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Calgary Zoo had a bit of a Sunday morning surprise. One-year-old grizzly cub Fitz decided to test out his climbing skills before the gates even opened, briefly finding his way above his enclosure before staff calmly tranquilized him and brought him back home. No one was hurt, and Fitz is doing just fine — though we can't help but wonder what he was hoping to find on the other side.

👀 In today's edition:

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🌤️ Today: High 27C, Low 11C. See the 7-day forecast.

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

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Veterans Affairs Canada is putting close to $300,000 toward 31 community-led projects across Alberta aimed at preserving and sharing the stories of Canadian Veterans. The funding comes through the Commemorative Partnership Program, which backs a mix of exhibits, ceremonies, educational workshops, and other initiatives meant to keep Veterans' contributions part of the public memory.

Several of the funded projects are based in Calgary, including Remembrance Day and Battle of Britain commemorations organized by local Royal Canadian Air Force Association branches, a concert and exhibition honouring Korean War Veterans, and an oral history project documenting the experiences of the R22eR in Afghanistan.

One of the more hands-on projects is being led by No Gamer Left Behind, a group founded by first responders and Veterans, which received more than $48,000 to run a Cadets Historical Hobby Workshop Series. The program will bring roughly 1,000 cadets in Edmonton and Calgary into learning about No. 2 Construction Battalion, Canada's first and only all-Black battalion, blending military history with interactive activities.

"Remembrance is about ensuring the stories of those whose service and sacrifice shaped Canada live on," said the Honourable Jill McKnight, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence. She pointed to projects like the cadet workshop series as examples of how the funding helps bring history to life for younger generations.

Evan Pound, executive director of No Gamer Left Behind, said the funding will help connect Veterans and cadets through meaningful experiences. "We're grateful for Veterans Affairs Canada's support in making this project possible," he said.

Other funded projects span the province, from a monument for the Piikani War Veterans Society in Brocket to centennial celebrations for Royal Canadian Legion branches in Airdrie, Slave Lake, and Tofield.

🌊 A body was found in the Bow River near Canmore Sunday, identified as a 52-year-old local resident. RCMP say his death remains under investigation.

📚 The Alberta Teachers' Association is raising concerns about revised school curricula rolling out this fall, saying some new concepts are too advanced for students' ages.

🇷🇺 Premier Danielle Smith says pro-separation "influence campaigns" with possible Russian links are being amplified online in Alberta, though nothing has risen to a criminal level.

🚛 A Calgary trucking company had its truck impounded after B.C. police clocked it going nearly 110 km/h in a 60 km/h construction zone.

🏘️ Some Calgarians say the city's new suburbs look increasingly cookie-cutter. Experts point to strict regulations and affordability pressures as the real drivers, not a lack of creativity.

🌍 Alberta's rural immigration program lets small towns nominate skilled workers for permanent residency, with mixed results — helping some businesses retain staff while overwhelming others with demand.

🔊 Riverbend residents say a sound wall along Glenmore Trail no longer blocks traffic noise effectively. The city says the community is one of seven now eligible for an upgrade.

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🏡 Adult children of seniors are helping their parents decide whether to age in place. This free guide helps everyone figure it out together.*

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A young grizzly bear at the Calgary Zoo spent a short time outside his habitat over the weekend before being safely returned. In a statement, the Wilder Institute's Calgary Zoo said its Animal Care, Health & Welfare team noticed one-year-old grizzly cub Fitz was missing from his usual spot during routine early-morning checks on Sunday, before the zoo had opened to the public.

Staff activated emergency response procedures, and the cub was anesthetized and moved back to his behind-the-scenes space without incident. The zoo said its initial investigation suggests Fitz managed to climb above the containment barriers surrounding his habitat and reached an area just outside and above it. He was later assessed by the Animal Health team and found to be healthy and uninjured. Both Fitz and his brother Turner are being kept in their regular back-of-house space while the zoo reviews what happened and looks at possible habitat improvements.

Calgary police also responded, though they weren't needed to intervene. Calgary Police Service Staff Sgt. John Guigon told CBC News that the bear "took a little walk around the zoo, sat down and was tranquilized by members of the zoo." He added officers stayed on standby while the zoo managed the situation, noting the bear "didn't seem interested in doing much more than just having an adventure."

The zoo said in its statement that it has managed bears in this habitat for more than three decades and that the space underwent thorough preparation before Fitz and Turner moved in. Fitz and Turner arrived at the zoo last fall as orphaned cubs after their mother was killed by a hunter in self-defence near Diamond Valley, southwest of Calgary, according to CBC News.

🍴 Bar Gigi: Tucked into the former Halibut Hut space, this European-leaning spot serves elevated shareable plates built around seasonal ingredients. It's small and intimate, so booking ahead is a good idea — the wine list is a highlight worth planning around.

🍴 Paper Lantern: Hidden behind an unmarked door in a Chinatown basement, this Vietnamese spot rewards those who track it down with creative cocktails and street food classics. The Bánh Mì is the star, though the chicken roti has its own following.

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

🎟️ PlayLab: Rattle and Strum: Studio Bell's PlayLab hosts children's music duo Rattle and Strum for live sets on August 22, with performances at 11 a.m., noon, and 1 p.m. Free admission on Level 1.

🎟️ Dandyfest: The Dandy Brewing Company throws a full day of live music and craft beer on August 22, with more than 10 bands across two stages and 10-plus guest breweries. Runs noon to 11 p.m.; tickets start at $49.40.

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

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