Calgary Daily Digest — Feb 4, 2026

Curious why Wetaskiwin’s mayor can’t go to city hall? After a Jan. 13 council meeting, Mayor Joe Branco was banned from city hall and in-person meetings following nearly two hours in private session; the city is redirecting requests to him while he’s on vacation, and residents are left with unanswered questions (Branco was elected in Oct. 2025).

A new chapter for Cassie Sharpe as a mom and three-time Olympian. The Calgary-born freestyle skier (gold 2018, silver 2022) says having daughter Louella (born Aug. 2023) and family life has changed how she approaches Milano Cortina 2026 — she’s focused on enjoying the Games — and she’s helping give 1,000 Canadians free ski/snowboard passes (including Lake Louise) through a Corona Cero partnership.

A Calgary man who joined ISIS in 2013 was sentenced to 16 years in prison. Jamal Borhot, 35, convicted on three counts of participating in a terrorist group, stayed in Syria nearly a year, made recruitment and propaganda efforts, showed no remorse according to the judge, gets about four months’ credit for time served, can’t apply for parole until half his sentence, and faces a lifetime weapons ban.

Citywide rezoning repeal debate has neighbours worried about rushed approvals. Calgary’s citywide rezoning (in effect Aug. 2024) could be repealed after a public hearing on March 23, but residents say 375 development permit applications (Oct–Jan, a 27% increase year-over-year) are being processed now; the city says it must keep accepting applications until rules change, and any repeal would exclude permits already approved or under review.

Anthony Calvillo will call plays for the Montreal Alouettes this season. The former CFL star, promoted from offensive co‑ordinator/QBs coach, takes playcalling from head coach Jason Maas as the Als return much of last year’s Grey Cup staff; CFL moves also include Edmonton extending defensive backs Chelen Garnes (through 2027) and Kobe Williams (2026), and Saskatchewan signing linebacker Josh Woods.

Communities rally after fatal crash that killed three junior hockey players. JJ Wright and Cameron Casorso (both 18, from Kamloops, B.C.) and Caden Fine (17, from Alabama) died after their car hit a gravel semi while crossing a highway to practice; fundraisers and a memorial game in Stavely are planned, GoFundMe was nearing its $50,000 goal, and Alberta will review the intersection for safety.

Calgary jeweller Jami Hughes lost roughly $140,000–$200,000 in gold during a Feb. 2 smash-and-grab at 1:26 a.m. Video shows suspects using bolt cutters to break in and grab a kilo of rings, pendants and brooches; Hughes is shaken and considering closing the store while police investigate — a worrying trend as gold jumped about 55% in 2025 (spot ~US$4,932/oz).

Mixed feelings for Team Canada at the Milan Cortina Games opener. Canada won its mixed-doubles curling opener (Brett Gallant/Jocelyn Peterman 10-5 over Czechia) but concern grew after snowboarder Mark McMorris, 32 and a three-time Olympic bronze medallist, crashed in big-air training in Livigno; alpine downhill training also began (Jeffrey Read was top Canadian, 10th).

Springlike warmth grips Western Canada while east bundles up. Calgary and parts of the Prairies saw mid-teens Celsius highs (Calgary forecast to hit mid-teens vs. normal −1°C; 2009 record was 13.2°C), Edmonton could reach +11°C, Regina/Saskatoon near +7°C, while cities like Toronto and Montreal stay below freezing and will see temperatures plunge overnight.

Suncor posted record Q4 output despite soggy oilsands conditions. Upstream production hit 909,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (Q4 2025) vs. 875,000 a year earlier, Fort Hills produced 178,200 b/d, refineries ran at 108% of nameplate, and Suncor reported Q4 earnings of $1.48 billion (US$1.23/share); CEO Rich Kruger stressed they operate “come hell or high water.”

Ottawa defends independent judicial appointments after Alberta’s threat. Justice Minister Sean Fraser said Feb. 4 that judicial appointments must stay free of political influence after Premier Danielle Smith asked for provincial consultation and hinted at funding pressures; Fraser called the independent advisory process a democracy cornerstone.

Alberta will review the intersection where three Mustangs players died. The provincial transportation ministry says it will analyze traffic and collision data, lighting and other factors after the Monday crash near Stavely that killed JJ Wright, Cameron Casorso (both 18) and Caden Fine (17), while RCMP continue their investigation and communities organize benefit events.

Maple Leafs head into the Olympic break on a three-game win streak. Toronto beat the Edmonton Oilers 5-2 (game decided after a 5-on-3 late in the third), winger Matthew Knies said the timing of the break is mixed, and the Leafs resume play Feb. 25 still chasing a wild-card spot (five points back).