Tech Jobs Boom, Bearspaw Shutdown & Ballhawks — Calgary Thursday

🏛️ Government & Politics

1. Bearspaw feeder main to close for under a week in September. Mayor Jeromy Farkas says the shutdown will finish electrical work on a new pumping station and could trigger limited outdoor-watering restrictions; the feeder main supplies 60% of treated water for 1.6 million residents of Calgary, nearby municipalities and the Tsuut’ina Nation.
2. Alberta minister to hold second AI data-centre town hall in Sturgeon County. Technology Minister Nate Glubish will attend a Redwater town hall about a planned $13-billion Meta data-centre project, after he faced jeers at a Lacombe meeting; Premier Danielle Smith will join a virtual town hall Aug. 27.
3. Calgary tech sector recorded 56% growth, adding 28,900 jobs. CBRE’s report says Calgary’s tech employment rose by 28,900 positions over three years; Platform Calgary CEO Jen Lussier credited cross‑sector tech in energy, clean tech and agriculture and cited the city’s innovation strategy as the policy backbone.
4. Edmonton Pride organizers defend police presence after advocacy backlash. Edmonton PrideFest says police will provide security following recent attacks in Vancouver and Berlin; groups including RaricaNow said they would cut ties, citing historical mistreatment of LGBTQ+ and racialized communities.

🏈 Sports

1. Tyrell Ford leads CFL interception race; Calgary’s Ben Labrosse tied for lead. Edmonton’s Tyrell Ford is tied with Calgary’s Ben Labrosse at five interceptions heading into Friday’s Elks vs. Blue Bombers game; Ford was a second‑round pick in the 2022 CFL draft and became the Elks’ highest‑paid defensive back in April 2025.
2. Miyu Yamashita shoots 62 to lead CPKC Women’s Open after round one. Yamashita opened with a season‑low 62 at par‑70 Royal Mayfair in Edmonton; Canadian teenagers Anna Huang (17) and Michelle Xing (18) are within striking distance at 5 under.
3. Ottawa Redblacks drop to 0‑10 after 46‑16 loss to Montreal. The Redblacks fell 46‑16 to the Alouettes at Molson Stadium, extending a losing streak to 16 games since Sept. 5, 2025; Montreal’s Davis Alexander threw for 260 yards and two TDs in front of 22,482 fans.

📰 Also Today

• WestJet ordered to scrap weight cap on power wheelchairs. Court or regulator decision forces carrier change.
• Alberta tech minister met with jeers at first AI town hall in Lacombe. Public opposition disrupted the Aug. 19 meeting.
• With 60 days left, Alberta referendum stay/leave sides plan strategy. Campaigning intensifies ahead of referendum.
• Operator fined over fracking pond drowning death in northern Alberta. Company received a monetary fine.
• Some 2SLGBTQ+ groups cut ties with Edmonton Pride Festival over policing. Multiple organizations announced disaffiliation.
• Scientist warns proposed endangered‑species law changes would 'stab it to death.' Expert criticizes legislative amendments.
• Invasive plants available across Canada; federal regulation debated. National availability prompts regulation questions.
• Central Alberta RCMP officer faces four charges in alleged intimate‑partner violence. Police officer charged in the case.
• Column examines Keystone XL’s place in Canada‑U.S. trade debate. Opinion piece on pipeline focus.
• Defendants in ex‑Medicine Hat police chief lawsuit blame officer accused of witness tampering. Legal filings shift responsibility.
• Southern Alberta school launches program to train next generation of farmers. School initiative targets agricultural skills.
• Edmonton police charge a 16‑year‑old boy in teen girl's shooting death. Teen charged in homicide investigation.