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Daily Digest Calgary Jan 7 - Jan 7, 2026

Calgary Daily Digest — 2026-01-07

16 articles Generated 2 months ago 193
  1. B.C. most endangered rivers — Outdoor Recreation Council released its annual list; Heart of the Fraser (between Hope and Mission) and Cowichan River (Vancouver Island) tied for top spot. Key risks: salmon habitat, production and cultural values. Source: Council chair Mark Angelo; list flagged both rivers as iconic and at risk.

  2. Downtown vacancies steady but high — CBRE report: downtown Calgary overall vacancy at 30.4% as of end of 2025. Net-rentable area: just over 41 million sq ft. CBRE VP Michael Hoffman cites oil-and-gas M&A and sub-leasing as drivers of new vacancy; some high-quality space remains sought after.

  3. Glenrose pool funding advances reopening — Alberta government commits $3.25 million to reopen Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital pool (closed since late 2024 after structural failures). Before closure the pool provided 500–700 patient treatments per month (pediatric, adult, geriatric). Pool in operation since 1966; major repairs and a failed patient-lift installation preceded closure.

  4. Water-main report: problems known since 2004 — Independent six-member panel on the June 2024 Bearspaw feeder-main rupture says city was aware of water-main issues dating to 2004. Second rupture on Dec. 30, 2025 accelerated release; panel urges major system fixes and implementation of recommendations.

  5. Taber arena explosion blamed on propane leak — Investigation: Dec. 17 explosion at Taber community centre caused by component failure in an ice-resurfacer fuel system, producing a gas cloud ignited by an electrical heater. Officials say extensive building damage; not the result of human error.

  6. Missing woman, AI extortion and desperate family search — Deeanna Erickson (32) disappeared around 11 p.m. on June 6, 2025. Sister Shelby reports months of no trace; police involvement ongoing. Family says a scammer used an AI-generated image of Deeanna to try to extort money, complicating search efforts.

Source Articles (16)

What are B.C.’s most endangered rivers?

Tied for top spot on the list of endangered rivers in B.C., this year are the Heart of the Fraser, between Hope and Mission, and the Cowichan River on Vancouver Island.

Environment Jan 7, 2026

Optimism remains high as downtown vacancies hold steady

A new report from CBRE shows Calgary's commercial vacancy rate is still sitting at 30 per cent. While vacancies are high, so is optimism surrounding long-term growth in the city.

Economy Jan 7, 2026

Confusion as medical outpatient unit keeps moving University of Alberta Hospital

After a man died in the waiting room of one Edmonton hospital, there's more signs of a strained health-care system in Alberta's capital — this time when it comes to outpatients.

Health Jan 7, 2026

Provincial funding moves Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital pool closer to reopening

Patients and clinicians say the pool is essential for recovery, and the Glenrose Hospital Foundation is now fundraising to cover the remaining costs.

Health Jan 7, 2026

Edmonton family builds vibrant ice cabin in front yard, supports local charity

Three years ago, Tyler Gamblin crafted an ice igloo in his west Edmonton yard. Now, he's at it again —  but this time, it's a very colourful, very Canadian ice cabin.

Lifestyle Jan 7, 2026

Alberta family pleads for return of stolen ashes ahead of funeral

An Alberta family says the ashes of their beloved mother were among items stolen during a break-in on Tuesday. Their hoping they will be returned in time for her funeral Jan. 17.

Canada Jan 7, 2026

Sask. canola producers ‘very hopeful’ of Carney’s China visit next week

Canola farmers and producers in Saskatchewan say they will be watching closely next week as Prime Minister Mark Carney visits China for trade talks that will include agriculture.

Canada Jan 7, 2026

Explosion in Alberta town’s arena caused by propane leak: Taber officials

While the Town of Taber has determined the cause of an explosion that caused extensive damage to the community centre last month, it's still unable to provide a date for reopening.

Fire Jan 7, 2026

Scammer uses AI image of missing woman in attempt to extort money from sister

A Calgary woman desperate to find her missing sibling received an extort attempt that included a convincing AI-generated photo of what looked to be her sister tied up in a van.

Crime Jan 7, 2026

City of Calgary aware of water main problems since 2004, says independent report

A report on the state of Calgary's water infrastructure says the city has known about the problems for at least two decades. It also makes recommendations to fix systemic issues.

Health Jan 7, 2026

Ticats earn top grades in CFLPA team report cards

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats, among the CFL's top teams last season, have earned the distinction of being its best franchise off the field.

Sports Jan 7, 2026

Lions allow Carter to pursue NFL opportunities

The B.C. Lions released Robert Carter Jr., on Wednesday to allow the American defensive back to pursue NFL opportunities.

Sports Jan 7, 2026

Alberta school boards remove dozens of library books as provincial ban in effect

The provincial policy, announced in the fall, requires schools to remove books containing explicit images or illustrations of sexual content.

Education Jan 7, 2026

First Nations chiefs alarmed by feds’ lack of commitment to protecting source water

Alberta and Ontario objected to clean water legislation introduced by former prime minister Justin Trudeau that failed to pass before Parliament was prorogued last year.

Politics Jan 7, 2026

Calgary city councillors set to receive, discuss report on troubled watermain

Calgarians are expected to learn more today about what is going wrong with their key watermain. 

Canada Jan 7, 2026

Oilers snipers continue to feast on Predators

Seeing the Nashville Predators on the calendar seems to always give the Edmonton Oilers and their star players some extra jump.

Sports Jan 7, 2026