$1.35M for Calgary’s National accessArts Centre

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Good morning !

On Tuesday, we asked about the Progressive Conservative party’s return—readers were split between excitement and wanting more info, with some not interested; comments ranged from praise for the premier to frustration with current leaders and a shift toward the hard right.

👀 In today's edition:

• Terrorist charges for CAF members

• A Hot Wheels hospital fundraiser

• How rivers have shaped Calgary

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WORTH KNOWING

⛈️ Today: High 20C, Low 10C. See the 7-day forecast.

🚗 Driving today? Check the current traffic situation, and find the city’s traffic report and road closures.

⚠️ Here’s the current smoke forecast / check Calgary wildfire and fire restrictions and the Alberta Wildfire Dashboard.

QUICK POLL

Federal funding boosts Calgary’s National accessArts Centre

Calgary’s National accessArts Centre (NaAC) is getting $1.35 million in federal funding to support renovations and artist training programs. The funding was announced July 7 by Parliamentary Secretary David Myles during a tour of the facility. The NaAC is Canada’s largest and longest-running disability arts organization.

The money will help renovate the historic West Hillhurst building, one of two sites that will make up a new fully accessible arts campus. Upgrades will include better lighting, art studios, and storage for equipment, creating more space for classes, community programs, and artist support.

The rest of the funding will go toward the NaAC’s Professional Track Programs, which offer training and mentorship for artists with disabilities. The program will support more than 20 artists as they develop skills in a variety of disciplines.

Need to know

🔒 The RCMP charged three Canadian Armed Forces members from Quebec with facilitating terrorist activities after they allegedly planned to create an anti-government militia.

🚁 A helicopter crashed near a private landing strip in Lacombe County, Alberta, killing a 54-year-old female passenger from Benalto and leaving the 63-year-old pilot from Lacombe County in life-threatening condition.

🚠 Kicking Horse Mountain Resort in Golden, BC announced that repairs to their gondola system would be delayed until August due to supply chain issues affecting replacement parts, following a March incident where a cabin fell one metre to the ground with eight passengers aboard.

🚗 Four-year-old Henry partnered with CJAY 92 radio station to collect over 20,000 Hot Wheels cars for Alberta Children's Hospital after noticing their toy supply was running low.

⚖️ Calgary’s Christopher Dunlop was convicted of first-degree murder for killing sex trade worker Judy Maerz in 2023, marking his second conviction for murdering a vulnerable woman after previously serving time for strangling Laura Furlan in 2009.

🌊 A Calgarian reflected on how the Bow and Elbow rivers have shaped the city’s history, neighbourhoods, and identity—from early settlement to modern recreation and flood planning.

🤑 AIMCo, a crown corporation managing pension, endowment, insurance and government funds, paid out $7.9 million in severance last year as it parted ways with several top executives during a major leadership shake-up.

🤠 Yeehaw! Get into the Stampede spirit at the CORE with the CORE Midway! Until July 13, enjoy a jam-packed schedule filled with daily activations, entertainment, giveaways, games, & more!*

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Free summer fun at Alberta museums for kids and youth

Families across Alberta have a new reason to explore the province’s museums and historic sites this summer—and it won’t cost them a thing. As part of the Canada Strong Pass program, kids and teens 17 and under can now get free admission to all provincial museums and heritage sites until September 2. Young adults aged 18 to 24 can also take advantage of half-price entry. The offer applies to everyone, including visitors from out of province, and there’s no limit on how often you can go.

From dinosaur fossils at the Royal Tyrrell Museum to vintage games at Victoria Settlement, there’s something for everyone. The season also features special events and new exhibits across the province. The Frank Slide Interpretive Centre, for example, is marking its 40th year of sharing stories from the tragic 1903 landslide. Other highlights include Social Saturdays at Historic Dunvegan and hands-on activities like boat building at Fort George and Buckingham House.

There’s no pass to download or carry — the discount is automatically applied at the door. Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women Tanya Fir says the program is all about creating lasting memories and encouraging more people to connect with Alberta’s history.

Where to eat and drink

🍴 Doughnut Party: This Calgary-based doughnut shop began at farmers markets and now offers a variety of creative and seasonal doughnut flavours across multiple locations.

🍴 Vitaminboba: Specializing in real fruit bubble teas and handcrafted drinks, the shop offers unique flavours and boba-themed merchandise in a bright, welcoming space.

Have a food or drink suggestion? Message us and we might share it!

Things to do

🎟️ The Brainasium Outdoor Park: Located at TELUS Spark Science Centre in Calgary, this outdoor play area encourages children to develop problem-solving, spatial thinking, and cooperation skills through climbing structures, slides, and musical features.

🎟️ Amazing Scavenger Hunt! - Cruisin' Calgary: Explore Calgary in a fun and interactive way by using an app to complete a self-paced scavenger hunt filled with clues and challenges—no tour guide needed.

Have an event suggestion? Message us and we might share it!

That’s it!

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