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Stars Unite for Powerful Rock Hall of Fame Celebration

Nicole
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1
Stars Unite for Powerful Rock Hall of Fame Celebration

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame honors Lauper, Soundgarden, Salt-N-Pepa and more in a night of emotional tributes and standout performances in Los Angeles.

A Night of Musical Legacy and Celebration

This year’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony brought together generations of artists at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles on Saturday, highlighting how rock’s influence continues to evolve. The event honoured icons including Cyndi Lauper, Soundgarden, Salt-N-Pepa and the late Joe Cocker, while featuring powerful tributes and memorable performances from contemporary stars.

Lauper’s Message of Strength Resonates

Cyndi Lauper delivered one of the night’s most defining moments when she transformed True Colors into a soaring call for solidarity. She paused mid-song, fist raised, urging the crowd, “Don’t be afraid!” Her segment continued with collaborations alongside Raye and Avril Lavigne, while Salt-N-Pepa joined her onstage for Girls Just Want to Have Fun, celebrating the shared resilience of women in music. Lauper emphasized legacy in her acceptance speech, acknowledging the women who paved the way and expressing her commitment to lifting those who follow.

Women’s Influence Takes Centre Stage

Salt-N-Pepa used their induction to spotlight ongoing struggles for recognition and ownership in the music industry. Cheryl “Salt” James spoke openly about their fight to reclaim their master recordings and the challenges women continue to face in the business. Their set included Shoop, Let’s Talk About Sex and What a Man alongside En Vogue, bringing the crowd to its feet and reinforcing the group’s enduring cultural impact.

Outkast Reunite on Stage, Though Not in Song

Outkast appeared together to accept their induction, marking their first shared stage moment since 2016. While André 3000 chose not to perform, Big Boi led a dynamic musical tribute featuring Tyler, the Creator, JID, Killer Mike and Janelle Monáe. André’s emotional speech reflected on the group’s early days in a small Atlanta basement studio and the creative partnership that helped shape modern hip-hop.

Soundgarden Honours Chris Cornell with Emotion and Power

The ceremony’s most intimate reflections came during Soundgarden’s induction. Jim Carrey, a longtime fan, delivered a tearful tribute to lead singer Chris Cornell, who died in 2017. Cornell’s daughters participated in the segment, with Toni Cornell offering a heartfelt performance of Fell on Black Days. Taylor Momsen and Brandi Carlile joined Soundgarden’s surviving members onstage for powerful renditions of Rusty Cage and Black Hole Sun, marking a meaningful moment of remembrance.

The White Stripes’ Absence Felt but Their Influence Celebrated

Though Meg White did not attend and the band did not reunite for a performance, The White Stripes’ influence was unmistakable. Twenty One Pilots energized the theatre with Seven Nation Army, while Olivia Rodrigo and Feist offered a softer reflection with We’re Gonna Be Friends. Jack White, wearing their iconic red-and-white palette, spoke emotionally about creative partnership and the beauty of artistic collaboration.

Tributes to Late Legends Conclude the Evening

Stevie Wonder opened the night with a vibrant tribute to Sly Stone, joined by Questlove, Beck, Flea and Jennifer Hudson for a run of Sly and the Family Stone classics. Elton John later honoured Brian Wilson with a gentle performance of God Only Knows. Bad Company, Warren Zevon, Carole Kaye, Chubby Checker and others also received recognition, underscoring the broad musical heritage celebrated throughout the evening.

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U.S. Flight Cancellations Rise During Government Shutdown

Chuck
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0
U.S. Flight Cancellations Rise During Government Shutdown

Flight cancellations climb across the U.S. as the government shutdown impacts air traffic control staffing and airline operations.

U.S. Flight Disruptions Intensify Amid Government Shutdown

Escalating Travel Chaos Across U.S. Airports

Air travel across the United States continued to deteriorate on Monday as the ongoing federal government shutdown triggered mounting flight cancellations and lengthy delays. Airlines were forced to adjust schedules after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ordered reduced traffic levels due to a growing shortage of air traffic controllers reporting for work.

Rising Cancellation Numbers

As of early Monday, nearly 1,600 flights had already been cancelled, following more than 1,500 cancellations on Saturday and nearly 2,900 on Sunday. Projections show close to 1,000 flights already cut for Tuesday. Monday marked the fourth straight day in which cancellations exceeded 1,000. Airline operations were further strained by a winter storm affecting Chicago, a major national hub.

Staffing Shortages Driving the Crisis

The disruptions stem from air traffic controllers who have gone unpaid for nearly a month and are increasingly unable or unwilling to continue working without compensation. Some have begun calling in sick, while others are retiring earlier than planned. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said over the weekend that the FAA may have to mandate reductions of up to 20 percent if staffing continues to worsen.

Impact at Major Airports

Travellers at key airports including Newark, Orlando, Chicago and Detroit faced wait times exceeding an hour even for flights that remained scheduled. According to tracking service FlightAware, departure delays continued to climb throughout the day, with airlines struggling to reposition aircraft, pilots and crews amid restricted flight operations.

FAA’s Measures and Broader Concerns

The FAA initially ordered a four percent cut in flights at major airports, with reductions expected to rise to six percent by Tuesday and up to ten percent by the end of the week. Officials say the cuts are necessary to maintain safety as remaining controllers face extended shifts and mandatory overtime. The staffing challenges, however, predate the shutdown, with years-long shortages now reaching critical levels.

Ongoing Negotiations and Outlook

The U.S. Senate took preliminary steps on Sunday toward reopening the government, though a final agreement may still be days away. Even once funding is restored, aviation experts warn that normal flight operations could take considerable time to resume. With the busy American Thanksgiving travel season approaching, concerns are rising that air travel could be reduced to “a trickle” if the shutdown continues.

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Canada’s $500M Film & TV Boost Ignites Creative Growth

James
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0
Canada’s $500M Film & TV Boost Ignites Creative Growth

Budget 2025 delivers a $500 million boost to Canada’s film and TV sector, supporting creators, new jobs, and cultural storytelling.

Federal Spotlight on Screen-Based Storytelling

The Government of Canada has unveiled a C$500 million investment aimed at revitalizing the nation’s film and television industry. Announced under Budget 2025, the funding marks one of the most significant cultural allocations in recent years, reinforcing the federal commitment to Canadian creators and home-grown storytelling.

Strengthening a Cultural Powerhouse

The new package directs support to Telefilm Canada, the Canada Media Fund (CMF), and the National Film Board (NFB) — the three pillars of the country’s screen ecosystem.

  • Telefilm Canada: C$150 million over three years
  • Canada Media Fund: C$127.5 million
  • National Film Board: C$26.1 million
    The remainder will fund sectoral innovation, talent development, and infrastructure for digital production and distribution.

Why This Investment Matters

Officials say the move addresses long-standing funding gaps and rising production costs amid global competition. The investment aims to secure Canada’s cultural sovereignty, expand local content in both English and French, and boost the export of Canadian film and television worldwide.

According to Heritage Canada, the screen-based sector contributes nearly C$65 billion annually to the national GDP and sustains over 670,000 jobs. The added funding is expected to create hundreds of new opportunities for writers, producers, editors, and post-production professionals.

Impact Across Provinces and Communities

This initiative is designed to reach every region of Canada — from major production hubs in Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal to emerging creative communities in Atlantic and Northern Canada.
It also includes dedicated streams for Indigenous storytellers, francophone productions, and under-represented creators, ensuring that Canada’s screen sector reflects its diversity.

When and How the Funding Rolls Out

The investment will begin flowing in the 2026-27 fiscal year, distributed over a three-year period.
Funding will be managed through existing programs under Telefilm Canada and the CMF, while the NFB will allocate its share toward documentary production and emerging-creator mentorship programs.

Heritage Canada has stated that guidelines for project submissions and eligibility will be updated early next year, giving producers time to prepare proposals.

The Road Ahead

While the funding has been widely praised, stakeholders will be watching how efficiently the programs are administered and whether the boost translates to long-term stability. The federal government maintains that this investment is “a renewal of Canada’s storytelling promise” — a vision to keep Canadian creativity competitive, diverse, and proudly home-grown.

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U.S. to Skip G20 Summit in South Africa, Trump Says

Willy
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0
U.S. to Skip G20 Summit in South Africa, Trump Says

President Donald Trump says the U.S. will not attend this year’s G20 summit in Johannesburg, citing concerns over South Africa’s policies and human-rights issues.

U.S. Decision Announced

President Donald Trump has confirmed that neither he nor any U.S. government delegation will attend the upcoming G20 summit in Johannesburg. The announcement came during a press briefing this week, where he stated the United States would withdraw its participation entirely.

Summit Location and Timing

The G20 summit is scheduled to take place in Johannesburg, South Africa, later this year, marking South Africa’s turn to host the global economic forum. The gathering typically brings together leaders from major world economies to discuss global financial stability and development priorities.

Reasoning Behind the Withdrawal

Trump cited concerns over what he described as human-rights issues and land reform policies in South Africa. He claimed that these conditions made participation “inappropriate” at this time. The South African government has previously rejected similar accusations, stating that its land and social programs are lawful and constitutional.

Response From South Africa

Officials in Pretoria responded by saying they regretted the U.S. decision, noting that international cooperation is most important during periods of global economic uncertainty. They emphasized that the summit will proceed with other world leaders in attendance.

Diplomatic and Economic Impact

The absence of the United States, the world’s largest economy, introduces uncertainty into the summit’s outcomes. Analysts say the boycott may diminish U.S. influence on discussions related to trade, climate finance and development policy.

Next Steps and Looking Ahead

Despite the withdrawal, Trump said the U.S. remains committed to hosting the G20 summit in 2026. Planning for that event is underway. Meanwhile, other G20 member states are preparing to proceed with the Johannesburg summit as scheduled.

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UPS, FedEx Ground MD-11 Fleet After Fatal Crash

Nicole
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0
UPS, FedEx Ground MD-11 Fleet After Fatal Crash

UPS and FedEx ground their MD-11 fleets for safety review after a deadly Louisville crash. Investigators say an engine detached shortly after takeoff.

Fatal Incident Sparks Fleet Action

United Parcel Service (UPS) and FedEx confirmed Friday that they have grounded more than 50 McDonnell Douglas MD-11 cargo aircraft after a fatal crash in Louisville, Kentucky earlier this week. The move follows the deaths of at least 14 people when a UPS MD-11 went down shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport late Tuesday night, erupting into flames. The decision to halt operations is described as precautionary while authorities examine what went wrong.

Where the Crash Occurred and Immediate Aftermath

The aircraft crashed just off the runway area, destroying two nearby businesses and leaving wreckage strewn across the site. Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg confirmed the rising death toll in a statement shared on social media platform X on Friday. The city has since coordinated emergency response teams and support services for affected families. Local officials say the area around the crash remains under restricted access during the investigation.

Investigation and Mechanical Focus

The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the inquiry. Early assessments indicate that one of the plane’s three engines detached from its left wing during takeoff. Investigators also reported that a warning bell sounded in the cockpit roughly 37 seconds after takeoff thrust was applied. Three UPS pilots attempted to regain control before the aircraft descended. A preliminary NTSB report is expected within 30 days as mechanical records, cockpit voice recordings, and maintenance logs are reviewed.

Industry Response and Safety Precaution

Both UPS and FedEx said the grounding decision was made following a recommendation from Boeing, which absorbed the MD-11 line after its merger with McDonnell Douglas in 1997. Boeing stated it is coordinating closely with the Federal Aviation Administration to ensure operational safety. Production of the MD-11 ended in 2000, and the aircraft now flies exclusively in freight service.

Impact on Global Shipping Networks

FedEx, which operates 28 MD-11s within its fleet of 700 aircraft, said it is implementing contingency plans to avoid shipping delays. UPS noted its 27 MD-11 aircraft represent about nine percent of its total fleet but acknowledged that any disruption could affect delivery schedules. Both carriers play central roles in e-commerce and logistics networks, transporting goods for major retailers and serving as primary partners for government and business shipments. UPS remains the leading air cargo transport provider for the U.S. Postal Service.

Historical Context and Safety Record

The Louisville crash marks the most deadly cargo aircraft incident involving UPS since 2013, when an Airbus aircraft went down near Birmingham, Alabama, killing two crew members. Aviation analysts note that while the MD-11 has a long service history, its handling characteristics have been scrutinized during takeoff and landing phases. Regulators and airlines are monitoring whether the latest findings could influence future fleet retirements or safety directives.

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Tornado Devastates Southern Brazil, Six Lives Lost

James
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0
Tornado Devastates Southern Brazil, Six Lives Lost

A powerful tornado in Parana, Brazil, killed six and injured hundreds, leaving widespread damage as federal officials coordinate relief efforts.

Deadly Storm Strikes Parana

A powerful tornado swept through the southern Brazilian state of Parana late Friday, resulting in six confirmed deaths, according to state authorities. The severe weather event brought intense winds and heavy rainfall, focusing its force on several urban communities.

Impact on Local Communities

The town of Rio Bonito do Iguaçu reported the most severe damage, where more than half of its urban zone sustained collapsed roofs and structural failures. Homes, public buildings, and local businesses were affected, leaving neighbourhoods in disarray and residents scrambling for safety.

Extent of Damage and Injuries

The state’s civil defence agency confirmed that 437 people received medical treatment for injuries ranging from minor cuts to trauma caused by falling debris. Approximately 1,000 residents have been displaced, while nearby Guarapuava also experienced significant disruptions as roads were blocked and power lines destroyed.

Meteorological Assessment

The Parana Meteorology and Environmental Monitoring System estimated wind speeds between 180 km/h and 250 km/h during the tornado, intensifying damage across affected regions. Sudden pressure changes and rapid storm development contributed to the storm’s destructive path.

Federal Government Mobilizes Support

Institutional Relations Minister Gleisi Hoffmann announced she would travel to the region Saturday alongside acting Health Minister Adriano Massuda and federal coordination teams to assess damage and reinforce relief operations. Emergency shelters, medical aid centres, and restoration crews are now being deployed.

National Response and Condolences

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed condolences to families of the victims in a statement on social media platform X. He said the government will continue to provide support for reconstruction efforts and ensure that affected communities receive necessary resources.

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Hit and Run Leaves Pedestrian Critical in Kingston

Alex
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0
Hit and Run Leaves Pedestrian Critical in Kingston

A 19-year-old remains in critical condition after a hit and run in Kingston. Police are searching for a white Toyota Tundra with front-end damage.

Pedestrian Struck Near University District

A 19-year-old pedestrian is in critical condition after being hit by a vehicle on Johnson Street near Albert Street in Kingston on Friday night. The incident occurred around 9 p.m. in an area commonly traveled by students and late-night pedestrians.

Emergency Response and Hospitalization

Paramedics and police responded quickly to the scene, and the injured pedestrian was transported to Kingston General Hospital. Medical staff report the individual remains in critical condition and is undergoing continued treatment.

Description of Suspected Vehicle

Kingston Police have identified the suspected vehicle as a white Toyota Tundra. Investigators say the truck likely has noticeable front-end damage from the collision. The driver did not remain at the scene.

Appeal for Public Assistance

Police are urging anyone who witnessed the crash or may have dashboard or surveillance footage to come forward. Officers noted that even minor details or partial clips may help identify the vehicle or driver.

Ongoing Investigation

The investigation remains active, and police are working to confirm the vehicle’s movements before and after the collision. Residents and businesses in the area may be contacted as part of the inquiry.

How to Provide Information

Anyone with information is asked to contact Kingston Police at 613-549-4660. Anonymous tips may also be submitted through Crime Stoppers.

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Baltic III Sustains New Damage in Newfoundland Storm

Nicole
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0
Baltic III Sustains New Damage in Newfoundland Storm

Storm surge and high winds have worsened the condition of the grounded MSC Baltic III on Newfoundland’s west coast, with debris now washing ashore.

Storm Conditions Intensify Damage

The container ship MSC Baltic III, grounded off Lark Harbour on Newfoundland’s west coast since February, has sustained further damage after days of extreme winds and rough seas. The Canadian Coast Guard confirmed Friday that recent storms caused visible deterioration along the ship’s port side, along with significant shifting at both the bow and stern.

Location and Weather Impact

The vessel has remained stranded in the rocky coastal area for months, where severe weather this week generated storm surge and heavy wave action. These conditions have not only worsened the ship’s structural state, but have also contributed to debris breaking loose and washing up along the shoreline.

Ongoing Salvage Efforts

Cleanup and salvage teams have been working around the vessel since its grounding, removing fuel and cargo materials. Canadian Coast Guard senior response officials previously indicated that full removal of the ship was unlikely before summer 2026, due to the complexity of safely extracting remaining oil and stabilizing the hull.

New Damage Reported by Crews

On Friday, salvage crews reported equipment damage aboard the vessel as the storm intensified. They also noted fragments of material drifting in surrounding waters and settling along nearby beaches. The Coast Guard emphasized that monitoring and shoreline cleanup crews are already responding to the new debris.

Assessment Underway

By Saturday, response teams were back on site to evaluate the extent of fresh structural damage. Findings from this assessment will guide the next phase of stabilization and cleanup efforts. The Coast Guard says it will continue issuing public updates as conditions evolve.

Community and Environmental Considerations

Local residents and fishers in Lark Harbour have been monitoring the ship’s condition closely, given the risk of pollution along the ecologically sensitive coastline. The Coast Guard says remaining oil extraction is still a priority, and response crews are prepared to intensify shoreline protection measures if needed.

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Kendrick Lamar Leads 2026 Grammy Nominations Race

Henry
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0
Kendrick Lamar Leads 2026 Grammy Nominations Race

Kendrick Lamar tops the 2026 Grammy nominations with nine nods, followed by Lady Gaga, Jack Antonoff and Canadian producer Cirkut.

Kendrick Lamar Takes Top Spot

Kendrick Lamar leads the 2026 Grammy Award nominations announced during a livestream Friday, earning nine nods across major categories. The ceremony will take place Feb. 1 at Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena. Lamar’s album GNX is nominated for album of the year, marking the rapper’s fifth consecutive album to receive a nod in that category, a first in Grammy history.

Significance of the Major Categories

Three of Lamar’s nominations land in record, song and album of the year, placing him in a rare position and making him and SZA the first duet partners to receive two record of the year nominations. If GNX wins, it would be Lamar’s first victory in the top album category and only the third hip-hop album to take the honour.

Competitive Album of the Year Field

This year’s album of the year race features nominees who have never won the award before, including Bad Bunny’s Debí Tirar Más Fotos, Justin Bieber’s Swag and Sabrina Carpenter’s Man’s Best Friend. It is also the first time three rap albums appear in the category and only the second time a fully Spanish-language album has been nominated.

Lady Gaga and Jack Antonoff in Strong Contention

Lady Gaga and producer Jack Antonoff follow with seven nominations each, reflecting their influence across pop, dance and alternative formats. Gaga is nominated simultaneously for song, record and album of the year for the first time, while Antonoff appears twice in each of the major categories due to his work with Lamar and Carpenter.

Canadian Spotlight: Cirkut and Bieber

Canadian producer-songwriter Cirkut also earned seven nominations, including record and song of the year for his work on Lady Gaga’s Abracadabra and Rosé and Bruno Mars’s APT.. Justin Bieber returned to the forefront with nominations for pop vocal album, pop solo performance and R&B performance. His 2026 schedule includes a Coachella headlining appearance, positioning the year as a potential artistic resurgence.

Surprises and Emerging Voices

The best new artist category features global girl group Katseye, Olivia Dean, Leon Thomas and Alex Warren, among others. Rosé of Blackpink became the first K-pop artist nominated for record of the year. Meanwhile, The Weeknd, who ended his Grammy boycott last year, was notably absent from this year’s nominations.

Looking Ahead to the Ceremony

The 2026 Grammy Awards will air live on Sunday, Feb. 1, from Los Angeles, where artists across pop, hip-hop, R&B and global music will compete for top honours. Full nominee lists are available through the Recording Academy.

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Inuvik Hospital to Limit Services Until Monday

Sarah
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0
Inuvik Hospital to Limit Services Until Monday

Inuvik Regional Hospital temporarily reduces maternity and surgery services this weekend, with some patients directed to Yellowknife.

Service Changes Announced for Weekend

The Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority announced Friday that the Inuvik Regional Hospital will temporarily reduce several clinical services over the weekend. The temporary suspension is scheduled to remain in effect until Monday.

Areas of Care Affected

The reduced service levels will affect labour and delivery, emergency surgery, and elective surgical procedures. The health authority stated that patients with scheduled or expected care needs have already been notified and provided with plans for their continued treatment during the temporary disruption.

Emergency Surgery Transfers

Any patient requiring emergency surgery during the service reduction period will be transferred to Stanton Territorial Hospital in Yellowknife. The health authority noted that coordination for transfers will take place as needed to ensure timely access to care.

Maternity Care Adjustments

Individuals who are 37 weeks pregnant or further along and planning to give birth in Inuvik are being contacted to shift their delivery plans to Yellowknife. However, pre-natal and post-natal assessments will continue to be available at Inuvik Regional Hospital throughout the service adjustment.

Instructions for Pregnant Patients

Pregnant patients who require assessment or who go into labour over the weekend are advised to present to the Inuvik emergency department as usual. The hospital will provide evaluation and guidance, including arranging transfers if required.

Contact for Patients Not Yet Reached

The authority is encouraging anyone approaching their delivery date who has not yet received communication from hospital staff to contact the Inuvik Regional Hospital directly for information and support. The temporary reduction is expected to end Monday, with normal services resuming thereafter.

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Alberta Launches Survey on 120 km/h Highway Proposal

James
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0
Alberta Launches Survey on 120 km/h Highway Proposal

Alberta seeks public input on raising speed limits to 120 km/h on select divided highways, with a survey open until Dec. 12 and a pilot project planned.

Survey Now Open to Residents

The Alberta government has launched a public survey asking residents for feedback on raising the speed limit on select divided highways to 120 km/h. The survey, released Friday, is available online until December 12 and is part of a broader review of provincial highway policy.

Purpose Behind the Proposal

Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen said the idea stems from an effort to improve travel efficiency across the province. While recent transportation initiatives have focused on major cities, the government now aims to shorten travel times in rural areas as well. Dreeshen noted that many divided highways were originally engineered to support higher travel speeds than the current 110 km/h limit.

Areas Under Consideration

The proposal targets four-lane or divided highways, including well-used routes such as Highway 2 between Edmonton and Calgary. The survey also asks respondents whether commercial trucks should be blocked from using the far left lane on highways with three or more lanes, a measure intended to reduce traffic congestion.

Next Steps After Consultation

Once the survey closes in mid-December, the province plans to launch a pilot project to study the real-world effects of a 120 km/h limit. The trial will examine safety impacts, travel times, and traffic flow before any permanent policy changes are considered. Dreeshen said the goal is to align posted limits with how the roads were designed and how many drivers already travel.

Previous Attempts and Provincial Comparisons

This is not the first time the issue has surfaced in Alberta. In 2021, a private member’s bill proposing a similar speed limit increase was introduced but did not advance past its first reading. Other provinces have taken comparable steps. British Columbia raised limits on some major highways to 120 km/h in 2014, though several were later reduced after an increase in serious collisions. The Coquihalla Highway remains at 120 km/h, the highest posted limit in Canada.

Safety Concerns and Industry Response

In a written statement, the Alberta Motor Association said it will review the government’s survey and reiterated its position that speed limits should be determined by roadway design and the best available safety research. Dreeshen argued Alberta’s flatter highway network differs significantly from B.C.’s winding mountain routes, though transportation advocates say safety outcomes must remain central to the discussion.

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Edmonton Seeks Public Input on Long-Vacant Downtown Lot

James
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0
Edmonton Seeks Public Input on Long-Vacant Downtown Lot

Edmonton launches a public survey on the long-empty former BMO building site downtown, seeking feedback on its impact and future redevelopment.

Edmonton Surveys Residents on Future of Former BMO Site

Long-Empty Lot at Downtown Crossroads

The former Bank of Montreal building site at 102nd Avenue and 101st Street in downtown Edmonton has remained vacant since its demolition in 2018. The six-storey structure, once owned by Regency Developments, was cleared to make way for new development. However, after multiple proposals — including a nearly 50-storey mixed-use tower — the site remains fenced-off and filled with construction debris.

City Launches Public Survey

Earlier this week, the City of Edmonton introduced a public survey to better understand how the dormant property affects residents, business owners, and downtown visitors. The questionnaire focuses on whether people frequent the area, their awareness of the lot, and whether they believe the site impacts the surrounding neighbourhood’s appearance and vitality.

Community Concerns Over Appearance and Impact

Local workers and transit users describe the property as neglected. Carrie Collins, who passes the site daily, said the lot has become a visible blight. “It’s a mess, it’s not taken care of, so it’s an eyesore,” she said, noting she is surprised nothing has been built after seven years.

Members of the Downtown Revitalization Coalition echoed those frustrations. Chair Cheryll Watson said the prolonged vacancy undermines broader redevelopment efforts nearby and leaves visitors with a negative impression of Edmonton’s core. “It’s embarrassing to have this derelict site right in the middle of our downtown,” Watson said.

Zoning and Policy Gaps Under Review

Ward O-day’min Coun. Anne Stevenson noted that gaps in current zoning bylaws have contributed to the lot’s condition. The city does not require sites to be restored immediately after demolition, and in this case, property tax reductions were granted before cleanup was complete. Stevenson said future policy should mandate proper grading and landscaping before demolition is considered finalized.
“We need to hold property owners to account, especially on prominent properties like this one,” she said.

Developer Cites Economic Challenges

Regency Developments, the property owner, said in a statement that the COVID-19 pandemic weakened financing prospects for the large-scale mixed-use tower previously planned. The company expressed concern that the city’s survey overlooks downtown’s broader challenges, including economic recovery and safety issues. It said it remains in contact with city officials and committed to finding a collaborative solution.

Next Steps for Downtown Revitalization

The City of Edmonton said the survey results will guide possible actions, from stronger maintenance requirements to temporary beautification measures, such as improved fencing and cleanup.
“The city remains focused on finding a sustainable resolution that supports safety, compliance, and the long-term health and vibrancy of Edmonton’s downtown,” the statement said.

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