Calgary Citizen Newsletter Thursday April 3

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Good morning !

On Tuesday, we asked if you had ever had concerns about the quality of tap water in Calgary. While most of you think our tap water is good enough, some thought it had a “funky smell” and “terrible taste.” Others were concerned about the presence of contaminants, including water additives and plastics.

👀 In today's edition:

• An increase in fatal traffic collisions with pedestrians

• An end to the federal consumer carbon price

• The neighbours who tried to save a stabbing victim

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WORTH KNOWING

☀️ ⛅️ ⛈️ ❄️ Today: High 1C, Low -12C. 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

Under 18s predominantly impacted by measles in Albertan cases

Albertan health officials are continuing to monitor the presence of measles in the province after two more cases were confirmed on Monday, including one in the Calgary health zone.

Measles is a highly-contagious viral disease that causes cold-like symptoms, a red or brown rash, and in some cases, small white spots in the mouth.

As of April 1, there were 23 cases of measles in Alberta, 22 of which were patients under the age of 18.

Measles is also a highly-preventable disease, with vaccination offering substantial protection. According to the province, “after just one dose of measles-containing vaccine, protection is about 85% to 95% for measles, and after two doses, protection is almost 100%.”

Need to know

🛑 Fatal traffic collisions involving pedestrians climbed in 2024 — there were only four pedestrian fatalities in 2023 compared to 13 last year.

⛽️ The federal consumer carbon tax came to an end on Tuesday. The Government of Canada also removed the requirements for provinces and territories to have a consumer-facing carbon price.

🍎 Alberta Health Services has turned back on its plan to stop offering “popsicles, ginger ale or juice boxes to paediatric cancer patients” following backlash from parents.

💔 Jurors heard how neighbours tried to help Vanessa Ladouceur, who was stabbed to death in Calgary in 2022. A 29-year-old man is on trial for first-degree murder.

👀 In reference to Albertan separatism, Premier Danielle Smith said, “I got a mandate to try to make Canada work and that’s what I’ve been working toward relentlessly for the last two-and-a-half years.”

🚜 Neighbours of the new Scotia Place arena will be happy to hear that the final pile of nearly 1,100 has been installed. Once completed, the arena will host “the NHL’s Calgary Flames, the WHL’s Calgary Hitmen, the NLL’s Calgary Roughnecks, and the AHL’s Wranglers,” as well as a number of open community zones.

💭 Councillor Sonya Sharp announced that she will run in Calgary’s mayoral race. Elections for mayoral candidates close September 22 and Calgarians vote on October 20.

Local adaptive athlete proves there are no limits in Albertan documentary

Trailblazing: The Matt Hadley Story is a new documentary by emerging Alberta filmmaker, Kim Logan, premiering at the Yorkton Film Festival this May. Set in Canmore and filmed in the Canadian Rockies, Trailblazing is about pushing limits and proving that adventure knows no boundaries — something Matt Hadley has embraced his entire life, both on and off the trails.

The film chronicles Matt’s journey, a former elite mountain biker and trail builder whose life changed forever after a devastating accident in 2019. Now an amputee, Matt’s resilience, innovation, and determination redefine perceptions of adaptive athletes and prove that adventure has no limits.

Beyond Matt’s achievements as an elite mountain biker — once ranking fourth in Canada — he has made a lasting impact on the outdoor community through his work as a trail builder. As a trails technologist in Canmore, he played a key role in major projects like the High Rockies Trail in Spray Lakes and Peter Lougheed Provincial Parks, as well as the redevelopment of Ha Ling and Yamnuska.

“I knew Matt’s story deserved to be told. As a Canmore local legend, his impact on our community runs deep. This film became an opportunity to honour his legacy and highlight his remarkable influence on mountain culture,” said Logan. "Premiering at Yorkton is an incredible honour and I’m thrilled for audiences to experience Matt’s journey. I hope viewers walk away inspired, empowered and deeply moved. His story is proof that challenges can be overcome and adventure remains possible, no matter the obstacles. I hope it encourages people to rethink their own limits and reimagine what’s possible."

Following its festival run, Trailblazing will be available for free on TELUS Optik channel 9, Stream+ and STORYHIVE’s YouTube channel in late 2025.

Where to eat and drink

🍴 My Little Italia: Pasta is almost definitely the answer to this week’s weather. This Mission eatery promises to transport you to the heart of Italy with its authentic cuisine and inviting atmosphere.

🍴 4th Spot Kitchen & Bar: If carb-loading is the theme, head to this family-owned locale on (fittingly) 4th Street NW for pizza, poutine, tacos, and burgers — or one of the “from the patch” options for the health-conscious.

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

Things to do

🎟️ Calgary Comic Expo: If you're into comics, sci-fi, horror, anime, gaming, or cosplay, then this event is for you. Join celebrity Q&As, photo ops, autograph sessions, and cosplay competitions.

🎟️ Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back in Concert: Big Star Wars fan? Experience the original film on the big screen as the Calgary Philharmonic and conductor Julian Pellicano perform John Williams’ grand score live.

🎟️ Easy & Healthy Mediterranean Cooking April 17 – Discover great flavours and improve your nutrition with recipes and tips for heart health, brain health or general well-being. (Free VIRTUAL class led by AHS Registered Dietitians).*

*Sponsored Listing

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

That’s it!

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