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Daily Calgary Apr 8 - Apr 8, 2026

Calgary's Buzz: Rezoning Repeal, Celebratory Bears & B.C. Coaching Moves — Your Tuesday Digest!

11 articles 5 days ago 32

🌆 City News

  1. Calgary city council pulls the plug on citywide rezoning. After a spirited debate and a flood of public input — over 3,300 submissions! — council voted 12 to 3 to repeal the controversial zoning changes. It’s a win for community voices, highlighting how much public opinion can sway local governance!

🌲 Environment

  1. Grizzly bear hunt back on the table? Rural Municipalities of Alberta are advocating for the reopening of grizzly bear hunting to manage rising bear encounters. As one community leader put it, maintaining healthy bear populations while keeping locals safe is a balancing act. Will the government bite?

🔫 Crime & Safety

  1. Homemade bomb spotted in Sherwood Park! Talk about a shocker! Police uncovered an improvised explosive device during a traffic stop on a mismatched plate. Thankfully, no one was harmed, but it raises eyebrows about safety in our communities.
  2. Alarming crime reports from Alberta's small businesses. Half of Alberta's small businesses reported an increase in crime last year. The relationship between crime and commerce is clearly strained, leading to urgent calls for more robust safety measures. This is not just a business issue; it affects all of us!
  3. A chilling case in Edmonton. A man faces serious accusations of bestiality and trafficking. As police investigate, it becomes evident that the layers of human and animal suffering are entwined. It's a tragic reminder of the dark side of society that we must confront.

💰 Business & Economy

  1. Oilpatch poised for a deal spree? Deloitte hints that the Canadian oil sector could see a flurry of mergers and acquisitions if global turmoil calms. After years of stagnation, could this be the moment for revitalization? Investors hold their breath!

⚽ Sports

  1. FIFA's tour bus is coming to town! As Canada preps for a grand World Cup celebration this summer, get ready for 38 stops in 34 cities! It's a nationwide party! Mark your calendars for June to July — it’s bound to be a ball!
  2. Mark Washington returns to the B.C. Lions! After a series of coaching changes, Washington is back as the linebackers coach, bringing his deep experience with him. The team looks to him to bolster their defense this season.

🐻 Feel-Good Stories

  1. New polar bear on the block! Yelle, the Calgary Zoo’s new 20-year-old polar bear, is out of quarantine and ready to charm visitors. After waiting two years, it’s a bright turnout that brings smiles — this bear has both paws on his new life!
  2. Connor Ingram's inspirational comeback. The Oilers' goalie went from uncertainty to playoff hero, making waves just in time for nominations for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy. This story is a heartening reminder that perseverance pays off!

📈 Price Watch

  1. Oil prices take a tumble! With Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz amid a ceasefire, oil prices have dropped significantly — but will this sweet relief make it to our gas pumps? Keep your eyes peeled for those price changes!

Source Articles (11)

After weeks of debate, Calgary city council approves repeal of citywide rezoning

After weeks of debate, Calgary city council approves repeal of citywide rezoning

The move means 306,774 residential properties across Calgary will be redesignated back to their original low-density residential districts.

Canada Apr 8, 2026
Reopen grizzly bear hunt, policy reform to curb encounters urged by Rural Municipalities of Alberta

Reopen grizzly bear hunt, policy reform to curb encounters urged by Rural Municipalities of Alberta

As grizzly bear populations rise, a call for the reopening of grizzly bear hunting in Alberta is growing.

Environment Apr 8, 2026
Homemade bomb containing screws discovered during Sherwood Park arrest

Homemade bomb containing screws discovered during Sherwood Park arrest

Inside the foam-insulated briefcase were hundreds of screws and the wiring to make the improvised explosive device explode, RCMP in Sherwood Park said.

Crime Apr 8, 2026
Half of Alberta’s small businesses experienced increased crime in 2025, CFIB says

Half of Alberta’s small businesses experienced increased crime in 2025, CFIB says

A new survey by the CFIB shows that 49 per cent of small business owners in Alberta think crime in their community has "significantly" or "somewhat" increased over the past year.

Crime Apr 8, 2026
‘Extremely troubling’: Man accused of bestiality and pimping women out in Edmonton

‘Extremely troubling’: Man accused of bestiality and pimping women out in Edmonton

One of the victims responded to a Facebook ad of a room for rent in Edmonton but upon arrival, was allegedly forced into the sex trade by the accused — who acted as her pimp.

Crime Apr 8, 2026
Deloitte sees Canada’s oilpatch as ripe for deals once turmoil blows over

Deloitte sees Canada’s oilpatch as ripe for deals once turmoil blows over

The war in Iran, and the global oil supply crisis it has helped create, makes Canada appear to be safe place for investors, according to the international consulting firm Deloitte.

Money Apr 8, 2026
FIFA releases plans for cross-Canada World Cup celebration tour

FIFA releases plans for cross-Canada World Cup celebration tour

A cross-country World Cup tour will bring events to 34 Canadian cities this summer as FIFA looks to build excitement ahead of the 2026 tournament.

Sports Apr 8, 2026
Calgary Zoo’s new polar bear makes his first public appearance

Calgary Zoo’s new polar bear makes his first public appearance

The Calgary Zoo's new polar bear, 20-year-old Yelle, is now out of quarantine and exploring his new home and is available for the public to see.

Entertainment Apr 8, 2026
Oilers’ goalie Ingram finds balance and success

Oilers’ goalie Ingram finds balance and success

Connor Ingram went from being told not to report to Utah Mammoth training camp to starting in goal for the playoff-bound Edmonton Oilers.

Health Apr 8, 2026
Washington returns to B.C. Lions coaching staff

Washington returns to B.C. Lions coaching staff

Mark Washington is back with the B.C. Lions.

Sports Apr 8, 2026
Oil prices fall as Iran agrees to reopen Strait of Hormuz during ceasefire

Oil prices fall as Iran agrees to reopen Strait of Hormuz during ceasefire

Oil prices fell sharply Wednesday morning amid news Iran has agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz as part of its two-week-long ceasefire with the United States.

Canada Apr 8, 2026