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Weekly Edmonton Jul 6 - Jul 12, 2026

Tornado Surge, Oilers Extension & Fatal Highway Crash — Edmonton's Week in Review.

48 articles 2 days ago 11

🚑 Breaking & Incidents

  1. Highway 28 north of Gibbons re‑opened after a multi‑fatal crash that closed the road for about six hours. Alberta RCMP confirmed the closure began shortly after 5 p.m.; Sturgeon County posted that the collision resulted in “multiple fatalities.” Traffic reopened around 11 p.m.; authorities said more details would be released the following day.

  2. Kananaskis recreational areas drying after late June floods, but some trails and campgrounds remain closed. The storm that caused most damage peaked on June 28 and led to evacuations, basement flooding and one bridge collapse; Friends of Kananaskis Country and Alberta Parks are monitoring re‑openings and have posted advisories online.

🚨 Crime & Public Safety

  1. Video from May 2022 shows Justin Bone in an RCMP cruiser days before the Edmonton killing of two men. The 49‑minute clip, played at Bone's second‑degree murder trial, records conversations during the drive from Alberta Beach to Edmonton three days before Ban Phuc Hoang, 61, and Hung Trang, 64, were beaten and killed.

  2. ASIRT released new details about an RCMP shooting near Irricana on July 3 that left a man dead. Airdrie RCMP answered a 911 domestic‑disturbance call around 6:20 p.m.; officers say a man exited a rural home holding what appeared to be a handgun and one officer fired multiple times. Paramedics pronounced the man dead at the scene.

  3. Canada’s immigration tribunal ordered the deportation of an Edmonton‑linked associate of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Jashandeep Singh, described in court as a lower‑level Bishnoi associate, was identified on video holding a handgun used in a May 19, 2025, extortion shooting in Surrey, B.C.; he came to Canada on a student visa in 2022.

🏛️ Government & Politics

  1. Mark Carney told Stampede crowds he's optimistic a pipeline will be approved and defended a plan to ease interprovincial development barriers. Carney, at the Calgary Stampede, reposted a 17‑minute video arguing for cross‑provincial cooperation on June 30 and said polling shows majority support; he planned a further Stampede appearance the following morning.

  2. Prime Minister Mark Carney scheduled meetings with Treaty 6, 7 and 8 First Nations and a visit to Calgary Stampede grounds. Carney returned from a weeklong Middle East trip and listed cabinet ministers who were also attending the Stampede, including International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu and Heritage Minister Marc Miller.

  3. Unifor struck a tentative three‑year deal with Ford covering roughly 5,000 Canadian autoworkers at six plants, including one in Alberta. Negotiations began June 22; terms are being held for ratification votes and talks with Stellantis and General Motors will follow once the Ford agreement is finalized.

💼 Economy & Business

  1. The Alberta Meta data centre is scheduled to begin operations before a neighbouring power plant comes online. Provincial officials and company statements confirm the data centre’s timeline; the discrepancy has prompted provincial discussion and reassurances from Alberta’s premier about the project’s rollout.

  2. The Prairies recorded multiple tornadoes amid a humid heat wave, including a touchdown near the Alberta‑Saskatchewan border and one at Tulliby Lake. Environment Canada issued and later cancelled a red tornado warning for County of Vermilion River around 5:30 p.m.; the agency said the Tulliby Lake touchdown was about 60 kilometres northwest of Lloydminster.

  3. Alberta’s tornado count this year rose to at least 23, part of 48 tornadoes across the prairies so far, well above the 30‑year average of 34. Dave Sills of the Northern Tornadoes Project called the season “exceptionally busy,” noting tornado strengths this year have ranged from EF0 up to EF2 in Alberta and two EF3s in neighbouring provinces.

🎨 Community & Culture

  1. Boundary Ranch in Kananaskis reported recovery work after the June 28 storm, using trenches and land bridges to protect operations. Owner Rick Guinn said preparedness helped the ranch return to normal; Parks advisories still list backcountry campgrounds and some day‑use areas as closed while assessments continue.

  2. Portugal defeated Canada 38‑14 in a World Rugby Nations Cup match played in Edmonton. The scoreline and match result came as part of the tournament hosted in the city; Portugal outscored Canada across the fixture to record the victory in Edmonton.

🏈 Sports

  1. The Edmonton Oilers signed forward Colton Dach to a two‑year extension worth US$1.2 million AAV. Dach, acquired at the 2026 trade deadline, had five goals and eight assists in 61 games last season, including two goals and two assists in eight games with Edmonton; he also had 219 hits and spent time on long‑term injured reserve.

  2. Justin Rankin scored three touchdowns as the Edmonton Elks beat the Ottawa Redblacks 40‑17, moving the Elks to 4‑1 atop the West Division. Rankin rushed for 107 yards on 14 carries with two rushing TDs and caught three passes for a receiving touchdown; QB Cody Fajardo threw for 340 yards and two TDs.

🌦️ Weather & Roads

  1. A 3.8‑magnitude earthquake in northwestern Alberta on Thursday startled residents in that region. The seismic event was recorded by regional monitoring services and prompted local reports of shaking from communities in northwestern Alberta.

  2. Environment Canada issued heat warnings across southern Saskatchewan and Manitoba as the same weather system produced tornadoes and record‑breaking tornado counts in Saskatchewan. Meteorologist Kayla Bilous confirmed 10 tornado reports in Saskatchewan on Friday, and warnings remained in place as storms threatened damaging winds, large hail and intense rainfall.

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Source Articles (48)

Edmonton woman sentenced to 18 months in jail for defrauding seniors of nearly $180,000

An Edmonton woman will serve 18 months in jail after spending four years defrauding Old Age Security and Canada Pension Plan clients of $179,689. Bonnie Lo, 45, worked for Service Canada as a payment services officer for almost 10 years.

General Jul 10, 2026

'Gut punch': Community mourns beloved wild horse, seeks answers in fatal shooting

An Alberta wild horse advocacy group is offering a $35,000 reward for information after a beloved wild horse named Grey Hawk was found shot dead near Rocky Mountain House earlier this month. The RCMP is currently investigating the incident, which has sparked calls for accountability.

General Jul 10, 2026

'It’s awkward': Why Alberta's separation debate tends to live mostly online

In Drumheller, residents say local Facebook groups are full of angry banter, especially from a couple of hot-heads. But most of the time, people aren’t talking about separatism face-to-face — not unless they’re fairly certain the other person agrees with them.

General Jul 10, 2026

Canada added 18,000 jobs in June as unemployment rate edged down

Canada's economy added 18,000 jobs in June, continuing the momentum in the job market seen the month before and helping to edge down the unemployment rate slightly to 6.5 per cent.

General Jul 10, 2026

How Edmonton protected its river valleys from freeways

In 1963, Edmonton city staff presented the Metropolitan Edmonton Transportation Study. The study called for numerous changes to the city’s transport system, proposing to carve up large portions of the river valley to make room for new freeways. What followed was a battle between the city and local residents that would shape Edmonton’s river valley. The CBC's Kevin Sabiston explores.

General Jul 10, 2026

Rogers and Telus say demolition crew caused downtown Edmonton internet loss

Rogers and Telus internet customers in downtown Edmonton lost service Tuesday evening. As CBC's Tristan Mottershead reports, both companies say they're restoring service, but it could take a few days.

General Jul 10, 2026
Rankin leads the way with three TDs as Elks run over Redblacks 40-17

Rankin leads the way with three TDs as Elks run over Redblacks 40-17

The Edmonton Elks, who haven’t made the playoffs since 2019, moved ahead of Saskatchewan into first in the West Division at 4-1.

Sports Jul 10, 2026

Highway north of Edmonton reopens after fatal crash, RCMP investigating

RCMP have confirmed a two-vehicle collision on Highway 28 near Gibbons, Alta., was fatal but has yet to reveal how many people died.

General Jul 10, 2026

Meta data centre in Alberta to start operating before neighbouring power plant

It will be four years before a new natural gas-fired power plant north of Edmonton is operating and able to serve the massive data centre Meta Platforms Inc. is planning nearby. The tech giant expects the $13-billion-plus data centre will be online in the next two to three years, though no exact timeline has been set.

General Jul 10, 2026

Elections Alberta wants 'spoof' website with fake voter info taken down

A phoney Elections Alberta website has drawn the ire of the real agency, which claims the fake appears to exploit concerns about a recent data leak.

General Jul 10, 2026

Rankin’s 3 touchdowns help Elks run over Redblacks in 40-17 win

Justin Rankin and the Edmonton Elks were back to their newfound winning ways on Thursday.

General Jul 10, 2026

U.S. Justice Dept. reaches deal with South Bow regarding Keystone spill in 2022

The U.S. Justice Department has reached a settlement agreement with pipeline company South Bow Corp. regarding a 2022 rupture of the Keystone pipeline that spilled nearly 13,000 barrels of oil.

General Jul 10, 2026

Deportation order issued against Bishnoi associate linked to gun used in B.C. shootings

An immigration tribunal issued a deportation order Friday against a Bishnoi gang associate accused of hiding a gun used in one of a series of shootings against a Surrey, B.C., café owned by famed Indian comedian and TV host Kapil Sharma.

General Jul 10, 2026
Alberta RCMP investigating reports of ‘multiple fatalities’ in crash near Gibbons

Alberta RCMP investigating reports of ‘multiple fatalities’ in crash near Gibbons

Alberta RCMP are investigating after a fatal crash, just north of the town of Gibbons on Thursday evening, that has resulted in "multiple fatalities."

Investigations Jul 10, 2026
Canada orders deportation of ‘bottom-tier’ member of Bishnoi gang

Canada orders deportation of ‘bottom-tier’ member of Bishnoi gang

While Bishnoi gang leaders face racketeering charges, Jashandeep Singh is among the lower-level suspects Canada has opted to deport rather than prosecute.

Canada Jul 10, 2026

Edmonton-area massage therapist faces 6 more counts of sexual assault: RCMP

An Edmonton-area massage therapist faces six more counts of sexual assault after RCMP in Leduc, Alta., investigated several more complaints that occurred at a clinic just south of Alberta's capital city.

General Jul 11, 2026

More than 20K people apply to work Alberta's fall referendum

A month after launching a recruitment campaign seeking workers for the October referendum, Elections Alberta says it’s received more than 20,000 applications, with a goal of hiring at least 60,000 people.

General Jul 11, 2026

3.8-magnitude earthquake in northwestern Alberta Thursday startled some residents

Residents in the greater Grande Prairie region witnessed rattling windows and shaking tables Thursday evening, as a 3.8-magnitude earthquake occurred south of the northwestern Alberta city.

General Jul 11, 2026

First Nations chiefs across country 'blindsided' by pipeline announcements

First Nations chiefs countrywide are expressing concern about the lack of engagement after two pipelines were announced in Alberta, B.C. and Ontario. Two leaders say they only learned of the plans through last-minute emails and rumours.

General Jul 11, 2026

More than 2,000 Canadians have donated toward restoration of 24 Sussex Drive

More than 2,000 individual donors from across Canada have so far contributed to a crowdfunding campaign to restore 24 Sussex Drive, the now derelict official residence of the prime minister in Ottawa.

General Jul 11, 2026
ASIRT releases more details in shooting death of man by police near Irricana, Alta

ASIRT releases more details in shooting death of man by police near Irricana, Alta

Two RCMP officers were responding to a domestic call at a rural home near Irricana when the shooting happened, ASIRT said in a news release.

Crime Jul 10, 2026

Thunderstorm blows through Edmonton, leaves behind road closures, power outages

A powerful thunderstorm blasted through Edmonton Friday evening, leaving behind downed trees, road closures and power outages in its wake.

General Jul 11, 2026

Competitors battle it out in feats of strength for Farmer Games

An event in the city of Lloydminster is combining feats of strength with agriculture, from tractor pulls to wagon wheel deadlifts. CBC's Lexi Freehill went to find out who’s being drawn out to compete.

General Jul 11, 2026

Tornadoes in Alberta already up more than 50 per cent from last year

This year there have been 48 tornadoes across Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Alberta has seen 23 of those tornadoes, up from 15 tornadoes in 2025. Meteorologists weigh in.

General Jul 11, 2026
Kananaskis drying up after recent floods but some trails remain closed

Kananaskis drying up after recent floods but some trails remain closed

It's been two weeks since heavy rainfall flooded parts of Kananaskis, resulting in evacuations and a bridge collapse. Now the land is recovering and drying up for summer.

Weather Jul 11, 2026
Soaring number of Alberta tornadoes blamed on ‘perfect concoction of ingredients’

Soaring number of Alberta tornadoes blamed on ‘perfect concoction of ingredients’

Across the three prairie provinces there have been 48 tornadoes so far this year. The annual average is 34.

General Jul 11, 2026

'Conservation success story': Endangered whooping crane makes rare appearance in central Alberta

A whooping crane's appearance northeast of Calgary is being celebrated by local birdwatchers, with the rare sighting of North America's tallest bird being hailed as a chapter in the iconic animal's "conservation success story."

General Jul 11, 2026

Last 'yahoo' before ‘I do’? The Calgary Stampede's status as a bachelorette destination

Pairing a weekend of pre-marital debauchery with what is essentially a 10-day party makes the Calgary Stampede a prime spot for bachelor and bachelorette parties, says one planner.

General Jul 11, 2026

Why avoiding temptation may work better than resisting it

Rather than relying on willpower, a key to success could be to avoid temptations in the first place, say some scientists in this field.

General Jul 11, 2026

I raised my kids as a waitress in a small town and it made us a better family

Jennifer McGuire used to resent her job as a waitress and felt it represented poor choices she had made. Fifteen years later, she's come to see it as a blessing.

General Jul 11, 2026
Carney heading to Alberta for Calgary Stampede

Carney heading to Alberta for Calgary Stampede

Prime Minister Mark Carney is in Calgary today for Stampede events, including meetings with Treaty 6, 7 and 8 First Nations leaders after returning from a Middle East trip.

Canada Jul 11, 2026

Power restored to thousands, streets reopened after storm hit Edmonton Friday

Thousands of Edmonton households have power again and two thoroughfares have reopened, as the city recovers from a severe thunderstorm that passed through Friday evening.

General Jul 11, 2026
‘I’m not thinking right, right now’: Video shows Justin Bone days before killings

‘I’m not thinking right, right now’: Video shows Justin Bone days before killings

Video at the trial of Justin Bone shows police taking him to Edmonton days before the beating deaths of two men, allegedly violating his release conditions on an unrelated charge.

Crime Jul 11, 2026
New gene technology could help Canadian canola cope with extreme weather

New gene technology could help Canadian canola cope with extreme weather

Canadian researchers are developing hardier canola plants to better withstand heat and drought as a new agri-tech program helps bring climate-ready innovations to market.

Consumer Jul 11, 2026

Alberta premier offers reassurances on massive Meta data centre

Data centres have grown to mind-boggling scales to meet the vast demands needed to train and run AI models, but their expansion is concerning to Canadians who have to live near the electricity and water-hungry facilities.

General Jul 12, 2026
Dolegala, Ticats set to take on Roughriders

Dolegala, Ticats set to take on Roughriders

Jake Dolegala isn't shying away from stepping into the starting quarterback role for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

Sports Jul 11, 2026

Home exchanges gaining popularity as Canadians look for cheaper ways to travel

With rising travel costs squeezing vacation budgets, more Canadians are trading keys. Global home exchange networks report a massive surge in Canadian members still looking to travel but save big on accommodations.

General Jul 12, 2026

Carney talks about Canada's 'energy sovereignty.' But what does that really mean?

Soon after Donald Trump took office for a second time, with punishing tariffs and menacing talk of Canada as "the 51st state," this country's leaders began to invoke the idea of "energy sovereignty." But the Carney government's interpretation of energy sovereignty seems out of step with other countries.

General Jul 12, 2026

I was worried about the what-ifs. A daredevil stunt in my 50s helped me overcome my fears

As Nita Knapp faced her fear of being seriously hurt or worse on a quad ride up a steep hill, she was forced to confront a lifetime of worry as well.

General Jul 12, 2026

Hydrogen vs. batteries: Which is winning the race to electrify heavy trucks?

Hydrogen has long been touted as the solution to electrifying and decarbonizing heavy vehicles, such as long-haul trucks. But now, battery-electric trucks appear to be winning the race against their hydrogen counterparts.

General Jul 12, 2026

Grey whales are dying along our shores. Researchers say a warming climate may be part of the problem

So far this calendar year, 10 grey whale carcasses have been discovered off the shores of B.C., and 30 in Washington state. Whale researchers say they see a connection to a changing climate, and want grey whales to be designated as an endangered species.

General Jul 12, 2026

Achy, breaky heart: Is the Calgary Stampede the ultimate relationship test?

A famed 10-day festival. Over one million visitors from around the world. Throw in alcohol and constant partying, and you might have the recipe for some relationship trouble.

General Jul 12, 2026

Portugal trips Canada 38-14 in World Rugby Nations Cup in Edmonton

Tomas Appleton and Raffaele Storti each scored two tries and Samuel Marques added four conversions as Portugal defeated Canada 38-14 in World Rugby Nations Cup action on Saturday in Edmonton.

General Jul 12, 2026
Ford and Unifor strike tentative deal for three-year labour contract

Ford and Unifor strike tentative deal for three-year labour contract

The tentative agreement covers roughly 5,000 workers at five plants in southern Ontario and one in Alberta.

Canada Jul 12, 2026

Several structures damaged after tornado passes through part of central Alberta hamlet

In a social media post on Sunday, the County of Vermilion River said no injuries had been reported to officials, and that the Alberta Emergency Management Agency and the Northern Tornadoes Project are investigating.

General Jul 12, 2026
More tornadoes recorded in Canada’s Prairies amid humid heat wave

More tornadoes recorded in Canada’s Prairies amid humid heat wave

A red tornado warning was issued by Environment Canada around 5:30 p.m. Saturday for the County of Vermilion River, Alta., but was cancelled roughly 30 minutes later.

Canada Jul 12, 2026
Oilers sign Colton Dach to two-year extension

Oilers sign Colton Dach to two-year extension

The Edmonton Oilers have signed forward Colton Dach to a two-year contract extension with an average annual value of US$1.2 million, the NHL club announced Sunday.

Sports Jul 12, 2026
‘It’s looking good’: Carney chats pipelines while mingling at Calgary Stampede

‘It’s looking good’: Carney chats pipelines while mingling at Calgary Stampede

Carney said he's optimistic the pipeline will get done and that polling across the country shows it has majority support.

Canada Jul 12, 2026