Calgary Daily Digest — Feb 13, 2026

First responders ran into gunfire in Tumbler Ridge — two on-duty RCMP officers reached Tumbler Ridge Secondary School within 120 seconds of the Feb. 10 call and entered while shots were being fired, RCMP Pacific region director Jeff Swann said. Eight people were killed, including five students and an education assistant, and officers plus paramedics from surrounding communities are being offered long-term support.

Family mourns Edmonton fire victim Teresa Sara Katcheech, 39 — neighbours found her body after a house fire near 93 St. and 105 Ave., and investigators used DNA to identify her; police have ruled the death a homicide but are not disclosing how she died. Her family calls her funny and kind, has set up a memorial and a GoFundMe to help her three children.

Concern over anti-trans misinformation after Tumbler Ridge shooting — Skipping Stone founder Amelia Newbert and BC Human Rights Commissioner Kasari Govender condemn online disinformation that blames an entire trans community for the Feb. 10 killings. RCMP confirmed the shooter, 18-year-old Jesse VanRootselaar, had publicly begun transitioning about six years ago, but there is no evidence gender identity motivated the crime.

Calgary on pace for more fatal crashes than last year — six weeks into 2026 the city has seen five fatal collisions and three serious-injury crashes, and if that rate holds it could top 2025’s 38 fatal crashes. Police say excessive speed is under investigation in several incidents, and drivers and pedestrians are urged to stay vigilant.

RCMP: Tumbler Ridge suspect was 'hunting' and four firearms were recovered — officers found two guns at the school and two at the shooter’s home, including an unregistered shotgun; the main long gun's origin is unknown and is under investigation. RCMP said victims were not targeted, autopsies on eight victims are expected to finish by the weekend, and about 25 others were injured.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says she has not signed the separatist petition — Smith made the claim in a Feb. 12 Calgary announcement as Stay Free Alberta collects signatures toward the nearly 178,000 needed by May for a referendum. Several UCP ministers also say they did not sign, while critics urge the premier to take a clearer stance on independence.

CFL moves: Roughriders sign Super Bowl champ Darrell Henderson Jr. and other roster changes — the 28-year-old RB, a 2019 third-round NFL pick who rushed 1,852 yards with the LA Rams, joined Saskatchewan on Feb. 13; B.C. Lions also signed DB Dionte Ruffin and the Edmonton Elks released OL Martez Ivey. Henderson won Super Bowl LVI with the Rams and Ruffin won a Grey Cup with Montreal in 2023.

Nail salon employee charged with sexual assault in Calgary — police say a 41-year-old worker at Shawnessy Nails Time Spa allegedly touched a customer in a sexual way during a Jan. 9 waxing appointment; the accused is charged with one count and is due in court April 9. Police remind the public there is no time limit to report sexual assault and ask anyone with information to call 403-266-1234 or Crime Stoppers.

Exit ramp closed after wire snaps detected on Bearspaw feeder main — the westbound 16 Ave NW exit to Sarcee Trail is detoured to 29 Ave NW as crews monitor two deteriorating pipe segments that showed wire snaps on the ageing 1975 feeder line. Mayor Jeromy Farkas said the closure is a precaution ahead of repairs this spring and fall while the city fast-tracks a replacement pipe expected to be finished by December.

Life-threatening assault in Rundle under investigation — police found an adult victim on Rundlecairn Rd NE around 6:20 a.m. on Feb. 13 and say the person is in critical condition; one arrest was made and officers say the suspect and victim know each other. Police say there is no danger to the public and more details will follow as the probe continues.

CBSA seizes 1,010 kg of illegal drugs at Coutts, Alta. border last fall — three commercial truck searches between Nov. 26 and Dec. 8, 2025 uncovered 461 kg of suspected heroin, 300 kg of cocaine, 206 kg of methamphetamine and smaller amounts of opium poppies. Drivers were arrested and handed to RCMP; in 2025 Alberta CBSA officers seized a total of 1,292 drug shipments including 1,054 kg of cocaine.

Families of Portapique victims reach out to Tumbler Ridge with support and advice — Tammy Oliver-McCurdie, who lost relatives in the 2020 Nova Scotia mass shooting, urged people to lean on community and get early counselling after the Feb. 10 tragedy that killed eight in Tumbler Ridge. Nova Scotia grief workers reminded Canadians that grief can last long after funerals and simple gestures — visits, letters, casseroles — can help.

Alberta Sheriffs removing unsafe commercial vehicles across the province — a joint inspection in Airdrie found 20 of 23 trucks failed and 15 were taken out of service; in 2025 Sheriffs carried out over 15,000 inspections and removed more than 4,000 unsafe vehicles. Officials say enforcement focuses on education but can include fines and seizures, and regular maintenance prevents dangerous breakdowns.