: WEB) has completed the sale of its 75% owned, 332MWp solar power plant project in Alberta to a subsidiary of METLEN Energy & Metals. This marks the second utility-scale solar and BESS project in Alberta to reach ready-to-build status in 2024, demonstrating the growing momentum of renewable energy in the province.
Alberta Beverage Container Recycling Corporation (ABCRC) has partnered with Diversys Software Inc. to digitize and enhance its recycling operations. The move will streamline workflows, improve data accuracy, and ultimately boost the province’s beverage container recycling rate, aiming to reach new heights in sustainability.
The Canadian government is investing over $4 million in 19 projects to support tourism operators in Alberta, enhancing accessibility, expanding seasonal offerings, and showcasing the province’s unique attractions. These investments aim to create over 165 jobs and leverage additional funding from other sources, contributing to economic growth and reconciliation in the province’s tourism industry.
The Alberta section of the North Saskatchewan River has been officially designated as a Canadian Heritage River, acknowledging its historical, cultural, and environmental significance. The ceremony included the unveiling of new plaques and the raising of flags from Treaty 6 and the Otipemisiwak Métis Nation, symbolizing the river’s importance to Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.
Wildfires are raging in both Alberta and British Columbia, Canada, forcing evacuations of multiple communities. Alberta is battling five ‘wildfires of note’ while British Columbia is dealing with over 300 active wildfires. The situation is fueled by hot and dry weather conditions.
The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra (ESO) is bringing its music to communities across Alberta this summer with a series of free outdoor performances as part of its ESO Outdoors program. The concerts, taking place between August 15th and 25th, will feature a diverse range of music, from classical composers like Johann Sebastian Bach to rock and roll legends The Beatles. The ESO encourages attendees to consider making a donation to support these enriching summer concerts.
Suncor Energy Inc. is taking precautionary measures at its Firebag oilsands site due to a wildfire burning out of control nearby. The company is moving to have only essential personnel at the site, which produces about 215,000 barrels of oil per day. The wildfire is currently located approximately 8 km northeast of the Firebag main plant.
A 27-year-old man from Alberta has been charged with aggravated assault, failing to provide the necessaries of life, and criminal negligence causing bodily harm after a young child was hospitalized with serious injuries. The charges stem from an investigation that began in June 2024, after authorities were notified of the child’s condition by Child and Family Services.
Alberta’s police watchdog has ruled that two Edmonton Police Service officers were justified in shooting and killing a man in 2020 while responding to a gun complaint. The officers, who responded to multiple reports of a man with a shotgun, found him sitting in a lawn chair with the weapon. Despite repeated commands to drop the gun, the man raised the firearm towards the officers, leading to the fatal shooting. The watchdog found that the officers’ use of force was proportionate, necessary, and reasonable under the circumstances.
Alberta has announced a $4.3 billion surplus for the fiscal year ending in March 2024, driven by strong revenue from non-renewable resources and increased tax collection. The province spent more than expected on disaster relief and health system improvements, while also growing its Heritage Savings Trust Fund.
