Airdrie

A survivor of a rockfall last week in Banff National Park is remembering his 33-year-old roommate, who didn't make it out alive from under the rubble, as a kind and generous friend.

Khaled Elgamal says Hamza Benhilal of Surrey, B.C., was one of two people who died after a slab of mountain gave way Thursday, raining rock down on hikers at Bow Glacier Falls, about 200 kilometres northwest of Calgary.

June 22 was a busy day at the Big Fun Inflatable Park as it was hosting (once again) the 4th Annual Carson's Birthday (turning 12) Bash from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., which helped raise funds for Autism Calgary.

Carson's dad, Dustin Horlacher, is pleased with how it turned out.

"Everything went amazingly. It was a perfect day. We had the mayor come out. We had Spider-Man, we had a princess and a magician. We had representatives from Autism Calgary and many more. Everybody chipped in to do their part."

Students at Northcott Prairie School are exploring energy in a fresh, hands-on way by combining science, technology, energy, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) through a cross-curricular project made possible by an A+ Energy Grant from Inside Education.

"Teachers and students presented to the Board of Trustees of Rocky View Schools (RVS) on June 19, showcasing how they used the grant to create inclusive learning activities in a rich, inclusive and meaningful environment," shared RVS.

Rocky View County (RVC) Council held a council meeting on June 17 and made a number of decisions.

RVC shared that the council voted to approve the Airdrie Regional Chamber of Commerce and Bearspaw Chamber of Commerce as eligible for 2025 funding following Economic Development Initiatives Grant Program Policy C-350.

Protein Industries Canada says a new soybean breeding program will open new opportunities for producers and processors.

The new $4.3 million initiative for Canada's identity-preserved non-GMO soybean is being led by NRGene Canada, Pulse Genetics, Hensall Co-op, and Yumasoy Foods Ltd. 

The project, involves the launch of a new breeding program to develop early-maturing, high-protein, non-GMO soybean varieties suited to Canada’s northern climates, including Manitoba and northern Ontario.

Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi has held Edmonton-Strathcona for the New Democrats in one of three provincial byelections.

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Unofficial results from Elections Alberta put him well ahead of the nearest competitor, United Conservative Party candidate Darby Crouch.

Voters cast their ballots Monday in three Alberta ridings: Edmonton-Ellerslie, Edmonton-Strathcona, and Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills.

We are tracking results in Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills and will post updates throughout the evening.

Four candidates are running in the riding: Cameron Davies (Republican Party of Alberta), Tara Sawyer (United Conservative Party), Beverley Toews (Alberta NDP), and Bill Tufts (Wildrose Loyalty Coalition).

A multi-vehicle collision that was on the QEII is no longer causing major delays as it has been cleared.

According to reports, the collision was located in the southbound lanes by the Balzac Overpass, and traffic was down to one lane.

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The fire advisory for both East and West Rocky View County (RVC) has been lifted.

"Effective immediately, there are no fire advisories or bans in the County, and permit burning is allowed. We will continue to monitor conditions and fire risk throughout the County and may update the status as needed," shared RVC.

Although recent precipitation has improved conditions, the county asks the public to stay vigilant and follow all current burning restrictions. The county will continue to monitor fire risk and may adjust the fire status at any time if conditions change.

Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi is looking to finally win a seat in the legislature after a year of sitting on the sidelines.

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