Slow-Moving Convoy, Elks' Rankin & RCMP New Uniforms — Edmonton Wednesday

20 articles 2 weeks ago 208

🚑 Breaking & Incidents

A 1.65-million-pound industrial load will slow traffic between Edmonton and Fort Saskatchewan. The de-ethanizer convoy — 96.6 metres long, 10.5 metres high, 7.7 metres wide and on trailers with 448 wheels — starts a night move from Dacro at 11 p.m. on Aug. 12, continues Aug. 14 at 2 a.m., and may travel as slow as 30 km/h; Alberta advises drivers to call 511 for updates.
Dog walk in downtown Edmonton park led to veterinary treatment for suspected opioid poisoning. City animal-control and veterinary staff responded after a dog showed poisoning symptoms following a downtown walk, and the animal received emergency veterinary care in Edmonton; police and animal services are investigating the incident's circumstances.

Two men from Maskwacis charged after alleged midday firearms threat on Louis Bull First Nation. RCMP say a 23-year-old and a 17-year-old entered a home on Aug. 6 with a firearm, threatened to shoot a child, were found nearby, and face charges including possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose; the 23-year-old was remanded and both appear in Wetaskiwin provincial court in early September.
Alberta RCMP switch to navy-blue shirts starts Aug. 15 amid a national uniform rollout. Alberta detachments begin replacing grey shirts with navy-blue front-line shirts on Aug. 15 as part of a Canada-wide change since October; the RCMP warns of impersonation incidents, says officers may still wear old shirts during transition, and urges residents to ask to see police identification or call local non-emergency lines.

Alberta is soliciting proposals to expand gambling-addiction services funded by iGaming revenue. The province seeks programs to supplement Recovery Alberta’s 21-day bed-based treatment and hotlines, with one percent of regulated iGaming revenue earmarked for social-responsibility initiatives and the government taking 20% of operator revenues; nearly two dozen private sportsbooks and casinos were active at launch.
Alberta preschools warn of closures and strains due to a provincial funding gap. Early childhood advocates report funding shortfalls affecting preschool operations across Alberta, with programs seeking increased government support and warning of program reductions that would affect subsidized spaces and staff retention in communities across the province.

Elks’ Justin Rankin’s rushing dip tied directly to fewer carries, not loss of form. Rankin has 651 yards on 101 carries with seven TDs this season, but his four 100-yard games came when he had 10+ carries; Edmonton’s offensive game plans and quarterback Cody Fajardo’s passing (noted 510-yard game July 23) correlate with Rankin’s reduced opportunities.
Calgary Stampeders host B.C. Lions as both seek West Division traction. The Stampeders (4-5) meet the Lions (3-5) Thursday at McMahon Stadium; Calgary coach and GM Dave Dickenson stressed needing more home wins, and B.C. quarterback Nathan Rourke returned, throwing 370 yards and two TDs in his last game.

Alberta pumpkin growers report crop delays after 33 cm of July rain at Somerset Farms. Somerset Farms in Parkland County says its 80-acre u-pick, which grows 67 pumpkin varieties and typically produces ~25,000 fruits, is a month behind because of pooled water and weed pressure; owner Kate de Windt warned frost risk and financial strain from lost sales.
Alberta farm researchers testing new sustainability and profit techniques in field trials. Researchers are running on-farm trials in Alberta to test practices aimed at improving sustainability and yields, with experiments this season focused on soil management and input efficiencies across multiple test plots in the province.

Canada, U.S. still negotiating tariffs; Ottawa unhappy with U.S. offer, sources.
Hockey Canada suspensions remain for four players from the 2018 junior team.
Partial solar eclipse visibility maps released for Canada on Aug. 12.
Edmonton Fringe late-night programming highlighted as a festival draw.
Some Alberta international students denied post-graduate work permits, students speak out.
Fort Chipewyan Roman Catholic community still seeking new gathering place four years after fire.
Calgary Flames radio rights signed with QR Calgary 770AM for five years.
CUSMA breakdown model warns of hundreds of thousands of jobs, trillion-dollar losses.
Cold Lake First Nations opened its first women's shelter, leaders say.
Man plans protests targeting Alberta data centres as government schedules town halls.