Measles outbreak grows ahead of school year

Plus, Calgary’s $221 million spring surplus and debates over tax increases

Good morning !

Housing affordability is a hot topic nationwide, and Calgary is no exception. Our readers have been speaking up, with one expressing frustration over “too many homeless” and the “crazy” cost of living. Many are calling for more affordable housing—especially for seniors—as well as rent control and better city services. Along with housing, concerns about traffic and the environment are also top of mind for Calgarians.

👀 In today's edition:

  • Suspect arrested in fatal Haysboro shooting

  • Alberta’s new tiered wine tax sparks concerns

  • Calgary completes two new water pump stations

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Measles outbreak grows ahead of school year

Photo: Unsplash

Alberta is experiencing a significant increase in measles cases this summer, prompting heightened vigilance from health officials. The province recently reported a potential measles exposure at the Alberta Children's Hospital’s emergency department, underscoring the ongoing presence of the virus in the community. With the school year approaching, medical professionals warn that transmission rates could escalate as students return to classrooms.

The outbreak is affecting individuals across all age groups, including infants too young to receive the vaccine. A recent case involving an infant in Fort Saskatchewan illustrates the vulnerability of this population and the severity of the current situation. Health experts have characterized the outbreak as an epidemic, reflecting the rapid spread and potential health risks posed by measles.

Alberta Health Services continues to provide updates and guidance, advising anyone who may have been exposed or who is uncertain about their vaccination status to consult healthcare providers promptly. Early identification and vaccination remain critical in managing the outbreak and preventing further spread.

Need to know

👮 Calgary police arrested a suspect in connection with the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Madisson Cobb in a Haysboro parking garage, with court documents revealing she had obtained a restraining order against a former boyfriend six weeks prior to her death.

🏛️ A Calgary judge sentenced Eddy Nakasenh-Bandasak to life in prison with no possibility of parole for 12 years after he was convicted of second-degree murder for fatally stabbing his roommate nine times during a dispute in 2020.

🍷 Wine lovers and sellers cried foul over Alberta's new tiered tax system that hit premium bottles hard, with some luxury wines now costing more in Calgary than anywhere else in North America.

💰 Calgary's finance team celebrated a hefty $221 million operating surplus for spring, though some councillors wondered aloud whether residents are getting hit too hard in the wallet with tax increases.

🌊 Discovery Ridge homeowners found themselves in a frustrating bureaucratic ping-pong match as a persistently full storm pond threatened their properties, with the city and province each pointing fingers over who should fix the drainage mess.

🚰 Calgary completed construction of two new water pump stations in southwest communities to increase drinking water capacity and provide backup systems for the city's growing population.

⚔️ Two Canadian Armed Forces members were hospitalized after being stabbed during a brawl with a civilian they didn't know in Wainwright, Alberta, with one soldier requiring specialized treatment in Edmonton and a 23-year-old facing weapon charges.

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Ogden’s George Moss Park adds unique skate and bike space

Concept design of the pump track and skatepark, subject to change. Image: Parks Foundation

A new addition is rolling into southeast Calgary, with construction now underway on the city’s first-ever combined pump track and skatepark. The Martin Family Pump Track and Skatepark is the latest phase in the transformation of George Moss Park in Ogden—a once underused space now evolving into a lively destination for sport, play, and connection.

The new facility will offer a safe, inclusive place for riders and skateboarders of all ages and skill levels, designed to keep local kids and families active close to home. Until now, the nearest skateparks and pump tracks have been across major roads. With a Youth Centres of Calgary home and a new Mustard Seed facility right across the street, the park is expected to become a go-to spot for youth in the community.

Made possible by longtime Calgarians Greg and Joanne Martin, the project includes a concrete track and skatepark, shaded gathering spaces, new pathways, and a revamped baseball diamond. “It’s about more than adding new features—it’s about creating a place where people feel like they belong,” said Sheila Taylor, CEO of Parks Foundation. The final touches are expected later this year, just in time to mark the organization’s 40th anniversary.

Where to eat and drink

🍴 Red’s Diner: If a hearty breakfast is calling to you this weekend, this beloved breakfast spot may be your best bet. Red’s serves up hearty, scratch-made dishes with farm-fresh ingredients and sunny service that keeps Calgary coming back for more.

🍴 Lusi Italian Kitchen and Pizzeria: This neighbourhood gem crafts everything from scratch—from hand-kneaded dough to slow-simmered sauces—using sun-ripened tomatoes, fragrant basil, and creamy mozzarella to bring a taste of Italy with modern casual flair.

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

Things to do

🎟️ Eco-Friendly Night Market: Calgary's first eco-friendly night market returns on July 26 at Renfrew Community Centre, featuring vetted vendors selling vintage fashion, handmade ceramics, sustainable gifts, and unique items you won't find on Amazon.

🎟️ Inglewood Sunfest: This vibrant summer celebration transforms Inglewood's 9th Avenue into a bustling street party with over 200 local vendors, delicious food trucks, and free entertainment that brings the whole community together for a day of pure fun.

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

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