LOCAL NEWS

Lightning Sparks New Blazes as Fort McMurray Area Stays on High Alert
Rain Brings Relief But Fire Danger Persists in Northern Alberta Recent rainfall has provided some relief to the Fort McMurray Forest Area, but wildfire danger remains high near Fort Chipewyan and moderate throughout the rest of the region. While the showers helped reduce overall fire risk, lightning from thunderstorms ...
3h ago

Alberta's police watchdog clears RCMP officer in 2021 fatal airport shooting
No charges for RCMP officer in 2021 fatal airport shooting: ASIRT Alberta's police watchdog has cleared an RCMP officer in the 2021 shooting death of a man armed with a knife outside the Fort McMurray International Airport. The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) concluded that the officer's use of lethal fo...
4h ago

RCMP Searching for SUV After an Early Morning "Hit and Run"
Wood Buffalo RCMP are looking for your help, as they investigate a hit and run in Fort McMurray. Early this (Thursday) morning, RCMP were called out to the intersection of Parsons Creek Drive and Paris Crescent. A 64 year old woman was hit by a car, and the driver sped away without stopping. She was taken to hospital...
13h ago

Concussions on the Rise: Acute Care Alberta Says Falls from Furniture a Major Cause
AHS reminds parents to prevent childhood concussions as falls remain leading cause of injury As summer gets underway, Alberta Health Services is reminding families to stay vigilant when it comes to childhood safety. Falls remain the leading cause of injury-related visits to emergency departments and urgent care centres...
16h ago
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Wood Buffalo Projects Move Forward with Community Feedback
RMWB advancing community projects with public input at the forefront The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo is moving forward on several community initiatives this summer, with a focus on shaping services through public input. Among them is a feasibility study for a potential aging-in-place facility near the Willow ...
18h ago
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Being the Difference: Easy Ways to Support the Food Bank This Summer
Small acts make a big difference for Wood Buffalo Food Bank FORT McMURRAY, AB - The Wood Buffalo Food Bank is encouraging residents to take small, simple steps to help keep shelves stocked through the summer. With supplies expected to dip before the fall food drive, Executive Director Tiffany Stagg says even the small...
Jun 26, 2025

Province backs carbon removal project in Innisfail
Alberta invests $5 million in world-first carbon capture innovation centre The Alberta government is investing $5 million to help build the world's first direct air capture innovation and commercialization centre in Innisfail. The funding, provided through the province's Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (T...
Jun 25, 2025

Central Alberta Gets Rain, North Stays Dry in Province's June 24 Fire Update
Rain helps central Alberta, but wildfires still rage in the north FORT McMURRAY, AB - While recent rainfall has brought some relief to central Alberta, much of the province's north remains dangerously dry, with wildfires continuing to threaten communities. As of 3:30 p.m. on June 24, 51 wildfires are actively burning i...
Jun 25, 2025

Fringe parties and separatists left licking wounds after Alberta byelections
Alberta byelection results show weak separatist support despite poll numbers EDMONTON - Alberta's three provincial byelections have delivered a clear message on separatism, with pro-independence parties at the bottom of the vote counts, even failing to crack 18 per cent support in their stronghold of Olds-Didsbury-Thre...
Jun 25, 2025
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Generous Jeweller Faces Heartbreaking Loss in Violent Break-In
FORT McMURRAY, AB. - RCMP investigating major theft from beloved downtown jeweller. Police in Fort McMurray are investigating two early-morning break-ins at jewelry stores that occurred within minutes of each other on Tuesday and are believed to be connected. The first incident happened around 4:04 a.m. at Canadian Jew...
Jun 25, 2025

Electric Dirt Bike Rider Wanted After Near Miss in Fort McMurray
Electric Dirt Bike Rider Wanted After Near Miss in Fort McMurray RCMP say off-highway vehicle use continues to pose dangers in city's urban areas FORT MCMURRAY, Alta. - Wood Buffalo RCMP are investigating a dangerous incident involving an electric dirt bike that nearly led to a serious collision in Fort McMurray's Timb...
Jun 24, 2025

Fort McMurray Walk Brings Hope to Canadians Facing Brain Tumours
Fort McMurray joins national walk to support brain tumour research and patients Fort McMurray, AB. - Residents of Fort McMurray will lace up their shoes this Saturday for a cause that touches thousands of lives across Canada. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the 2025 Team Fort Mac Strong Brain Tumour Walk will take place at Mac...
Jun 24, 2025
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Thickwood Boulevard to close for water main replacement through Canada Day weekend
Commuters advised to plan alternate routes during utilities upgrade FORT McMURRAY, AB - Drivers in Fort McMurray's Thickwood neighbourhood will face significant traffic disruptions next week as the municipality closes a major section of Thickwood Boulevard for underground infrastructure work. The Regional Municipality ...
Jun 24, 2025

RCMP Nab Lead-Footed Audi Driver on Highway 63
Fort McMurray driver clocked at more than double the speed limit faces charges, court date Fort McMurray, AB. - A 41-year-old Fort McMurray man is facing several charges and a mandatory court appearance after RCMP clocked his grey Audi S8 travelling more than twice the posted speed limit Monday morning. Around 9:30 a.m...
Jun 24, 2025

McCallum, former minister and envoy to China in turbulent times, dead at 75
Former cabinet minister and ambassador John McCallum dies at 75 OTTAWA - Canada is mourning the loss of longtime Liberal cabinet minister and former ambassador to China John McCallum, who died Saturday at age 75. His family announced his passing on Sunday, saying he died peacefully surrounded by loved ones. McCallum re...
Jun 23, 2025

Ninth annual Wood Buffalo Pride set for Saturday at Heritage Shipyard
Wood Buffalo Pride returns with ninth annual festival at Heritage Shipyard FORT McMURRAY, AB. - Wood Buffalo Pride is set to host its ninth annual Pride Festival this weekend, celebrating the theme of "Radical Joy." The free, family-friendly event takes place Saturday, June 28, from 12 to 5 p.m. at the Herita...
Jun 23, 2025

World braces for Iranian response after U.S. strikes nuclear sites
Former Deputy Premier calls for Canadian energy strategy as oil markets react cautiously to rising tensions The world is watching closely after the United States bombed suspected nuclear sites in Iran on Saturday night, prompting fears that tensions in the Middle East could escalate into full-scale conflict. The U.S. d...
Jun 22, 2025
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Westwood High's Humberly Gonzalez Lights Up Netflix Screen in The Waterfront
From Westwood to Netflix screens, Humberly Gonzalez brings hometown pride to a gripping new drama. A new Netflix series with a Fort McMurray connection is drawing attention from fans and locals alike. Humberly Gonzalez, a Canadian actress raised in Fort McMurray, stars as Jenna Tate in The Waterfront, a crime drama cre...
Jun 20, 2025

Government Policy Threatens Children's Safety, Say Teachers and Doctors
Alberta teachers warn paid COVID vaccines will endanger schools and public health EDMONTON - The Alberta Teachers' Association is calling on the provincial government to reverse its decision to end free COVID-19 vaccinations this fall, warning that the move puts students, teachers and the wider community at risk of ren...
Jun 20, 2025
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Officials Warn of Wildfire Risk, Ask Public to Help Prevent New Starts
Extreme fire danger returns to Fort McMurray Forest Area as weekend approaches FORT McMURRAY, AB. - Alberta Wildfire is warning that extreme fire danger has returned to the Fort McMurray Forest Area heading into the weekend, with hot, dry conditions continuing to raise concerns in the region. The fire risk remains mode...
Jun 19, 2025
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Fort McMurray Gears Up for a Fun-Filled Canada Day Weekend
Canada Day celebrations return to Fort McMurray with music, parade, and fireworks FORT MCMURRAY, AB. - Fort McMurray is gearing up for a full weekend of Canada Day celebrations, with events taking place June 30 and July 1 throughout the city. Festivities begin the evening of June 30 with a free outdoor concert at the S...
Jun 19, 2025
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No Escape: Police Dogs, Drones, and Patrols Corner Suspects Across Wood Buffalo
RCMP Target High-Priority Offenders in String of Arrests Across Wood Buffalo The RCMP Crime Reduction Unit in Wood Buffalo has made multiple arrests this past month in a crackdown on high-priority offenders across the region. Officers have seized stolen property, weapons, and drugs, and laid dozens of charges following...
Jun 19, 2025

Banff, Jasper and Wood Buffalo Drive Alberta's Tourism Boom
Tourism Boom in Alberta Outpaces National Growth Alberta is leading the country in tourism growth, with a surge in visitor spending and strong interest in major attractions like Banff, Jasper and Wood Buffalo National Park. New data shows the province's tourism sector grew by 12 per cent in 2024, four times the nationa...
Jun 19, 2025

Western Premiers to Ottawa: End Interference in Resource Development
Western Premiers Demand Ottawa Roll Back Contentious Federal Policies Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe are calling on the federal government to reverse a series of environmental and trade policies they say are stalling economic growth in Western Canada. Meeting in Lloydminster, the prem...
Jun 19, 2025

Fort McMurray Losing a Key General Surgeon, Replacement Plans Not Yet Clear
Fort McMurray Surgeon Closing Practice After Nearly Five Years FORT MCMURRAY, AB. -Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo is set to lose one of its general surgeons this fall. Dr. Alexsander Bressan has announced he will close his medical practice at the Borealis Specialist Clinic and Northern Lights Regional Health Centre on Sept...
Jun 18, 2025
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New Alberta Challenge Aims to Slash Costs, Time for Oil Sands Reclamation"
Alberta launches $50M push to accelerate oil sands tailings cleanup Alberta is investing $50 million from its Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) fund into new technologies aimed at speeding up the cleanup of oil sands tailings ponds and reclaiming mine water. The Tailings Technology Challenge, led by ...
Jun 18, 2025

Dangerous dirt bike stunt drivers flee police in Fort McMurray
FORT MCMURRAY, AB. - Wood Buffalo RCMP are seeking public assistance to identify three reckless dirt bike riders who fled police after performing dangerous stunts on Cateret Drive Sunday evening, putting both themselves and the public at risk. The incident occurred at approximately 5:14 p.m. on June 16 when officers sp...
Jun 18, 2025

Province to Scrap Health Zones in Favour of Local Hospital Control
Alberta moves ahead with hospital-level decision-making amid ongoing health care overhaul Alberta is continuing its sweeping overhaul of the health system by shifting decision-making power from regional zones to individual hospitals, a move the government says will improve care but that some experts warn could deepen c...
Jun 18, 2025

Oil Markets React to Threat of U.S. Action in Iran-Israel War
Oil prices climb as conflict between Israel and Iran deepens and U.S. weighs military role Oil markets continued their climb Tuesday as the conflict between Israel and Iran showed no sign of slowing. West Texas Intermediate rose to over $75 a barrel amid growing speculation the United States may directly intervene. Wes...
Jun 18, 2025
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Doctors Urge Immunization as Measles Outbreak Further Deepens in Alberta
Alberta nears 1,000 measles cases as health officials push for higher vaccination rates Measles cases continue to climb in Alberta, with the province approaching 1,000 confirmed infections of the vaccine-preventable illness. The surge has given Alberta one of the highest per-capita infection rates in North America and ...
Jun 17, 2025
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RMWB Celebrates Local Gardens with 'Nominate Your Neighbour'
Fort McMurray celebrates community pride through blooming gardens and shared harvests Fort McMURRAY, AB. - The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo is once again recognizing local green thumbs with the return of Communities in Bloom, an annual celebration of floral displays, landscaping, and community beautification. ...
Jun 17, 2025

Western Canadian Select Jumps as Middle East Conflict Disrupts Supply
Oil prices rise as Israel-Iran conflict escalates into fifth day Oil markets are reacting sharply to an escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, now in its fifth straight day of missile and drone exchanges. The fighting intensified over the weekend with strikes launched by both sides, including Israeli attacks on n...
Jun 17, 2025
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Fort McMurray Public Schools Announce New Leadership for Upcoming Year
Principals and vice-principals appointed at eight schools for fall 2025 Fort McMURRAY, AB. -Fort McMurray Public Schools are announcing a series of leadership changes for the upcoming school year, with a mix of familiar faces and new additions taking on key roles. Robyn Kuseler has been named Vice-Principal of Dr. K.A....
Jun 16, 2025

RCMP Seek Public's Help to Locate Missing Fort McMurray Man
Wood Buffalo RCMP are asking for the public's help in locating 44-year-old Joshua Melvin Wells, who has been reported missing. Wells, a resident of Fort McMurray, was last seen in the community on June 3, 2025. Police say they are concerned for his wellbeing and are hoping to speak with him as soon as possible. Joshua ...
Jun 16, 2025

New Water Cannon Could Be a Game-Changer in Alberta's Wildfire Fight
ATHABASCA, Alta. - The Town of Athabasca unveiled a powerful new wildfire-fighting tool on Friday during its first-ever Wildfire Awareness Day. The event drew more than 100 guests for the live demonstration of the new HydroDome1000 water cannon. Officials say the high-powered system, developed by FFF Equipment, could b...
Jun 16, 2025

Middle East Tensions Push Crude to Three-Year High
Oil Prices Surge as Israel-Iran Conflict Raises Global Supply Fears An unexpected oil rally is gripping global markets following the outbreak of open conflict between Israel and Iran. Over the past several days, the two countries have exchanged missile strikes, with Israel targeting nuclear facilities and fuel depots, ...
Jun 15, 2025
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Pay Up or Get Sick: Alberta Cuts Free COVID Vaccines for Most Residents
Alberta scales back COVID-19 vaccines, leaving most Albertans to pay out of pocket FORT MCMURRAY, AB. - The Alberta government is ending free COVID-19 vaccinations for most residents this fall, forcing many to cover the full cost of protection against the virus for the first time since the virus emerged. Only a narrow...
Jun 15, 2025
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RCMP arrest one in Sport Chek thefts, search for second suspect continues
One suspect arrested in downtown Sport Chek thefts, second still at large FORT MCMURRAY, AB. - One man is in custody following recent thefts from the Sport Chek store in downtown Fort McMurray, as RCMP continue to investigate a second incident at the same location. Police arrested 53-year-old Steven Linthorne on Wednes...
Jun 15, 2025

Fatal fire under investigation on Chipewyan Prairie First Nation
Fatal house fire under investigation on Chipewyan Prairie First Nation FORT MCMURRAY, AB. - One person is dead following a house fire on Thursday on the Chipewyan Prairie First Nation near Janvier, south of Fort McMurray. Wood Buffalo RCMP and Regional Emergency Services firefighters responded to the blaze around 3:15 ...
Jun 15, 2025

Home Depot breaks ground on new Fort McMurray store
New hardware mega-store to open in 2026, bringing 150 jobs to the region FORT McMURRAY, AB - Home Depot is expanding northward with plans to open its newest Canadian store in Fort McMurray in spring 2026. The 80,000-square-foot location will be the company's northernmost store in the country and is expected to create a...
Jun 13, 2025

Final shows of Doubt: A Parable set for Keyano's King Street Theatre
First major production since venue's revitalization closes June 14 FORT McMURRAY, AB - The final performances of Doubt: A Parable begin tonight at Keyano's King Street Theatre, marking the end of a well-received run for the Pulitzer Prize-winning drama. Presented by Swamp Rat Experience, the production has drawn praise...
Jun 13, 2025

No Injuries After Truck Smashes into Popular Gregoire Restaurant
Tow Truck Crashes into Molly's Diner in Gregoire; No Injuries Reported FORT McMURRAY, Alta. - A popular Fort McMurray diner will remain closed for several days after a tow truck crashed into the front of the building earlier this week. Wood Buffalo RCMP say officers were called to Molly's Diner on Gregoire Drive around...
Jun 13, 2025

Thursday Wildfire Update: No New Starts in RMWB, But Hazard Increasing
FORT McMURRAY, AB. - Fire risk expected to rise across RMWB as crews make gains elsewhere Alberta Wildfire crews have made progress in the past 24 hours, extinguishing three forest fires and bringing the provincial total down to 57. About half of the active fires are considered under control. No new fires have been rep...
Jun 12, 2025

Canada Ranked Top Oil Supplier by G7 Nations in New Poll
Ipsos poll ranks Canada as top oil supplier among G7 nations ahead of summit in Alberta As G7 leaders prepare to meet in Kananaskis, a new Ipsos poll shows Canada is now the most preferred oil supplier among G7 countries. Premier Danielle Smith says the findings reflect Alberta's growing reputation as a secure and resp...
Jun 12, 2025
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Woman Known to Frequent Fort McMurray Wanted by RCMP
RCMP Searching for Woman Wanted on Multiple Charges Across Alberta FORT MCMURRAY, AB - Alberta RCMP continue to search for Kayla Jennifer Penny, a 31-year-old woman who remains wanted after failing to appear in court in Innisfail. Penny is known to frequent the Fort McMurray area, along with several other communities a...
Jun 12, 2025

New Alberta Program Aims to Speed Up Clean Energy Drilling Solutions
Alberta Invests $20 Million to Accelerate Clean Drilling Technologies Alberta is investing more than $20 million to help companies develop and commercialize new drilling technologies aimed at reducing emissions and expanding clean energy production. The funding will support the launch of the Alberta Drilling Accelerato...
Jun 12, 2025
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RMWB to Maintain Partial Access to Clearwater Maintained During Snye Upgrades
Kayakers and Floaters Won't Be Left High and Dry During Snye Point Construction FORT MCMURRAY, AB. - Much of Snye Point Park in downtown Fort McMurray will be closed this summer as part of a major revitalization and flood mitigation project-but the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo says kayakers, floaters and river...
Jun 12, 2025

More Than 600,000 Hectares Burned as Alberta Fire Season Rages On
Fire Danger Remains High as Crews Battle 60 Wildfires Across Alberta Alberta Wildfire officials say conditions remain stable across the Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo region, with little change expected in the weather pattern. The fire danger remains very high in the Fort McMurray Forest Area, while the Lac La Biche Forest...
Jun 11, 2025
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Step Into History at the Legion's Canada Day Exhibit
FORT McMURRAY, AB. - The Fort McMurray branch of the Royal Canadian Legion is marking Canada Day by welcoming the public to explore its growing military museum. Located in the Waterways neighbourhood, Branch 165 is opening its gallery on July 1 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering residents a unique and meaningful way to ce...
Jun 11, 2025

Beyond the Badge: Wood Buffalo RCMP Help Secure Bikes for Vulnerable Residents
RCMP Deliver Refurbished Bicycles to Supportive Housing Residents in Fort McMurray FORT McMURRAY, AB. - Wood Buffalo RCMP recently stepped in to help residents of the Tawaw supportive housing program, answering a call not for service, but for bicycles. Earlier this spring, the Wood Buffalo Wellness Society reached out ...
Jun 11, 2025