LOCAL NEWS

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...
8h ago
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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...
8h ago

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...
9h ago
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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...
9h ago

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...
21h ago
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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...
22h ago

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 ...
23h ago

Teacher Strike Threat Could Disrupt September School Start
Teachers Inch Closer to Strike as Talks with Alberta Stall Alberta's teachers have voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action on Tuesday, setting the stage for a possible walkout if contract talks with the province remain stalled. Results released this week by the Alberta Teachers' Association (ATA) show 94.5 per ...
Jun 11, 2025
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Caterpillars Take Over Streets, Yards, and Trees in Fort McMurray
Forest Tent Caterpillar Outbreak Crawls Across Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo FORT McMURRAY, AB. - Brown and green caterpillars with white spots crawling up trees, clinging to decks, and devouring aspen leaves on trees are a familiar sight across Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo this spring. The region is in the middle of a fore...
Jun 10, 2025

Canada To Hit Two Per Cent GDP Defence Target for First Time Since 1990
Canada Commits $9 Billion to Military in Bid to Meet NATO Target Canada is committing an additional $9 billion to defence spending in a bid to meet NATO's target of allocating two per cent of GDP to the military - a benchmark the country hasn't hit since 1990. Prime Minister Mark Carney made the announcement Monday, un...
Jun 10, 2025
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Calgary Woman Charged After Drug Seizure in Timberlea
Calgary Woman Charged After Drug Seizure in Timberlea FORT McMURRAY, AB. - A Calgary woman is facing a trafficking charge after police seized suspected cocaine and thousands in cash during a search in the Timberlea neighbourhood of Fort McMurray. Wood Buffalo RCMP say the 23-year-old was arrested without incident on Ma...
Jun 10, 2025

Downtown Sport Chek Targeted in Two Separate Thefts
RCMP Investigating Two Thefts at Downtown Fort McMurray Sport Chek FORT MCMURRAY, AB. - Wood Buffalo RCMP are investigating two separate shoplifting incidents at the downtown Sport Chek on Hardin Street and are asking for the public's help in identifying the suspects. The first incident happened on May 12 around 1:20 p...
Jun 10, 2025

Fire Risk Remains High, but Evacuation Alert Ends for Conklin
Evacuation Alert Lifted for Conklin as Crews Make Progress on Caribou Lake Wildfire CONKLIN, AB. - Residents of Conklin are no longer under an evacuation alert as crews continue to make progress on containing a massive wildfire burning near the hamlet. The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) lifted the evacuat...
Jun 09, 2025

Three People Facing Fines for Firing off Fireworks
Three people are facing a fine after fireworks were shot off Fort Chipewayn. The reports of fireworks being set off came into the RCMP on June 1st. With the tinder dry conditions, these fireworks could have touched of a fire. After a short investigation, the RCMP were able to find three people. They have been given a ...
Jun 09, 2025

Postal Deliveries Continue as Labour Talks Resume
Postal service continues as feds push for mediation in Canada Post labour dispute Postal deliveries will continue for now as the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) returns to the bargaining table with Canada Post. The decision to resume talks comes one day after the union filed an official complaint alleging unfai...
Jun 09, 2025
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Wildfire Danger Persists in Fort McMurray Region Despite Weekend Rainfall
FORT MCMURRAY, AB. - A fire ban remains in effect across most of Alberta, including the entire Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB), as hot and dry conditions continue to drive extreme wildfire risk. Despite a brief reprieve from rain on Saturday, fire danger has rebounded to very high levels in the Fort McMurr...
Jun 08, 2025

University of Alberta team creates heat-resistant filter for oil sands recycling
Alberta researcher develops next-generation water filters for oil sands and rural communities EDMONTON, AB - Water is essential to life in Alberta, powering homes, industry and the province's energy sector. But ensuring that water stays clean is a complex challenge - one that a University of Alberta researcher has spen...
Jun 08, 2025

Fort McMurray Chamber Unveils 2025-2026 Board of Directors
Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerce unveils 2025-2026 board leadership FORT MCMURRAY, AB -The Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerce has announced its 2025-2026 Board of Directors, a team of regional leaders dedicated to growing the local economy, supporting entrepreneurs, and advocating for the business community. Crystal Yo...
Jun 08, 2025

Municipal Council Backs Addition to Reserve for Fort McKay First Nation
RMWB Council backs land transfer and reserve expansion for Fort McKay First Nation FORT MCMURRAY, AB. - Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) council has approved the transfer of a municipally owned parcel of land in Fort McKay and expressed support for the Fort McKay First Nation's efforts to expand its reserve...
Jun 06, 2025

Luck Strikes Twice: Fort McMurray Store Sells Another $100K Winning Lottery Ticket
Fort McMurray's Uncle Bill's sells second $100,000 lottery ticket in months FORT MCMURRAY, AB. - A Fort McMurray convenience store is proving to be a lucky charm for lottery players after selling its second six-figure winning ticket in just months. Local resident Wilma Allejos is the latest big winner, taking home $100...
Jun 05, 2025

Snye Point Park to Close for Summer Construction and Revitalization
Construction begins on waterfront upgrades and flood mitigation in Fort McMurray FORT MCMURRAY, AB. - Construction along the waterfront in Fort McMurray is set to begin next week as part of a long-term effort to improve flood mitigation and enhance public spaces at Snye Point Park. The Regional Municipality of Wood Buf...
Jun 05, 2025

Firefighters Take On Shed Fire in Thickwood
No one was injured in a shed fire in Thickwood Tuesday, but everything inside the shed has been burned. Several neighbouring sheds and a fence were damaged in the fire on Caldwell Crescent. Two pumpers responded to the fire call at 2:30 in the morning and found a shed fully involved in fire, with fire spreading to neig...
Jun 05, 2025

Alberta measles nearing 40-year high as outbreak spreads rapidly
Measles Cases in Alberta Approach 40-Year High, Northern Regions Spared Alberta is facing its worst measles outbreak in nearly four decades, with 724 confirmed cases-a level not seen since 1986. The highly contagious virus has spread rapidly, with cases increasing by 50 per cent in recent weeks. Fourteen people remain ...
Jun 05, 2025
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Burgers, Bannock and Books: RMWB Marks Indigenous History Month
Wood Buffalo marks National Indigenous History Month with events celebrating culture and community FORT MCMURRAY, AB. - The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo is inviting residents to take part in a series of events throughout June to mark National Indigenous History Month. The municipality is hosting several gather...
Jun 05, 2025

Oil Sands Lead Alberta's Drive to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Alberta leads Canada in absolute emissions reductions between 2022 and 2023 A new report shows Alberta's oil sands are producing more crude while reducing greenhouse gas emissions per barrel. The 2023 Oil Sands Greenhouse Gas Emissions Intensity Analysis found emissions intensity dropped 26 per cent last year, a four p...
Jun 05, 2025

Alberta Outperforms Most Provinces in Emergency Room Efficiency
Alberta emergency room wait times rise, but still beat most provinces: MEI report A new report from the Montreal Economic Institute (MEI) shows that emergency room wait times have grown across Canada, with Alberta's median ER stay reaching 3 hours and 48 minutes in 2024 which is up nearly an hour from five years ago. W...
Jun 04, 2025

Throne Speech Adopted as Liberals Dodge Confidence Vote After First House Defeat
Liberals pass throne speech after narrow House defeat on amendment The minority Liberal government led by Prime Minister Mark Carney has officially cleared its first major hurdle, with the House of Commons adopting the throne speech Wednesday evening. The move, made without a formal vote, allowed the government to avoi...
Jun 04, 2025
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Helly Hansen No Longer Canadian as Brand Sold to U.S. Company
Kontoor Brands of North Carolina acquires Helly Hansen in a deal worth nearly $1.3 billion. Helly Hansen, a familiar name in Canadian workwear and outdoor fashion, is set to lose its Canadian identity. Canadian Tire Corp. Ltd. has signed a deal worth nearly $1.3 billion to sell the Oslo-founded brand to Kontoor Brands ...
Jun 04, 2025

New Community Centre Unveiled in Fort McKay
Fort McKay Community Centre Opens as New Hub for Culture and Gathering FORT MCKAY, AB - After two years of construction, the Fort McKay Community Centre was officially unveiled on Tuesday during a ribbon-cutting ceremony and celebration attended by local leaders and community members. The 12,000-square-foot facility, l...
Jun 04, 2025

Canada's Parks Shine as U.S. System Struggles, Says New York Times
New York Times Endorses Canada's National Parks as U.S. System Falters The New York Times is suggesting Americans head north this summer, praising Canada's national parks as a cleaner, better-managed alternative to their U.S. counterparts. In a prominent feature, the 170-year-old publication pointed to deteriorating co...
Jun 04, 2025

RCMP Use Drone, K9 Unit in Firearms Arrest South of Fort McMurray
Chipewyan Prairie First Nation man charged after firearms complaint FORT MCMURRAY, AB. - A man from the Chipewyan Prairie First Nation is facing nearly a dozen charges following a firearms incident south of Fort McMurray. Wood Buffalo RCMP say they responded to a report on the morning of May 30 that a firearm had been ...
Jun 03, 2025

No Mussels Allowed: Alberta Launches Mandatory Boat Inspections at Eastern and Southern Borders
Watercraft entering from high-risk areas must be inspected before launch or face steep penalties. Boaters entering Alberta from the east or south must now stop for mandatory inspections to help keep invasive mussels out of the province's lakes and rivers. Starting June 1, all watercraft, including boats, jet skis and k...
Jun 03, 2025

Acclaimed Local Writer Takes Top Crime Fiction Honour
Fort McMurray author wins national crime writing award FORT McMURRAY, AB. - A Fort McMurray writer is receiving national recognition for her short fiction. Therese Greenwood has won the 2025 Award of Excellence for Best Short Story from the Crime Writers of Canada for Hatchcheck Bingo, a tale of resourceful women navig...
Jun 03, 2025

Wildfires damage key infrastructure in Chipewyan Lakes including water treatment plant
Wildfire damages dozens of structures in Chipewyan Lakes, threatens Conklin as extreme fire danger persists More than two dozen buildings, including the water treatment plant and seniors centre, have been damaged by wildfires in the community of Chipewyan Lakes, located about 100 kilometres west of Fort McMurray. The d...
Jun 03, 2025

Mayor's Youth Council Offers Leadership Opportunity for Students
FORT McMURRAY, AB. - The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo is now accepting applications for the 2025-2026 Mayor's Advisory Council on Youth (MACOY), a leadership program for high school students in grades 9 through 12. Up to 26 students from across the region will be selected to join the council, which offers oppo...
Jun 02, 2025

AHS Warns of Widespread Measles Exposure Across Province
Alberta Expands Measles Advisories as Outbreak Grows EDMONTON - Alberta Health Services has issued 24 active measles exposure advisories across the province as the outbreak continues to grow. The advisories span a wide area, from Waterton Park in the south to Grande Prairie in the north. Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo is o...
Jun 02, 2025
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Conklin Remains on Evacuation Alert as Alberta Wildfires Expand
Wildfires Continue to Grow Across Alberta as Conklin Remains on Alert FORT MCMURRAY, Alta. - Wildfires are increasing in both number and size across Alberta, with 50 fires currently burning in the province. Of those, 25 are considered out of control. In the Fort McMurray Forest Area, three large wildfires are burning n...
Jun 01, 2025

RCMP Seek woman missing since January 1.
FORT MCMURRAY, AB. - Wood Buffalo RCMP are asking for the public's assistance in locating 24-year-old Sarah Campbell, who has been missing since Jan. 1, 2025. Although Campbell has had some verbal contact since her disappearance, police say they remain concerned for her well-being. Campbell is described as 5'5" ta...
Jun 01, 2025

Homeowner holds intruder until RCMP arrive
FORT MCMURRAY, Alta. - A man was arrested after allegedly forcing his way into a home in Fort McMurray's Timberlea neighbourhood. Wood Buffalo RCMP say officers responded to a 911 call for a break and enter in progress around 8:40 p.m. on May 28. They say an unknown man knocked on the door of an apartment in the 100 bl...
May 30, 2025

Quick Response and Teamwork by Wood Buffalo RCMP Leads to Arrest, Weapon Recovery
Man wanted on warrant arrested after foot chase in downtown Fort McMurray FORT MCMURRAY, Alta. - A 34-year-old man wanted on a provincial warrant is facing several firearms charges after he was arrested in downtown Fort McMurray following a brief foot chase. Wood Buffalo RCMP and members of their Crime Reduction Unit w...
May 30, 2025

Conklin Remains on Evacuation Alert as Nearby Wildfire Grows to Nearly 20,000 Hectares
Wildfire threat grows near Conklin as Alberta and RMWB issue sweeping fire bans A massive wildfire burning near the hamlet of Conklin has forced the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) to issue an evacuation alert for the community. The blaze is nearly 20,000 hectares in size and remains out of control. Reside...
May 30, 2025

Evacuation Alert Issued for Conklin Due to Nearby Wildfire Threat
Residents of Conklin are being urged to prepare for the possibility of evacuation as a wildfire continues to burn nearby. The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) has issued an Evacuation Alert for the community due to the potential threat posed by wildfire LWF090, which may spread toward the area. At this time...
May 29, 2025
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RCMP officer injured during arrest of nearly naked man in traffic
RCMP officer injured during arrest of nearly naked man running through traffic in Fort McMurray An RCMP officer is recovering from a dislocated shoulder after a bizarre arrest in Fort McMurray over the weekend. On May 25, police responded to a report of a man running through traffic wearing nothing but his underwear. O...
May 29, 2025

Smoke Alarm May Have Saved Life in Late-Night Mobile Home Fire
Smoke alarm credited for alerting resident to late-night mobile home fire in Fort McMurray FORT McMURRAY, Alta. - A smoke alarm is being credited for helping a Fort McMurray resident escape a late-night fire that caused extensive damage to a mobile home on Cree Road. Regional Emergency Services says it received a 911 c...
May 29, 2025

RCMP Searching for Wanted Woman Last Seen in Fort McMurray
RCMP seek wanted woman last seen in Fort McMurray FORT McMURRAY, Alta. - RCMP are asking for the public's help in locating a woman wanted for multiple crimes across Alberta. Kayla Jennifer Penny was last seen in the Fort McMurray area and is also known to frequent communities in central and southern Alberta. Police say...
May 28, 2025

Alberta Wildfire Responds to Surge in Fire Activity Across the Province
Wildfire crews battle out-of-control blazes as extreme fire danger continues in Fort McMurray Forest Area FORT McMURRAY, Alta. - The wildfire danger remains extreme in the Fort McMurray Forest Area as hot, dry and windy weather continues to fuel aggressive fire behaviour. Alberta Wildfire reports there are currently 10...
May 28, 2025
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Fort McMurray sees spike in fire activity, but season remains quieter than 2024
Hot, dry weather fuels flare-ups as crews brace for more fire activity Alberta Wildfire crews are battling 34 active fires across the province, as hot, dry weather fuels new starts in several regions. Eighteen fires are currently classified as out of control, with the Slave Lake Forest Area seeing a spike in activity o...
May 28, 2025

ATA Moves Closer to Strike as Teachers Back Job Action
Alberta teachers overwhelmingly back strike action as contract deadline nears EDMONTON - Alberta teachers have moved one step closer to strike action after delivering an overwhelming mandate to their union in support of job action. In a provincewide online vote held from May 22 to 26, nearly 38,000 teachers cast ballot...
May 27, 2025

Alberta Measles Cases Continue to Grow
Measles outbreak in Alberta grows to 606 cases EDMONTON - Alberta's measles outbreak has expanded to 606 confirmed cases, with 46 new infections reported in the latest period. The disease, once considered eradicated in the province, has been spreading for months with no sign of slowing. Two new cases were identified in...
May 27, 2025
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Province to Redraw Riding Boundaries Amid Rapid Population Growth
Alberta begins redrawing electoral map as population grows past five million EDMONTON - Alberta is launching a review of its electoral boundaries to keep pace with rapid population growth. A new Electoral Boundaries Commission is beginning public consultations this week as the province moves to add two new ridings, inc...
May 27, 2025