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Weekly Calgary Aug 3 - Aug 9, 2026

Police Shooting, Battery Fires & Memorial Drive — Calgary's Week in Review.

49 articles 2 weeks ago 86

🚑 Breaking & Incidents

  1. ASIRT details Calgary police shooting from July 30. The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team says officers responded to a Bridlemeadows Manor SW home shortly before 2 a.m. for reports of a man shooting a bow and arrow; officers used a police service dog, a 40-mm less‑lethal impact weapon and a service pistol, then administered first aid before paramedics took the man to hospital in critical condition.
  2. Three separate lithium‑ion battery fires prompt Calgary Fire warning. Calgary Fire Department crews responded to a garage fire in the 0–100 block of Covercreek Mews NE around 9:25 a.m. Aug. 6 and a warehouse compactor fire on Aug. 7; investigators determined an electric scooter charging in the garage was the ignition source and paramedics assessed one occupant for smoke inhalation.

💼 Economy & Business

  1. Major Memorial Drive extension to serve east Calgary growth. Work has begun on Hollins and Halstead neighbourhoods east of Stoney Trail covering 54 hectares and planned for housing for 4,100 people; the project includes a four‑lane extension of Memorial Drive across Stoney Trail to 84 Street NE, with completion targeted by end of 2028 and an estimated cost of $105 million.
  2. $30M 8th Street S.W. revitalization next phase begins this month. Construction will start on the next phase of the 8th Street S.W. project, part of a broader $30‑million plan to upgrade the commercial corridor in Calgary’s southwest, with work slated to begin in August (project details and timelines from city and developer releases).
  3. Calgary warned natural gas bills could rise as city eyes infrastructure gap. City officials have signalled a potential increase in household natural gas costs tied to addressing a municipal infrastructure funding shortfall, prompting discussions of options to close that gap.

🚨 Crime & Public Safety

  1. Experts worry about flood of gambling ads after Alberta iGaming rollout. Addiction specialists and University of Alberta academics say the first month of Alberta’s regulated iGaming, with more than 20 registered sites, has produced pervasive advertising on billboards, buses and social media and could heighten risks for young or vulnerable gamblers.
  2. Alberta 'eliminates' 20 trucking carriers including firm tied to deadly Manitoba crash. Provincial action removed 20 carriers from Alberta’s road system; one of the eliminated firms was linked to a fatal crash in Manitoba, according to provincial enforcement notices.

🏛️ Government & Politics

  1. B.C. First Nations chiefs urge Ottawa and Alberta to halt West Coast pipeline advancement. The Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs, led by Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, sent a letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith asking both governments to stop efforts to advance the pipeline, citing recent wildfire emergencies in B.C. and publishing the letter on International Day.
  2. Classified CBSA report names key members of India’s Bishnoi gang with Canadian presence. A December 2025 CBSA tactical guide obtained by Global News profiles alleged leaders such as Goldy Brar and Harry Boxer and warns of the gang’s growing operational presence and recruitment in Canada.
  3. WestJet cabin crew union outlines tentative deal after strike. The union revealed details of a tentative agreement with WestJet following a labour stoppage, including terms the union described in a public summary (union release dated during the strike resolution period).

🏥 Health

  1. Calgary water playground temporarily closed after three E. coli cases reported. The city closed a public water playground following three confirmed E. coli infections linked to the facility; public health investigators have been notified and the site will remain closed pending remediation and testing.

🎨 Community & Culture

  1. Canada presses to build more water bombers as global demand rises. Canada faces international demand for domestically built water‑bomber aircraft to help fight wildfires; federal and industry officials are debating whether domestic manufacturers can scale production quickly enough to meet needs.
  2. Jasper tourism two years after major fire shows mixed recovery. A review of Jasper’s tourism economy finds lingering effects two years after a large fire, with continuing questions about visitor numbers, business recovery and provincial supports for affected operators.
  3. 'Floating the Bow' safety guidance issued for Calgary summer river users. Authorities released safety advice for people floating the Bow River this summer, highlighting needed precautions and local rescue resources for Calgary river recreationists.

🏈 Sports

  1. Argos rally with last‑second field goal to beat Calgary Stampeders 33–30. Brady Lidster’s 11‑yard field goal with 11 seconds left capped Toronto’s comeback win over the Calgary Stampeders; Calgary’s Hail Mary attempt was intercepted as time expired, leaving the Stampeders at 4–5.
  2. Trevor Harris passes 40,000 career CFL passing yards in Roughriders win. Harris completed 30 of 38 passes for 401 yards as the Saskatchewan Roughriders beat the Ottawa Redblacks 42–20, pushing his career total to 40,352 passing yards and placing him 12th all‑time in CFL history.

🌦️ Weather & Roads

  1. Stormy July prompts more than 4,000 crop insurance claims across the Prairies. The Canadian Crop Hail Association reports insurers investigated over 4,000 claims covering more than one million acres after destructive storms in July; Saskatchewan communities including Canora, Lloydminster and Maple Creek were among the hardest hit, with Alberta crops such as corn and canola also reported damaged.
  2. East Calgary roadwork begins alongside neighbourhood construction. As developers break ground on the Hollins and Halstead communities east of Stoney Trail, initial Memorial Drive extension work and underground utilities began in early August as part of a plan to close an east‑west transportation gap in Calgary.

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Source Articles (49)

Gambling ads are everywhere in Alberta right now, experts weigh in on their potential impact

Since Alberta opened up its online gambling market to private operators, gambling ads have been popping up on various platforms across the province.

General Aug 6, 2026

Alberta independence group readies its separation blueprint, seeks expert review

One of the leaders of an Alberta separation organization says his group is drawing closer to the release of an upcoming “white paper” exploring the structural policies needed to establish an independent country.

General Aug 6, 2026

WestJet cabin crew union reveals details of tentative deal following strike

The union representing WestJet cabin crew has shared details of the tentative deal reached with the Calgary-based airline this week after a one-day strike.

General Aug 6, 2026

Large white supremacist meeting shakes residents of Alberta town

Second Sons Canada, this country’s predominant white nationalist group, gathered this summer for their annual "nationals" event in a small Alberta town, a CBC News visual investigation has found.

General Aug 6, 2026

DFO finds 'critical habitat' for fish destroyed, but investigation called off, logging permits issued

A multi-year investigation into an unapproved bridge built over the Highwood River in Kananaskis Country by a logging company in critical habitat for a threatened fish species was halted by a federal ministry due to a lack of resources, according to documents obtained by CBC News.

General Aug 6, 2026

Kelly Hrudey says he won't be back on Hockey Night in Canada as contract expires

Kelly Hrudey said Wednesday that he was told in June that his contract with Rogers Sportsnet would not be renewed for next season. He has appeared on Hockey Night in Canada on a full-time basis since 1998, immediately after his retirement as an NHL player.

General Aug 6, 2026
EXCLUSIVE: Key members of India’s Bishnoi gang named in Canadian intelligence report

EXCLUSIVE: Key members of India’s Bishnoi gang named in Canadian intelligence report

The gang’s leaders are profiled in the report by the Canada Border Services Agency’s Intelligence and Investigations Directorate.

Canada Aug 6, 2026

Clinics, technicians question Alberta's new self-referral method for health tests

Some Alberta medical clinics are taking a wait-and-see approach to the province's new program that lets patients bypass their doctor and privately book diagnostic imaging tests.

General Aug 6, 2026

Alberta premier, minister criticize Edmonton police for social media post on hate reporting

Alberta's public safety minister says police should be focused on serious crime instead of "policing opinions or 'hurt feelings.'"

General Aug 6, 2026
Lidster’s field goal rallies Argos past Stampeders

Lidster’s field goal rallies Argos past Stampeders

Chad Kelly and the Toronto Argonauts delivered quite a homecoming Thursday.

Sports Aug 6, 2026
2 correctional officers, offender dead after transfer accident: CSC

2 correctional officers, offender dead after transfer accident: CSC

Two correctional officers died in the line of duty Thursday, according to Correctional Service of Canada.

Canada Aug 6, 2026
Alberta woman says airline lost husband’s ashes

Alberta woman says airline lost husband’s ashes

Twyla Shannahan said she had all of the proper documentation to transport her husband's ashes, but at the airport, she was told she’d have to put them in a checked bag.

Canada Aug 6, 2026
Addiction experts say recent flood of gambling ads a problem for some Albertans

Addiction experts say recent flood of gambling ads a problem for some Albertans

A month after Alberta's iGaming system became operational, the ads promoting online gambling are everywhere, and some experts are worried about the impact.

Politics Aug 6, 2026

3 people dead after ‘tragic accident’ during transfer from Edmonton correctional facility: CSC

Correctional Service Canada (CSC) says two of its officers and a person the agency says was an offender have died as a result of a “tragic accident during a transfer from Edmonton Institution for Women.”

General Aug 7, 2026

Supreme Court of Canada to hear case on constitutionality of requiring oath to the Crown

The Supreme Court of Canada says it will hear a case on whether requiring prospective lawyers to swear the Oath of Allegiance to the reigning monarch is unconstitutional.

General Aug 7, 2026

Alberta separatist lawyer challenging order removing him as trustee for First Nation

A lawyer accused of misappropriating money is appealing a judge’s decision to temporarily remove him as the trustee of an account belonging to a First Nation in northern Alberta.

General Aug 7, 2026

Rich Kruger to step down as CEO of Suncor next year but will stay on at company

Oilsands giant Suncor said Thursday that Rich Kruger will move to the role of executive vice-chair in April 2027, when Peter Zebedee will become chief executive.

General Aug 7, 2026

City launches new traffic safety initiative targeting excessive vehicle noise

Calgary's traffic enforcement is rolling out a new initiative to target excessive noise along 17th Avenue in response to concerns raised by residents and local businesses along the street.

General Aug 7, 2026

Parks Canada charges camper after black bear gets into food at Banff National Park

Parks Canada continues to emphasize the importance of keeping food away from wildlife after a black bear got into food at Rampart Creek Campground. Parks wardens investigated and charged a person with not properly maintaining the area and camping on public land in violation of a permit.

General Aug 7, 2026

Canadians' climate change concerns rebound amid wildfire season

The percentage of Canadians who see addressing climate change as a top priority spiked this summer after years of it taking a back seat to other issues, recent polling has found.

General Aug 7, 2026

University of Calgary to house quantum defence hub to develop tech for armed forces

Canada's defence minister says the University of Calgary will be home to a hub used to research and develop quantum tech to feed the Canadian Armed Forces' national defence needs.

General Aug 7, 2026

TransAlta takes legal action in attempt to remove Bearspaw Marina

Since opening on the Bearspaw Reservoir just outside of Calgary in 2024, the reservoir has faced pushback, including blocked public access routes and criticism from both the city and TransAlta.

General Aug 7, 2026

Trucking company involved in deadly Manitoba crash among 20 carriers 'eliminated' in Alberta

Conquer Transportation, whose truck was in a fatal crash in Brandon, Man., in May — after it had its safety permit pulled in Manitoba — now can't operate from Alberta, the province's transportation minister said Thursday.

General Aug 7, 2026
Als face injury troubles on defence as Elks visit

Als face injury troubles on defence as Elks visit

It was expected given the absence of key players in practice, but the Alouettes' roster released Friday morning confirmed what was feared: a reshaped Montreal defence will have to slow down the Edmonton Elks at Molson Stadium.

Sports Aug 7, 2026
Rourke expected to start for B.C. Lions

Rourke expected to start for B.C. Lions

Quarterback Nathan Rourke will return to the B.C. Lions lineup and start in Saturday's CFL game against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at B.C. Place Stadium.

Sports Aug 7, 2026

Parents who missed kid's birthday due to WestJet strike say nothing can make up for it

Calgary couple's return journey from San Francisco was so chaotic due to the WestJet strike that they got home three days late — and missed their youngest's second birthday because of it.

General Aug 7, 2026

Construction on next phase of $30M revitalization project along 8th Street S.W. to begin this month

One Calgary business owner says the disruption will be well worth it in the end. City officials said work would begin on 10th Avenue S.W. at the intersection with Eighth Street. Construction is expected to run through August and September.

General Aug 8, 2026

E-scooter lithium battery fires in Calgary lead to safety reminders

The Calgary Fire Department says crews responded to three separate fires involving lithium-ion batteries within 24 hours Aug. 6 and 7.

General Aug 8, 2026

ASIRT continues investigating police shooting in southwest Calgary

The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team is investigating a police officer-involved shooting on July 30 in the southwest Calgary community of Bridlewood.

General Aug 8, 2026
Major changes in store for Memorial Drive as part of east Calgary development

Major changes in store for Memorial Drive as part of east Calgary development

Developers broke ground Friday on two new communities east of Stoney Trail in Calgary, with work already underway to extend Memorial Drive to connect them to the rest of the city.

Traffic Aug 7, 2026
Alberta Serious Incident Response Team investigates Calgary police shooting

Alberta Serious Incident Response Team investigates Calgary police shooting

The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) has released more details about a police shooting in the southwest community of Bridlewood on July 30, 2026.

Crime Aug 7, 2026
Prairie producers filed more than 4,000 crop insurance claims in stormy July

Prairie producers filed more than 4,000 crop insurance claims in stormy July

Thousands of storm-related crop insurance claims were filed in July as harvest season approaches, according to the Canadian Hail Crop Association.

Canada Aug 7, 2026
Calgary Fire Department issues warning about danger of lithium-ion battery fires

Calgary Fire Department issues warning about danger of lithium-ion battery fires

The Calgary Fire Department has issued a reminder about the dangers of lithium-ion batteries after firefighters responded to three fires over a 24-hour period.

Consumer Aug 7, 2026

Calgarians' natural gas bills could soon rise, as city looks to tackle infrastructure gap

The average resident is projected to pay $2.45 more per month in natural gas franchise fees, if an application from the city and ATCO is approved.

General Aug 8, 2026

The world wants more Canadian-made water bombers. Can Canada build them fast enough?

The hand-built planes are unmatched in the firefighting aircraft market and are built to last for decades. Europe wants more of them than ever.

General Aug 8, 2026

The air travel industry was on the brink of disaster, but travellers are still taking to the skies

It seemed as if airlines were on the brink of disaster heading into the peak summer travel season. But the industry — and passengers' desire to travel — appears to have rallied, with July 23 seeing the most commercial flights ever tracked by Flightradar24.

General Aug 8, 2026
Roughriders roll past winless Redblacks 42-20

Roughriders roll past winless Redblacks 42-20

After Trevor Harris led the Saskatchewan Roughriders to an impressive victory Friday, head coach Corey Mace wasn't about to let his veteran quarterback slide a career milestone into the background.

Sports Aug 8, 2026

Two years after the fire, how is Jasper’s tourism economy really doing?

It's been two years since Jasper's visitor economy took a hit from the 2024 wildfire. With fewer attractions and accommodations to feed the tourism sector, what does a 'new normal' look like for local businesses?

General Aug 8, 2026

Floating the Bow this summer? Watch this first

Not everyone follows the rules. Tell us the wildest thing you've seen while floating down the Bow.

General Aug 8, 2026

Fast-moving wildfire forces all of Summerland, B.C., to evacuate

General Aug 8, 2026

Calgary water playground temporarily closed after 3 cases of E. coli reported

Alberta health inspectors are investigating three cases of E. coli they say are linked to the water park facilities at Prairie Winds Park in northeast Calgary.

General Aug 9, 2026
Late field goal lifts Lions to win over Tiger-Cats

Late field goal lifts Lions to win over Tiger-Cats

Nathan Rourke knows he wasn't at his best.

Sports Aug 8, 2026

What lives in the rivers near you? Why scientists want you to know

Scientists are uncovering the creatures that live in our rivers with techniques like electrofishing and DNA sampling. Here's what they're finding, from mottled sculpins to mayfly nymphs, and why they say we need to know our underwater neighbours.

General Aug 9, 2026

Curtain call: Lacombe's only cinema set to close next month

The only cinema in Lacombe, Alta., is closing at the beginning of September. News of the movie theatre’s closure has prompted disappointment in the city of nearly 15,000, which is located about 125 kilometres south of Edmonton.

General Aug 9, 2026

Wild rally to beat Rise 3-2 and net 1st win of NSL season

Jorian Baucom and Keelyn Stewart scored in the first and sixth minute of second-half stoppage time as the visiting Calgary Wild rallied to beat the Vancouver Rise 3-2 in Northern Super League action on Saturday in Burnaby.

General Aug 9, 2026

RCMP investigating homicide of 12-year-old Edmonton boy after remains found in Athabasca region

RCMP say they are investigating the homicide of a 12-year-old Edmonton boy after remains were found in a rural area of northern Alberta. In a news release on Sunday, police said Athabasca RCMP officers responded to a report of human remains found on Thursday, Aug. 6, just before 3:30 a.m.

General Aug 9, 2026

First Nations chiefs in B.C. call on Carney, Smith to halt advancing West Coast pipeline

The Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs is calling on Ottawa and Alberta's government to halt efforts to advance the West Coast pipeline, saying expanding the oil industry will accelerate climate change and disasters.

General Aug 9, 2026

Poilievre's letter to Carney: 'No more caving' to U.S. demands in trade, tariff talks

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is urging Canada's prime minister to not concede to U.S. President Donald Trump's demands during trade negotiations.

General Aug 9, 2026
First Nations chiefs in B.C. urge feds, Alberta to halt pipeline advancement

First Nations chiefs in B.C. urge feds, Alberta to halt pipeline advancement

The group said it wanted to reaffirm that it's against the pipeline because government has not consulted and co-operated in good faith with the First Nations.

Canada Aug 9, 2026