Affordable Housing Upgrades, Plane Crash Tragedy & Riverbank Erosion — Edmonton Thursday

🚑 Breaking & Incidents

1. High Level Bridge sidewalk closed after heavy rain. Slope instability near the southeast side forced the closure, affecting pedestrian traffic above Kinsmen Park. ↗
2. Three killed in plane crash while fighting wildfire. The aircraft crashed near Fort Simpson, N.W.T., prompting a heartfelt response from local authorities. ↗

🚨 Crime & Public Safety

1. Grande Prairie man charged with sex crimes. Joseph Kidd, 32, faces multiple charges including sexual assault and abduction involving young victims. ↗
2. Calgary police seek help in South Asian extortion case. Photos released of suspects involved in a series of extortions, including 19 shootings since April 2025. ↗

🏛️ Government & Politics

1. Carney supports Canadian unity ahead of Alberta referendum. Mark Carney vows to defend national unity amid separatist sentiments in Alberta.
2. Calgary mayor dismisses further noise rule changes. Mayor Jeromy Farkas stands firm against provincial demands to modify Stampede noise regulations. ↗

💼 Economy & Business

1. Renovations complete on 882 affordable housing units. Edmonton completed upgrades funded through $23.3 million, improving living conditions for residents in city-owned housing. ↗

🎨 Community & Culture

1. Brendan Gallagher honored as 'citizen' of Montreal. The recognition celebrates his contributions after 14 years with the Montreal Canadiens, marking his significant impact on the city. ↗

🌦️ Weather & Roads

1. More rain expected in Edmonton this weekend. Continued rainfall is forecasted, which could exacerbate existing flooding challenges. ↗

📰 Also Today

• Sunshine Village opens for summer skiing. Resort takes advantage of late snowfall for a rare season extension. ↗
• WILDNorth advises caution with baby animals. Many baby skunks and other animals unnecessarily taken to the centre. ↗
• Banff cancels skijoring due to crowd concerns. Skijoring becomes too popular, causing logistical issues. ↗
• Carney addresses Calgary Stampede on unity. Comparison to Brexit warns against easy separations. ↗
• Alberta man released twice before sex crime charges. Police detail extensive charges against suspect. ↗
• New wildfires emerge as heat warning issued. Rising temperatures and new fires add to climate pressures. ↗