Kananaskis G7 lockdown: What Airdrie residents need to know before June closures

Airdrie residents planning to visit Kananaskis in June will face major closures and restrictions as the region is locked down for the 2025 G7 Leaders' Summit, which will take place from June 15 to 17.

The RCMP's Integrated Safety and Security Group will implement strict security measures, including a controlled access zone, roadblocks, and a heavy police presence. Some closures will start as early as March and extend into July.

What will be closed

Update: Thursday morning collision snarls traffic in Airdrie

An earlier morning collision snarled traffic for Airdrie motorists on Thursday morning has been cleared.

According to motorist reports, the collision occurred in the eastbound lane on the 40 Avenue Overpass heading towards Airdrie.

Motorists are asked to exercise caution as the snowfall of the past days has made roads slick, especially on bridge decks, overpasses, and on and off ramps. 

Airdrie drivers: Snowfall to continue - plan ahead

Airdrie motorists heading north and south on the QEII should prepare for another evening of winter driving. Snow continues into the evening, leaving icy sections and reduced visibility in some areas.

Blowing snow and slippery conditions are reported along the route, with ice buildup on shoulders and wheel paths. While primary lanes remain mostly bare and dry, patches of ice and drifting snow may cause sudden changes in traction. 

Area highways snow covered; visibility limited in some areas

511 Alberta is reporting snow-covered highways across Central Alberta this morning.

There is also blowing snow and slippery sections.

There have been reports of limited visibility in some areas.

Click here for up-to-date road conditions.

Central Alberta can expect periods of light snow today with a high of 23. The wind chill will be minus 36 this morning and minus 31 this afternoon. There is a risk of frostbite.

Airdrie Fire Department on QEII pileup: 'We used every city resource available'

On Saturday, the Airdrie Fire Department (AFD) responded to a major chain-reaction collision on the QEII. Winter conditions led to crashes involving 18 to 50 vehicles over a two-kilometre stretch.

Airdrie Fire Chief Mike Pirie confirmed that AFD deployed all available city resources to manage the emergency, which required multiple extractions and coordinated efforts with EMS and RCMP.

Emergency Response and Scale of the Incident

UPDATE: Airdrie RCMP asking motorists to avoid travel if possible

Blowing snow was causing near-zero visibility and icy conditions which was creating tough driving conditions in and around Airdrie.

According to Airdrie RCMP, they were responding to multiple collisions on the QEII. Traffic southbound between Airdrie and the Balzac Overpass was at a standstill due to the collisions.

RCMP was recommending to avoid travel if possible.

The snow was forecasted to continue throughout the day.

Dense fog blankets Airdrie, freezing drizzle may add to hazardous roads

A fog advisory remains in effect for Rocky View County, including Airdrie and Crossfield, as dense fog blankets the region. Environment Canada warns that visibility may be significantly and suddenly reduced to near zero, making travel hazardous.

Low visibility is expected to persist throughout the morning before improving later this afternoon. Drivers are urged to exercise caution on the roads, particularly with the added risk of freezing drizzle and icy sections.

Road Conditions

Multi-Vehicle collision slows traffic on QEII

A multi-vehicle collision on Highway 2 northbound near Township Road 310 just south of the Didsbury overpass is causing delays.

Witnesses say it looks like a lorry attempted to cross the highway in this morning's heavy fog when several vehicles crashed into its side.

The slow lane remains clear, but drivers are urged to reduce speed and use caution in the area. Crews are on the scene.

There is no word yet on injuries or when the scene will be fully cleared.