Toronto and Vancouver airports warn of operational impacts today due to weather

A major winter storm bearing down on Toronto is adding to the calamity in Canadian airports already plagued by flight cancellations and delays set off early this week by heavy snow in Vancouver. 

Environment Canada says Toronto's storm will begin today with rain or snow followed by plummeting temperatures, a potential flash freeze and blizzard-like conditions Friday.

Toronto's Pearson International Airport has cautioned it could affect operations, while Environment Canada warns of possible extensive power outages and dangerous travel conditions.

Local rider Kolby Wanchuk rises up the ranks after National Finals Rodeo

Since finishing the 2022 National Finals Rodeo (NFR), Sherwood Park's Kolby Wanchuk has risen up the ranks in saddle bronc riding.

The 2022 NFR took place from Dec. 1 to Dec. 10 in Las Vegas. The competition showcases the talents of rodeo cowboys from all around the world.

In 2021 Wanchuk made his NFR debut. He finished 12th in the world standings for saddle bronc riding, with $118,195 earned throughout the season.

This year proved even bigger, with Wanchuk rising up to 8th in the world standings and earning a whopping $211,633.

Harbour Pool temporarily closes warm pool

The warm pool at Harbour Pool will be closed over the holiday weekend.

According to a post on the Harbour Pool Facebook page on Monday (Dec. 19), the warm pool will be closed while staff completes routine maintenance on the filter tank.

Harbour Pool staff say swimmers can still hang out in the main pool and hot tub while they finish the maintenance.

The warm pool will reopen on December 27.

Strathcona County RCMP arrest three people for stealing mail

Three people have been arrested for stealing mail in Strathcona County. Two of the culprits were residents of Sherwood Park.

According to police, just after 4 a.m. on Tuesday (Dec. 20), they received a report that three people were breaking into a Canada Post mailbox.

When police arrived, they located three suspects who they believed to be involved. When the trio was arrested police searched their bag and found stolen mail alongside break-in tools.

RCMP: Former Strathcona County director stole public funds

Police are saying that a former director of services for Strathcona County stole over $16,000 in public funds over the course of the last two years. 

Local RCMP received a fraud complaint in June from Strathcona County management as a result of an internal audit which led to an investigation. 

On Wednesday (Dec. 21) Darrell Reid, the chief commissioner of Strathcona County, and Constable Chantelle Kelly with Strathcona County RCMP held a press conference to go over the details of the investigation. 

AHS aims to free up ambulances, paramedics with alternate transportation

Dr. John Cowell says AHS is open for business to get more properly equipped vans on the road to transport non-emergency patients.

Today it was announced AHS will now be utilizing alternate transportation for non-medical transfers to free up paramedics and ambulances. By doing so, officials believe it will divert about 15 per cent of transports from EMS, allowing paramedics to respond to about 70 more transports daily.

AMA reporting high volume of service requests

With this week's extremely cold weather, requests for vehicle tows and boosts are through the roof. 

On Tuesday (Dec. 20) morning, the Alberta Motor Association (AMA) reported seven times the normal volume of service requests for tows and winches since the cold weather hit.

"The biggest things right now are holiday travel and cold weather," Brandon Klassen, supervisor of roadside assistance with AMA. "The cold always gives people issues when it comes to batteries."

Former Strathcona County director facing fraud charges

The former director of agriculture and transportation services for Strathcona County has been arrested on fraud charges.

In June, the Strathcona County RCMP General Investigation Section received a fraud complaint that initiated an investigation. 

As a result of that investigation, 44-year-old David Churchill was arrested and charged with the following: