Alberta schools pull books under new library rules

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On Tuesday, we asked if the water main break had impacted you, and responses were split between "not really" and "yes, somewhat." Many readers shared they're cutting back on water use even outside affected neighbourhoods—running full loads of laundry, taking shorter showers, and limiting toilet flushes. One Bowness resident noted frustrating traffic through their neighbourhood, while another observed that fewer people seem concerned this time around.

👀 In today's edition:

• Water conservation remains critical as feeder main repairs continue

• Calgary schools remove books under new provincial library rules

• Classic films return to The Grand throughout January

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Alberta schools pull books under new library rules

Calgary's largest school division removed 44 books from library shelves following a provincial order targeting sexually explicit material, though the district won't reveal which specific titles were pulled, CBC News reported. The Calgary Board of Education has approximately 700,000 books in its collection.

The directive stems from concerns raised last May when a conservative group flagged graphic novels they felt contained inappropriate content for students. Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides initially ordered schools to remove books with sexually explicit images and written descriptions by October, but that first attempt sparked controversy when Edmonton Public Schools prepared to pull over 200 titles including The Handmaid's Tale and I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.

Premier Danielle Smith criticized the school board for what she called "vicious compliance," prompting the government to narrow its approach. The updated ministerial order, which took effect January 5, now focuses specifically on materials depicting graphic sexual acts while exempting anatomy textbooks.

Calgary Catholic School District found no material warranting removal after reviewing its collection. Across the province, Elk Island Catholic Schools and Red Deer Public Schools reached similar conclusions after deploying staff to examine their libraries.

Meagan Parisian, a Red Deer parent and vice-president of the Alberta School Councils' Association, told CBC News that the small number of flagged titles raises questions about whether inappropriate material was widespread enough to justify the effort.

Need to know

🗺️ A former Edmonton utility engineer created an interactive map using Calgary's open data to show the age, material, and capacity of the city's 5,400 kilometres of water mains, revealing infrastructure challenges as crews work to repair the aging Bearspaw feeder main.

🚂 Hinton marks 40 years since a CN Rail freight train and Via Rail passenger train collided east of the Alberta town, killing 23 people in one of Canada's deadliest railway disasters that still weighs heavily on first responders and community members.

⚖️ Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation is suing Alberta over legislation allowing the Alberta Prosperity Project to collect signatures for a separation referendum, arguing the petition violates Treaty 8 and cannot proceed without First Nation consent.

🍽️ Three Calgary restaurant owners received 90-day weekend jail sentences and must repay $44,000 after defrauding temporary foreign workers who paid thousands for immigration fees while working long hours in substandard conditions at Marina Dosa and Tandoori Grill.

🚗 Lethbridge police charged a 27-year-old Uber driver with sexual assault after allegedly taking a detour to a secluded river valley area during a November ride, with the unrecorded portion of the trip prompting an investigation that led to his arrest upon returning to Canada.

🚌 Calgary police arrested a man after tips from the public identified someone accused of exposing himself to a mother and her children from a Calgary Transit bus window at the intersection of 25 Avenue SE and Macleod Trail in December.

🚧 A 28-year-old Calgary woman faces mischief charges after video circulating online showed a 13-pound traffic pylon being thrown from a 14th-floor downtown apartment balcony, with police emphasizing the dangerous act could have seriously injured or killed someone below.

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January movie nights return to Calgary's oldest theatre

The Grand is rolling out four classic films throughout January, pairing nostalgic screenings with local food vendors and themed cocktails in Calgary's oldest theatre. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for drinks and snacks before 7 p.m. showings, with tickets available for $15 plus fees.

The lineup kicks off January 9 with Jim Henson's Labyrinth, where Sarah must navigate an ever-changing maze ruled by the Goblin King to rescue her baby brother. Portland Street Pizza will serve square slices inspired by Portland-style deep-dish throughout the evening.

Bollywood classic DDLJ screens January 16, following star-crossed lovers Raj and Simran as they fight for their romance across Europe and India. Mumbai Bites brings authentic street food to the lobby, and theatregoers are encouraged to dress formally or as their favourite character for this musical celebration.

Back to the Future marks its 40th anniversary with a January 24 screening, as Marty McFly accidentally travels to 1955 and must fix the timeline before returning home. Uncle Fatih's Pizza serves up veggie-forward slices made with fresh dough and rustic ingredients.

The series wraps January 31 with Groundhog Day, just two days before the actual holiday, as cynical weatherman Phil Connors relives February 2 over and over until he discovers humour and humility in the repetition. The Grand team notes that January's quiet atmosphere after the holidays makes gathering for nostalgic films feel especially meaningful as audiences look for connection in the heart of winter.

Where to eat and drink

🍴 Pizzeria Gaga: Named after Chef Safeta Zeljic's nickname from her husband, this charming Beltline spot serves Italian-style pizzas with creative toppings like figs and prosciutto alongside Balkan burek and imported goods in a warm, community-focused atmosphere.

🍴 Minas Steakhouse: Traditional Brazilian rodizio brings tableside skewers of barbecued meats and sausages alongside sumptuous vegetable dishes rooted in Southeast Brazil's fusion of Portuguese spices and local produce, all under the guidance of master chef Jose Montes.

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

Things to do

🎟️ Bowness Park skating: Enjoy free outdoor skating on the lagoon in the eastern portion of Bowness Park with skate rentals provided by the University of Calgary Outdoor Centre (helmets strongly encouraged, check status before heading out as skating is weather dependent). Daily 5 a.m.-11 p.m., running until to mid-March.

🎟️ Moulin Rouge! The Musical: The grand and spectacular Broadway production comes to Calgary with revealing costumes, mature themes, flashing lights, and fog effects in this story of love and liberation. January 6-11 at Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium. Recommended for ages 12+.

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