Management at Extra Foods is still waiting for the okay to reopen its store.

Officials say they're hoping to open for regular hours tomorrow after a fire forced it to close earlier this week.

Fire Crews and an electrical company were called to the Timberlea grocery store early Tuesday morning

.

The fire was under control by the time they arrived, but smoke still filled the building.

All employees were evacuated and no one was injured.

Mix news will provide more information as it becomes available. 

Alberta's air ambulance program is taking to the skies. 

Alberta Health Services is launching a new air ambulance plan that will provide four new critical care transport teams in smaller communities.

Fort McMurray, along with Grand Prairie, Medicine Hat and Peace River will house the new CCT teams.

Currently, only STARS helicopter teams offer in-flight critical care from bases in Calgary, Edmonton and Grand Prairie.

However, under the new model the teams will serve the entire province, in order to produce safe, high quality and timely emergency medical services.

Request for proposals have been issued for the fixed wing aviation and medical crew contracts in order to be operational by Spring 2014.

Fort McMurray's in for a warm long weekend.

However, due to high hazard conditions, a fire advisory is in effect for the Lac La Biche and Slave Lake areas.

All existing permits have been suspended, but safe campfires are still permitted unless conditions worsen.

There is one wildfire burning in the region, west of Fort McMurray and is classified as being held at 49.8 hectares.

Those heading out to the forested areas for the weekend are reminded to extinguish you campfire completely and knock off all smouldering debris from your vehicle.

Up-to-date information about wildfire conditions is available at http://srd.alberta.ca/Wildfire/WildfireStatus/WildfireStatusMap.aspx

May Long weekend marks the official start of this summer's celebrations in Fort McMurray, and Events Wood Buffalo wants people to get an early heads up on what's happening.

Today EWB launched ymmcanadaday.com, which lists the latest news and information about the celebration.

"We want to make sure people know that Events Wood Buffalo has great, great Canada Day events planned," says Event Manager Nadia Power. "And we're encouraging people to stick around for that." 

More programs and major announcements, such as performers for the CanadaRocks concert, will be posted as early as Monday. 

Looking towards the rest of the season, the EWB is bringing back old favourites for this summer's signature event, the TransALTA interPLAY festival.

Power says now is the time to start rehearsing for the festival's Homegrown talent contest.

"We want people to start thinking now about what they might like to do to perform at the Homegrown Talent Search stage at the interPLAY festival. It's always been the most popular part of interPLAY and we're encouraging everyone to get out and perform. 

Other upcoming summer events include the Classic Car rally and Northern Warrior Race. 

A Wayne Gretzky collection like no other is getting auctioned off.

Fort McMurray resident, Shawn Chaulk decided put 20 items from his Gretzky collection up for auction. 

Those looking to get their hands on some of the Great One's memorabilia have until June 18th to place their bids.

Items range from game-worn hockey gloves, socks and skates. Signed photographs and the great one's equipment bag is also up for grabs.

One of the biggest draws though, a jersey number 99 wore when he scored his  500th goal and won a Stanley Cup.

Interested bidders can go online at www.classicauctionsnet.

Local high school raises thousands to help provide clean water to people in the developing words.

Students at Holy Trinity High School took part in the Walk for Water on Thursday, raising $11,474 for Free the Children aid projects.

"What that means is that thanks to the students of Holy Trinity, 460 people from the developing world will have access to clean water for life." explains Teacher, Nathalie Reid.

Reid says the walk was an eye opening experience for the students that took part.

"The students that took part were quite amazed at the simplicity of the walk but also at the ease with which we take things for granted. When you think of $25 and you put into perspective." explains Reid, who says the walk put the water issues around the world into perspective for the students. "That's three booster juices, its a dinner out, it's washing five cars in the neighbourhood. But that is also clean water for someone for life." 

The event was designed to raise funds and awareness around the daily struggle for clean water in impoverished countries around the world.

"As this one kind of grew organically out of a challenge issued by Free the Children we are committed to doing programming with Free the Children." Holy Trinity students will once again be traveling to We Day in the Fall. We will be adopting another village as we have been able to complete the five pillars of our first village and we will see what projects naturally grow out of that."

Reid says the event came about from Teen For Change Student Leader, Emilie Maine. 

The municipality is playing shorthanded, but its hoping a recent trip out east will change that.

RMWB representatives wrapped up a four-day recruiting trip yesterday where they searched for potential staff in Toronto and Halifax.

There's currently 100 spots open in the RMWB's workforce of 1300 people.

One official says Toronto is lacking some opportunities, leaving valuable professionals unemployed.

According to Statistics Canada, the unemployment rate in Alberta is 4.4 per cent. Ontario sits at 7.7 per cent and 9 per cent of the population in Nova Scotia is unemployed.

And with plans for a major downtown redevelopement in Fort McMurray, urban planning professionals are in high demand.

Officials told would-be employees it's a once in a lifetime opportunity to for developers to fill a blank canvas. 

The municipality is also looking for administration and labour workers as well as professionals and management staff. 

Wood Buffalo RCMP are searching for the suspects involved in a downtown assault.

Police responded to the scene outside Boomtown Casino around 1:30a.m today where several people had assaulted a 48-year old man.

Two suspects were seen leaving the area in a a white four-door car.

The victim was left with head injuries as a result of the altercation and was transported to the Northern Lights Regional Health Centre for medical treatment.

There is word yet on his condition.

Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact police at 780-788-4000 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)

A key player in Alberta's carbon slashing strategy is offering up some financial backing for green industry projects.

The Climate Change and Emissions Management Corporation is putting 50-million dollars in funding up for grabs.

Submissions are now open and eligible projects will cut emissions through a number of methods, including extraction, upgrading and refining.

In Alberta, polluters which exceed their carbon limits are forced to pay penalties which are then re-invested through the corporation into the development of clean technologies.

The agency has already launched an industry challenge, offering up 35 million dollars to a winning plan to convert emissions into new carbon based products.

It's not quite the starry night most people picture, sleeping outside on Fort McMurray's streets.

But a local homeless shelter wants people to rough it out the same way its clients do every night.

The Centre of Hope is hosting Hope in the Dark, an overnight stay outdoors to raise money and awareness about homelessness.

"Our patients that 'sleep rough' sleep in vehicles, in tents, in cardboards, on pavements, in stairways and out in the bushes," says Centre Coordinator Vanja Taha.

Participants can donate to the shelter, with the cost varying for whether you want to sleep on a box, in a sleeping bag or in a tent. The more luxurious, the bigger the donation.

Taha says the Centre doesn't have enough beds for the homeless and clients are often forced to sleep in the streets.

"We only have one shelter that is open, that does not have adequate space. So this time of the year we have about 46 patrons that we know of that sleep rough."

One night doesn't compare to what an homeless person experiences all year round, but Taha says the experience is an eye-opener to the public.

"I'm very sure [it] will make them think and realize that there are so many people that do this day in, day out, whether it's -20 or plus 20. We are just hoping to raise awareness on what it's like."

People can register for Hope in the Dark online. The event is scheduled for May 25 outside the Clearwater Education Centre. 

Lead footed drivers, listen up if you want to avoid the expensive flash of a speed light camera.

Bylaw Services is providing its weekly update on the locations for its speed traps in the coming week.

Between May 20th and 26th, photo radar vehicles will be stationed in the following areas.

Dominion Drive, Loutit Road, Sandpiper Road and Brett Drive.

Officers are also reminding motorists that an intersection safety device will be located at the intersection of Franklin Avenue and Hospital Street during the same time frame.  

Albertans are paying more for food and housing, with provincial inflation out doing the national average.

According to Statistics Canada's the Consumer Price Index, jumped 1.3 per cent in April in the last year.

The province believes Albertans need to touch down on foreign soil in order to lead the way for Canada's economy.

Premier Alison Redford was at the University of Calgary today to release the provinces International Strategy. The plan outlines a number of big moves, including building offices in India, Brazil, the US and China. 

"We have to be bold," says Redford. "in opening new markets for our products, our ideas and our expertise around the world. And our government is ready to do that because we know that the steps we take now will determine Alberta's future success." 

The plan also says Alberta will double resources at its existing office in China. The strategy also emphasizes a greater focus on advocacy efforts in the areas of energy, forestry and innovation.

Redford says the plan signals to the rest of the world that the province is hungry for more. 

Last year, Alberta exported $95 billion worth of goods to 187 countries, accounting for more than one-third of the provinces GDP.

Many Canadians are tightening their belt when it comes to grocery shopping.

According the the RBC Canadian Consumer Outlook Index quarterly report, 84 per cent of Canadians are finding the price of food they usually purchase is on the rise.

The survey found that the average Canadian spends $411 per month on groceries and a third of respondents say the rising prices are impacting their shopping habits.

Shoppers are comparison shopping before heading to the store, buy less on impulse, creating a budget or cutting costs by using their vehicle less.

24 per cent of Albertans surveyed say the rising costs have a significant impact on their daily budget.

From your rotten couch to the sputtering dishwasher, mega-sized waste can loom large in your home.

If your looking to turf some of that over sized garbage, good news.

Until Wednesday, residents can have furniture and appliances picked-up from the curb and transported to the landfill.

All items are required to be registered for pick up and placed roadside by 8:00 a.m. on the confirmed date.

However, space is limited and the RMWB says there's a limit of four items per household.

As well, depending on demand, it could take up to 48 hours before your rid of your unwanted junk.

To register for the service, call 780-743-7966.

If there's any reluctance to the Keystone XL Pipeline, its on American soil.

That according to Prime Minister Stephen Harper who traveled to New York yesterday to lobby for the TransCanada proposal.

The oil sands are increasingly constrained by a failure to access new crude markets, and concerns over a deepening discount, have prompted a wave of political promotion for the link.

Harper down played the environmental concerns surrounding the Keystone, saying the economic benefits outweigh any risks.

Echoing previous statements made by his Conservative counterparts in Ottawa and Alberta, Harper says the link will not only funnel crude south of the border, but jobs and the economic security provided by a steady flow of fuel.

A ruling on the pipeline is expected to be delayed until at least the Fall as U.S. official indicate they need more time to evaluate the environmental merits of the proposal.

As residents prepare for the much anticipated May long weekend, RCMP are reminding motorists to stay safe on the roads.

Alberta's Integrated Traffic Unit will be out in full force across the province ensuring motorists stay safe on the roads. 

"We add additional coverage for the long weekend throughout the province. We have a couple hundred officers who are going to be out on every road way in the province as often as possible. We will be trying to get the message out there of safety, safety, safety." says Alberta Integrated Traffic Unit Sheriff, Collin Dipasquale. "Everybody has got to remember, slow down, alcohol and vehicles don't mix, be patient, don't be aggressive or careless. We are going to be looking for it all and everybody is going to get stopped."

"Everybody knows you aren't supposed to drink and drive and you are supposed to watch you speed, but the problems always persist. I mean that's why we are out there continually and we always come across the people that don't think it applies to them or maybe just this once I will do it. You know we're out there and we are all supposed to participate in safety and if there is even one person who is going to disregard those then it's going to put us all at risk."

Sheriff Dipasquale says it is important that drivers remember the rules of the road.

"People have that urban legend in their mind that they can do ten kilometres or 15 kilometes or in this region 25 kilometres over the posted speed limit and not get stopped." says Dipasquale. "That's untrue.Anytime you go above the speed limit you are breaking the law and you are putting other people at risk. My message is slow down, if you need to get there at a certain time then leave early and certainly don't drink and drive." 

The campaign runs until May 20th across the province in order to ensure drivers stay safe on the roads.

One man is facing jail time following a home invasion in Thickwood last year.

Cody Slade pled guilty to a handful of charges, including robbery and assault causing bodily harm.

He was sentenced to three years prison time.

His co-accused Jasper Dobie, who remains in custody on unrelated charges, is due back in court on August 29th.

Wood Buffalo RCMP arrested the pair after police were dispatched to a break and enter in progress on September 11th, 2012.

Police say two suspects, brandishing a firearm, entered a home and demanded money.

The pair then assaulted the 24-year old occupant of the home, leaving the man with non-life threatening injuries, before fleeing the scene with an undisclosed amount of cash.

Slade has had numerous run-ins with the law.

He was among 12 arrested in October, 2009, as a result of a large scale undercover cocaine operation looking to dismantle organized criminal trafficking of the drug in Fort McMurray and across Alberta.

In January 2012, Slade was charged with aggravated Assault, assault causing bodily harm, assault with a weapon, and uttering threats after an altercation which left a 33-year old man in critical condition with multiple stab wounds.

A women inside a Wood Buffalo neighborhood home had called several people to help her handle an argument she was having with someone inside the residence, resulting in a violent brawl.

A Kinder Morgan Pipeline is clearing a major regulatory hurdle.

The National Energy Board has approved the company`s commercial tolling plans for its TransMountain line expansion.

Their shipping fee scheme, levees oil companies will be forced to pay to use the export line, has been controversial.

The rate structure prompted a row with Suncor.

The energy giant argued that Kinder Morgan was taking advantage of its virtual monopoly along the west coast by jacking prices.

Kinder disagreed, saying it required the elevated charges to cope with potential fluctuations in construction and operational costs.

Regualtors acknowledged that pipeline constrained gave Kinder an edge in negotiations, they ruled in the company`s favour.

The $5.4 billion expansion would more than double shipments of crude to 890,000 barrels per day.

The company is expected to file an application for construction approval by the end of the year.

TransCanada is selling off a stake of their vast pipeline network.

The Calgary based operator announced the deal with TC Pipelines on Wednesday.

TransCanada will sell a 45 per cent stake in two of its natural gas lines to the American company for more than $1 billion.

The sale also includes the assumption of $146 million of GTN's debt.  

The Bison Pipeline spans the U.S. Rocky Mountain region to TransCanda northern border system in North Dakota.

The GTN pipelines moves Western Canadian and Rocky Mountain gas to the Western United States.

"This acquisition is the largest transaction in the Partnership's history and significantly increases the Partnership's future cash flows and earnings," said Steve Becker, President of TC PipeLines GP, Inc in a statement.

The deal, which is expected to close in July, will support TransCanada's capital investments.

Spring runoff is causing some concerns for the rivers in Wood Buffalo.

Alberta Environment has issued an advisory for residents in the area as the water levels of streams in Fort Chipewyan and Fort McMurray remain high.

"Right now it's just an advisory that the rivers are still running very high and most of that is due to Spring runoff. We had an incredible amount of snow pack up here this year," explains Assistant Deputy Chief with Regional Emergency Services, Dana Allen. "It was nearly 200 per cent higher than normal. So the rivers will be running high until all that snow pack is gone. We have also had issues in Janvier with the Christina River in the past week.

Allen is reminding residents to stay away from the river banks until the levels stabilize.  

"With the rivers running this high and people wanting to get out and enjoy the weather it makes it difficult.' says Allen, who is encouraging residents to be safe on the May long weekend. "You can still get out and enjoy the weather but stay away from the river banks because when the river runs this high it makes the river banks less stable than they should be. Stay out of the water because of the debris and stay away from the river banks."

The water levels in the region are expected to remain high over the next week as snow melt continues.

"I have been talking with Alberta Environment almost everyday for the past week. They say that the levels are fluctuating a little bit just because of the difference in the temperatures of the days." explains Allen. "They are not expecting a whole lot of moisture in the north part of Alberta over the next little while. So it should be favourable for us, but we are still keeping an eye on it."

Localized ponding can also be expected in low-lying areas, with the possibility of flooding in  the adjacent areas.

Premier Alison Redford is hoping for better cooperation with the BC government now that elections are over and negotiations surrounding major projects can continue. 

The re-elected Liberal Leader, Premier Christy Clarke, had rejected previous proposals for the Kinder Mountain and Northern Gateway pipelines.

At the time Clarke cited compensation issues as the main reason why she wouldn't sign off on either project. 

But Redford says BC and Alberta have common goals to work through.  

"We have tremendous trading partnerships," Redford told reporters today. "The New West partnership itself and the regulatory process is incredibly important so there's lot of common interests and common values that we've been very successful on, even things like environment regulation across the border. So there's lots of good work happening and we'll keep building on that."

Redford also had words about for the Prime Minister who landed in New York today to sell the Keystone XL Pipeline to naysayers in America.

Harper was greeted by local demonstrators as he arrived at the Council on Foreign Relations. He spoke at the event to tout the pipeline's economic benefits, including the number of jobs it will create south of the border.

That's not the only part of the Keystone's public relations campaign. According to budget documents, the Conservatives set aside $16.5 million for advertising. That's an increase of $9 million from last year.

Redford says she's not surprised Harper is touting the XL Pipeline.

"I thought it was very important for him to be able to make those comments," says Redford. "I know it's a big news story that the prime minister went to New York to support Keystone, I don't think anyone should be particularly surprised by that. We talk very often about the fact that this is a fundamentally important project for North American and particularly for Canada so I'm pleased to see that advocacy is continuing."

Redford also added that the province is standing firm with the decisions they've made so far. 

Fort McMurray's young professionals, you're invited!

The second Young Professionals Business After Hours event is taking place tonight.

"That's going to be at LiamFirst presentation centre for Liam Construction on Riedel  Street and that runs from 5:00 p.m to 7:00p.m tonight. Really how this came about was with a group of us young professionals in town ." explains President, Chris Naudi. "We know there is this gap and we know there is a lot of young professionals in town and we have no way of connecting with each other and more so than just going online. We want that personal connection with person to person in the same room together and that is basically what we put together."

is Naudi says the night will be filled with a live DJ, food and drinks as well as social networking.

"The main reason why we are doing this is because we are tired of saying goodbye to people here in Fort McMurray. So it is a great way for us to build relationships with the young professionals." explains Naudi. "We all have a lot of things in common and we are here for the opportunity but we could have a great career and life here. This is a great opportunity to build relationships. I always say it is really easy to leave a place but it is very difficult to leave the people.

Those in attendance will also get a sneak peak from LiamFirst as to what developments are to come for the area.

"The first one was amazing. We were expecting half the amount of people that we saw. We saw about 40 people to come out, but tonight we are expecting closer to 50 to come out." explains Naudi. "It is just a great way to connect with people. So go on Facebook and join the Young Professionals Business After Hours and you can find the invite there or you can email me to RSVP."

RSVP by emailing Chris Naudi at chris.naudi@woodbuffalo.ab.ca

Looking to beat Mother Nature to the punch, Regional Emergency Services will be conducting controlled burns again today.

This afternoon crews will be lighting up trouble areas along Westwood Crescent.

Residents in Thickwood are reminded to close their windows to avoid exposure with smoke.

Controlled burns are considered essential in clearing out any undergrowth which could fuel a wildfire.

The Federal government is doubling investment in oil sands promotions.

According to the Canadian Press, spending on PR campaigns for industry has increased from $9 million last year to $16.5 million this year.

Much of that funding is being now being directed towards the American market, where the Harper Conservatives are looking to earn public favour for the Keystone XL Pipeline.

As well, the launch of a new American campaign, looking to highlight the environmental merits of Canada's mining industry comes as the Prime Minister heads south.

Stephen Harper is in New York today to make the pitch for the TransCanada link.

Regulatory red tape will further delay a Presidential ruling on the controversial proposal, causing projected costs for the project to soar beyond the initial $5.4 billion.

The Snowbird has landed.

The Fort McMurray International airport made an announcement Wednesday in style, with a Canadian Forces exhibition pilot taking a tour of the city's skies.

Captain Scott Greenfield gave residents a sneak peak of what's to come for the 2014 Airshow, making sure everyone in Fort McMurray was well aware he's arrived.

"We laid down smoke over almost all of the community," says Greenfield. "I tried to go as far as, all the way out to the edge of Fort McMurray and turn around and come back just to let everybody know that we were here and I think anybody who was outside and looking up, they certainly knew we were here." 

The Canadian Forces Snowbirds, Skyhawks parachute team and a CF-18 Demo Hornet will all be in town for a weekend of aerial performances May 30 to June 1 2014.

Greenfield says a lot of preparation goes into each Airshow. 

"We do about 50 maneuvers in each show.  and prior to the show season the team does in the order of 100 to 120 practices leading up to the show season."

His initial flight across Fort McMurray was just a preview. Greenfield says there's more in store for spectators. 

"The show that we put on, there's so much of those different things I was talking about. There's the skill, professionalism and team work that we represent and have to put together every single time that we do a practice or a show as we're carrying out our season."

The Fort McMurray International Airshow is part of the grand opening of the airport's new terminal building, slated to open June 9, 2014.  

It's a yearly trend that just doesn't go out of fashion, rising gas prices leading up to the long weekend.

According to GasBuddy.com, drivers across the country woke up to higher prices at the pump.

The average price in Fort McMurray today is one-dollar and 22 -cents per litre, compared to the national average that's five cents more.

But the Canadian Taxpayers Federation says Albertans are the lucky ones, because drivers are getting ripped off by the federal and provincial governments through taxes.

With the lowest taxes in the country, Alberta also has the lowest gas prices. Drivers in the province pay about 21 per cent in taxes when they fill up, compared to a 35 per cent high in places such as Montreal.

The CFT marked its 15th annual Gas Tax Honesty Day by protesting the pump prices today. 

Technology may be making life more convenient for online shopping and banking, but it's also making it an easy grab for thieves.

Police say identity theft is nothing new, but it's becoming more common with recent advancements in technology.

As part of Crime Prevention Week, Alberta RCMP is reminding the public to keep personal information secure, whether it's online or on paper.

Here's some tips they suggest for protecting your e-identity:

·         Use Strong Passwords: Use different ID and password combinations for different accounts and avoid writing them down. Make the passwords more complicated by combining letters, numbers, special characters and change them on a regular basis.

·         Secure Your Computer: Activate the first line of defense, firewalls. Block connections to unknown or bogus sites that may have harmful components. Another defense is installing and keeping updated anti-virus software on your computer.

·         Be Social-Media Savvy: Make sure your social networking profiles are set to private, and be careful of what you post online. Once posted or sent, it s out there for good.

·         Secure your Mobile Devices: Mobile devices are vulnerable to viruses and hackers just like a computer would be. Only download applications from trusted sources.

·         Install the Latest Operating System Updates: Keep your application and operating system current with the latest system updates. Turn on automatic updates to prevent potential attacks on older software.

·         Protect Your Data: Use encryption for your most sensitive files such as tax returns or other financial records. Make regular back-ups of all your important data and store it in another location.

·         Secure Your Wireless Network: Wi-Fi networks at home are vulnerable if they are not properly secured. Review and change the settings to ensure only authorized users have access. Public Wi-Fi is also vulnerable. Avoid doing financial or corporate transactions on these networks.

·         Protect Your e-Identity: Be cautious when giving out personal information or financial information on the Internet. Make sure websites are secure (when making online purchases) or that you ve enabled privacy settings (when accessing social media sites).

Earlier this year, Wood Buffalo RCMP organized a safe disposal of identity sensitive garbage.

Police say thieves still practice old habits and other forms of identification can still put someone at risk of identity theft. 

Funding shortfalls have some aspects of the Fort McMurray Airport's $258 million dollar terminal expansion, still up in the air.

Although the new terminal at YMM is set to open in June 2014, there are still a number of infrastructure hurdles to overcome.

The Airport Authority has indicated that, after years of negotiations, YMM is still seeking a combined $50 million from the federal and provincial governments.

At the Annual Public Meeting last night, President and CEO of the Fort McMurray Airport, Scott Clements says the province has yet to commit to paving the new access road off Highway 69.

"I'm disappointed that we have to find another way to access our airport, obviously we're very busy trying to do that, the municipality has some options and we're working on it, I'm not saying that it's completely out the window and that its not going to happen, there's probably some avenues that will allow us to get the right thing done, but probably a little later."

Clements says funding is also lacking for an extension of the runway.

In order for the cargo planes to be able to use the landing strip, they need to extend the path by 1,500 feet, for a total of 9,000 feet.

And Clements says the extension could ease congestion on local highways caused by industry shipments.

"The CAPP has said that there's 2.1 trillion dollars that will go to the benefit to the Canadian economy over the next 25 years, up to 985 thousand jobs in Canada that will be generated over the next 25 years, why would you not as the government of Canada, or the government of Alberta want to make sure the right infrastructure is in place to facilitate that benefit to Canada," said Clements.

In the first four months of 2013, airport travel is up 29 per cent over last year.

And that growth is not expected to stop as the community awaits the much anticipated new terminal building, set to open on June 9th 2014.

Last night at the annual public meeting, 16 retail, food and beverage outlets were named for the new terminal.

Tim Hortons, Starbucks, Harveys, Gateway Convenience and Chocolate and Candlelight are among the vendors that will be located in the new facility.

An Air Canada, Maple Leaf business lounge will also be available to travellers. 

With a municipal election just around the corner, council is reigniting the debate surrounding religion at the polls.

Under the outdated provincial School Act, those who have been baptized as Catholic cannot vote in Public School Trustee elections.

Councillor Phil Meagher voiced his concern over the archaic legislation during last night's public meeting, saying it was poorly handled at the polls during last Summer's by-election.

"We were asked what religion we were and we told them and said,' if you're Catholic, you told us you're Catholic you have to do this' so they were very stringent about it and then there was another case where one of the Trustees who Catholic, couldn't vote for himself because he was Catholic and explained to them that he was running and they still wouldn't let him vote for himself."

Elections officials say the new Education Act will rescind the religious law, allowing constituents to vote of their school board of choice.

However, delays in tabling the bill means that the regulations will remain for the Fall's municipal race.

"Our taxes pay for both boards, its split, its divided, depending on how many kids they have, I figure my taxes pay for both so maybe we should be able to vote for both boards instead of just one, its this outdated bylaw with the School Act and once that's out maybe that freedom will be there," said Meagher.

The municipality has promised to improve training of elections staff to ensure residents better understand the legal causes for what Mayor Melissa called 'uncomfortable questions.'

The municipality continues consultations surrounding the downtown redevelopment.

The second public information session is set to take place tonight in order to update the community on the RMWB's plans moving forward for the downtown core.

"We are moving now from plan to implementation. So we are starting to deal with some of the detail of what it is we are going to build but also we are starting to deal with the schedules that relate to that and how that will impact the people." explains Executive Director of the City Centre Redevelopment, Ron Taylor. "Anytime you build something it's going to be disruptive, the more advanced notice that people get on that to try and minimize the interference whether that be noise or traffic or dust, the better it is."

Taylor says even though the plans are moving into the implementation stage, the community's input is still key in the project.

"What makes an excellent project is that attention to detail. The concept is one thing, but it's the attention to detail in the finishing and how the space works, how people relate to the space, how safe and secure people feel in the space." explains Taylor. "Those are the kinds of things that many eyes are better than a few in terms of judging and evaluating it."

Catalyst projects such as the Jubliee Plaza and the Waterfront program are going to be discussed in the information session.

"This is an opportunity for people to see the results of what they have provided input to because this is the first time we have taken what we have heard and it's the first time we are trying to translate that into suggestions for how we actually may build the public square or the waterfront park system." says Taylor. "It is an opportunity for people to make sure that we have listened carefully to them and to pick up on some of the concepts that we have put forward."

The information session will be held at the Jubilee Centre from 6:00 p.m to 8:00p.

Turn your eyes to the sky this afternoon for a dazzling display of airborne theatrics.

A Canadian Forces Snowbird will be flying over the city this afternoon around 3:00 pm.

The flight aims to give residents a glimpse of what they expect at Fort McMurray's first International Airshow on the weekend of May 30th, 2014.

The one-time only event will celebrate the grand opening of Airport's new $258-million terminal building.

The facility will be capable of handling 1.5 million passengers per year.

As well, the terminal will bring more than a dozen new vendors to town, chains and retailers which are expected to be announced this afternoon.

A newly released report shows home sales are spiking slightly across the country.

The Canadian Real Estate Association says sales rose 0.6 per cent from March to April, despite a 1.3 per cent increase in average sales prices in Canada.

The selling price for Alberta homes sit close to the national average, of about $380,000. But the cost to homebuyers increased about seven per cent from this time last year.

And although the balance between housing trends and listings varies across the country, its no surprise Wood Buffalo is bucking the trend.

Locally, Fort McMurray dwellings are pricier than both the national and provincial figures. The average multi-family home costs more than $430,000, while a single family home is abut $750,000. 

The Wood Buffalo Arts Council is welcoming a new face to their board.

Council Chair, Christine Burton announced this morning that Russell Thomas will be taking on the role of Interim Executive Director.

"The most important thing I think is his knowledge and his commitment to arts in this region. We could have brought in some high level consultant." explains Burton. "But generally what happens is they are from out of region, they don't know this community and they don't know the people and it takes them a year just to get up to speed. Here we have, right in our own backyard, the most qualified person to do this kind of work. It is incredibly exciting and we are very lucky to have him."

Thomas believes the future is bright for arts and culture community in our region.

"What role does culture play in giving us a sense of place a sense of belonging and getting to the soul of a place." says Russell, who is honored to take on the title of Executive Director. "Culture is what allows us to connect to where we live, to the people that we live with, where we come from and ultimately where we are going to. So I think that is imbedded in the municipal development plan. There is a political will that this is something that has to be supported."

Adding that they will be working to establish a vision for the council and working towards their goals in the coming months. 

"There's two things that are most important in the short term. One is solidifying the governance structure. Right now we have an interim board but at the end of the day we need to have a permanent board. A boards that representative of various sectors that makes sense. So that's the first step." says Thomas. "The other thing that is important, because we are about to head into a time where we are building a bunch of stuff is putting forward a public art policy."

Thomas will assume the role of the Executive Director of the Arts Council of Wood Buffalo on May 20th.

As part of crime prevention week, the RCMP is reminding people to keep their home and vehicles secure.

Police say property crime is often related to homes or vehicles left unattended or unsecured.

RCMP are suggesting the following tips for protecting your property:

Home Security

· Do a security check of your home for possible entry points and any weaknesses it may have.

· Keep all entrances and any out-buildings well lit and clear of concealing greenery.

· Do not leave telltale signs you are away for on vacation, for work or a long period of time.

· Install good locks and use them, even if you are home. Keep windows and doors (including garage doors) locked and properly secured.

· Keep valuables and money out of sight and secured. This includes properly storing keys to other properties or vehicles.

Vehicle Security

· Vehicles include all forms of transportation such as cars, commercial vehicles, bicycles, recreational vehicles and trailers. Lock and properly secure any vehicle and store the keys in a safe place, away from the vehicle.

· Never leave valuables in your vehicle, especially not in plain-sight.

· Consider investing in a anti-theft system and remember to use it.

· Keep your registration and insurance papers secure.

· Never leave your vehicle running with the keys in the ignition and unattended.

· Mark valuable items for identification and where possible record and store identification/serial numbers. This would apply to any number of items including recreational vehicles, bicycles, electronics, etc.

Police say if you follow these tips, most incidents of property crime can be avoided. 

Several police investigations are leading to criminal harassment charges on a Fort McMurray man.

The investigations that span to a few years ago involved individuals in the community receiving racially motivated verbal and written correspondence.

The incidents often contained extreme political views on a number of topics including immigration laws.

The investigation into the the matters is ongoing but the evidence uncovered has allowed Wood Buffalo RCMP to lay charges on the individual. 

54-year old Brad Love faces numerous charges in connection to the case including Criminal Harassment, Mailing Obscene Matter and Harassing Telephone Calls.

The accused has been released from custody on bail and is scheduled to make his first court appearance on May 27th.

Construction season is underway and the municipality is getting ready to give residential areas a face lift.

The municipality plans to improve infrastructure in the Abasand, Beacon Hill and Thickwood neighbourhoods this summer. 

If residents want to know how the construction will effect them, people can attend a residential construction open house. 

The Beacon Hill meeting starts at 6:00 p.m. tonight at Beacon Hill School.

A second open house starts at 6:00 p.m. tomorrow in Abasand. 

Construction crews plan to work on roads, sidewalks, sewers and other infrastructure. 

For more information, call the municipality's Construction Hotline at 780-793-1054.

The municipality insists, the SPCA will not be forced to relocate.

At last night's council meeting, Chief Administrative Officer, Glen Laubenstein made it clear that it was not the municipality's intention to push the shelter out of their MacAlpine Crescent location.

Mayor Melissa Blake says negotiations will continue to ensure both the shelter and animal control services are maintained.

"We will not be taking them out of the building that they're in, that's an imperative understanding that people have to have, so the municipality has never had that design but its been misinterpreted that was, so that has to really set to tone for the negotiations for creating a lease.

Controversy surrounding the future of the shelter erupted after the agency submitted their 60 days notice to terminate their animal control contract.

The municipality had allowed the shelter to occupy the Gregoire area property for 15 years, rent-free but the RMWB says that arrangement is no longer being offered in light of the contract termination.

------------

Tuesday, May 14th  

Negotiations between the SPCA and the municipality are getting messy.

Looking to clarify the controversy surrounding a possible relocation, the Director of Bylaw Services issued a statement today.

“We’ve offered to share the existing space with the FMSPCA so it can continue its shelter and drop-off operations,” said municipal spokesperson and Director of Bylaw Services, Bob Couture. “We have also offered to lease them the entire space while the RMWB finds a new facility for our animal control operations. However, these options have not been accepted by the FMSPCA’s board.”

Couture says that deal was denied by the board and the future of their MacAlpine Crescent location remains unclear.

"Well right now the SPCA is occupying municipality property without any property without any lease in regards to that. It is provided free to the SPCA." explains Couture. "That is part of their service agreement in providing animal control services. So as of July 1st, my intent was again to ascertain whether the SPCA would entertain leasing some of that space or to share that space with the municipality for animal control purposes."

Couture says the shelter's claims that they must relocate are premature. 

"It's premature until I have that opportunity to discuss with the SPCA of how we can come up with a working agreement surrounding animal control services." explains Couture. "They have decided to terminate the animal control services agreement effective July 1st. We as the municipality have to have some form, and we will have an effective animal control service in effect serving the citizens of our municipality effective, July 1st."

The non-profit says they were never offered any deal to maintain their current location.

The  SPCA put this statement on their Facebook page today.  

"Here is the news release that the RMWB sent out publicly today. Please note that the FMSPCA or its board have never been offered the opportunity to lease our current space, nor was such an offer proposed to us. Further, as of this morning, we still have yet to be invited by Mayor or Council to share the struggles we have been facing with Animal Control and contract negotiations in spite of offers to do so."

"Again, the FMSPCA--a local NON PROFIT--terminated the contract due to insufficient funding and our plea to the public on Sunday to help us find space still appears to be needed. Thank you all again for your support!"

The shelter remains aghast that a decision to terminate a chronically under funded animal control contact would threaten the viability of the shelter

A Liberal victory in British Columbia will shape the debate surrounding Alberta's oil sands exports.

Although Christy Clark failed to maintain her seat, she led the Grits to victory last night.

The Liberal Leader has feuded with Premier Alison Redford over the Northern Gateway pipeline to the West Coast, demanding improved economic pay-outs and improved environmental protections.

The war-of-words resulted in little political progress, as Redford was unwilling to sway on any  of Clark's prerequisites for approval.

However, Clark is more flexible on oil sands expansion than her NDP opponent.

Adrian Dix pledged to derail the Enbridge proposal by calling of it's Federal environmental review and launching an assessment of B.C.'s energy production options.

Political analysts say if opposition to oil sands export lines persists in B.C., the win could be considered a windfall for eastern Canada.

Industry, constrained by choked market access, will begin looking to provinces such as the economically stagnant New Brunswick for an expansion of their pipeline networks.

In spite of the Mayor taking the Premier to task over a provincial tax increase, Wood Buffalo property owners will be seeing a jump on their bill this year.

Although the municipality's tax scheme remained neutral, the region's education taxes are set to increase by $16 million.

The average home can expect their bill to increase by more than $400 this year.

The rise comes as the provincial government axes a cap on municipal tax acquisitions.

Mayor Melissa Blake says the province has yet to respond to a letter she penned, outlining the concerns of her constituents over the unexpected jump.

"The unfortunate thing is that when the tax bills roll out, the municipal rate will be the same or lower, so you won't see an increase in that unless you've done major improvements to your property, but you'll definitely feel the pinch coming the education requisition."

Blake has said the levee fails to account for the elevated real estate evaluations and the high cost of living in Wood Buffalo, and unfairly penalizes a region which has seen minimal investment in education infrastructure. 

The increase attempts to equalize taxes across the province and will be implemented over a 3 to 4 year time frame. 

Both local MLAs Don Scott and Mike Allen have indicated they lobbied against the changes but were only able to extend the timeline for implementation.

The gloomy weather is at least helping put out the flames in the Wood Buffalo region.

In the last 24 hours, three new wildfires have started in the region, but two have been extinguished.

"We've received scattered, light to moderate precipitation in the Fort McMurray region within the last 48 hours," says Wildfire Technologist Jarret Whitbread. "Our current fire hazard is sitting at moderate although we are expecting that to drop to low overnight due to the forecasted precipitation over the next 24 hours."

Whitbread says only one wildfire is burning about 43 kilometres west of Fort McMurray. But, he wants people to take extra measure for the weekend.

"The forecast is calling for a bit drier weather so we'd like to remind everyone, that when they're out camping and recreating in the forest, to make sure they're putting out their campfires by soaking it thoroughly with water, stirring the ashes and soaking it again to make sure that fire is extinguished."

Up-to-date information about wildfire conditions is available at http://srd.alberta.ca/Wildfire/WildfireStatus/WildfireStatusMap.aspx

Syncrude is earning the unwanted title of Alberta's biggest emitter.

The province's largest mine recorded the highest greenhouse gas emissions of more than 160 industrial sites.

Syncrude's emissions hit 12.8 tonnes in 2011, according to the annual tally on large, industrial emitters that was released earlier this month.

The oil sands industry has seen its greenhouse gas emissions grow from 15 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent gases in 1990 to 55 million tonnes in 2011.

Meaning the oil sands sector also now represents about eight per cent of Canada's overall annual emissions.

Fort McMurray is not getting a fair cut of more than 25 million dollars it made for Alberta's Lottery Fund.

A report by the University of Lethbridge's Gaming Research Institute says the region contributes more revenue because people spend a higher than average amount on gambling.

But in return, the city receives the lowest grant from the province compared to all the other Census divisions in Alberta.  

"Fort McMurray area was the only region where you could probably make the arguement that the amount of money that people from Fort McMurray contribute to gambling revenue, they certainly don't get back in terms of provincial services," says researcher Robert Williams. "So they're subsidizing other parts of the province."

The study says Fort McMurray the size of Fort McMurray's Alberta Lottery Funds grant is the lowest of all the Census divisions in the province. It suggests that if revenue is normally goes to education and hospitals, Fort McMurray isn't getting an equal amount of services.

A more troubling trend is the disproportionate amount of cash the province pulls from the pockets of gambling addicts, who make up about three per cent of the population.

"[The province] doesn't like to talk about where the money comes from. It's ethically problematic when half of your revenue is coming from an addictive portion of the population. It shouldn't really be preying on a vulnerable segment of society."

The full report by the Alberta Gaming Research institute is available here: http://research.uleth.ca/seiga/seiga_final_report.pdf

Wood Buffalo residents facing legal troubles will soon have access to free advice.

Pro Bono Law Alberta along with Legal Aid Alberta and Suncor Energy are holding a series of information sessions for the public.

Executive Director of PBLA, Gillian Marriot tells Mix News how it helps people who are stuck in legal limbo.

"Sometimes people get stalled in the system and they need help with a document or they don't understand why they have to do something a certain way. And these lawyers will be able to provide that type of assistance. So if a person is thinking, 'do I actually need a lawyer for this,' this would be a good way to find out."

The PBLA is holding two clinics on Friday May 24 on the second floor of the courthouse. The two-hour Family Law session will focus on separation, divorce, matrimonal property child custody and access and . People can attend the session at either 9 a.m. or 1:30 p.m.

But if you have specific questions, lawyers will be available for 30-minute private sessions.

"People needing legal advice and legal assistance are invited to come and speak to a lawyer and have a cup of coffee while they're doing it to try to take away some of that intimidation that comes when speaking to a lawyer."

As part of Law Day at the Fort McMurray courthouse, a Legal Grounds Advice Clinic is scheduled for Saturday May 25 from 10:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Residents will get advice on civil, criminal, family, landlord/tenant and employment law.

Spaces are limited and Marriot encourages people to book appointments in advance.

The public has until May 17 to call 1-587-774-5469 for an appointment.

The Fort McMurray Airport's expansion timeline is being pushed back.

The opening date for the new $258 million terminal building will be pushed back by two months, with the new completion date set for June 9th 2014.

The Fort McMurray Airport Authority says the decision was made with operational ease and safety in mind.

 "Looking at where we are right now the board, I think very wisely and prudently, allowed for more time for everything to get done," says Scott Clement, President of the Fort McMurray Airport Authority. "And the bonus is that we can invite the public to come and see the new terminal before it opens, a week before we open it. You know, celebrate the occasion with a bit of pizazz and panache." 

YMM is the fastest growing airport in Canada, and the new facility is designed to accommodate 1.5 million passengers.

"We have had some challenges with a complex building in terms of weather and other factors," says Clement. "Plus we've got a number of new tenants that we hadn't anticipated the offering of our food and beverage in the new terminal. And retail was overwhelming and so we've got some extra work to do there." 

Despite the jet-lag, an International Air show will be taking flight in advance of the opening date.

Running from May 30th to June 1st, the event will be a one-time opportunity given the security restrictions that come into effect once the site is operational.

Clement expects the terminal will be complete by June 9, a week before it will officially open. 

Negotiations between the SPCA and the municipality are getting messy.

Looking to clarify the controversy surrounding a possible relocation, the Director of Bylaw Services issued a statement today.

“We’ve offered to share the existing space with the FMSPCA so it can continue its shelter and drop-off operations,” said municipal spokesperson and Director of Bylaw Services, Bob Couture. “We have also offered to lease them the entire space while the RMWB finds a new facility for our animal control operations. However, these options have not been accepted by the FMSPCA’s board.”

Couture says that deal was denied by the board and the future of their MacAlpine Crescent location remains unclear.

"Well right now the SPCA is occupying municipality property without any property without any lease in regards to that. It is provided free to the SPCA." explains Couture. "That is part of their service agreement in providing animal control services. So as of July 1st, my intent was again to ascertain whether the SPCA would entertain leasing some of that space or to share that space with the municipality for animal control purposes."

Couture says the shelter's claims that they must relocate are premature. 

"It's premature until I have that opportunity to discuss with the SPCA of how we can come up with a working agreement surrounding animal control services." explains Couture. "They have decided to terminate the animal control services agreement effective July 1st. We as the municipality have to have some form, and we will have an effective animal control service in effect serving the citizens of our municipality effective, July 1st."

The non-profit says they were never offered any deal to maintain their current location.

The  SPCA put this statement on their Facebook page today. 

"Here is the news release that the RMWB sent out publicly today. Please note that the FMSPCA or its board have never been offered the opportunity to lease our current space, nor was such an offer proposed to us. Further, as of this morning, we still have yet to be invited by Mayor or Council to share the struggles we have been facing with Animal Control and contract negotiations in spite of offers to do so."

"Again, the FMSPCA--a local NON PROFIT--terminated the contract due to insufficient funding and our plea to the public on Sunday to help us find space still appears to be needed. Thank you all again for your support!"

The shelter remains aghast that a decision to terminate a chronically under funded animal control contact would threaten the viability of the shelter.

The municipality is considering more red ink.

Over $5.4 million in debenture borrowing is being put on the table.

Council will be considering the finances for numerous infrastructure improvements around the community including upgrades to Waterways Street and the South Entry Service Road Gregoire.

As well, $700,000 for Gordon Avenue and $3.4 million for Highway 63 northern water supply line improvements will also be considered.

The Local Improvement debenture borrowing bylaws are set to go through final reading tonight at council.

A lasting legacy for a Fort McMurray woman.

Nancy Woodward is being named the 12th nominee in the Girls In Women of Inspiration Series.

"Oh she would have been so excited." explains Nancy's daughter-in-law, Betty Woodward. "She just loved being nominated for stuff like this cause she was a woman of many talents."

Nancy spent her life helping others in the community, whether as a foster parent, a midwife in Anzac or helping with her family business By Far Holdings.

"It was really important to her to show people her traditions." explains Betty Woodward. "She did show me some things on moccasins and patterns and the proper way to sew mitts and gloves and stuff like that."

Children and her community played a big role in Nancy's life until her passing in December 2012. 

"Children played a really important role for her. She really loved the children." explains Betty. "She brought a few children in and in fact she adopted one of her sons. She was fostering one of her boys and she adopted the little guy."

Nancy will be honored with eleven other nominees at the women of Inspiration Celebration banquet on June 1st.

Emergency crews are responding to a Highway 63 crash north of Fort McMurray.

Wood Buffalo RCMP confirm that minor injuries were incurred in the two vehicle collision near Mildred Lake.

Traffic is not being affected by the collision which was reported to Mix News shortly after 8:30 am.

Police could not provide further details on the vehicles involved, injuries incurred or cause of the crash.

Mix News will provide more information as it becomes available.

Emergency crews remain on scene after a blaze erupted inside a Timberlea grocery store.

Officials with Regional Emergency Services and the electrical company were called to Extra Foods shortly before 8:00 this morning.

As of 8:30 am, the fire is was considered 'under control' and only smoke remained inside the structure.

All employees were quickly evacuated and no injuries have been reported.

The cause of the blaze remains under investigation.

It's unclear when the store will re-open to customers.

A battle at the BC polls could sway the future of Alberta's oil sands exports.

Our neighbors to the west are preparing to elect a new Premier and as the leadership race reaches its final hours, Alberta industry will be keenly watching the polls.

Both Liberal Leader, current Premier Christy Clark and the NDP's Adrian Dix have made their opposition to the Northern gateway pipeline central in their campaign platforms.

Dix has said, within a week of being elected, he would call off the pipelines environmental assessment with the federal government and undertake a review of B.C.'s energy production options.

However, Clark is more flexible on the Enbridge proposal, saying she would approve the link if five economic and environmental conditions are met.

Oil sands markets are becoming increasingly constrained, as proposed pipeline network expansions including the Keystone XL and the Line 9 reversal remain ensnared in lengthy regulatory hurdles.

Premier Alison Redford has said the Enbridge link is a matter of 'national sovereignty' and has been unwilling to sway on any of the environmental or economic demands made by the reigning Grit government.

The controversial line would travel across roughly 1,200 kilometres, carrying crude to the west coast for transport by supertankers, to hungry energy markets overseas.

Controversy continues to mount over Fort McMurray's only animal shelter.

Director of Bylaw Services, Bob Couture is refuting the SPCA's relocation concerns, calling them 'premature'.

He told Mix News there was nothing official tabled by the RMWB and he was 'perplexed' as to why the non-profit would make their fears over a forced move public when negotiations are ongoing. 

But the shelter's Executive Director Tara Clark says it was Couture who indicated the facility might be pushed out of their MacAlpine Crescent property to make room for animal control services.

She says the non-profit is still preparing for the worst in light of silence from the municipality.

"The SPCA has not received any formal notice, all we had to go on was something informal. July 1st is fast approaching and the SPCA wants to ensure that we can keep our doors open and provide services to this community that could be a difficult task and we certainly felt we'll need the time and the support of the community if a new location is required."

Clark told Mix News, as of Monday, the shelter had not been contacted by municipal officials over their public call for support.

Clark says the shelter has no lease on the RMWB property and is at the whim of a verbal agreement with regional government.

The relocation fears come mere weeks after the SPCA served the RMWB notice that in light chronic under funding they would no longer provide animal control services, ending a 15 year contract.

The shelter is still seeking foster families to house the more than 90 pets in their care in the event of a relocation.

Looking to shrink its carbon footprint, the municipality will alter Wood Buffalo's energy grid.

The RMWB is seeking developers and operators for it's neighborhood utilities projects.

The unusual public/private partnerships would create service hubs which would reduce energy demand, slash emissions associated with hot water, heating and cooling properties, and keep costs for local customers competitive.

The girds would be located, strategically in areas across the region expecting high density growth, including downtown, the airport, Saline Creek and Parsons Creek.

"RMWB has a greater opportunity than most municipalities, in that new infrastructure is being laid out on virgin land to the most part, and complications with previous development and multiple owners are minimized. Detailed planning and phased development can result in sustainable development without the common high costs of removing previous infrastructure," reads the bidding documents.

Examples include sewage heat recovery, wood chips biomass, geothermal, and heat recovery from industrial processes, plants which would provide customers the benefit of locally generated energy production which could be tempered based on daily demand.

"Energy used by corporate buildings generates 20.5% of RMWB s total corporate greenhouse gas emissions. To address this, a high priority strategy of the GHG Action Plan, a component of the MDP (Municipal Development Plan), is to pursue Neighborhood Energy Service) projects for high-density commercial or mixed-use neighbourhoods."

The project is expected to require an intial investment of $663 million.

The successful proponents would be responsible for maintaining and operating the Green Utilities services over the coming decade.

The RMWB bidding documents point to similar projects successfully implemented across North America, including the Lonsdale Energy Corporation in Vancouver.

The award-winning district heating program, operating since 2004, has faced criticism for not living up to its 'green' image.

A 2007 comparison of emissions found the Lonsdale grid produces more than 18 times the greenhouse gas per unit of energy compared to B.C. Hydro, a conventional energy utility.

Bidding for the RMWB project closes June 25th.

Only one more school board needs to vote on a province-wide labour agreement before tonight's midnight deadline. 

Education Minister Jeff Johnson spent today encouraging school boards to vote in favour of the deal which would freeze wages for three years and then raise them by two per cent the following year.

Johnson travelled the province, meeting with 11 boards who hadn't voted yet or voted against  the agreement, but says the province will introduce legislation which will ensure the deal is enacted before negotiations collapse.

He says not everyone signed on to the four-year agreement, which also promises that the province will review teachers' workload issues.

"We had hoped that we would have a much different press conference today, but as you know, we don't have unanimous support for the ATA Framework that we had put forward to the SPA members and the ATA."

Sixty of 62 boards support the deal. Johnson says it's progress compared to when the Alberta Teachers Association walked away from negotiations in February. 

"So that's certainly not the case now, but it is time to move on. We've let everyone had their peace, we've done an exaustive process over the last three years."

Johnson expects to table the legislation tomorrow. 

A trip to a Fort McMurray shopping plaza resulting in a $100,000 windfall.

Junior Janvier of Chard picked up an Instant Western Scratch N' Win Ticket at the River City Centre and landed the top prize.

Janvier couldn't believe his luck and brought his ticket back to Mall Million for the clerk to give his card a once over before he started celebrating.

Janvier plans to put some of his winnings towards a new set of wheels.

People placed their bids on bikes in support of the SPCA's annual bike auction.

Event's Coordinator Jen Pick-Neville says they had a big turnout during Saturday's auction and managed to sell every one of their bikes. 

"It was amazing, we had beautiful weather, lots of people attended, " says Pick- Neville. "We had well over 100 people browsing through the bikes. 

All the money goes to public programs and services at the SPCA.

It's time for teams to register for the annual Relay for Life happening in Fort McMurray on June 7.

The event also marks the 75th anniversary of the Canadian Cancer Society.

Organizer Crystal Mercredi says she wants to break the half-a-million dollar mark for fundraising in Fort McMurray, but the event is not just about the money.

"We're also there to celebrate the survivors," says Mercredi. "For those that we've lost, we're also there to celebrate theri lives because they are not just someone who died from Cancer. They have their own life, their own personaity that we need to celebrate as well." 

The Relay starts at seven at night at the Casman Centre.

People living in Beacon Hill can get a free lesson in fire safety as the second annual Home Fire Safety Program launches today.

The Fire Prevention Branch is delivering the service by teaching residents about possible fire risks and hazards in their homes.

Jillian Smith of Regional Emergency Services says people can schedule a home inspection, smoke alarm installation and get tips on how to stay safe.

"Not only is it a home check, but it's also an educationnal piece," says Jillian Smith of Regional Emergency Services. "We'll leave a resident with a package so they'll know how to follow up on these item. They'll know certain tips like changing your batteries on your smoke alarms once a year." 

More than 400 homes were inspected during last year's program in Gregoire Mobile Park.  Emergency Services and Enbridge Pipelines is running the service until the end of the summer.

Anyone who is interested can contact the Fire Prevention Branch. 

The wind may carry a thick blanket of smoke into the region today.

Emergency crews will be conducting controlled burns near the Water Treatment Plant this afternoon.

Depending on the breeze, Thickwood and downtown areas may experience hazy conditions.

To reduce exposure to the smoke, residents are encouraged to close their doors and windows.

Controlled burns will take place at locations across the region in the coming days, as a way to fight fire with fire, cleaning up dry undergrowth which may act as ignition for a wildfire.

Any questions can be directed to the Fire Prevention Branch at 780-792-5519.

Alberta may be waiting even longer for a decision on the Keystone XL pipeline.

The Obama Administration may take until early 2014 to make a ruling on the controversial TransCanada link.

Delays on the Alberta to texas pipeline could push costs above $5.3 billion.

President Barack Obama was expected to make a decision by this summer on the pipeline.

The proposed project would send the provinces oil sands with refinieries south of the border.

Residents are getting a sneak peak at downtown redevelopment plans.

Public engagement sessions got underway at MacDonald Island Park on Saturday, providing residents with an update on the redevelopment.

The RMWB plans to close Morimoto Drive as construction gets under way for a new Promenade along the waterfront.

As well, the Jubilee Plaza which will be capable of hosting small festivals, events and and urban market will be located along the southwest side of the Jubilee Centre, along Hardin Street.

"Well I think it will bring a lot of opportunity for new businesses and development." explains Fort McMurray Resident, Brandon who is thrilled with the changes being made to the downtown core. "As well, all the waterfront development is very exciting." 

The RMWB is looking to keep conversation surrounding their plans open with residents, as some residents still have concerns surrounding the redevelopment. 

"In the residential communities, everyone has a basement suite, single family homes are built so close together, there is no back alleys in Fort McMurray. People literally park on their lawns." explains local resident, Christine. "Any sort of business and you have work vans and stuff and you have three of them in from of your house but where else are you supposed to keep them. As well the arena, everyone is concerned about that because there was no infrastructure in place for a parkade. That's the concern that I have, the development is great but where is everyone going to park."

Motorized access to the Snye will be cut off, but a temporary boat launch access will be provided from Hardin Street and plans to construct a secondary marina by 2017 are in place.

Residents are invited to attend the second session on Wednesday from 6:00 p.m to 8:00 p.m at the Jubilee Centre.

Alberta's construction sector is on a strong financial foundation.

A new report shows construction and renovation work provided the provincial economy a $15.1 billion boost last year.

Analysts with Will Dunning Inc determined that 48,000 jobs were created directly by the sector, with more than 22,000 indirect jobs across the province attributed to the industry.

Wages alone totaled more than $5.7 billion.

Although the study did not a break-down for Wood Buffalo, a recent update from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation shows local construction crews are keeping up with the trend.

232 foundations have been poured in the region so far this year, with 82 housing starts recorded last month, nearly triple the figures for the same time frame last year.

If contract negations fail,  Diversified drivers across the Fort McMurray region are prepared to hit the picket lines.

Between 800 and 850 drivers, represented by  Teamsters Local 362 held a strike vote on Thursday.

However, Secretary and Treasurer for the local union, Rick Eichel says drivers remain hopeful they can ink a deal which satisfies both sides.

"We have negotiations lined up for the week of June the 4th, so nothing will happen until after that but I'm positive the company will be serious in our deliberations, and so will the union and we're hoping to get a good and fair offer at that point."

Eichel says compensation packages, wages and working conditions remain the biggest bones of contention at the bargaining table.

"We'll be cautious, the oil sands industry and Diversified Transportation are important to our communities and to our province but at the same time we're going to make sure we can get everything we can for our members, as it is with negotiations , it's not always easy, it's a lot of work on both sides of the table."

Diversified officials have yet to respond to Mix News' requests for comment.

Two men charged in the murder of a 39-year old Fort Chipewyan man are due back in court.

Local RCMP, responding to a domestic disturbance on September 15th, 2012. discovered Micheal Gladue unresponsive inside his remote hamlet home.

Gladue, a member of the Mikisew Cree First Nation and father of two was transported to nearby medical facilities but pronounced dead upon arrival.

30 year-old Jonathan Dean Marten of Fort McMurray, 27 year-old Shannon Dion Gibot, of Fort Chipewyan are facing charges of second degree murder in relation to the case.

Both suspects are slated to enter a plea this morning.

An emergency alert is being issued for a local first nations community.

In light of high water levels, residents in the Janvier Reserve 194, located roughly 95 kilometres southeast of Fort McMurray are being urged to take extra precautions.

The risk for flooding in the area has been elevated since late last week and residents are to avoid tributaries and low-lying areas.

 As of Saturday,  there were elevated levels around the Janvier lagoon and river intake, but residents were not being affected.

There is currently no drinking water restrictions in place, but emergency officials are monitoring the situation.

Roughly 300 people live in the reservation, neighboring the Christina River.

The Fort McMurray SPCA may be forced to relocated after they decided to terminate their animal control contract with the municipality.

According to a statement released by Executive Director Tara Clark, the non-profit has received word that the RMWB intends to use their current location on MacAlpine Crescent to carry out animal control services.

The Shelter served regional government their notice of termination on May 1st, and said funding shortfalls were to blame for ending the contract, which has been held by the shelter since 1997.

However, the Director of Bylaw Services says the SPCA's concerns are 'premature'.

Bob Couture who serves as Officer in Charge of the Wood Buffalo RCMP, acknowleded that he did have a conversation with Clark surrounding their options for the provision animal control services.

Speaking on behalf of the municipality, Couture said he can't understand why the non-profit would reach out to the media while consultations between two sides are ongoing.

"We have haven't actually spoken to the SPCA officially, I've had a conversation with Tara Clark, the Executive Director looking at the various different options about how we can work together and ensure the needs of animal control are met and ensure the services of the SPCA remain within the region."

Couture says he's 'perplexed' over claims from the shelter that they could be uprooted from their MacAlpine Crescent property this Summer, and says any decision to move would be the shelter's to make.

The SPCA was only receiving roughly 50 per cent of the funding required to cover basic operational costs for the animal control contract, and after two years of talks, they recently indicated they were no longer willing to negotiate on the deal.

Clark calls the threat of a move, disheartening.

"We certainly did not anticipate that our inability to financially continue to provide the RMWB Animal Control services of they continued to be underfunded would result in us potentially being removed from the location be have been serving the region in for the last 15 years." 

Clark says the shelter will do its best to maintain the health of the animals in their care, a number which currently sits at 90, but is expected to climb throughout the Summer months.

"Our intent is to do everything possible to keep our commitment to the community in offering these services, but it is disappointing that after passing a billion dollar budge that a non-profit agency may find itself homeless because we couldn't afford to provide contract services for the $776,000 budget that was approved. I honestly don't know how the RMWB will provide the Animal Control services needed in the region for that amount."

According to Clark, the shelter suggested that bylaw services, who may  be taking over Animal Control services as of July 1st,  move into the neighboring Parks and Recreation office,  thinking that the dual services could remain in a collaborative, working relationship.

IN preparation for the possibility of a move,  which the staff believe could occur as quickly as July 1st, the shelter is seeking dozens of foster families.

For more information on how you can call Jane Hetflies at 743-8997 ext 4 or email operations@fortmcmurrayspca.ca.

Wood Buffalo councillors are keeping their expenses in check.

Administration has released a quarterly update, outlining the spending habits of our region's representatives between January 1st and March 31st.

As is the norm, rural-area councillors racked up the most expenses, given the travel costs associated with their posts.

Ward 2 Councillor David Blair expensed the most at $6,722, accounting for nearly 16 per cent of his yearly stipend.

Jane Stroud, the sole councillor for rural Ward 4, expensed more than $4,903, representing 18 per cent of her budget.

Ward 2 councillor Sonny Flett, followed in third with just over $4,664 in expenses this year to date, representing 10 per cent of his annual allotment.

Administration regulary tracks the expenditures which account for planning and development, training and travel, and will consider increasing budgets if they're deemed insufficient for the demands of each position.

The document, in full, can be viewed here: http://woodbuffalo.siretechnologies.com/sirepub/cache/2/fc0udn2c4rbhal55j3xcf4eo/2095605122013111153697.PDF

Emergency crews across the province are looking to stifle an onslaught of recently sparked wildfires.

As of Saturday morning they're were 23 wildfires burning across the province, with an total of more than 300 hectares of boreal forest incinerated so far this season.

16 fires ignited on Friday alone, with High Level recording 7 new blazes in less than 24 hours.

A fire Advisory is in effect for the Lac La Biche and Slave Lake Wildfire Management Areas, meaning no new fire permits will be issued until conditions improve.

As of May 11th, there were five fires burning across the Lac La Biche district.

The risk for wildfires in the greater Fort McMurray area is considered moderate.

Campers and quadders are asked to take extra precautions to ensure they don't spark a blaze and those who see smoke or flames in the forest are encouraged to call 310-FIRE.

The region has recorded one wildfire since the outset of the season on April 1st.

It burned 0.10 hectares and was quickly extinguished.

The municipality is looking to recognize Wood Buffalo's elders.

Nominations are now being accepted for the Senior of the Year Award.

One woman and one man are recognized every year as role models in the community for volunteer contributions or advocacy work.

Those selected must be 65-years of age or older and reside in Wood Buffalo.

Nominations, which must be submitted by May 25th, will be reviewed by the Senior of the Year Selection Committee.

You can submit your nominations to the Golden Years Society on Main Street.

For more information call 743- 5063 or email goldenyears1976@shaw.ca

Budget documents contradict the provincial government's stance on the collection of royalty revenues.

The files, obtained by the Alberta Federation of Labour suggest Alberta is not collecting its fair share from industry and continues to slash levees as the budget stumbles into the red.

According to the Combined Royalty and Tax Measure chart every U.S state has a collection rate of more than 50 per cent, while Alberta's stands at just under 40 per cent.

The AFL says the menial collection rate has cost Albertans at least 4.7 billion dollars since 2009.

"The government knew that the 2013 budget deficit was on the way. Their projections showed that cuts to royalty rates would result in a deficit, but they went full-steam ahead with those royalty cuts,"  said Federation President GIl McGowan in a statement . "The reason their brochure has gone over like a lead balloon...is that Albertans know that we're giving away billions to the super-rich."

However, the Tories claim the bitumen bubble is to blame for Alberta's economic woes and spent $350,000 on mail-outs which touted the benefits of their royalty scheme.

The budget chart can be downloaded at the following link: http://www.afl.org/index.php/Download-document/849-2011-Combined-Royalty-and-Tax-Chart.html

The oil giant Canadian Natural Resources is teaming up to build an algae farm.

The three companies, including National Resource Council and Pond Biofuels are looking to create a farm that uses carbon dioxide emitted from one of their plants in Cold Lake.

The project aims to reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions by turning algae into value added products.

NRC will foot half of the the $19-million project bill, while Canadian Natural Resources will fund over $6-million and Ponds Biofuels will pay for the remaining amount.

The project is expected to take three years.

Local real estate agents will take a break from selling homes to take on a completely different sale. 

Royal LePage True North Realty is hosting the National Garage Sale for Shelter today.

The event will also include, a bake sale, barbeque, face painting and a 50/50 draw.

All proceeds will support the Family Crisis Society as they work to help those in our community affected by family violence.

The sale runs from 8:00 a.m to 2:00 p.m at the Alliance Church in Thickwood.

For more information visit www.royallepage.ca/shelter 

Alberta's unemployment rate dips to 4.4 per cent in April.

The province's unemployment is the second lowest in the country after falling 0.4 per cent last month.

Saskatchewan's unemployment rate remains the lowest in the country at 4 per cent.

Nationally, unemployment remained even sitting at 7.2 per cent.

15,000 Albertan's entered the workforce last month, the largest gain across the country. 

Offering Albertans medications purchased in bulk may curb costs, but its putting some patients at-risk.

That according to a new report from the Fraser Institute which calls into question a new strategy for reducing escalating health care costs.

Late last year, the provinces across the country teamed up to buy, in bulk six generic drugs used to treat everything from high cholesterol to depression.

With $100 million in potential savings already promised, governments are now considering a similar approach to buying name-brand medicines.

However, the think-tank says the strategy curbs innovation in medical research and restricts access to medications, forcing some patients to pay out of pocket.

A Fort McMurray man is in trouble with the law more than 6,000 of kilometres away from his home address.

The 23-year old was charged in Newfoundland early this morning for failing to provide a breathalyzer and obstructing a police officer during a traffic stop in McKays along the southwest coast.

A second occupant in the vehicle, a 23-year-old man from St. Fintans, is facing one count of obstructing a police officer.

Both were released and their cases are due in court this August.

The province is giving its new environmental monitoring plan some legislative teeth.

An Amendment to the Environmental Protection Act will give government the power to force polluters to comply with and pay for the new strategy.

Industry has committed to provide a combined $50-million, but each operator pay a different amount.

"The industry perspective is that this monitoring is important and it is important that it be credible science and that it be transparent in order to instill public confidence." explains Vice President of Operations with the Canadian Petroleum Producers, David Pryce. "So industries perspective is that as long as we have a public forum that we believe that is fair we believe it is important in order to instill public confidence that this be provided for."

Pryce says a fair formula has been adopted and the policy will not be a barrier to business.

"Industry itself helped to develop that formula and the land disturbance is based on the production values and it is based on the nature of any applications that might be in the system that may be providing for any kind of footprint or production in the future." explains Pryce. "So it is recognizing that all of the players either current or future will be apart of this funding formula."

Regulations for the strategy, now in the works, are expected to go before cabinet in the fall.

The ice may have since dried up, but a national curling competition will leave the next generation of Fort McMurray curlers on solid footing.

The 2013 Curling Juniors, which wrapped up in early February, have led to the creation of a legacy grant.

The Oil Sands Curling Club, which co-hosted the event, will benefit from $80,000 in new funding.

The allocation will be used to secure improved training initiatives and allow more local youth access to the sport.

The Games which saw 120 athletes and coaches from across the country descend on Fort McMurray, and sent two teams to represent Canada in Sochi, Russia.

The B.C. Womens Team and the Manitoba Mens both secured gold in Fort McMurray.

If you find a tick crawling its way towards you, your first reaction likely won't be to store it away for safe keeping.

But the province is asking you to do exactly that.

Since 2007, the province has tested ticks found on pets and farm animals, but the program is now being expanded to humans.

Government researchers are looking to track tick populations for signs of Lyme disease which can cause a myriad of symptoms ranging from fever and fatigue to skin rashes and arthritis.

For more information on how to turn in your tick, contact the Public Health Office on Queen Street at 791-6078.

Your mental health is just as important as your physical health.

The Canadian Mental Health Association is promoting the conversation around mental illness.

"There is no health without mental health. It is important because this week and all these different events and fundraisers that Canadian Mental Health Associations are having across Canada gives the opportunity to promote mental health and raise awareness for mental illness." explains Fort McMurray Mental Health Association Spokesperson, Gabriela Galeana. "Being aware of mental health is important because it affects every aspect of our daily life and our ability to function."

Mental Health week is in full swing, with a number of events taking place around the community. 

"We are going to be having an anger management for adults from 6:30 p.m to 9:30 p.m. We will be talking about mental health week of course." says Galeana. "We also have a mental health booth at the Fort McMurray Public Library. So for anyone who would like to find out more about our programs and services come out and check out our information booth and display at the library."

The four week anger management program takes place on Thursdays and provides information on triggers, styles and communication skills.

"Our anger management workshop is a four week session workshop that involves information about where anger originates, anger triggers, styles, communication skills and diffusing hostile situations." says Galeana. "It is a very useful workshop for anyone in the community who would like learn to cope with anger and we provide the tools to do so."

For more information visit www.mentalhealthweek.ca.

Concerned over liabilities and less than neighbourly residential disputes, the municipality is tightening the regulations surrounding special events.

Until now, the municipality has not regulated public events held on private property.

But Administration is recommending changes to the Land-Use Bylaw that change that policy.

Under the proposed changes, the approval of special events in residential areas would be at the discretion of the RMWB's Planning and Development Department.

The municipality promised to draft the legislation after a land battle over community events at Dunvegan Gardens reached a breaking point last Summer.

In light of complaints over noise, traffic and public safety from Draper Road residents, the Country Fair was called off and Chateau Boo narrowly avoided cancellation.

As Fort McMurray's sports cars and hefty trucks come out of hibernation.

So too are the municipality's store of speed light cameras.

From May 13th to 19th, photo radar vehicles will be set up on Gregoire Drive, Barber Drive, Simcoe Way, Morimoto Drive and Beacon Hill Drive. 

An intersection safety device will be located at Confederation Way and Paquette Drive.

In April, 3003 violations were recorded by intersection safety devices while 1736 tickets were issued via photo radar devices. 

Alberta is behind the pack when it comes to collecting royalties for oil and gas.

That according to the Alberta Federation of Labour, which obtained government budget documents that show the province is at the bottom when it comes to oil royalty rates.

The Combined Royalty and Tax Measure chart shows that every U.S state has a collection of more than 50 per cent.

However, Alberta is collecting 39 per cent for conventional crude and 35 per cent for natural gas. 

Saskatchewan and British Columbia are also collecting less than 40 per cent. 

The AFL estimates royalty giveaways since 2009 has cost Albertan's at least $4.7 billion.

This comes after the Tories claims the bitumen bubble is the cause of Alberta's economy troubles in a taxpayer-funded mail out.

A short-term drug trafficking investigation leads to the seizure of cocaine.

On May 9th, ALERT's Wood Buffalo Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit executed search warrants in Timberlea at a Riverstone Ridge apartment and a vehicle.

As a result 170 grams of cocaine and crack cocaine with a street value of $17,000 were recovered.

Also, a small amount of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, $12,000 cash and a 2008 Jeep Commander were seized.

66-year old Fort McMurray resident, David Grant faces numerous charges including possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, possession of a controlled substance and possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.

Plans for a downtown redevelopment are coming into focus.

In advance of public engagement sessions on municipal redevelopment, the municipality's City Centre McMurray team has revealed new details surrounding a number of catalyst projects.

The RMWB has named a location for a new downtown square.

Called 'Jubilee Plaza', the meeting place will be located on the southwest side of the Jubilee Centre, along Hardin Street.

The area will be capable of hosting small festivals and community events with staging facilities and public art.

The square will also play host to an urban market which will include crafts and food.

The documents also reveal that  Morimoto Drive will be closed this Fall so construction can start on a new Morimoto Promenade along the waterfront.

Construction on the waterfront revamp should be complete by 2018, while the designs for an adjacent Civic Centre complex, which will straddle Morimoto and the extended Prairie Loop Boulevard will be completed by 2014.

During construction, temporary boat launch access will be provided from Hardin Street.

But that will only be a temporary measure as the RMWB is promising to construct a secondary marina for motorized users.

Construction on that project which will include a float plane docking station, washrooms, concessions and commercial space slated to run from of 2014 to 2017.

The exact location for the new marina has yet to be determined, but locations at the Clearwater and Snye Point are being considered as the RMWB consults with the required provincial and federal regulatory agencies.

The documents will be presented, in detail to residents in public engagement sessions tomorrow at MacDonald Island Park, starting at 11:00 am.

The report is available, in full, at the following link:  http://www.woodbuffalo.ab.ca/AssetFactory.aspx?vid=9067

UPDATE:

Wood Buffalo RCMP are continuing to investigate a serious collision on Highway 63.

Shortly after 8 o clock this morning RCMP arrived on the scene just north of the Taiganova Crescent intersection.

RCMP say the collision involving a pick-up truck and a bus in the southbound lanes left the area impassable.

Initial reports indicate the pick-up truck rear-ended the bus, causing the bus to rear-end another pick-up truck.

The lone occupant in the first pick-up truck is in hospital listed in serious condition.

No other injuries have been reported.

The cause of the collision has yet to be determined at this time. 

The investigation is ongoing and parts of the southbound lanes will remain impassible indefinitely.

----------------------------------------------

Police are confirming that at least one person incurred serious injuries in a Highway 63 crash north Fort McMurray.

Emergency crews remain on scene at the collision site, adjacent to the Tagiganova Industrial Park.

Both south bound lanes are closed to traffic at this hour.

The crash involved a half tonne pick-up truck and Diversified Bus.

Vice President of Oil Sands Diversified Transportation, Mark Hannah told Mix News the bus was preparing to turn left into the industrial park, idling at the lights when it was allegedly rear ended.

Two drivers on the bus sustained only minor injuries from the impact.

The investigation is in its early stages and officers have yet to confirm the details of the crash or the injuries incurred.

There is no timeline for when the route will be re-opened.

The collision will not affect Diversified operations.

The Alberta Government is scrapping Provincial Achievement Tests for elementary school students.

The province announced on Thursday that the exams will be phased out for students in grades 3, 6, and 9.

The PATs will be replaced by computer-based tests, issued at the beginning of the school year.

The new tests are expected to focus heavily on literacy and numeracy, but also assess problem-solving skills and critical thinking.

Grade 3 students will be the first to write the new tests, with a pilot program getting underway in September of next year

Full implementation for grade 3 students is expected by 2015.

Pilots for Grades 6 and 9 are scheduled to begin in 2015 and 2016.

“Kids learn at their own pace, and we need to make sure parents and teachers are informed about how kids are doing and where they might need help,” said Education Minister Jeff Johnson in a statement.

The change was among Premier Alison Redford's election promises, made in response to long-standing concerns from educators about the rigid examination process.

Twelve prominent Canadian scientists are putting their concerns over the oil sands in writing.

The leading researchers penned a letter to the Natural Resources Minister Joe Oliver, warning about the disastrous climate change consequences of the industry.

The professors say they're not convinced that Ottawa is willing to reduce the country's carbon footprint and transition into clean energy economies.

Letter authors say we're at a critical juncture in the fight against global warming and policies must be implemented now if we want to avoid what's been called the worst case scenario.

"If governments do little to address emissions, energy demand will continue to grow rapidly and will continue to be met mostly with fossil fuels — a scenario that the (International Energy) Agency estimates could likely lead to 3.6˚C of global warming."

The province is putting the brakes on industry development, looking to salvage what remains of two critical caribou ranges.

The province has halted the sale of new energy leases in the Little Smoky and A la Peche areas, home to two herds considered among the most at risk in Alberta.

Energy Minister Ken Hughes confirmed the moratorium in a letter penned to the Alberta Wilderness Association last week.

"The temporary hold will allow our government to begin the essential work of developing comprehensive range plans in these two important areas, the temporary hold will be in place until the Little Smoky and A la Peche range plans are approved by cabinet, which is expected in 2014."

The conservation group called it a rare step, favouring preservation over expansion.

" We greatly appreciate the Redford government' s leadership in taking a step that previous Alberta governments have not taken, to stop adding new lease pressures to these caribou when they are already far past the levels they can tolerate," says Carolyn Campbell, conservation specialist at Alberta Wilderness Association in a statement. " This is an important first step in maintaining habitat necessary for these two herds' survival. We look forward to additional positive steps by government and industry as we work towards restoring caribou populations and their ranges in Alberta."

Only 15 herds remain in Alberta and leading scientists say with industrial development continuing to encroach on their habitat, all populations could disappear within your lifetime.

New legislation is calling for a review of family violence deaths.

Alberta has the second highest rate of self-reported spousal violence cases in the country, which the Redford government is trying to reduce.

As part of the proposed Children First Act, the Tories would assemble a expert review panel to investigate all fatal family violence cases.

The panel will identify risk factors and patterns and provide recommendations to the Minister of Human Services.

This comes as an attempt to protect children from being subjected to to violence while reducing family violence in the province.

McHappy day left many people satisfied.

Yesterday's annual fundraising event held at local MacDonald's Restaurants brought in mover $21,174.03.

The funds will support Ronald MacDonald House Charity in Edmonton and the Northern Lights Health Foundation.

A new pediatric treatment room will be created thanks to the donations collected throughout the day.

Last year the fundraiser brought in $17,000.

Although renting can be difficult anywhere, Wood Buffalo's housing challenges make the hunt for a place to hang your hat all the more difficult.

With the average home costing more than $177,000, shared quarters are considered the norm.

In an attempt to ensure both property owners and lease holders know their rights, the municipality is hosting an information session tonight.

All residents are invited to attend from 6:30 p.m to 8:30 p.m inside the Fort McMurray Public Library.

A car like no other is making a stop in Fort McMurray.

The University Of Calgary's Solar Car is making its way around the community stopping at a number of schools.

"Schulich Delta is the car that you will see around Fort McMurray today is a radical departure. Usually solar cars are very futuristic looking. They looking like a picnic table and it is very flat. The solar cells look like the cross hatch on the picnic table cloth." explains Communications Co-Manager of the UofC Solar Team, Riccardo Palladini. " But the Delta is very different it looks like a coop. It has got doors, four wheels, passengers can sit in side and trunk space. It is very different from anything that we have ever done before. It is made mostly of carbon fiber. It is very light and very strong."

Palladini adds that this is the team's fourth generation car, which has a very different design for their team.

"Today we are visiting three schools in Fort McMurray. We are visiting Greely Road School, the Fort McMurray Islamic school and then we are visiting the Beaconhill School." says Palladini. "So the team is bringing it around town and bringing it to schools. We do a lot of school visits  so we will be talking to the kids there about sustainable energy and how they can get involved and of course about the car itself and then bring the kids outside and show them the car. It is always very cool to kids with how it looks and what it can do."

The car is completing the Schulich Delta Alberta Tour that runs from May 6th to 13th, with plans to head to the World Solar Challenge later this year. 

"In October we will be taking the car to Australian and we will be competing in the 2013 World Solar Challenge which runs across the Australian Outback." explains Palladini. "It is 4,000 kilometres, which is quite a trek but we have been the top Canadian team every time we have entered so we would really like to keep that streak going and in a few months we will be ready to go."

You can follow the cars journey at http://www.calgarysolarcar.ca/, through their twitter handle @UofCSolarTeam or their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/UofCSolarTeam 

A disproportionate number of first nation children are being separated from their families.

New figures released by Statistics Canada highlight a troubling trend.

"Growing numbers of aboriginal kids are being apprehended by social services, not only in Alberta but throughout Canada." explains Chief of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation,Allan Adam. "Stats and numbers in regards to that is no different than the philosophy that they governments have in regards to First Nations kids is that to apprehend them and take them away from their home. That is the same scenario as the residential school system." 

Of all the children in Canada, aged 14 and under who have been placed in foster care, nearly half are Aboriginal. 

"One of the things that I find very alarming is that they number of aboriginal adults that are in custody." says Adam. "One thing that should be done is a study taken place about how many of them were in foster homes or residential schools, because it is the same factor that you break a home up and then they end up losing their identity and many cases end up in correctional centres throughout their life."

Chief Adam is a survivor of the residential school system says history is repeating itself.

My recommendation is to try to fix the home life instead of ruining it even more. You have got to remember that the majority of First Nation people right across the Canada still suffer from first hand residential school system syndrome and the kids are still paying factor to it because of the upbringing that they brought up in. Therefore, instead of continuing to apprehend kids lets try to find a program that is going to work to their benefit.

Adam wants more supports in place to prevent families from being fractured, saying residential school compensation funds should be geared towards in-home social services.

Highway 63 troubles continue.

A Spring time thaw caused some localized flooding along the route and provincial contractors continue to work on areas.

A culvert at kilometre marker 173 is now working to redirect the water in the area.

Flooding is also causing some delays at kilometre marker 115 where crews continue to work to clear the water and find a permanent solution.

Alberta Transportation says there is no word on when the flooding will be under control.

Motorists are reminded to drive with caution in the flooding area.

Emergency crews have determined that a vehicle found in the Clearwater river was abandoned.

Search crews located the car and determined there was no risk to life, bringing the investigation to a close.

There is no word on the type of vehicle that was found or how exactly it made its way into the river.

Police received word of the unusual sight Tuesday afternoon and launched an extensive search by air and water.

Housing starts in Wood Buffalo are more than doubling in April.

According to a report from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, 232 foundations have been poured in the region so far this year.

82 housing starts were recorded last month, compared to 28 during the same time frame last year, a jump of 292 per cent.

Multiple family dwellings dominated the market with 60 building permits issued so far this year, with 22 for single family dwellings.

Housing permits have been issued for more than 93 homes across Alberta so far this year, a slight increase from 2012.

Alberta's conventional crude oil production and reserves are seeing the largest increase in decades.

That according to the Energy Resources Conservation Boards Energy Reserves 2012 Supply and Demand Outlook.

The report shows a 14 per cent increase in production from last year. 

Alberta Crude oil production totaled 556,000 barrels of oil per day with a total of 204 million barrels for the year.

The increase is attributed to higher production rates of horizontal wells. 

According to the report the provinces crude bitumen saw a 10 per cent increase from 2011, with 1.9 million barrels being produced a day.

The ERCB forecasts annual raw crude bitumen will total 3.8 million barrels per day from 1.39 billion barrels per  year in 2022.

As well, the study shows reserves are also seeing a 9.5 per cent increase over 2011 levels. 

Fort McMurray residents are still smiling after watching comedy legend, Bill Cosby in action last night.

Cosby wowed a sold out crowd at MacDonald Island Park last night, providing offbeat insights on his childhood, career and parenting.

Fort McMurray's reputation also took centre stage in his stand-up routine.

"You love the smell of the oil, you love the engine sound, you love knowing that every car moving is because of where you live, every nut creaking and rusty thing is because of what you stood and saw."

Cosby admitted that his pals had some misgivings about his Fort McMurray tour date.

"I said 'I'm going to Fort McMurray', and they said 'for what?', I said 'I'm going to give a speech, and they said 'about what?', and I said 'comedy' and they told me 'I don't think they're going to laugh, there's nothing funny up there, they're always digging."

Cosby was the second presenter in the Northern Insights Speaker Series hosted by the Fort McMurray Public Library.

Arlene Dickinson of the Dragons Den will take to the stage on September 4th.

Despite decades of research, scientists looking to understand smells still depend on the schnoz as their best testing tool.

And local scientists are calling for resident volunteers to track the aromas they encounter on a daily basis.

The Wood Buffalo Environmental Association is launching their Odor Monitoring Project, and Executive Director Kevin Percy says the nose, as a research tool is pretty hard to beat.

"This will probably surprise a lot people, this day in age, we're very technologically oriented, we like to have the latest model of the most sensitive machine operating at the most time and we have some of the most sensitive technology available in North America operating and monitoring these things, but the human nose, although there is a great range among people, the human nose is still probably the most sensitive instrument out there."

Percy says volunteers will be asked to keep a simple daily log of the offensive smells they encounter, information which can be entered online or in-person over the coming year.

The WBEA is hosting a pair of information sessions today with the first open house being hosted inside the WBEA office in Thickwood, starting 11:00 am, the second is being hosted inside the Athabasca Room at MacDonald Island Park at 7:00pm.

Another sector of Fort McMurray's infrastructure is struggling under the weight of rapid population growth and steady expansion in the oil sands.

The region needs 500 kilometres worth of new transmission networks.

And two companies are joining the bidding process with the province.

TransAlta Corporation and MidAmerican Transmission have joined forces as they seek to become the developer, owner and operator of the Fort McMurray West Transmission project.

Two routes have been proposed for the network expansion and local landowners and residents will be consulted on the route in a public hearing process.

The project will cost an estimated $1.6 billion.

The successful proponents will maintain the network for 35 years and earn fixed monthly payments.

A comedy legend is making his way to Fort McMurray.

Bill Cosby will take the stage tonight as the second presenter of the Northern Insights Speaker Series.

Cosby will entertain the sold out audience at MacDonald Island Park as he talks about juggling work and fatherhood.

A book signing is scheduled following the event as well as a reception for guests to mingle.

Bill Cosby will be followed by the third speaker in the series, The Dragon's Den Arlene Dickinson who will be taking the stage on September 4th. 

Pipeline giant Enbridge is expanding its northern Alberta operations.

The Calgary-based operator will funnel $300 million into its Cheecham Terminal.

The expansion of the site, which will add 900,000 barrels of storage capacity will accommodate increased production at Surmont 2.

Construction on Surmont phase 2, owned by ConocoPhillips, began in 2010 with first production targeted for 2015.

Phase 1 is currently producing 24,000 barrels per day, in partnership with French firm Total.

The terminal project is expected to come into service in two phases through late 2014 and early 2015.

Also, Enbridge's Athabasca and Waupisoo pipeline systems, which currently connect six producing oil sands projects, will connect nine producers by 2015.

The next round of East Coast workers will soon be Fort McMurray-bound.

The municipality in partnership with a handful of local employers are traveling to Halifax next week for a recruitment drive.

The operators hope to entice workers at the annual career fair.

Among their selling points are the municipality's young workforce and a attractive average household income of $180,000.

The recruitment will take place at the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront at 1919 Upper Water Street on May 13th and 14th from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

 
Recruitment Team will also be available for one-on-one appointments on May 15th.

Keeping your Mother happy is always worth a little extra.

And this year, Canadian kids, young and old plan to use their pocketbooks to give a little more.

According to a survey by the Bank of Montreal, consumers, nationwide plan to spend 27 per cent more this Mother's Day.

The average consumer is dolling out,  on average, more than $100.

Albertans were among the most likely to open their wallets wide, planning to spend more than $122.

As well, this likely comes as no surprise that most moms will be getting cards or flowers this year, with those items accounting for more than 90 per cent of planned gifts.

Emergency crews will be fighting fire with fire again today.

Regional Emergency Services crews will be conducting controlled burns within city limits this afternoon.

Residents on Williams Drive in the Wood Buffalo area can expect smoky conditions.

Those neighboring the blaze are asked to avoid the burn site and reduce their exposure to the smoke by keeping doors and windows closed.

Every year, the Hazard Reduction Burn works to remove leaves and dry grass which could as ignition for wildfires.

Nighttime travellers can expect some traffic snarl-ups.

According to Alberta Transportation, provincial crews will be completing maintenance work, north of the Athasbasca bridge tonight.

Between 10:00 pm and 4:30 am the right hand lane of Highway 63 northbound will be closed as erosion issues are addressed along the east wall.

Meanwhile, Syncrude is resuming construction on access upgrades, with work affecting 63 southbound between their site and the Giants Mining Exhibit.

Outside peak travel times lanes will be reduced and a speed limit of 60 kilometres per hour will be implemented.

The site-related work is expected to wrap up by July 1st.

Motorists are urged to obey all traffic signs and flag people and reminded that speeding fines double in construction zones.

A 51-year old man, struck by a bus in Timberlea last night is dead.

Police say the pedestrian succumbed to his injuries this morning and no further details on his identity will be released out of respect for the family.

According to police the pedestrian was crossing the marked intersection at Plamondon Drive and Prospect Drive when the strike occurred around 8:30 p.m.

The victim was airlifted to Edmonton hospital and was considered in serious condition during his speedy transport last night.

Police say charges are being considered in the case, but declined to provide further details on the chain of events which led up to the collision.

"The matter is under full investigation within our organization, Diversified." says Vice President of Oil Sands Diversified, Mark Hannah. "We are also working with the RCMP on the investigation to get some sort of an answer for this event."

The bus was occupied at the time of the crash but no other injuries were reported in the crash.

" We are in touch with grievance Councillors and the organizations that are involved with those people who were on the bus." says Hannah. 

A Diversified bus was seen stationed for hours amidst heavy police presence at the scene last night.

"Our hearts and prayers go out to the family of the victim." says Hannah who says the whole company is choked up by last night's incident.

Environment Minister Peter Kent is wading into the debate over fossil fuels in the oil sands.

Kent, reacting to Al Gore's comments that the oil patch is spewing pollution like an 'open sewer', said the Federal government will not be shamed by environmentalists.

Kent told reporters that Gore is misinformed about Canada's environmental record and neglected strong legislation which enforces regulation and monitoring in the energy sector.

The Minister went on to discuss government's stance on the Fossil Awards, an award which aims to shame some of the world's worst emitters.

Canada has been provided the title two years in a row and Kent said 'some of these awards are worn with honour.'

TEDx Fort McMurray is announcing the final speakers lineup.

After lengthy auditions, event organizers have announced the eleven finalists who will encompass this year's theme, Shift In Thought.

TEDx Media Liaison, Michelle Landsiedel says the presenters take a different approach to the theme, but each one will blow the audience away.

"There's definitely no one audience that we're catering to, last year there was a really localized focus, this year is so wide open and the presenters have done a really incredible job of showcasing what their passionate about and it covers so many bases that there is no single person with a single interest who wouldn't be captured by something."

The June 8th event will include the following speakers.

Local businesswoman, Jenny Berube, Artistic Director of Keyano Theatre Claude Giroux, local blogger Theresa Wells and Marketing Advisor Allana Bottrell.

As well as Kevin McNiff, Katie Long and Dave Martin.

For a full list of presenters or to apply for your tickets visit tedxfortmcmurray.com.

With warmer temperatures and gusting winds, Fort McMurray's wildfire risk has been elevated from low to moderate. 

Wildfire Technologist with Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development, Jarret Whitbread says you must be prepared to put out a fire when you are in forested or grassy areas.

"It's important when you're recreating in the forest, whether it's with camping or with off-highway vehicles, you should always have some form of water bucket or perhaps a shovel on the back of your vehicle on your quad, that you're able to put that campfire out or if your off highway cwhicle starts a fire unintentionally, you're able to try and extinguish that fire to the best of your ability."

Fort McMurray's hazard is expected to stabilize by the weekend as the region expects lower temperatures and rain.

There are no fires currently burning in Fort McMurray.

However, since April 1, 2013, there has been one wildfire in the Fort McMurray region, which burned 0.10 hectares and has been extinguished. 

If you see smoke or fire in the forested areas call 310-FIRE.

UPDATE

Emergency crews remain on scene after a male pedestrian was struck by a bus in a marked intersection. 

Reports indicate that a 51-year old man was struck by a bus in the intersection of Plamondon Drive and Prospect Drive around 8:30 p.m. 

The pedestrian has multiple injuries and is considered in serious condition. 

The victim has been transported to an Edmonton hospital for further medical treatment. 

A Diversified bus remains at the scene as the investigation continues. 

Motorists are reminded to proceed with caution in the area as emergency crews are blocking some of the lanes of traffic. 

Mix news will provide more information as it becomes available. 

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Wood Buffalo RCMP are investigating after a male pedestrian was struck by a vehicle and left seriously injured at an uptown intersection.

Constable Christina Wilkins confirmed to Mix News, the pedestrian is being airlifted to an Edmonton hospital and is in 'bad shape,' but had no further information on the extent of the trauma incurred.

The collision occurred at a Timberlea intersection near Riverstone Ridge shortly after 8:30 pm.

Police are withholding further details as the investigation remains in it's early stages. 

RCMP also declined to confirm or deny reports which indicated the vehicle central in the crash was a bus.

The investigation surrounding reports of a vehicle floating down the Clearwater River continues.

An initial search by air and water uncovered no signs of the vehicle.

Crews with Regional Emergency Services have returned, mooring their search vessel at the Jean Boat launch after nearly two hours of searching.

We got a call saying that there may have been a vehicle somewhere in the area of Waterways." says Lieutenant with the Fort McMurray Fire Department, Mark Pomeroy. "At this point we will let RCMP continue their investigation and see what happens."

A pilot was also darting the skies, looking for any large wreckage in the water.

"There was a report that it may have been a jeep." says Pomeroy. "But either way we were looking for a vehicle but we didn't find anything."

Law enforcement officials will reassess, and search crews will likely be out on the water again before the day is out.

-------------------------------------------

Wood Buffalo RCMP is investigating a vehicle found in the Clearwater River.

Constable Christina Wilkins confirmed that crews are on scene and there is no word on any injuries as a result. 

RCMP are continuing to investigate at this time. 

Mix news will provide more information as it becomes available. 

Highway 63 isn't the only route falling victim to Spring time wash flooding.

Stoney Mountain Road between Highway 63 and 881 is closed temporarily closed in light of a culvert wash out.

The municipality expects the route to re-open by the weekend.

For more information call the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo road hot line at 780-743-7859.

Fort McMurray residents are advised of a controlled burn in the downtown area.

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo's Emergency Services will conduct the large burn that will be taking place this afternoon near Edgewater at the end of Reidel.

The fire may cause large amounts of smoke in the downtown are,, which may cause concern for some residents. 

Anyone who lives in the area is asked to close windows and screen doors.

Motorists are also asked to avoid traveling in the area of the controlled fires.

A new report is debunking claims that Canada is facing a shortage of able-bodied workers.

The Temporary Foreign Worker program is facing renewed scrutiny in light of a study out of the University of Calgary.

The assessment concludes that incompatibility between the skills of the labour force and vacant jobs is to blame for curbing a supply of resident workers.

As well the study says the application process is actually distorting the natural market forces that would benefit unemployed Canadians.

The report says the country will not be well served by a supply of low paid temporary workers, and calls for an immigration that could be adjusted in tandem with ever-changing industry demands.

A new commercial airing Alberta, may be poking fun at industry wealth, but is has a serious message about Alberta's growing deficit.

The ad, playing in movie theaters across the province shows an oil executive being served ice cream laden with gold in an opulent dining room.

Those behind the commercial want Albertans to take pause and reconsider the royalty rates placed on industry.

As well, they question why a province, home to one of the wealthiest industries on the planet, is facing a flood of red ink.

The 30-second ad begins with this.

"Hello Alberte's. I would like to thank you personally for making me so incredibly wealthy and charging me next to nothing in taxes and royalties to dig your oil really helped me out and your provinces government's underfunding in health care and education so I could make even more millions."

The ad created by a Better Way Alberta - a coalition including Public Interest Alberta and the Alberta Federation of Labour.

To see the whole advertisement visit : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDbV8M84RhY&feature=player_embedded

9-1-1 services are considered a life line for those in emergencies.

Which is why the province is calling on cell phone users to help the life line financially viable.

The province has tabled Bill 15, legislation which will place monthly levees on cell phone users by the end of the year.

Those who fail to pay could face fines of up to $1,000.

While those who deliberately abuse the emergency line will also face new penalties, with fines of up to $10,000.

“This legislation will go a long way to ensuring Alberta’s 911 call centers and communities have a strong foundation for the future,” said Municipal Affairs Associate Minister Greg Weadick in a statement released today “Our government is proud to have put in place these supports for 911 call centers, and will be working hard in the coming months on finalizing all the details before implementing the legislation.”

The Act will also herald in province-wide standards for the service and provide call centre staff better legal protection.

Your storefront is considered the face of your business.

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo is encouraging entrepreneurs to give their properties a Spring time make-over.

The RMWB is hosting their Business Block Challenge today.

The clean-up will run from 10:00 a.m until 3:00 p.m, with those participating asked to take only 20 minutes to tidy their storefront.

Those who register will be provided with free cleaning supplies and promotional materials.

For more information visit www.woodbuffalo.ab.ca/Beautification/Community-Clean-Up

Eight Metis communities across the province will face tougher guidelines for regional government.

The province has passed the Metis Settlement Amendment Act, which heralds in more stringent financial reporting rules, salary caps for Councillors and a new code of conduct.

Bill 19 comes one month after the province pledged to deliver the communities $85-million in direct funding over the next decade.

As well, the Redford government wants to bring the settlements on par with all other municipalities.

“People living on Metis Settlements deserve the same social and economic opportunities, and essential services on par with other Alberta communities,” said Minister Campbell. “This is what the Metis Settlements Amendment Act is aimed at achieving for the benefit of Metis people and Albertans in general.”

However, local Metis communities will not be affected as they have  no legislated land base, something borne out of a long-standing absence of agricultural opportunities in the region.

“The Metis Settlements General Council is proud to have worked with the Government of Alberta on this legislation over the last year,” said Randy Hardy, president of the Metis Settlements General Council. “The legislation will support the Long Term Arrangements so that our Settlement communities can achieve sustainability for everyone’s benefit.”

From washing your car to brushing your teeth, water is something often taken for granted.

But students at Holy Trinity High School are looking to make the clear the struggle for this constrained resource in impoverished countries the globe.

"When we are walking during our water walk we are walking along with thousands and thousands of women who have to walk everyday to get their water." explains Student Leader with the Teens for Change Project, Emilie Maine. "We are going to experience just minimally for just our hour and a half what they have to go through everyday of their lives and stand in solidarity with them and we will have a deeper understanding of what they have to go through everyday just to get their water."

Maine says countless people travel miles every day, just a single drop in the well.

"They are going out there. They have to fend for their family, their children and the whole community relies on the women to get the water for them." explains Maine. "So the fact that it's mostly women who have to go out and walk really reflects at least on me because I walk to my sink to get my water. I don't have to walk miles and miles but these women do." 

The school is hosting a Walk for Water event, May 16th, which will not only raise awareness, but looks to raise thousands of dollars for Free the Children aid projects.

"So we wanted to set the bench mark for $10 to participate, but then say look $25 dollars that's amazing that with $25 you can provide water for one person for life.' says Maine. "We are setting that goal for them so that with each person another person in a developing country gets water for the rest of their life."

Main is hopeful that every student in the school will be able to raise $25 during the upcoming campaign.

Good news for those who've yet to hear their biological clock start ticking.

Low cost contraceptives are once again available for purchase at Alberta's sexual health clinics.

AHS suspended the sale of birth control at family planning clinics last month while it worked with health regulators to review the rules.

However authorities say the proper interim approvals have now been put in place so clinics can resume the practice while the review is conducted. 

There were many concerns over family planning options, AHS says sales will be permitted, at least until that review is completed within a few weeks.

Despite barely passing the annual ranking system, students are still excelling at local schools.

The Fraser Institute released its annual assessment of Alberta high schools, with Fort McMurray's receiving a less than stellar grade.

"The Fraser report has been around for quite some time and we certainly don't look to ourselves in comparing ourselves with other school districts." explains Superintendent of the Fort McMurray Catholic School District, George McGuigan. "We take the information with a grain of salt and we use it to see if there are things in there that can help us to make internal improvements against our results from each other."

The data collected by the Fraser Institute is only a few factors when looking at the quality of education given to students. 

"What we do look at is not so much the Fraser Report but our results as measured by Alberta Education are much more instrumental in helping us with school improvement efforts." says Associate Superintendent of the Fort McMurray Public School District, Brenda Sautner. "We tend to look to our annual results with Alberta Education's measurement which is a little bit more holistic and is a little bit more focused on the quality of education over all rather than just the three indicators."

Composite High School received a rating of 4.4 out of 10 with nearly 21 per cent of students failing their provincial exams with Westwood receiving the best grade in Fort McMurray sitting at 56th on the list.

"The number of students who are new to Canada, new to the English language and they do have a higher percentage of students who have special needs." explains Sautner. "Looking at the participation of all students in the provincial achievement testing program really does propose it's challenge. We would hope that people would look at the progress over time and look at the other indicators and the number of all the programs and program choices that the Composite High School provides."

Holy Trinity High School received a 5.7 out of 10 on the ranking system putting  them in 163rd place.

"When we see Holy Trinity, while at the starting point for them and their school they would of had much smaller high school numbers and students graduating from high school because they just opened." says McGuigan. "As their numbers increase obviously we fully expect their data to change and adjust accordingly. In Father Mercredi's section we look at the five year data. There has been an improvement and we are certainly pleased with that in the overall ranking and in the individual scoring ranking."

Father Mercredi was not far behind receiving a rating of 5.6 with students receiving an average mark of 64 per cent and nearly 17 per cent of students failing their exams.

Ottawa is striking back against comments which claimed the oil sands are spewing pollution like nothing more than an 'open sewer'.

Al Gore made the statements this weekend, telling the Globe and Mail that the divisive debate over industry and its pipeline networks ultimately hurts Canada, calling the oil sands a 'resource curse'.

Federal Natural Resources Minister Joe Oliver says Gore's comments are off the mark, calling them 'wildly inaccurate and exaggerated'.

The war of words comes as Oliver launches a four day tour across Europe aimed at curbing support for the Fuel Quality Directive.

The trading policy would single out oil sands derived fuels as more environmentally harmful than conventional products, setting a dangerous precedent for international tariffs.

In the absence of criminal charges, taxpayers will be left with the bill for a New Year's Eve hit and run.

An oversized excavator struck the Hospital overpass, January 1st and fled the scene.

Despite an extensive investigation and a call for public tips, police have been unable to find the driver responsible.

Alberta Transportation Spokesperson Jeanna Friedley says that means they can't bill the repairs to an outside insurance company.

But the work will go forward this Summer.

"The Hospital Street bridge repairs will proceed this Summer, we want to be able to do them in off peak travel times so we're waiting until we have a little more daylight and warmer temperatures to do those repairs."

However, police located the driver of the oversized load responsible for the striking King Street overpass and the operator will be held liable.

"What normally happens if we have a high load strike is if we can identify the vehicle involved, so we work with our enforcement partners, but this is an insurance issue, it will be billed back to the driver's insurance company," said Friedley.

The estimated cost of repairs will be kept under wraps until a contractor is secured.

Meanwhile, the province is extending the time line for construction on the Confederation Way interchange.

The route opened in early November of last year, but traffic congestion issues forced the link to be reconfigured until the final touches are completed.

Freidly says the $180 million structure will be fully functional by Summers end, instead of the Spring time initially indicated.

Motorists are reminded to be patient and expect traffic changes as the route takes shape over the coming months.

A reminder to Fort McMurray travellers.

After a strange string of seasonal events on Highway 63, the route is now open at all junctions.

According to Redwater RCMP large grassfire which broke out adjacent to township road 622 last night has been contained.

The route was closed for several hours on Monday evening but is now considered safe for travel.

Wash-outs at kilometre marker 116 as well as 173 have been largely cleaned up.

Provincial crews are working on a long-term remedy to the irrigation issues and Alberta Transportation officials say they want to ensure the problem dosen't persist throughout the Spring.

However, construction continues on the highway and motorists are reminded to be prepared for unexpected traffic snarl-ups.

Spring is here and so is the annual Bike Auction and Barbeque.

The Fort McMurray SPCA is hosting the annual event on Saturday, with the viewing getting underway at 10:00 a.m.

SPCA Volunteer and Events Coordinator, Jen Pick-Neville says All-Rite Auctions will be on hand to auction off new and used bikes.

"We have All-Rite Auctions coming in and they are going to be auctioning off all the bikes that are in our compound that have been donated to us and we have got a few other items, such as a floating dock, some bricks and some desks that have been surplus materials that have been donated to us." explains Pick-Neville. "They will be auctioned off as well." 

Displays will also be set up showing the importance of bike safety and tasty treats will be available.

"Well I am hoping that they will come out and support us but also really hat it is very important. We are going to have some displays set up about the importance of locking up your bike, wearing a bike helmet when you are out. " explains Pick-Neville. "Those are things to be considered when you are going out with small children and possibly walking your animal at the same time. It is their safety as much as the animals safety as well.

The auction gets underway at 11:00 a.m at the Fort McMurray SPCA shelter at 155 MacAlpine Crescent.

All proceeds from the event will fund the FMSPCA's programs and services. 

One oil patch operator is rearranging their board room after the sudden departure of their President today.

Glen Gould has left his post with Athabasca Oil Corporation today.

A company statement provides no explanation but says the Chief Executive will assume the vacant role.

Although company revenue more than tripled compared with last year, the corporation reported a loss of 24.5 million in its latest quarter.

Stocks have also been falling steeply in the wake of this morning's announcement.

This as the operator's Dover project remains on hold as they face regulatory objections from the Fort McKay First Nation.

Also, the operator has been trying to form a joint venture partnership for its Hangingstone project, but that deal has also remained in limbo.

After a tense two days, Wood Buffalo RCMP have located Fort McMurray woman, reported missing on Saturday.

Police have located 23-year old Felicia Glavine.

Investigators confirmed the Glavine was safe and sound in the Abasand area shortly after 10:00 this morning.

Police are thanking their public for their assistance in the investigation

-----------------------

Background

Wood Buffalo RCMP are searching for a missing 23-year old woman. 

Felicia Glavine was reported missing on May 4th. 

Glavine, who also goes by the last name Keeping, was last seen in the early morning of May 3rd at the Platinum Hotel in downtown Fort McMurray.

She reportedly left the hotel between 4:00 a.m and 5:00 a.m.

Police say there is concern for her safety and are asking the public for assistance. 

Glavine is described as a white female, 5' feet tall with long blonde hair and blue eyes.

She was last seen wearing a beige jacket, cargo pants and boots.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at (780)788-4000 or Crime Stoppers at 1-(800)222-8477

Premier Redford is receiving praise for her lobbying efforts for the Keystone XL pipeline.

Federal Liberal Leader, Justin Trudeau is pleased with the work Redford has done south of the boarder to gain approval for the controversial link.

In a statement to the globe and mail Trudeau says Harper has not done a very good job of reassuring Canadians or our trading partners that we are managing the oil sands environmental sustainability.

The $7 billion pipeline will transport Alberta crude oil across the United States Midwest to coastal refineries in Texas.

Premier Redford has made multiple trips to Washington touting the benefits of the pipeline and the Tories have spent thousands on ad campaigns south of the border. 

President Barack Obama is expected to make a decision on the controversial link this summer. 

Two Fort McMurray women remain in hospital after a pair of workplace incidents on Friday.

The first worker, a URS Flint employee was standing between two pipes, sitting on stands at the Surmont 2 project when the larger pipe tipped over crushing her leg, shortly after 4:00 p.m on Friday.

The Bantrel contractor was transported to the Northern Lights Regional Health Centre where she had reconstructive surgery for the fracture.

The second woman was working on a haul truck at the Syncrude Mildred Lake site, shortly at 10:30 p.m when a fire ignited.

While trying to flee the flames the Clearstream contractor fell more than 14 feet to the ground.

Suffering from four fractures in her back, she was taken by emergency crew to the Northern Lights and later airlifted to an Edmonton hospital.

Occupational Health and Safety is investigating the incidents. 

Getting your favourite slice fix, may soon cost less.

Pizza lovers are welcoming a ruling made by the Canadian Dairy Commission which will soon allow restaurants across the country to buy deeply discounted mozzarella cheese.

The vote puts the cheese, literally in a class of its own, cutting costly taxes once placed on imports.

The imports will cost 30 per cent less than the Canadian prices.

With mozzarella the main ingredient in your favourite pie, that means the price of a large pizza could eventually drop by as much as 10 per cent.

Mother Nature is to blame for continued delays along Highway 63.

A sudden Spring time thaw has caused localized flooding along the route, reducing the highway to one lane at kilometre marker 116 and 173.

"There is construction in the area, we had a quick melt with the Spring that has finally arrived." explains Alberta Transportation Spokesperson, Jeanna Friedley. "We did have some water and debris moving in the area." 

Friedley adds that provincial crews are working to remedy the problem, permanently.

"This is bound to happen when we are constructing things and changing water flows in an area." explains Friedley. "We do our best to anticipate what and when we will be dealing with things for runoff but this instance our maintenance contractors and our staff were able to respond quickly to attempt to reroute the water and of course we will be looking at longer term solutions for this location to put larger culverts in so we don't have this type of continued issue throughout the spring."

The most extensive flooding is on a stretch of highway between Wandering River and Mariana Lake.

"The longer term measures I don't have a timeline for. I know that our maintenance contractor was working overnight to re-channel water in the Crow Creek area towards one of the gravel pits that was able to receive some of the run off at this point." says Friedley. "We shouldn't be looking at long term delays today but we do want people to be cautious as we are traveling through a very long construction zone on Highway 63."

Drivers heading north may want to take Highway 881 to avoid the flooding.

An agency, key in criminal organizations across the province is on the verge of shutting down.

Edmonton Crime Stoppers is struggling to pay the bills and Executive Director Ambere Rosborough says the local chapter is at risk in light of the funding shortfalls.

The branch spans the largest geographical area of any of the chapters in the world, covering small cities including Fort McMurray.

The non-profit is funded through individual and corporate donations which have continued to shrink as operational costs mount.

The agency is hopeful government will step in and the salvage the operation.

Edmonton Crime Stoppers is responsible for the apprehension of roughly 80 perpetrators and the seizure of $24,000 worth of drugs every year.

From the mines to local highways; few Fort McMurray workers are sitting in a cubicle.

And with high risk jobs considered the norm, workplace-related tragedies strike all too often.

The second annual Steps for Life Walk, held yesterday in Waterways looks to provide emotional and financial support for local victims and their families.

Chairperson, Cheryl Morrison says the growing support for the memorial fundraiser demonstrates the importance of safety in our community.

"In Fort McMurray, because we have the industry that we have here, we have the construction that is all around us, we know there are people that have faced this workplace tragedy,and we have to keep in mind the ripple effect, it affects the whole community every time one of these incidents happens."

More than 60 people participated in the walk which raised at least $10,000 for Threads of Life, an organization which supports those affected by occupational tragedies.

The organization assists more than 1,400 people across the country but all funds raised by the Walk will remain locally.

"We're so fortunate, we've doubled the participants, at minium doubled the participants that have come out today to show their support, our online registration is up as well, so obviously the work is getting out, people are begging to know about this event and it proves that safety is truly important to our community," said Morrison.

Donations are still being accepted online at stepsforlife.ca.

Wood Buffalo RCMP are searching for a missing 23-year old woman. 

Felicia Glavine was reported missing on May 4th. 

Glavine, who also goes by the last name Keeping, was last seen in the early morning of May 3rd at the Platinum Hotel in downtown Fort McMurray.

She reportedly left the hotel between 4:00 a.m and 5:00 a.m.

Police say there is concern for her safety and are asking the public for assistance. 

Glavine is described as a white female, 5' feet tall with long blonde hair and blue eyes.

She was last seen wearing a beige jacket, cargo pants and boots.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at (780)788-4000 or Crime Stoppers at 1-(800)222-8477

Ottawa is launching another PR charge against a plan to label oil sands crude as 'dirty'.

Natural Resources Minister Joe Oliver is travelling across Europe this week, looking to curtail support for the European Union's proposed Fuel Quality Directive.

The emissions curbing strategy would classify oil sands crude as more environmentally harmful than conventional oil, penalizing its trade overseas.

In an interview with Reuters, Oliver reiterated his concerns with the strategy, calling it unscientific and discriminatory.

He pointed out that the program would not penalize Russian exports and argued that excluding the heavy emitter demonstrates the plan is illogical.

The directive remains in limbo after a stalemate vote last year but a review of the program is due in the coming months, meaning it will soon be tabled by again by delegates with the European Union.

Although Europe is not a major oil sands trading partner now, that could change with the expansion of eastern pipeline networks.

Although the Federal government maintains its support for carbon curbing policies, Ottawa has long fought against the precedent-setting legislation, fearing other more formidable crude markets will follow suit.

Over the next four days Oliver will touch down in Paris, Brussels and London.

A vote by Alberta doctors is resuscitating negotiations between the province and medical community.

Both sides moved closer to a long-term labour deal after ratifying a seven-year agreement this weekend.

On Saturday,  the Alberta Medical Association recommended physicians vote in favour of the provincial offer.

The deal freezes wages for the first three years, followed by 2.5 per cent increases in the following two years.

The contract also includes cost of living adjustments, a $68 million lump sum payment and provides doctors with more decision-making powers over their practice.

AMA President Dr. R Micheal Giuffe will tour the province over the coming weeks, speaking with members about the proposal.

Giuffe will make a stop in Fort McMurray on Tuesday to meet with his medical counterparts at the Northern Lights Regional Health Centre from 6:00 to 8:00pm.

All votes will be tallied by May 30th.

Some Fort McMurray schools are barely getting a passing grade for academic performance.

The Fraser Institute has released it's annual rankings for 279 high schools across the province.

Among the four schools rated in Fort McMurray, Westwood Community High received the best grade with a rating of 7.3 out of 10 , sitting at 56 on the list.

Westwood's exam performance improved in 2012 with an average mark of 67 per cent and 14 per cent of students failing those tests.

The school lost marks for a growing gap between classroom and examination performance.

Sitting in 163rd place, Holy Trinity High School scored 5.7 out of 10, with an average examination mark of nearly 62 per cent and a 19 per cent failure rate.

It should be noted that Holy Trinity was assessed only on 2012 data, meaning that a five year trend was not available for the facility.

Father Patrick Mercredi was provided a rate of 5.6 by the Fraser Institute.

Data shows students there received an average mark of 64 per cent, with nearly 17 per cent of pupils  failing their examinations.

Sitting near the bottom of the list is Fort McMurray Composite High School with a rating of only 4.4 out of 10 with nearly 21 per cent of students failing their provincial exams.

A man with an impressive resume is looking to leave his mark on the Fort McMurray Edge School.

Mike Carlsen has been named the new Edge Program Director and Head Hockey Coach in Fort McMurray.

Carlsen says he will be looking to expand the program to include more sports and increase the number of students enrolled in the program.

"I've been up there a couple times as a guest coach a couple times with Edge School and I'm looking to carry on the legacy that Brent has brought up there and looking to bring up the school's definition of the three spheres which is academic, character and athletics, and just kind of bring my own spin on it,so its a bit of a new challenge for me to go up there and manage this program."

Carlsen will be replacing Brent Devost, who will be taking on the Vice President of Business Development with the Casman Group.

"He brings a wealth of skills and abilities, more than just his experience as a hockey coach where his resume speaks for itself, but Mike has got a real entrepreneurial spirit, and so sort of brings a wealth of abilities to the community, " said Devost.

Carlsen assumes his new post on June 10th.

Fort McMurray residents looking for legal advice will be getting some extra help.

Pro Bono Law Alberta with the help of Legal Aid Alberta and Suncor Energy are providing a free legal grounds advice clinic for local residents.

The clinic will be held on Saturday May 25th from 10:30 a.m to 3:00 p.m on the second floor of the Fort McMurray Courthouse.

Those seeking advice will be given a 30 minute appointment with a volunteer lawyer in either civil, criminal, family, landlord/tenant or employment law.

Pro Bono Alberta with Legal Aid Alberta and Suncor Energy are providing the regions first free legal clinic in the region.

Appointments must be pre-booked between 8:00 a.m and 3:00 p.m from May 8th and 17th.

Learn some tips to keep your family safe.

the 15th annual Family Safety day is taking place today at the Syncrude Sports and Wellness Centre.

The event will provide information and activities for the whole family to take part in.

As well, RCMP will be on hand to provide safety tips to parents and children from 11:00 a.m to 3:00 p.m.

Family Safety Day is taking place in tandem with with RCMP and Alberta Motor Associations Shredding Event. 

Residents are invited to shred away the chance of identity theft. 

Police say documents such as bills, banking statements and receipts can be dangerous if they fall into the wrong hands, and the event is a simple way to curb the chances of identity theft and financial fraud.

You can bring up to six boxes of documents to shred from 10:00 a.m to 2:00 p.m. at the Syncrude Sports and Wellness Centre. 

An energy mapping project in Alberta is receiving a $500,000 grant.

Natural Resources Canada announced the ecoENERGY Innovation grant to Calgary-based C3 in order to identify the waste heat opportunities in the Industrial Heartland area.

The mapping program will study the area's waste heat capture opportunities, with the goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by the companies in the area.

The project will be carried out by Alberta's Industrial Heartland Association, Alberta Innovates-Technology Futures, C3 and five industrial partners.

More than 30 groups are calling into question the independence of Alberta's single energy regulator.

Ranging from Greenpeace to the Sierra Club of Canada, the agencies say Gerry Protti is too closely tied with industry.

Recently appointed Board Chair, Protti is a former oil executive and founding member of the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producer.

"It seems to me that if you are trying to demonstrate to the world that you are serious about regulating the oil industry in Alberta you wouldn't choose someone whose found a lobby group for the oil industry." explains Sierra Club of Canada Executive Director, John Bennett. "It just doesn't make sense if you are trying to make a credible statement."

Bennett says the decision to put Protti in the role takes away the provinces credibility.

"It should demonstrate to the government that they have chosen someone who gives the impression of biased. They should have known better than to do that." explains Bennett. "I am not saying anything about Mr. Protti himself. I expect that he is a very honourable man, but this choice, given his background is not a smart choice."

They say Protti's presence will deliver a blow to the regulatory system by undermining public consultations and curtailing confidence in project reviews.

"Well maybe they should have hired someone who has come from a regulatory background or coming from a legal background." says Bennett. "Someone who does not have such strong links to the energy industry especially not such pronounced links to the industry."

However, the province has said Protti's experience in the oil patch will serve him well in his new role, overseeing development in oil, gas, oil sands and coal.

Good news for Fort McMurray Slo-pitch fans.

The municipality will resurface and retrofit an existing baseball diamond at the Syncrude Athletic Park in Timberlea into one suitable for softball.

The new field will  be retrofit to Diamond number 10 and meet standards set out by the National Slo-Pitch Athletics Enterprises of Canada, including new fencing and batter boxes.

"It's not replacing ball Diamond 10." explains RMWB Parks Manager, Nina Caines. "Ball diamond 10 is already existing as a baseball field. We are changing it into a softball field because it wasn't getting any use as a baseball field." 

The RMWB has issued a call for proposals for the retrofit project which works to serve players displaced by the MacDonald Island Park expansion.

The contract will be awarded by the end of the month, with the project slated to be completed by August 2013. 

Caines says they are also looking at a couple more sites for softball diamonds which they hope to start construction on in September.

"We are looking at the Greely Road site and the Moberly Site. We have to first of all contact all of our stakeholders, our soccer, baseball, little league, softball, schools, residents, everybody in the area and get together and do a community consult and find out if this is something that is feasible for us." explains Caines. "If it is we would be possibly be looking at adding more diamonds in the area or retrofitting the diamonds that are currently there are making them more usable."

The two other field sites are only in the beginning stages, with stakeholder consultations planned for May. 

"We are looking at in May getting all the consults done with all the stakeholders and the RFP to go out." explains Caines. "We wouldn't be looking at construction until September because some of these diamonds are being booked and being that that is what they have to use right now, they are the only ones they have, we don't want to interrupt the ball season. Therefore we would be looking at September."

The projects price tags will not be determined until they municipality receives the requests for proposals. 

A Fort McMurray mother is fighting to find a cure for her daughter's rare diagnosis.

Les than a month ago, doctors determined that Talitha Decker is suffering from pulmonary hypertension, an incurable disease which attacks the heart and lungs.

"So they diagnosed her on April 10th at the Stollery Children's Hospital in Edmonton." explains Nicole Moores, Talitha's mother. "They diagnosed her with Idiopathic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension and they have no reason to why Talitha has got it because there is no other significant issues and it is usually a secondary disease and for some reason Talitha doesn't have any other issues so that is why they call it idiopathic."

Moores is now working to raise $10,000 towards research and awareness, as the family anxiously awaits a follow-up appoint which will reveal whether preventative medications are working.

"I went into a dark hole for about a month straight and then one day I just thought one day I am going to start a page and see what happens. I didn't honestly expect anything." explains Moores."Our goal at the start was $10,000 and we made that in two days. So from there I just felt like I was doing something good and I finally felt good about the future and I just kept going. It takes you away from the sadness of it all."

Moores says she's reaching out the community as a way to overcome the blind siding diagnosis.

Talitha has a follow-up visit to see if the medication is working at the end of May. 

"Then they will be able to tell us if the pressures have gone down or if they haven't because it is a progressive disease. They don't know enough about it to know. It is so rare and there is no answers to anything." says Moores. "I have seen other kids that are on eight different medications and they are hooked up to an IV 24-hours and they are on oxygen and they are on the double heart-lung transplant list."

For more information on the family's fundraising efforts, visit their Facebook page Talitha's Fight to Cure Pulmonary Hypertension.

Labourers at Ledcor are getting some perks, with the approval of a new contract.

300 employees of Ledcor Site Services Limited have ratified a new collective agreement.

Representative for the Construction Workers Union, Local 63 Jon Heinen tells Mix News the deal was ratified with 80 per cent approval after a speedy bargaining process.

"We had some pre negotiations discussions and then we sat down with Ledcor and some members of the bargaining unit." says Heinen. "We spent a number of days working through the agreement and we were able to get it through and get it done in one session."

The contract includes improved living and travel allowances as well as a boost to the company pension plan.

"The travel allowance that allows workers from across the country to come up here and have their travel costs subsidized." explains Heinen. "We have managed to get an increase to reflect some of the rising costs for fly to Fort McMurray. There is a good retirement package, the wages are very good, the workers get a good schedule with Ledcor, good amount of hours with a very good overtime premium. Overall it is a very good contract."

The employees, who are mainly heavy equipment operators and labourers, do overburden and reclamation work at Shell, Suncor, and Syncrude - Aurora.

Parenting doesn't come with a handbook, but those looking for added guidance, the Early Years Coalition is hosting Fort McMurray parent conference this weekend.

"The early years coalition is made up of community members and organizations that have a passion about supporting and advocating for young children and their families in the Fort McMurray region." explains Leslie Ross from Children's First. "The coalition came together when the government of Alberta put forward a seed grant and it was a research project that was done and it looks at the development of children in different areas of Alberta."

Events Coordinator with Children's First Fort McMurray, Robin Elson says the sessions will give parents support  with everything from children's stress to teaching your child to read.

"We did surveys and it went out throughout the school systems and it focused on kids ages zero to six years old, which is basically the focus age group for the coalition." explains Elson. "Although we did score quite well in fine motor development, our social development, gross motor development and speech we have some significant delays. So it is something that we are focusing on and seeing what our community needs so that we can improve those developmental needs of the children and the families."

The event runs tomorrow from 8:30a.m. to 4:00p.m.

"It's just great to even just go in and hear someone else say yeah I experience that and I have trouble with that. It is a great opportunity to mix and mingle." says Elson. "You will find supports from other parents and maybe from other businesses in our community and you will learn that you are not alone and your troubles are not just your troubles. Other parents are experiencing the same things."

Parents looking to attend can register at www.eventbrite.ca. 

Registration for the event is $20.00.

ExxonMobil is responding to yet another pipeline leak south of the border.

The Pegasus pipeline has been shut down since it ruptured over a month ago in the residential community of Mayflower, Arkansas.

The very same pipeline that created an oil mess has leaked into a backyard in  Missouri, 170 miles northeast of the initial spill.

The spill is estimated at roughly one barrel worth of oil, which pales in comparison to the 5,000 barrel Mayflower spill.

This comes as Alberta awaits the decision from president Barack Obama on the controversial Keystone XL pipeline.

Suncor Energy is starting some Spring cleaning on its processing facility near Fort McMurray.

Suncor is announcing routine maintenance at the Firebag facility has begun.

The work in the area should cause minimal effect on the neighbours, customers and environment.

The work is expected to take three weeks.

Lead footed drivers, listen up if you want to avoid the expensive flash of a speed light camera.

Bringing their public outreach in line with provincial guidelines, Bylaw Services is now issuing weekly bulletins to drivers, warning them of their speed trap locations.

Between May 6th and 12th, photo radar vehicles will be stationed in the following areas.

Carteret Drive, Fraser Avenue, Hillcrest Drive and MacKenzie and Thickwood Boulevard. 

As well, an intersection safety device will be located at the intersection of Franklin Avenue and Hospital Street during the same time frame. 

The municipality is looking to transform the landscape of Fort McMurray.

As more projects continue to come online, including the extension of Prairie Loop Boulevard and the design of a downtown sports arena, they're providing residents an update.

The public is invited to a pair of City Centre McMurray engagement sessions next week.

The first, Saturday May 11th at MacDonald Island Park from 11:00 am to 2:00pm.

And the second, Wednesday May 15th at the Jubilee Centre from 6:00 to 8:00pm.

Emergency crews are on the scene of a collision between a car and a bicycle.

The incident took place this morning at Silin Forest Road and Signal Road.

Wood Buffalo RCMP Constable, Christina Wilkins has confirmed the collision and says the injuries are considered minor. 

Police are continuing to investigate the incident. 

Mix News will provide more information as it becomes available. 

The Alberta Union of Public Employees is is accusing the Deputy Solicitor general of taunting workers.

The union, which represents hundreds of Alberta jail guards involved in a five day wildcat strike, filed a labour board complaint yesterday.

In a statement, the union says the province has already breached the terms of the deal which brought the walk-out to an end,  by telling workers they're not protected under the amnesty contract.

However, Deputy Solicitor General, Tim Grant says the province is not seeking retribution.

Grant adds that incidents where workers left their posts leaving colleagues in danger will be investigated and dealt with appropriately.

According to the Alberta Labour Relations Board, the complaint will now be sent to a mediator. 

Guards took to the picket line on a week ago citing unsafe work conditions at the new $580 million  Edmonton Remand Centre.

Adding that the facility was opened too quickly, design flaws are dangerous, and staffing cuts have left some units unmanned and vulnerable.

 UPDATE

A missing Fort McMurray man has been located. 

50-year old Vladmir Edwards was located in the Thickwood area and has been transported to the Northern Lights Regional Health Centre for examination. 

Edwards was reported missing last night by family members.

RCMP are thanking the public for their assistance in locating Edwards. 

----------------------------------------

Wood Buffalo RCMP are seeking the assistance of the public in their search for a missing Fort McMurray man.

On the evening of May 2nd, police were alerted that 50-year old Vladmir Edwards had gone missing.

Edwards is described as a Caucasian 6'2" male, 187 pounds with blue eyes, light brown/gray hair and has a Russian accent.

He was last seen at 8:00 a.m on May 2nd wearing blue jeans, a brown winter coat and a beige wool toque

He was known to frequent Birchwood Trails.

Edwards has previous health issues causing concern for his safety.

Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact police at (780)788-4000 or Crime Stoppers at 1-(800)222-TIPS.

An 17-year old Fort McMurray boy is facing charges after an armed robbery a downtown liquor store.

This morning, shortly after midnight passed, Wood Buffalo RCMP were dispatched to the scene after a panic alarm sounded off at the store.

Police say a suspect, wielding a fire extinguisher entered the business and stole a bottle of liquor before fleeing on foot.

The suspect was quickly apprehended and remains in police custody , awaiting court proceedings.

No one was injured in the incident.

The suspect's identity is protected under federal law and police declined to name the property in question.

Gas could begin drying up at Petro gas stations, as maintenance work at a Suncor refinery hits a speed bump.

According to a statement issued by Petro-Canada, turn-around at the Edmonton refinery is being extended as inspections uncovered some additional and unexpected repairs.

In light of the maintenance snag, key gasoline production units, that were expected to remain operational throughout the maintenance have now been turned off.

The company says retail site in Alberta and Saskatchewan and Manitoba will be affected, but they're doing their best to make remaining supplies last.

"We are currently sourcing additional gasoline through our supply/distribution network.  We do expect to see run-outs at some of our company controlled retail sites in the next several days, however, we have made efforts to sustain inventory at alternate sites in those same markets and to maintain access for customers. Affected sites will return to full operation as supply is re-established."

Mix News in the process of seeking comment from local retailers.

255 Wood Buffalo drivers are facing charges after five days of targeted enforcement on local routes.

The local Integrated Traffic Unit is reminding drivers of the ramifications of dangerous driving in the wake of their latest blitz.

Among the drivers charged between Aoril 28th and May 2nd, six were exceeding the speed limit by more than 50 kilometres per hour, including a man who was stopped for travelling 114 km/h in a 50 zone and a female driver who was charged for travelling 126 km/h in a 70 zone.

Officers say all of those drivers were issued mandatory court summons, where they face steep fines and suspensions.

A number of warrants were executed during the five day span and police also laid multiple charges for impaired driving.

During the same time frame, the enforcement unit also towed one truck for a lack of insurance, charged a novice motorist for unsupervised driving.

Local students are capturing the beauty of Fort McMurray.

Artwork from students at Westwood and Composite High School will be on display at the exhibit 'A Walk in the Woods' at the MacDonald Island Community Art Gallery.

"This is a quintessential exhibition for us. A Walk in the Woods which is kind of a co-production between MacDonald Island Community Art Gallery presented by the Kirschner Family Corporation, Westwood High School, Composite High School and First Nation artist, Heather Shillinglaw." explains Manger of Communications and Advancement at MacDonald Island park, Adam Hardiman. "It's a depiction of the Boreal Forest. It is very exciting there is over 100 pieces and with this type of event and exhibition that is seeing the community coming together from students, to us to the First Nation."

Hardiman says  this exhibit is tremendous for our community. 

The students were guided by First Nations artist Heather Shillinglaw while creating their pieces that will showcased.

"I think the art is really a depiction of the Boreal Forest. As busy as our community is both in terms of industry and what happens in the Urban core of Fort McMurray and our region, the Boreal Forest is such a key component in the backdrop to our community." says Hardiman. "I guess A Walk in the Woods is literal in the sense that this is where the students drew their inspiration, but it is always something to stay connected to. I think it is very fitting for tonight."

A Walk in the Woods opens tonight at 7:00 p.m. and runs through May 18th. 

Local kids are getting an up close view of the effects of dangerous driving.

Grade nine students took part in the annual Prevent Alcohol and Risk-Related Trauma in Youth program to learn about the dangers of driving. 

"We bring it down to layman's terms for the youth so they can take a walk in ours shoes. Then they feel more confident talking and learning about it." explains Public Education Coordinator with Fort McMurray Victims Services, Kimberly Timmins. "We aren't getting up here and waging our fingers at them and telling them don't do this or this. We are just sharing from our own personal insights from the units that we serve with and the kids they draw from that and learn from that. It has proven effective by engaging the youth and they pose questions and they get involved."

Timmins says the program is directed at the youth, but a lot of times it is older adults who have the bad driving habits.

"I can speak for myself as a driver and I see people texting or driving. It's against the law now. It is not teens that are doing this, this is grown adults doing this." explains Timmins. "This is someone's parent, grandparent, aunt or uncle. Maybe as adults we need the youth to say 'Hey don't do that. It's not safe. I am in the car. Our lives are worth more than that.' I think there will be many opportunities for youth to carry that message forward in a positive way and certainly impact others in their lives."

She adds that it is important to educate young drivers before they get on the road. 

As adults with bad driving habits we can't change that but certainly the up and coming drivers we can. From the Victims Services perspective, we share the human side. We talk about the families that are impacted. Maybe as a young driver when they get behind the wheel, or they make the decision to get in with another driver who may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs or texting and driving that they think twice. We really all have the responsibility for safety on our roads. 

Students witnessed a mock collision and the first responders at the scene, followed by presentations and a tour of the hospital and the morgue. 

Fort McMurray teachers are giving a provincial labour contract the green light.

Educators with both the Public and Catholic School Districts voted in favour of the four-year offer in a majority ballot this week.

"The teachers are prepared to accept the framework agreement because of the hope it offers for improved education." explains President of the Fort McMurray Alberta Teachers Association Local 48, Nancy Ball. "However, the teachers are not happy about the financial elements, but they do see value in the provisions to improve professional practice."

Ball adds that despite the positive vote, feelings about the deal are mixed.

"I think everyone appreciates what the cost of living is in Fort McMurray. That is always a concern for our new teachers coming to our community to find accommodations that they can afford." explains Ball. "There is subsidized housing for the first year but after that teachers are often looking for accommodations that they can share with each other or trying to find a way to make a life in our community and being able to afford to live here."

The $120-million contract would freeze wages for three years, with a 2 per cent increase in the fourth, but promises to address contentious workload issues.

The agreement must be ratified by all 62 bargaining units and school boards by May 13th.

Considered the backbone of Wood Buffalo, front-line agencies are looking to strengthen their ties.

Dozens of organizations were represented at a Social Profit Leaders reception last night.

"Together we were really talking about how do we have good collective impact, where we are all working together for the same purposes." explains Committee Member for Convergence YMM, Diane Shannon. "Also how do we have a plan to address social issues and strengthen the quality of life in our community where we are all working in the same direction. So it was really about how do we identify those priorities and how do we work better together."

Shannon says Converge YMM will build a foundation for a more interconnected community.

"In February we held Convergence YMM that really brought together all the social profit organizations in the community, along with corporate sponsors and government leaders so that we could learn together about collaboration and talk about our challenges and wonderful opportunities." explains Shannon. "So we are presenting our report and it is a wonderful document that we are proud to share with the sector."

The report outlined a handful of key priorities identified at the Summit, including the creation of a backbone organization, developing a single, integrated plan for community services and re-branding the sector as 'social profit'.

"The report really talked a lot about the priorities that we identified that will help make the social benefit sector stronger." says Shannon. "Even the fact that I am calling it the social benefit or or social profit is a difference in the branding of the whole sector rather than being called non-profit. That's something positive for us."

The information gathered also included Poll Everywhere results following the Convergence YMM event. 

50 per cent of respondents believe industry does not recognize the nonprofit sector's essential role, with 23 per cent saying industry sees the vital role they play within the community. 

As well, 60 per cent of respondents feel somewhat informed about the current projects in the sector, with 24 per cent feel very informed. 

The Convergency YMM report is also available at http://www.convergenceymm.ca/ 

It's lights out for hundreds of Fort McMurray residents.

ATCO officials are confirming they've experienced two outages this morning, the first from 8:40 a.m. to 9:10 a.m, the second outage, which started at 9:30 am is still ongoing.

Company officials say some Spring cleaning is to blame for the service disruption.

They were working to wash salt from insulation, something which is done as a preventative measure, when some of the insulation failed and now has to be replaced.

Beacon Hill, parts of Gregoire and portions of Gregoire Industrial Park are affected at this hour.

All power should be restored shortly after 11:00 a.m.

Anyone still experiencing outages after that time are asked to call the customer service line 1-800-668-5506

18 water projects are receiving millions of dollars in funding from an Alberta agency.

Alberta's lead agency for energy and environmental research, Alberta Innovates is spending 10 million dollars to support the water projects.

One of the projects is the University of Alberta's work on the safe release of oil sands processed water.

A Team has been working to study the survival of fish in both treated and untreated water, and the funding will support new approaches in the study.

TransCanada is set to expand its Alberta pipeline network.

The operator will spend $900 million on a new pipeline connecting two Alberta oil hubs and terminal north of Edmonton.

TransCanada anticipates the pipeline, travelling between the Heartland Industrial district and Hardisty could ultimately transport up to 900,000 barrels of crude oil a day.

The terminal is expected to have storage capacity for up to 1.9 million barrels of crude oil.

"With Alberta oil production projected to increase by almost three million barrels per day over the next 15 years, it is important to have the right infrastructure in place to move these resources safely and reliably to market at the right time," said Alex Pourbaix, TransCanada's president of energy and oil pipelines in a statement. "These projects will help link Canadian crude oil resources in northern Alberta to markets in Eastern Canada and the United States."

The projects are slated to be operational by late 2015.

The company intends to file a regulatory application for the terminal in Spring 2013, followed by a separate application for the pipeline in the Fall.

From your bills to your banking codes, its your chance to erase at least some of your paper trail.

In attempt to curb identity theft and financial fraud, RCMP are teaming up with the Alberta Motor Association to host a free shredding event.

Residents can bring up to six boxes of personal documents to the Syncrude Sport and Wellness Centre this Saturday to have them destroyed.

Police say documents such as receipts and utility statements are often used by fraudsters and shredding them can prevent you from falling victim to scams.

The service is available from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm and runs in tandem with Family Safety Day.

The shredding event is not open to businesses.

A local band is calling for the man at the helm of Alberta's new energy regulator to resign.

The Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation say the recent appointment of Gerry Protti as Board Chair is a slap in the face to aboriginal communities.

Chief Allan Adam says Protti a founding member of the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers and former oil executive will be biased in his regulatory role.

"His job right now is mandated that he get all the project approved, the move forward through the regulatory process, he has no intention of stopping or stalling any projects that are ongoing in Alberta right now, it's clear."

Adam says Protti's appointment represents the government's latest attack on the regulatory process and will undermine First Nations consultations.

"Both levels of government, both federal and provincial, are corporate structured governments that carter to corporate needs in regards to how

industry is being built in our region, therefore they appoint all these former officials that work in the oil and gas industry to make sure approvals move forward, so people's concerns are not addressed in the proper way."

The sole regulator comes online in June, dictating growth in oil, gas, oil sands and coal.

And the province has said Protti will provide an experienced, level perspective on the agency's sweeping powers.

A First Nation, neighboring Wood Buffalo, is earning another courtroom victory in it's fight against industry expansion.

The Beaver Lake Cree of Lac La Biche initially challenged the government in 2008, looking to halt over 19,000 industrial developments approved or proposed in their traditional lands.

A case management judge struck down portions of their statement of claim which sought to revoke those leases.

But maintained claims over the violation of the band's treaty rights.

Both the Federal and Provincial governments were fighting that inclusion.

However, the Alberta Court of Appeal says the government claim was frivolous, found the alterations were justified and called on the defendants to pursue a trail with the case management judge.

The Fort McMurray SPCA is pulling out their Animal Control Contract.

The shelter, which has been in contract with the municipality since 1997 to carry out Animal Control, has provided formal notice of their intent to terminate the contract effective July 1st.  

"There wasn't appropriate funding for the program. That lack of funding has caused a lack of personnel to carry out the service to this municipality which is geographically the largest in Canada." explains SPCA Executive Director, Tara Clarke. "it has prohibited proper training opportunities and safety equipment. As well the contract has put added stress on the shelter as well with capacity issues and outbreak of disease."

Clarke says despite ongoing negotiations the RMWB was unable to provide the funding needed to run the service

However, Superintendent of the Wood Buffalo RCMP and  Director of Bylaw Enforcement, Bob Couture does not believe funding was a factor in the decision. 

"I don't know if it is a question about funding. I know we have been working with the SPCA for a long period of time and looking at re-negotiating the service agreement and trying to work through that process." Explains Couture. "Now it is at the point where they have taken that decision to terminate. As we all know, the SPCA does a very good job in humanitarian issues in regards in the protections of animals and I think they have decided to go and do what they do best."

The SPCA says they are currently receiving 51 per cent of the cost recovery budget needed to run Animal Control in the region.

"We hold the Animal Control Services contract with the municipality which means that we are responsible for the enforcement of the bylaws for the entire region. With that comes stresses of animals that are picked up by Animal control, stray animals, at large animals and the numbers that we are bringing in our doors we can't accommodate with the resources that we have been provided." says SPCA Director, Clarke. "We are looking for a budget that covers all the costs associated with carrying out the service. We are currently receiving $776,000 a year to carry out the contract, but a cost recovery budget is $1.5 million."

Clarke adds that the SPCA is not looking to negotiate the contract further at this time and will now focus their efforts on advocacy and animal welfare.

"Well it's unfortunate that they have taken this turn of events. We have been pleased to work with the SPCA for over 15 years, since 1997." explains Couture. "Unfortunately they have decided to part ways and we will ensure that effective July 1st we have the means and methods providing effective animal control services to the citizens of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo."

Couture adds that they will continue to work with the SPCA until July 1st to ensure that a plan is in place to address animal control issues in the Region.

The ice run has passed its peak and the risk for flooding has receded

Deputy Chief of Operations with Regional Emergency Services Dana Allen says despite the government clearance, issued this afternoon, residents should still steer clear of local waterways.

"The Snye has gone down, but there are dangerous patches of ice still around the Snye and most definitely no one should go on the ice at all." explains Allen. "Part of the problem is the ice is rotting."

The Athabasca broke Monday morning, but Allen says an unusual ice landscape caused the region to have two, prolonged ice runs, something which is extremely rare.

"We almost had two river breaks. This has been a very unusual year. Alberta Environment has been very surprised by the lengths of this ice run that we have had." says Allen. "The first was about 12 hours long which is unusual for us, usually they are only three to four hours long and then we get clear water. Then at the 12-hour mark it stopped and started to jam again."

Alberta environment has completed observation flights to ensure the river is flowing freely. 

"There is a hypothesis that almost the whole Athabasca from down south all kind of broke at the same time and then it all went up which is very unusual." says Allen. "So they have done a flight and made sure that the Athabasca from the Pembina is flowing freely and it is. So that's good news."

Although Fort McMurray looks to be in the clear for flooding, residents are reminded to stay away from the waterways until the water levels have gone down. 

One man is dead after a two vehicle collision on Highway 63.

According to RCMP, a passenger vehicle collided with a semi trailer, adjacent to township road 624 this morning.

The male driver of the passenger vehicle was killed in the crash.

The victim's identity is being withheld pending notification of kin and police declined to name his home town.

The route has now been re-opened to both southbound and northbound traffic.

The investigation continues.

Two Fort McMurray men are facing trafficking charges after a roadside drug bust outside Jasper.

On April 24th, RCMP pulled over the vehicle, believed to be en route to Fort McMurray, for a minor safety infraction.

Upon further investigation, police searched the vehicle and seized over half a kilogram of cocaine.

The 36-year old driver and his 32-year old passenger have been charged with Posession for the Purpose of Trafficking and are slated to appear in a Jasper courtroom on June 13th.

The case was among a handful of major siezures which resulted from routine traffic stops outside Jasper between April 24th and April 25th.

Over two kilograms of cocaine and over 70 kilograms of marihuana were recovered over only two days and police believe the drugs were set for sale in Alberta.

"We believe these drugs were destined for sale in Fort McMurray and Edmonton." said Superintendent Howard Eaton, Officer-in-Charge of Traffic Services in a statement,  "That's over 19,000 doses of cocaine and over 250,000 joints that won' t hit the streets those communities."

The fate of the proposed Dover Project rests in the hands of the Energy Resources Conservation Board.

Five days of regulatory hearings have wrapped up on the controversial oil sands project, set for expansion roughly 95 kilometres Northwest of Fort McMurray.

Chief Executive Officer of the Fort McKay First Nation, George Arkand Jr says the band supports oil sands development but the proposed project infringes on their traditional land and wildlife.

"We had an issue with going ahead with the project based its on existing plan and chief and council were asked to ensure that we worked out something that protected the Moose Lake area, so we wanted to make sure that people understood that our concern was the protection of our land and we're hopeful the hearing allowed us to get that message out."

Dover spokesperson Kristi Baron says, wherever the ruling falls, the proponents, Athabasca Oil and PetroChina will look to be good neighbors to the band.

"Dover has had, as far as we're concerned a positive relationship with the Fort McKay First Nation over the company's history of three years and we really want to continue that positive relationship so we would be looking to respect and show our respect of those traditional grounds as much as possible."

However, the proponents of the SAG-D project are against a buffer zone proposed by the neighbouring Fort McKay First Nation.

"A 20 kilometre buffer zone sterilizes about 1.4 million barrels of economically recoverable barrels of oil from our property which amounts to about 30 per cent," said Baron who states the zone would mean a substantial loss in revenue.

As well, Dover believes only 6 per cent of the community's traditional land will be disturbed by 250,000 barrel per day project.

The ERCB has 90 days to make a decision on the site.

Correctional staff across the province are returning to work.

The Alberta Union of Public Employees has struck a deal with the province, which includes another safety review at the Edmonton Remand Centre.

According to union officials, their members will not face retribution for defying a back-to-work order, issued by the Redford government.

"Because of the strength shown by members at all correctional facilities province-wide, and by the sheriffs, court clerks, probation officers, social workers and others who joined them in solidarity, work sites like the new Edmonton Remand Centre will be safer," AUPE President Guy Smith in a statement.

Correctional staff in Fort McMurray were among hundreds to protest in solidarity with guards in Edmonton who say the Remand Centre was opened too quickly.

An investigative report found the multi-million dollar facility has dangerous design flaws, and staffing challenges have left some prison units unmanned and vulnerable.

The province estimates the wildcat strike cost $1.2 million a day for staffing replacements, and Premier Redford says she wants to ensure taxpayers aren't left with the tab.

The union has already begun paying back $350,000 in fines issued by the courts against individual members.

" I am pleased AUPE has chosen to end its illegal strike and return to work. The Government of Alberta has been clear before and during the strike that we take the health and safety of workers seriously and that has not changed. As we have stated repeatedly, we will investigate all new and specific occupational health and safety concerns raised by government employees at the Edmonton Remand Centre," said Redford in a statement released last night.

The province had initially indicated they would not negotiate until illegal labour action was called off.

Local high school students are getting a difficult dose of reality. 

Police and their enforcement partners are hosting their annual Prevent Alcohol and Risk-Related Trauma in Youth, or PARTY workshop tomorrow. 

"It's about reality. It's about what happens in the case of somebody having one to many drinks or even consuming alcohol at all given the level of experience and tolerance and then getting behind the wheel of the car." explains Constable Christina Wilkins. "It is reality. It's exactly what happens and it could be worse of nature or it could be less serious but this is a very accurate depiction."

Wilkins says dozens of grade nine students will be given a guided tour of the tragedy caused by impaired driving.

"They are basically exposed to reality based learning where they realize that every action has a consequence. The day starts with a mock vehicle collision scene and is usually very serious in nature, usually involving at least one fatality." says Constable Wilkins. "Students are permitted to get up close and see what poor decision making can result in and they also have a front row seat for when emergency services personnel arrives and has to sort through the wreckage."

Students will also tour the hospital and the morgue, and hear first hand accounts from crash survivors and victim services officials.

"After the collision scene they are provided some information in the form of presentations. We have a look at what the possible impaired driver is now facing  and also what happens with the victims and how victims services helps the RCMP do the next of kin notifications. As well, we have a look at the trauma that the survivors go through as well."

A number of students take part in the PARTY program every year being educated of being safe behind the wheel. 

From the arts to business, issues affecting Fort McMurray will take centre stage at Ted X.

The first four headliners for for the annual speakers event will include Local businesswoman, Jenny Berube, Artistic Director of Keyano Theatre, Claude Giroux, local blogger, Theresa Wells and Marketing Advisor, Allana Bottrell.

"Jenny's Change Me, Change Everything is really focused on a societal point of view. Claude obviously going through performing arts is more into the arts side of thing." explains TEDEx Media Liaison, Michelle Landsiedel, who says this years presenters are taking a unique take on this years theme, Shift In Thought. "Theresa's is more of a personal journey of courage and then Allana's is more of a satirical societal side. There is definitely a broad range and there will be something for everybody."

The event, which has gained global momentum since it's inception in California 26 years ago, looks to amplify the impact of innovative projects.

Landsiedel says this year is sure to impress the crowd. 

"All 26 auditions had points about them that were just really extraordinary. There is just a really amazing caliber of people in Fort McMurray." says Landsiedel. "So to be able to see those people come forward and be able to share the things that they are passionate about and how those passions can really translate into amazing presentations. This was definitely not an easy process for anybody."

Presenters are asked to make the speech of their life in only 18 minutes, and that content is shared in online forums designed to prompt open conversation.

Those looking to attend must apply for tickets at www.tedxfortmcmurray.com 

The Redford government is looking to counter a wave of new cancer cases in Alberta.

More than 16,000 Albertans were diagnosed with cancer in 2012 and by 2030 that number is expected to climb to more than 24,000 new cases per year.

In attempt to counter the concerning trend, the Tories announced a new long-term strategy today.

Under the plan, new operating division at Alberta Health Services will oversee all screening, prevention and treatment, putting all cancer care options under one umbrella.

The province says, by 2030, the strategy will medical aid for cancer patients, making Alberta home to leading research and cutting edge technologies.

One person is recovering from smoke inhalation after a fire erupted inside a detached garage, adjacent to a downtown home.

The injured person was treated on scene after the blaze broke out early this afternoon on Ells Crescent off Biggs Avenue.

The cause remains undetermined, as crews remain on scene investigating and ensuring the final embers are extinguished.

The single family dwelling sustained minimal heat damage from the flames, however the garage was largely incinerated with at least one vehicle visible inside the charred structure.

Fire officials say the family will be allowed access to their home once the investigation concludes. 

Keeping the tax man happy is costing Canadian billions.

According to a report from the Fraser Institute, filing and preparing their annual submissions cost consumers between $19 billion and $25 billion in 2011.

The study also revealed that lower-income Canadians are shouldering a disproportionate share of the burden, cutting into their incomes more than those in the upper and middle classes.

The same goes for business, with the cost of tax compliance undercutting the bottom line for smaller operations.

Analysts saying, by simplifying the taxation system, the Federal government would provide an immediate cash infusion to consumers, while spurring economic activity.

Despite a hefty fine, corrections staff are staying on the picket line. 

An Alberta court has found the Alberta Union of Public Employees in contempt of court after defying previous back-to-work orders. 

The Alberta Union of Public Employees says hundreds of members including sheriffs, court clerks, probation officers and social workers are maintaining a wildcat strike at nine facilities.

"Actually Local 006 is supporting Local 3 across the province in support of unsafe work conditions that Local 003 are experiencing at the Edmonton Remand Centre." explains Fort McMurray Local 006 Representative, Darlene Davis. "It is a provincial walk out. Basically AUPE Local 006 believes in the fundamental right to raise health and safety issues in the workplace without fear of repercussions and AUPE Local 006 is walking out across Alberta in support of Local 003 and the fundamental right to refuse unsafe work or working conditions that can cause harm to our members."

Davis joined a protest outside the court house yesterday. 

Negotiations with the province have reached a stalemate as Deputy Premier Thomas Lukaszuk says government will not respond to illegal work action, prompted by guard protests at the Edmonton Remand Centre.

"We insists that workers return back to work. We have made a commitment to ensure that workplaces as always and as everywhere are safe as they can be for Alberta employees." explains Lukaszuk. "If there are indeed any actual concerns relevant to the safety of the workplace, we will have this workplace inspected as we would have any other workplace."

The union has been given a $100,000 fine which will rise by $250,000 if the strike is not over by noon today. 

"We are open to making sure that conditions are put in place so the workers can return to work and assume their duties. We have a lot of respect for the work that they do." says Lukaszuk in a press conference yesterday afternoon. "Their work is pivotal to the operations of the justice system within the province of Alberta. We appreciate that the work is tough but at the same time we expect them to go back to their posts and enforce the law and keep our institutions running."

Davis says the province has yet negotiate with workers on their concerns over the $580-million facility, which they say was opened too quickly and has dangerous design flaws.

"I can assure you that we have taken all the steps possible to make sure that this facility is safe, if indeed safety is the cause. As of March 14th both AUPE and the employer government has signed off on the hazard assessment documents having inspected the entire facility." explained Lukaszuk. "Subsequently that Occupational Health and Safety Officers have inspected that facility and have given it a clean bill of health."

Guards have provided the province with a list of 10 demands highlighting concerns over staffing cuts and unmanned prison units at the Edmonton Remand Centre.

Novice drivers get a bad rap, but Wood Buffalo RCMP say that categorization is not without reason.

Constable Christina Wilkins says new drivers are at an elevated risk for collisions and teen motorists will be their enforcement focus for the month of May.

"The big thing is experience. It is a key element to reacting swiftly and to emergency situations. That's just something that can't be rushed and that is something that you need to gain over time." explains Constable Wilkins. "We want to make sure that young drivers are aware of that and that they take their time and learn all the rules of the road and proceed with caution."

One in five new drivers is involved in a collision during their first year of driving.

Studies have shown that age, inexperience, distraction and peer pressure are largely to blame for the trend.

"Our recommendations are for both the young and the young at heart that we all need to take proper precautions and proceed safely on the roads." says Wilkins. "Driving is a privilege that no one should take for granted and it begins with each and everyone of us."

As well, older drivers are not immune to bad driving habits and need to remember caution and manners when sharing the road.

Local youth will coin the name of Wood Buffalo RCMP's new south end headquarters.

The RCMP Policing Facility in Gregoire is slated to be opened and operational later this year.

A dedication ceremony will take place this Fall and police are recruiting local youngsters to provide a fitting designation for their new digs.

The contest runs in tandem with Centennial celebrations and a winner will be announced this Summer.

Entry forms are available at the Timberlea detachment or at any school administration office.

Submissions are due by May 31st.

For contest details contact the Community Policing Unit at fortmcmurraycpvs@rcmp-grc.gc.ca 

From toxic tailings to water withdrawals which strain the Athabasca River.

The oil sands are at risk of losing their social license, according to the Pembina Institute who argue that there has been little tangible progress on environmental performance.

"It is important that Alberta makes progress on a whole host of issues around air, land and water management at the oil sands." explains Executive Director, Simon Dyer. "But certainly greenhouse gas managements and greenhouse gas pollution associated with the oil sands is a critical issue if we are going to maintain a social license to be able to market our product overseas. So I think progress on climate policy is a place where we urgently need to make progress." 

Two years after the think tank tabled 19 recommendations to the province, only two have been enshrined in policy. 

"There has been plenty of time to make progress on these issues." explains Dyer. "I mean many of these things are going to have a big economic cost to the province and some such as better carbon pricing could actually create revenue for the province through a pollution levy for instance that could be used for some of the clean energy commitments that Alberta has made."

Dyer says shrinking industry carbon footprint would be a step in the right direction.

The purpose of a monitoring system is to actually improve performance. I mean I would hope that it is not just in places for a means to an ends for Alberta and Canada to say that monitoring is happening. I mean the critical this is to best prove that we are using that monitoring information to make changes and that's not happening yet."

Although Dyer applauds the conservation of 1.2 million hectares of forests and improved research efforts, monitoring must prompt reaction from provincial regulators.

The thick scent of bitumen, the sudden whiff of sulfur or the suffocating smell of wildfires; all common aromas in the Fort McMurray region.

The Wood Buffalo Environmental Association is launching a program to address an increasingly prominent issue in many Wood Buffalo communities; industry-related odours.

Through its Human Exposure Monitoring Program, the WBEA is recruiting residents and their noses for their latest round of research.

Volunteers will be asked to record any odours they detect during their daily activities and keep a log for local scientists.

Residents interested in contributing are invited to a pair of information sessions on May 9th.

The first will be hosted at the WBEA office on Thickwood Boulevard at 11:00 am, the second session will be held inside the Athabasca Room at MacDonald Island Park at 7:00 pm.

Federal regulators will soon draw the line on the Dover project, proposed by Athabasca Oil Corp and PetroChina.

The Fort McKay First Nation is awaiting a ruling from the Energy Resources Conservation Board after hearings surrounding the 250,000 barrel per day oil sands proposal wrapped up in Fort McMurray yesterday.

Communications Director for the band, Dayle Hyde says the band fears the operation will infringe on one of the last parcels of land preserved from industry development.

"The fact that we haven't opposed a project in 20 years shows how the Fort Mckay has worked well with industry and worked and negotiated to find agreements that satisfied both parities , but the Moose Lake is so important to our band that all we're concerned about is preserving that one piece of land that is away from industry."

Hyde says an extended 20 kilometre buffer zone would shelter the Moose Lake reserve from exposure to industry pollution and maintain their traditional hunting and trapping grounds.

The project proponents say over 1 billion barrels of bitumen would be lost if the boundaries were altered.

"There are alot of community members who are being restricted from accessing the trap lines, from accessing their traditional hunting areas because there are so many projects surrounding our community so often there are gated roads and security that stop them from accessing areas that they have always accessed or have grown up accessing and we're concerned that this is also going to happen in the Moose Lake area."

Band delegates said their reserve is already too small to fully maintained hunting and trapping rights and the project would only work to further limit land access and wildlife populations.

Caribou conservation was of particular concern in the hearings as the first nation argues that the area may be a 'source' habitat for the endangered species and approving the project would contravene government mandates aimed at preserving dwindling herds.

The band also echoed concerns tabled by the municipality over an influx of workers and a lack of transportation or housing infrastructure in the area to support them.

The operators were looking to break ground on the five stage SAG-D site this year, but the approval deadline will now delayed by at least a year.

The Deputy Energy Minister is taking on a new post as CEO of Alberta's new energy regulator.

Jim Ellis was officially assigned the role yesterday and will join former Encana Executive Gerry Protti on the management team.

Ellis says his post as CEO will include work as an advocate for the single regulatory system on the international stage.

"We know that the energy industry is the economic engine of this province. We also know that the energy industry, in order for it to be successful, needs the ability to get its goods to market and we need customers who would buy that product."

Protti, named Board Chair last month says the single system for industry, will complement a new policy management office, ensuring not only regulation but legislative reaction.

"Closely tied to the department of the ERCB is the policy management office, the policy management office will ensure that if they're issues that arise where policy needs to be changed, if they're groups that have issues that they want to bring forward to government , that's the locus of the discussion for determining where policy ought to be."

The system comes online in June, dictating growth in oil, gas, oil sands and coal, and takes over the regulatory functions of the Energy Resources Conservation Board, Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development.

The new regulator has an operating budget of $200 million.

Wary of Federal regulatory hearings, Quebec will hold its own review on a controversial pipeline project.

Enbridge is looking to reverse the flow of Line 9B, running between Montreal East and Westover, Ontario.

The 639 kilometre line currently carries oil West, but Enbridge wants to ship crude from the oil sands and increase the connection's capacity.

The largest project undertaken by Imperial Oil is kicking off production.

As of Friday, Kearl Oil Sands has started pumping out bitumen, with an anticipated 4.6 billion barrels of recoverable oil produced in the next 40 years. 

Production numbers are anticipated to hit 110,000 barrels per day later this year, with that amount projected to double by late 2015. 

Exxon Mobil, owning 70 per cent of Imperial, estimates costs of the Kearl site to stand at $12.9 billion. 

Imperial plans on transferring oil to their own refineries to avoid the impact of lower oil sands crude prices compared to U.S. benchmarks. 

The company also plans to secure rail cars for transporting some of the oil due to pipeline shortages. 

The site is located 75 kilometres northeast of Fort McMurray.

Fort McMurray is not alone in it's love of big trucks.

A report by DesRosiers Automotive Consultants says Alberta and British Columbia were the only provinces to show any growth so far this year in the sale of mega-sized rides. 

According to the research agency, the province is tied with Newfoundland for the best annual growth rate in auto sales. 

As of the end of March, nearly 55,000 vehicles had flown off the lot in Alberta, up 4.1 per cent from the same time frame last year. 

Last month, Alberta saw auto sales increase by 1.7 per cent from a year ago while in Canada they were down 0.7 per cent. 

Nationally, over 355,000 vehicle sales were recorded, a jump of 1.9 per cent. 

The province is committing to the construction of a new school in Fort McMurray.

Officials with the Redford government have confirmed, the Public School District will receive the funding required for a new Kindergarten to grade 6 facility.

The school is set to be located in Timberlea with the capacity for 600 students. 

"As you know more spaces for students means that we can continue to deliver the world class education system here in Fort McMurray and alleviate some of the growth pressures that we have been having." explains FMPSD Board Chair, Jeff Thompson. "This is great news today and we are excited and we look forward to of course more announcements being made in the future but today is of course just a great day to just celebrate." 

Fort McMurray is among five communities across the province to benefit from a provincial investment in education infrastructure.

“Northern Alberta is facing significant growth pressures and these projects will support the need for more student spaces and bring Inspiring Education to life,” said Education Minister Jeff Johnson in a statement.

The province is looking to invest $503 million over the next three years, allocations which will support the construction of 50 new school and the modernization of 70 more.

"I think we want the parents to know is that we are delighted that the provincial government has heard the needs here in Fort McMurray and have begun to address those needs." says Thompson, who says this is only the first of hopefully many announcements in our region. "But we will continue to work hard behind the scenes to again get the rest of the funding for the modernization of Composite High School and to get the funding that we need to get additional schools on the North side of the river. We are going to continue to work hard and bring that message to government."

The Tories say the schools will be constructed through a combination of public-private partnerships and traditional financing, but detailed budget figures have yet to be unveiled.

"Once we have the site secured and the design we will be putting up a sign there." explains Infrastructure Minister, Wayne Drysdale. "The architects will be designing it and putting out a request for proposals on it. It takes about a year to get all of that done. We anticipate completion of the school in 2016." 

The province is announcing seven new schools in Northern Alberta providing up to 3,100 student spaces across all grades. 

Controlled sites to burn materials are in use.

With the dangers of uncontrolled fires rampant at this time of year, a program is being launched to  prevent blazes before they start.

Regional Emergency Services, along with ESRD are kicking off the annual hazard reduction burn program.

The initiative will prepare controlled sites to burn materials easily ignited by cigarettes or off-highway vehicles.

The hazard reduction started today as the last bit of snow melts away. 

Leaves and  dry grass that appear during Spring will be removed with the program. 

Regional Emergency Services is reminding residents not to call 9-1-1 when they see controlled fires in progress.

For more information on the program visit www.woodbuffalo.ab.ca/fireprevention 

A front-line agency, serving Fort McMurray's homeless population, is inviting residents to take a glimpse into life on the streets.

The Centre of Hope's Second Annual Hope in the Dark event is taking place on May 25th, where community members are encouraged to give up their bed for one night of "sleeping rough."

Sleeping arrangements, such as sleeping bags and tents must be brought by the participants or boxes will be provided.

Registration is $25 to sleep outdoors or a Tent Village registration fee of $50.

Hope in the Dark will run from 8:00pm on May 25th to 6:00 am on May 26th at the Clearwater Education Centre at 231 Hardin Street.

For more information, visit hopeinthedark2013.eventbrite.com

Dozens of people sleep on the streets of Fort McMurray every week,  spending their nights in their vehicles or makeshift shelters in the woods.

Shelter space is somewhat limited in Fort McMurray and some have been banned from those facilities in light of substance abuse or behavioural infractions, others feel more secure outside the cramped sleeping quarters provided by non-profits.

The Housing Needs Count, conducted by the municipality found that as of October 2012,  326 people identified themselves as homeless in Fort McMurray,  an increase of seven people from 2010.

An ice run is now moving through Fort McMurray.

Water is beginning to run freely through the Athabasca River, and crews are monitoring for signs of flooding.

Assistant Deputy Chief of Operations with Regional Emergency Services with the RMWB, Dana Allen says break up occurred at approximately 6:30 am.

'We're just monitoring water levels at Mac Island and the Snye, and we'll be keeping everyone updated on what's happening. It's also important that motorists don't stop on the bridge to watch this because it can cause some traffic issues and we may need to get emergency vehicles on either side of the bridge."

Allen says, so far, the ice is not jamming at any point along banks in the Fort McMurray, meaning the risk of flooding is fairly low at this time.

However, residents are advised to keep watch for any updates pertaining to emergency monitoring or response this morning.

Those curious to watch river break up at work, can check it out live on the municipal website, where a camera is broadcasting from the waters edge.

For the live feed and more information on river break response, visit woodbuffalo.ab.ca/areyouready.

Fort McMurray classrooms are slated to get a funding boost from the province.

Education Minister Jeff Johnson is making the rounds this week, announcing new schools and major upgrades in five communities across Alberta, and a major announcement for Fort McMurray is pending this afternoon.

Infrastructure Minister Wayne Drysdale and local MLA Mike Allen will also be on hand for the project's unveil at MacDonald Island Park.

Allen says the announcement comes after the provincial budget was passed last week and will work to address unprecedented demands from the local student population, as many schools in the region are bursting at the seams.

A special service will take place tonight at The Family Christian Centre to honour pastor Shannon Wheaton.

Wheaton, along with his wife Trena and their two-year-old son Benjamin, died in a head-on collision on Highway 63 that resulted in seven casualties.

Shannon and Trena's other son, Timothy Wheaton, was one of two survivors of the collision. Timothy was three years old at the time of the crash.  

FCC will air a 20-minute video of the Wheatons for the first time. The footage was recorded a week before the accident.

The church gathered Shannon and Trena's testimonies after the couple suffered a few miscarriages.

The accident, one year ago yesterday, was marked last night by a candlelight vigil where 200 residents paid their respects to the families of victims of Highway 63 and 881 accidents.

The mass will take place at the regular 6:30 pm service time tonight. The FCC is located at 160 Dickins Drive. 

The RMWB is undertaking weed and pest control next month.

Treatments will take place May through September on sports fields, parks and greenspaces.

The spaces affected will be throughout Fort McMurray, Anzac, Saprae Creek, Conklin and Janvier.

Yellow signs with post-application information will be placed prior to the spraying.

For further information, call RMWB Parks at 780.799.5832.

Cease-and-desist orders are being handed out to individual Edmonton Remand Centre strikers today, solicitor general Thomas Lukaszuk confirmed.

After a number of correctional facilities in the province had workers walking off the job Friday, guards at correctional centres across Alberta were ordered back to work yesterday after the province's labour relations board ruled their strikes illegal.

The province brought the injunction before the Alberta Labour Relations Board yesterday, but guards at the centre denounced the ruling and stayed off the job.

Guards may not got back to work at until the government is willing to sit down and discuss some of the occupational health and safety concerns.

At least eight of the nine correctional facilities in Alberta are following suit. Lukaszuk has not heard from Medicine Hat.

The strike began at Edmonton's remand centre, where a correctional worker complaining about safety issues was suspended.

Seventy workers who arrived for their Friday afternoon shift refused to go inside.

Police, RCMP and correctional supervisors have filled the posts in the meantime.

When it comes to scooping poop, keep it out of the trash.

With snow melting and spring cleaning underway, the RMWB is reminding residents that animal waste is not permitted in curbside collection bins.

The waste can be personally brought to the Fort McMurray Regional landfill, or managed naturally with the purchase of a backyard composting unit.

Shopping fanatics rejoice.

The Fort McMurray Tourism Spring Trade Show is in its final day today, showcasing the wares of more than 100 exhibitors at MacDonald Island Park.

Doors are open today from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

With entry you could win a number prizes sponsored in partnership with Mix 103.7, including a cash prize of more than $10,000 and a two day golf getaway in Vernon B.C.

Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and youth, and $20 for a family pass. 

Fort McMurray is marking a sombre anniversary.

At sunset on Saturday, more than 200 people lit a candle in memory of victims of Highway 63 and 881.

The vigil marked one year since a fiery head-on collision near Wandering River claimed seven lives.

Among the dead were 11-year-old Faith Kondusky-Sennett and her father Daniel Sennett; 24-year-old John Schroeder; Fort McMurray pastor Shannon Wheaton, his wife Trena Wheaton and their two -year old son Benjamin; and their friend Courtney Penney, who was six months pregnant at the time.

Only the three-year-old son of Shannon and Trena, Timothy Wheaton, as well as Courtney's husband, Mark Penney, survived.

Mark's father, Howard Penney, says the twinning of Highway 63, which the province has committed to completing by 2016, should have been finished by now.

“It’s OK what they’re doing, I mean it should have been done ten to twelve years ago with the amount of money that was brought out of Fort McMurray, but unfortunately it wasn't. It seems like last year, with this accident, it’s going to put things more in motion than what it was to get this highway twinned, which is a good thing.”

The crash prompted unprecedented outrage and grief from the community, and in light of increasing political pressure, the province committed to twinning Highway 63 by 2016.

There are no such plans for Highway 881.

Fatal New Year’s Eve Crash

Annie Lelievre spoke at the vigil last night.

Annie lost her son, Jason Lebedynski, in an accident on New Year's Eve in 2011.

Lebedynski, a student and ski instructor, was on his way to meet up with his girlfriend to ring in 2012.

While driving down Highway 63, his truck was struck head-on by another vehicle, pushing the truck into oncoming traffic.

Annie says the constant reminders of her son make day-to-day life difficult.

“Every day that he’s gone, it’s more painful. The heart doesn't heal. There’s always that part that will always be missing him. He’s never been gone away from home, this is over a year, and it’s overwhelming. Every minute, every season, now we’re going into Spring, and his birthday is coming up in July, and the memorial ride. It’s one thing after another.”

An outpouring of community support

MC for the vigil, Sonia Burke-Smith, also helped organize the event.

“It was important for me to let them see that they were not by themselves,” says Burke-Smith. “I think grief is isolating. We tend to shut our doors and suffer our silence, and it’s important to not walk that journey by yourself.” 

Burke-Smith lost her 14-year-old nephew Micheal Hebb in an accident back in February.

Micheal was travelling with his grandfather, Peter Hebb, on Highway 63 when their vehicle collided with two oncoming tractor trailer units.

Peter was also pronounced dead on-scene.

Burke-Smith says while preparing for the vigil, she was stunned at the amount of victim names that residents brought forward.

“Today when I was putting together the board with a list of names, I left for 17 years, I've been in the Fort McMurray area since 1977, and I was just shocked actually at how many names I knew. What appalled and astonished me, was the fact that I found 11 more today that were not in the media, were not accessible, that we did not know about.”

The vigil included speeches from family, rescuers, and first responders, an Aboriginal healing song, a balloon release, a moment of silence, and finished with a human 63 candlelight formation at dusk.

Albertan's are refusing to blame the so called bitumen bubble for the provinces financial woes.

A new poll by Leger Marketing found that only a fifth of Alberta voters believed pipeline constraints and oil price differentials are to blame for the governments $6 billion deficit.

65 per cent of respondents say the bubble was not the main contributor to the dismal budget. 16 per cent were unsure.

Premier Alison Redford coined the term "bitumen bubble" during a televised speech in January.

The discounted price for Alberta's crude was believed to cause the deficit, which led to drastic budget cuts across the province. 

Another portion of the poll looked at government spending. 

13 per cent of respondents believe the government is managing the province's finances wisely. 74 per cent said it was not.

Over half of the respondents did agree, though, that taking on long-term debt for infrastructure projects should be allowed, with 58 per cent in agreement.

Just one-third of respondents thought a significant reduction of government spending on programs and services was best moving forward, while about half said no to spending cuts.

Over 1,000 Albertans were polled from April 9th to 12th.

Environmental monitoring could go on industry's tab.

Alberta is tabling a new law, Bill 21, which could force energy companies to pay for new monitoring programs and enact fee obligations on oil sands companies.

Without the law, there is nothing in legislation to ensure oil companies are responsible for paying the fees. 

The law, applying to future observations, follows a federal-provincial joint monitoring program that revealed its data findings last week.

Industry has agreed to pay up to $50 million a year to cover the costs of the program.

Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development Minister Diana McQueen says industry requested the changes be put in legislation to ensure that all oil companies pay the same rate.

Alberta hopes to improve environmental monitoring in other parts of the province, not just the oil sands, and therefore the law allows for several new monitoring efforts.

Different levels of government have previously sparred over who should be responsible for the observations, as the oilsands environment track record comes under heavy scrutiny due to pipeline projects seeking new markets. 

The Fort McMurray Public Library must in the province's good books.

The Library was among seven to receive a $25,000 grant from the PC government.

The allocation will help offset operational costs, such as staffing, technology, and courier distribution, as resource sharing expands across the province.

The province is also looking to further embed their resource sharing model, a network which provides access to over 40 million print and digital resources at 316 library access points across the province.

The field house at MacDonald Island Park is transformed into a shopping fanatics delight all weekend long.

The Fort McMurray Tourism Spring Trade Show is in its second day, showcasing the wares of more than 100 exhibitors.

Doors are open today from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm and tomorrow from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

With entry you could win a number prizes sponsored in partnership with Mix 103.7, including a cash prize of more than $10,000, and a two day golf getaway in Vernon B.C.

Admission is $7 for adults, $10 for a weekend pass, $5 for seniors and youth, and $20 for a family pass. 

Was Greenpeace behind the charges for the Rainbow pipeline spill?

An advance copy of their Rainbow Spill report was delivered to the ministry of energy in the 24 hours leading up to the government's decision to charge Plains Midstream Canada.

Greenpeace Climate and Energy Coordinator Keith Stewart says he wonders if today's charges would have been enacted had Greenpeace not intervened.

The Alberta government has laid three charges against the oil company under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act, including releasing a substance into the environment that may cause significant adverse effect; failing to take all reasonable measures to repair, remedy and confine the effects of the substance; and failing to take all reasonable measures to remediate, manage, remove or otherwise dispose of the substance. 

Stewart adds that in the two years since the Rainbow spill, Greenpeace had enough time to file information requests collect documents, and write a report, yet charges are only being laid now.

The maximum penalty per violation is $500,000 per count, Issues Manager with Environment and Sustainable Resource Development Nikki Booth told Mix News.

Documents obtained by Greenpeace state that Plains Midstream restarted the faulty pipeline three times over an eight hour period despite an alarm indicating a leak.

Greenpeace says ERCB investigators recommended a public inquiry be held into the spill, but the proposal was rejected by the their Chief Operating Officer at the time, a former top lobbyist for the pipeline industry.

On April 29 2011, 28,000 barrels of crude oil spilled from Plains Midstream Canada's Rainbow Pipeline, 100 kilometres northeast of Peace River.

The spill was the largest in Alberta since 1975 when the Bow Valley line leaked 40,000 barrels of oil. 

The release, initially schedule to be released Monday, is now available at  http://www.greenpeace.org/canada/en/campaigns/Energy/tarsands/Resources/Reports/The-Rainbow-Spill-A-Case-of-Crime-and-No-Punishment/. 

Show your support for those facing a cancer diagnosis.

Today is Daffodil Day, which encourages the community to wear a daffodil pin to support those battling cancer.

The event is apart of the month long campaign to raise money for research and cancer diagnosis care through flower and pin sales.

Donations raised will also support prevention initiatives and advocate for healthy public policy.

For more information visit www.fightback.ca. 

Dangers of uncontrolled fires are rampant this time of year, and a program is launching to prevent blazes before they start.

Regional Emergency Services, along with ESRD, are kicking off the annual hazard reduction burn program.

The initiative will prepare controlled sites to burn materials easily ignited by cigarettes or off-highway vehicles.

With the last bit of snow melting away, the program removes leaves and dry grass that appear in Spring.

The hazard reduction will start on Monday April 29.

RES is reminding residents not to call 911 when they see controlled fires in progress.

For more information on the program, visit www.woodbuffalo.ab.ca/fireprevention or call the Fire Prevention Branch at 780.792.5519.

Staff at two of the seven correction facilities that are striking have been ordered back to work by the province's labour board.

The union representing jail guards says Edmonton Remand Centre and a facility in Fort Saskatchewan have been ordered to resume their post after the strike was deemed illegal. 

Bill Dechant, spokesperson for the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees, says the ruling applies to guards at the Edmonton Remand Centre and a facility in Fort Saskatchewan.

 
The Alberta government brought the injunction before the board after  the facilities were placed on lockdown mode due to a walk-out by guards at those facilities.

The strike began at the Edmonton Remand Centre, where a correctional worker complaining about safety issues was suspended.

Seventy workers who arrived for their Friday afternoon shift refused to go inside, resulting in the facility going into lockdown, restricting prisoners to their cells.

The province's justice minister, Jonathon Denis, spoke before the labour ruling, saying remand centre workers who have walked off the job are engaging in an illegal job action.

Denis filed an injunction to force correctional staff to get back to work.

A spokesman for Denis confirmed earlier today that the motion has spread to six other correctional facilities including Peace River correctional centre, the Lethbridge correctional centre, the Fort Saskatchewan centre, the Calgary correctional centre, the Calgary remand centre and the Edmonton Young Offenders Centre.

Police, RCMP and correctional supervisors have taken the spots of striking staff. 

Guards have previously brought facility concerns to light, which the union can't address for safety reasons, at Edmonton's new remand centre which opened earlier this month.

The expansion at MacDonald Island Park is coming to life.

After breaking ground on September 15th, a lot of the detail work on the new Shell Place facility has completed.

Chief Operating Officer Tim Reid says as the first piece of steel was being placed today, he was thinking about what the project will bring to the community.

“It’s a July day and you’re sitting there watching a football game, or a soccer game, or a baseball game, and you’re in a proper stand, it’s a warm weather day, the sun is out, and just how fantastic an experience that will be. You can start to think about the experience and not just the facility. It’s not necessarily about what the bricks and mortars will be, it’s actually about sitting in a seat, and watching a football game, and having a hot dog with your significant other or your kid. That’s something really special.”

Reid says it is exciting to see the facility finally taking shape.

“The great thing about where we are in the process of construction is construction tends to go very slow at the beginning, and then go very fast, and then go very slow again. The nice thing is, the really important part, but quite frankly, the really slow part of construction, we did all winter. And now that it is summer and the public can actually engage with the facility, and walk to the island, and be outside a little bit, I mean that field house will be completed by the end of May. It won’t just be one lonely piece of steel out there, it will actually have a few friends around it.”

Once completed the $127 million project will have a badminton centre, a field house and an outdoor performance venue.

“Now, as an operator, we get to have the fun part of trying to determine what we put in that facility. We start talking about ticket sales, and concert events, and football games, and soccer games, the things that really inspire our team here at the island to do great things,” says Reid.

“We’re out of the design, and we’re into construction, but more importantly for us, as MacDonald Island Park, we’re into dreaming about what it is actually going to be in 2015.”

The facility is on time and on budget, with operations set to begin in late 2014 or early 2015. 

Wood Buffalo says more government support is needed to cope with the infrastructure and population pressures associated with oil sands expansion.

The RMWB took to the witness stand this morning during the Energy Resources Conservation Board regulatory hearings for the proposed Dover Project.

Executive Director of Government Relations for the RMWB, Michael Evans, says the municipality wants collaboration with both government and industry when it comes to new projects.

"The benefit that is generated from the oilsands extends from coast-to-coast, but a lot of the burden is born locally here in Wood Buffalo. Without adequate support from other levels of government, too often the planning exercises happen independently, and certainly from a funding perspective, the federal government has been almost completely absent from what s happening up here. Their investment has been maybe one-tenth the investment that the province has made over the past ten years."

Engagement with the province is crucial, says Evans.


"It is important because this is a quasi-judicial board that makes recommendations to government, not just on whether to approve a different project, but what other conditions are necessary for that project to go forward. It s really important for us to engage the ERCB to make sure that they understand the issues up here, because they re another voice, and can make direct recommendations to government on how to manage development up here more effectively."

Evans says the natural resources are sustainable for the foreseeable future, but the municipality needs to be prepared.

"The oil industry in this community certainly provides the foundation on which further diversification would be possible, but it s also important to recognize that liquid fuels are not going anywhere anytime soon but the other thing that happens is as we grow this community to able to be the host to the oilsands, to 200,000 residents, there is also a chance for Fort McMurray to become a regional hub."

During the opening statements, the RMWB says some of the biggest challenges are a lack of land release and overburdened transportation infrastructure.

The hearings were prompted by objections by the Fort McKay First Nation, who say the project infringes on their traditional land and nearby lakes.

Time is money, and local volunteer agencies are feeling rich this morning.

Last night's Annual Timeraiser Auction by Volunteer Wood Buffalo raised more than 5,600 volunteer hours, allowing bidders to commit time instead of cash.

Participant Lanette Lundquist explains why she decided to bid on the more than $18,000 worth of art up for grabs last night.

"For me there are two reasons. One is to support the amazing local talent that we have here in Fort McMurray and the other reason is to be able to give back to the community through volunteer hours, there s so many great organizations in our community. It s a great way to get out and show our support for them."

Spokesperson with Canadian Mental Health Association Gabriela Galeana says it's a great chance to network with unfamiliar faces.

"Well it is such an important event, not only for us, but for all of the non-profits in the community. We have lots of volunteer opportunities at Canadian Mental Health, we’re always looking for helping hands to help make our organization possible. Being here is just a great opportunity, because we get to meet new people and potential volunteers to come help us."

The total far surpasses the 3,000 volunteer hours raised last year.

Alberta continues to lead all provinces in economic growth.

For the second year in a row, the province posted the largest gains.

According to Statistics Canada, Alberta's GDP expanded by 3.9 per cent in 2012, compared with 1.8 per cent nationwide.

Output in the oil and gas industry increased by 6.1 per cent, manufacturing increased by 5.3 per cent and construction output rose 7.7 per cent.

In 2011, Alberta's economy expanded by 5.3 per cent, dwarfing a 2.6 per cent rate for Canada during the same time frame.

It appears Fort McMurray is getting a new school.

Education Minister Jeff Johnson will touch down in the city on Monday to make the announcement.

Infrastructure Minister Wayne Drysdale and local MLA Mike Allen will also be on hand for the project's unveil at MacDonald Island Park.

"Fort McMurray’s undergoing a significantly higher growth rate than any community in the province,” says Allen.

“As we’re growing, the demands on infrastructure get more significant. We need a lot of infrastructure, we need additional schools to prepare for the growth."

Major upgrades to existing schools will also be included in the provincial plan.

The new school is among five across the province slated to be announced over the coming week.

"We’re trying to look ahead to the future and be ready for it, so we have schools there when the kids are ready to attend them," says Allen.

"We’re always constrained by budgetary constraints of course, and our 2013 budget just passed yesterday afternoon, and that’s why this announcement is coming right after the budget has been passed in the province.  

The province plans to invest $503 million over the next three years, constructing 50 new schools and modernizing 70 more. 

Out with snow removal, in with street sweeping!

With warmer temperatures in the region, crews are out sweeping and washing medians on local streets.

Motorists are advised of work along Franklin Avenue, Thickwood Boulevard, Confederation Way, Prairie Loop Boulevard, Abasand Drive and Gregoire Drive, and to keep an eye out for slow-moving maintenance equipment. 

Primary and secondary route sweeping begins April 29 in the following order:

• Downtown
• Waterways
• Abasand / Grayling
• Thickwood
• Wood Buffalo
• Dickinsfield
• Timberlea
• Prairie Creek
• Beacon Hill
• MacKenzie Industrial Park
• TaigaNova Eco-Industrial Park

A toxic spill at a Suncor site near Fort McMurray will not be under a federal investigation.

According to the Canadian Press, Environment Canada has ruled out further investigations into the spill that leaked processed-affected water into the Athabasca River.

A review of the incident found insufficient evidence indicating a violation of the Fisheries Act.

An earlier ESRD investigation found undiluted samples from the spill killed rainbow fish and above average levels of salts and ammonia.

Suncor spokeswoman Sneh Seetal says tests conducted by a third party on diluted water samples did not kill fish, and the release into the river was within regulated approvals.

On March 25th, a wastewater pipe at the plant froze and burst open sending the processed water into an outfall pond with treated water for several hours.

An oil company is facing charges in one of the largest pipelines spills in Alberta's history.

On April 29 2011, 28,000 barrels of crude oil spilled from Plains Midstream Canada's Rainbow Pipeline, 100 kilometres northeast of Peace River.

The Alberta government has laid three charges against the oil company under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act, including releasing a substance into the environment that may cause significant adverse effect; failing to take all reasonable measures to repair, remedy and confine the effects of the substance; and failing to take all reasonable measures to remediate, manage, remove or otherwise dispose of the substance.

"It is before the court. The maximum penalty per violation is $500,000 per count, and the company is facing three charges in this case, but we also do creative sentencing. However because this matter is before the court, there’s not a lot of detail I can go into with that," says Issues Manager with Environment and Sustainable Resource Development Nikki Booth.

Plains Midstream Canada says within three months of the release, all recoverable free oil was removed from the site.

“Albertans and Canadians have a high expectation of the province be stringent when it comes to environmental protection. When individuals or companies fail to comply with our legislation, we do have a range of options depending on the events, including prosecution, to ensure compliance with our environmental regulations. We are following through with that," says Booth. 

The spill was the largest in Alberta since 1975 when the Bow Valley line leaked 40,000 barrels of oil.

Emergency crews continue to keep watch for signs of river break.

A flight observation on Wednesday revealed new signs of thaw along the region's two most formidable rivers.

According to Alberta Environment, open sections continue to form near on the Athabasca, stretching from Boiler Rapids, past the Fort McMurray bridge to Stony Island.

Open patches are now visible along the Banks downstream of the Clearwater.

Ice cover on the Clearwater remains largely intact but open leads are visible near the Christina River.

Break-up was initially expected between April 13th and the 25th.

For more information on river break, visit http://www.woodbuffalo.ab.ca/Municipal-Government/municipal_departments/Emergency-Services---Law-Enforcement/Emergency-Management/Preparing-for-an-Emergency/River-Break-Up.htm.

For the latest in advisories, visit http://environment.alberta.ca/forecasting/advisories/index.html.

A hundred dog owners and their canine companions donated thousands of dollars to help abandoned animals.

The Fort McMurray SPCA's annual Walk to Stop Animal Abuse raised over $15,000.

"Of course we’re very grateful," says Executive Director Tara Clark. "All the money raised will go into the Isabella Paws Fund, which is a fund that helps offset the costs associated with medical treatment for animals that have been severely abused and abandoned."

Clark says notable community figures took part in Sunday's walk.

"Oh, it was fantastic. We were very pleased with the turnout, there was lots of participants and their dogs joined us, as well as MLAs Mike Allen and Don Scott. Mayor Melissa Blake was on hand and made a speech, and actually walked one of our shelter residents. We had more than 100 people come out and about as many dogs as well."

The event helps raise awareness of a recent increase in animal abuse, says Clark. 

"It’s very important because unfortunately, these sorts of incidences are happening right here in our region, and it’s important for people to understand and be made aware of the resources available and the steps that need to be taken to ensure that all animals in this region are humanely treated."

The SPCA is planning on throwing the event again next year on the third Sunday in April.

For more information on The Walk to Stop Animal Abuse visit http://www.fortmcmurrayspca.ca/.

Labour groups are calling it proof that construction executives are pulling the strings when it comes to provincial policy for their sector.

The Alberta Federation of Labour is calling for an independent review of questionable lobby efforts uncovered in secret government correspondence.

A series of emails show a construction coalition lobbied the Premier by linking large political donations to political promises to alter Alberta's labour code.

"Albertans should be concerned about the methods used by the lobbyists, and the apparent willingness of top officials to give preferential treatment to groups that make significant political donations," Federation President Gil McGowan said in a statement.

The correspondence involves dozens of e-mails between ministers, premiers and lobbyists for the Construction Competitiveness Coalition.

Unregistered lobbyists were seeking a number of changes to the law, including legislation which would curb the legal activity of labour unions.

"If this is happening with one area of legislation, we have to wonder who's giving the marching orders when the province looks at legislation in other areas like consumer protection, environmental regulation, energy policy and safety standards," McGowan said.

The Fort McMurray Airport Authority is still seeking funding from the federal and provincial governments, financial backing which will sway the success of an ongoing terminal expansion.

After two years of negotiations, YMM is still seeking a combined $50 million from Ottawa and Alberta.

Airport Authority President and CEO Scott Clements says the demand for the new terminal is unprecedented but the red tape around financing remains.

"All three levels of government buying into a project like this, I knew it would take some time, no question about it, do we have a case, that's been acknowledged, absolutely we do, we now have to get the analysis for the project or done in an official way should start to happen fairly soon."

The PCs have yet to commit to paving the new access road off Highway 69, a project Clements says will need to be completed by October.

"Can you imagine the Premier standing at the opening next year with 100 yards of gravel to Highway 69? I can't, need I say more, I mean let's face it the province is undergoing a lot of pressures in terms budget items and we believe we have a strong case for all of Highway 69, never mind just the connection, " said Clements who spoke before the Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerce on Thursday.

Despite the lags in securing the required financing, the 258 million dollar New Terminal Project is on budget and on schedule for completion in Spring of 2014. 

The site will also feature a 4-star hotel, which is expected to open its doors in 2015.

And over the past 12 months, the airport welcomed more than 1 million jet setters, a record setting figure for foot-traffic at the terminal.

Overall,  travel at YMM is up 27 per cent so far this year.

The municipality is laying the contractual groundwork for a controversial bridge which will transform the downtown waterfront. 

The RMWB is issuing a request for proposal for the design and construction of the MacDonald Island Pedestrian Bridge.

The link is looking to make an architectural statement representing the RMWB's urban design goals, and provide access to not only foot traffic, but emergency and maintenance vehicles.

The structure will close motorized access to the Snye, causing outrage from motorized users who want the project to be halted until alternative waterfront access is provided along the Clearwater River.

Construction is set for completion by late 2014, with a budget of $30 to $40 million.

However, $77 million in debenture borrowing was recently approved for the second link to MacDonald Island.

A local band presented expert witnesses as regulatory hearings continue over the proposed Dover Project.

The Fort McKay First Nation prompted the ERCB hearings, saying that the project partners, Athabasca Oil Corp and PetroChina have failed to provide an adequate buffer zone between the facility and nearby lakes.

Communications Director for the Fort McKay, Dayle Hyde, says the 250,000 barrel-a-day oil sands development infringes on their traditional land and way of life.

“What Fort McKay's concern is, is that there are numerous projects surrounding the community of Fort McKay and getting closer and closer to our Moose Lake reserves. So we just think that the accumulative effects, all of the different emissions, all of the noise and light pollution that is occurring, should be taken into consideration as a whole.”

The First Nation has requested a 20-kilometre ‘no development buffer zone’ around their reserve, which operators say will leave over 1-billion barrels of bitumen sterilized.

“In our community we've been subject to pollution for a really long time, air emissions, unplanned events, they concern us very much. One thing that we think is a problem is that accumulative effects aren't generally taken into consideration when a company applies for a project.”

The proponents were looking to break ground on the five phase project this year which will now be delayed due to regulatory hearings. 

Wood Buffalo RCMP are investigating after an already bloody battle between two dogs, was made even more violent.

Shyrene Fisher says her mini-bull terrier got out the back door of her Timberlea home on Tuesday, and got into a fight with another dog.

She says onlookers successfully broke them up but she claims that a man flagged down his friend to drive by and then threw her dog under the passing truck.

"The dogs were fighting and a whole bunch of people were trying to separate them. explains Fisher. "This guy in a red truck had rick separated from the other dog and was holding him by the scruff of his neck and tail and he yelled at his friend that was in a black truck a little ways down the street to 'come on, come on, come on!' and he waved him up. When he drove up he threw the dog under his truck." 

Fisher says the alleged attack is incomprehensible.

"Like I can’t even comprehend who does that. We took responsibility and I feel terrible that my dog got in a fight with someone else’s dog, and we paid their vet bill, I mean that doesn’t change anything, but I mean, we just thought we should do that." says Fisher, who doesn't know if her dog will survive. "Like I say these two people that were involved in doing this to our dog didn’t have anything to do with the other dog."

Police confirmed they were called to the scene and are investigating but declined to provide further details at this time.

"Some people that are neighbours that we don’t know, never met them, came and were talking to us, and said that their hearts were just torn, they were sick, they were up all night, because they could see my face and the dog, and they saw everything that happened and that the whole neighbourhood was behind us and that gave me a, actually, sense of faith that there’s still good people here."

Both animals have undergone surgery.

Three people are facing charges after a routine speed trap by Wood Buffalo RCMP resulted in the recovery of a stolen vehicle.

Traffic Services officers pulled over a vehicle for travelling 36 kilometres over the speed limit on Highway 63 near the Athabasca Bridge, shortly after 1:00 am today.

Upon further investigation police determined the vehicle was stolen and the 20-year old  driver had alcohol in her system.

All three occupants in the vehicle were arrested and charged with possession of stolen property of $5,000, as well as Breach of Release Conditions.

The woman behind the wheel is facing charges for speeding and driving without a licence , as well as a provincial 72 hour driving suspension.

The suspects, including two young men, aged 19 and 24, remain in police custody this morning, awaiting court proceedings.

Fort McMurray's taxi drivers are abandoning the roads.

Sun Taxi Owner, Ron MacNeill says starting today at 6:00 am, roughly 90 per cent of the drivers launched a work-to-rule action which will last for 24 hours.

The sector is protesting new Vehicle For Hire bylaws, recently approved by the municipality.

All local companies are reportedly on board, with only a few cars in use for emergency cases.

"We'll have some cars parked downtown around city hall, and we want to cover emergency stuff, we're not going to shut down completely, because of the hospital trips and that kind of stuff, we don't want to see people get hurt, so there will be some cars on the road, but very few, roughly 90 per cent of divers will be taking part in the protest and all the cab companies met yesterday afternoon and that's how we've agreed that we'll handle it."

Union members and dozens of drivers opposed the bylaws in council chambers, arguing that the regulations are anti-business but the RMWB says the changes will improve customer service and safety for both residents and drivers.

"I look at the new bylaw as one step forward and three steps back, no community that i know of has thrown out its bylaw and started anew, and the industry has no input, it's one-sided so I don't see it as a bylaw it's dictated,'if you don't like it, leave town, '" said MacNeill.

The new regulations come into effect in October, multiplying the cost of licensing, charging non-resident drivers added fees and allowing the Chief taxi Inspector to legislate, at will.

RCMP and Bylaw officers remain on scene at City Hall to monitor the protest, which has dozens of vehicles lined up along Franklin Avenue.

Alberta workers continue to rake in some of the highest pay cheques in the country.

According to Statistics Canada, average weekly earnings for the month of February were the highest of any province, reaching $1,099.

Alberta earnings for non-farm payroll employees jumped by 4.4 per cent for the year, the largest gain in the country.

On a monthly basis, they were up 1.5 per cent.

The upward trend was led by growth in transportation and warehousing; public administration; and construction.

The municipality is optimistic a third downtown thoroughfare will alleviate traffic woes.

The RMWB hosted an open house last night, hosting discussion on the pending tendering and construction to Prairie Loop Boulevard.

Kashif Khan of the Engineering Department says the reaction from residents has been mixed; expropriations required to clear the proposed route were unwelcome, but motorists are eager for end to chronic bottlenecks in the downtown core.

'Right now, Franklin in peak hours is very congested, this will road provide an additional thoroughfare through the waterfront area, through the river, so we have now Highway 63, then we east to west to Franklin, and then east to west Prairie Loop Boulevard."

Jim Cowie is a resident of McLeod Street close to where they'll extend Fraser Avenue.

Cowie says the changes are going to make the neighbourhood more dangerous.

"We're already an already high density, high speed and high traffic area and they're going be funnelling more traffic through the area and tying it in to the Loop road, so we'll get traffic coming back the other way, it's going to add to the situation we've already got,  I don't think they have any intention of addressing any of our concerns, they're just telling us what they're going to do."

But resident Kevin Wills says the talks are preliminary and he's optimistic the conversations will remain open.

"I'm just curious to see where the road is going to tie into and how it's going to affect the downtown core, see if it's going to improve the traffic, its actually running right behind my house, and i want to see exactly where they're going to put the berm , where exactly the roads going to, and see if we can access our backyard, that's my biggest concern because right now we can't really get back there, I had a few questions answered but there's still some ongoing ones."

The municipality has released a preliminary schedule for construction and completion of the route;

Phase 1: Riedel St to 300 m west towards MacLeod

Construction Wood Buffalo Housing Authority Area: May 20, 2013- Completion Nov- 2013

Construction : Top Asphalt and Landscaping May 2014- Nov 2014

Phase 2: MacLeod St. to Hardin Street

Construction: July 2013-Nov 2014

Phase 3: Riedel St to Franklin Ave

Construction: July 2013-Nov 2014

Phase 4: Hardin St. to Morrison St

Construction Hardin to Main Only: August 2013-Nov 2014

Residents with concerns are encouraged to contact the Construction Hotline at 780-793-1054.

Wood Buffalo RCMP are looking to ensure local at-risk youth are provided every opportunity to suceed, by making an investment in the next generation of Wood Buffalo citizens.

Officers presented a $1,000 cheque to Stepping Stone Mobile Outreach program yesterday on behalf of the RCMP foundation.

The program, which works with Woods Homes, provides shelter and outreach resources to at-risk youth in Fort McMurray.

"The Wood Buffalo Detachment is proud to partner with the RCMP Foundation and with organizations such as Woods Homes and their programs including the Mobile Outreach. By working together we can make a difference in a young person’s life, the benefits of which are numerous and long-lasting," reads a statement released by local RCMP.

The money raised goes to support drug awareness, child safety, literacy, bullying, self help and victim services.

Non-profits displaced by downtown expropriation will get a break on their rental rates, for now.

In light of RMWB expropriation, a handful of agencies, tenants of the Franklin Avenue properties currently embroiled in provincially mediated negotiations, are facing a forced relocation.

As approved unanimously at council last night, the municipality will provide the affected non-profits a break on their rent, and offer them sub-leases within an RMWB held property in the downtown core.

However, Mayor Melissa Blake says the deal, the details of which were not disclosed, will eventually run out.

"If we're able to offer the space to a non-profit at a subsidized rate similar to what they had in their other location it actually offsets the cost of owning or operating that property in the duration that we have it, the only limiting factor is the lease term that exists, I don't think anything exceeded a three year time horizon, so you can very well see in the future that the organizations that we're helping right now may have difficulty transitioning in the future."

Girls Inc. was offered a long term lease by the RMWB, but in light of space constraints will only have six months in its new uptown location.

Executive Ann Dort-MacLean says securing a new location has been challenging.

“There’s two things, there’s finding available space and then there’s finding available space you can afford. There’s actually not a whole lot of space out there, and what there is, is very expensive for non-profits. It’s almost crippling.”

The YMCA Settlement Program, the Canadian Mental Health Association, McMann Housing and the Genealogy Society are among those ensnared in pending litigation, looking to clear the way for a downtown arena.

Council recently approved a motion to expropriate a number of downtown properties; a block stretching from the former Oil Can site to the A&W will be leveled to make way for a Sports complex project.

"I don't think it’s a surprise that we've been going through some massive development in the downtown and some of the displaced citizens that are included that are some the non-profit associations so that's where is it makes sense to us to offer an alternative, as opposed to turning those non-profits out without remedy, this is one that serves the community a whole lot better, as those organizations are very important in meeting the needs of our citizens," said Blake.

Dort-MacLean says the time line and costs remain unclear.

“Communications could have been a whole lot better, we were sort of left in limbo where we weren't really informed about what was going on when it was going on, and I guess that was partially because negotiations were happening at a different level. Originally we were told we had to be out at the end of 2012, so we’re glad to see that didn't happen, but it’s still sort of grey.”

Four developers are lined up for the controversial arena development which is expected to cost $100 million, but no detailed planning has been completed.

Residents will be asked to shoulder some of the financial burden of downtown redevelopment.

For 2015, $590 million in RMWB project remain unfunded, and time line for revitalization has already been extended by a decade due to budget constraints.

In the search for new revenue sources, Mayor Melissa Blake says the municipality is looking to boost user fees for all residential services, not only for water and waste, but also recreational and transit amenities.

"Included in the policy is also the distinction between public use vs. private use vs. other types of uses in terms of what the established pay rates should be, so if you, again are looking at something that's benefited by the entire public, you're going to have lower rates than something that's benefited by a specific user group," says Blake.

Blake says they need to start freeing up the required finances, sooner rather than later.

"The overarching financial policy that comes from user fees and charges is going to look at each of those independent charger platforms and consolidated into a single point. And the intention again, is to be able to go through timely reviews, so if we leave rates for a decade without an analysis, then when the end of the ten years comes, we are in big trouble in terms of how much of an increase it's going to take to offset the reflection of how much it costs to operate that facility." 

If the RMWB wants to remain within it's recently elevated debt limit, the time line for redevelopment must be extended from five to ten years, to ten to 20 years.

A local first nation is voicing their concerns over the proposed Dover project.

Regulatory hearings are underway surrounding the oil sands site, 95 kilometres Northwest of Fort McMurray.

The hearings with the Energy Resources Conservation Board were prompted by objections by the Fort McKay First Nations.

Communications Director Dayle Hyde says the community does not oppose the whole project, rather they are looking for a buffer around their reserve.

"We have a reserve near what we call Moose Lake, and the way that the application is presented, they would have development within two kilometres of the border of our reserve. We are asking for a 20-kilometre buffer zone of  no development around the borders of our reserve," says Hyde.

"In our opinion, it's what we require require to have a natural pristine environment to practice our culture and our traditions in."

The first nation fears the proposed project will also have significant impacts on wildlife population, including moose and caribou. 

Communications Director Dayle Hyde says the band's support has been overwhelming.   

"One thing that I saw that was really heartening was the fact that the room was full of Fort McKay community members, there weer many members that came out to show their support this afternoon. We were able to hear an opening statement by councillor Raymond Powder, and we're really happy with the way it presented Fort McKay's story." 

The 250,000 barrel per day project's approval process is being delayed by the hearings that continue tomorrow at MacDonald Island Park at 9 am.  

The latest in a string of Canadian politicians to head south on a Keystone XL campaign, Natural Resources Minister Joe Oliver is in Washington today.

Oliver spoke before policy leaders this morning, reaffirming Canada's commitment to the TransCanada proposal, and reinforcing the importance of supplying energy to the United States.

He says Keystone XL will enhance national security, create jobs and foster long-term economic prosperity for both of our countries.

Oliver also slammed former NASA climate scientist James Hansen's comments that developing oil sands would be game over for the climate.

He says Hansen should be ashamed, and that kind of "exaggerated rhetoric doesn't do any good." 

Oliver's visit follows multiple trips by Premier Alison Redford and Environment Minister Peter Kent to the U.S. capital to sway skeptics of the Keystone.

The trips have highlighted Canada's environmental effort, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions from each barrel of oil produced by 26 per cent.

This follows The Environment Protection Agency's statement Monday that said a state department analysis of the Keystone's impact was insufficient and requires more oil spill risk assessment and greenhouse gas emission research. 

The draw of Fort McMurray's oil sands continues to drain the east coast's workforce.

One small town in New Brunswick is facing such an exodus; they've began tracking those who've departed in search of work in the oil patch.

McAdam, a village of just over 1200 people, lost roughly 200 people between 2006 and 2011, and Mayor Frank Carroll says 100 of them were Fort McMurray bound.

"Many of those who have gone to Fort McMurray that have been able to improve themselves economically in being able to make good wages and to do well, and I think to help their families, has made a significant boost in their lives, and one cannot blame them for that. That gap of not having that wage earner here, not only participating in the community events, and perhaps using some of those dollars within the community, is noticeable."

Carroll says although some workers families may still live in the community, the migration is affecting their workforce.
 

"I don't think that's as noticeable on the wider scale in a positive way. I'm sure that those who are doing well and can come back home and have more in the pocket to do with or can improve their personal budgets and their economy in many many ways, but I don't think we notice that in a community sense as much as we do the vacancy."

While Alberta's unemployment rate is the lowest in the country, hovering around 4.5 per cent, New Brunswick has recorded the worst performance so far this year, with their unemployment rate sitting at more than 10 per cent.

Carbon pollution in the oil sands has no businesses in the Keystone XL Pipeline review.

That according to a statement from TransCanada which is reacting to a review from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The EPA called into question assertions that the TransCanada link would have a minimal impact on the growth of emissions from the oil sands, saying current reports on environmental impacts of the proposal are insufficient.

The operator says the EPA is over stepping its bounds by interfering in Canadian industry's carbon emissions policies.

Adding that the investigation ignores Canadian sovereignty and climate rules already in place to curb pollution in the oil patch.

The municipality is seeking feedback on a plan to remedy chronic traffic jams in the downtown core.

A $30 million project looks to  transform Prairie Loop into a four lane pedestrian friendly alternative to Franklin Avenue.

And the extension will eventually lead to the construction of a secondary provincial interchange with Highway 63.

Residents are invited to learn about the changes which alter traffic on streets including Reidel, McLeod, Hardin and Morrison.

The open house runs from until 7:30 p.m. tonight at the Merit Hotel on Franklin Avenue.

Are you ready to take part in a silent auction.. with a twist?

The second annual Wood Buffalo Timeraiser auction is taking place on Thursday.

"You buy a ticket to the event, you show up and it is going to be very nice with appetizers, a bar and beautiful art." explains Volunteer Wood Buffalo Executive Director, Erika Hornsey. "You walk around, look at the art and if you find something you like you pledge your time instead your money. So you pledge your time to local organizations and if you have got the highest big you get to walk away with that piece." 

Hornsey says this is a great event to inspire the community to volunteer.

"We are doing the leg work to get the co commitment out of these folks and then it is just passed on to the organizations in town. It takes a little bit of the pressure off the non-profit staff to recruit volunteer hours." says Hornsey. "We raised 3,000 hours last year and we hope to raise even more this year. I think this event is about inspiring new volunteers. That is the biggest legacy something like the Timeraiser leaves."

The highest bid will be walking away with the artwork and some volunteer hours.

"We have over 40 pieces this year and we were able to spend over $18,000. A lot of artists actually made pieces specifically for this event. The way it works is we put a call out to artists and they submit their works." explains Hornsey. "We have a selection committee and they picked from over 100 pieces and they picked the 40 that they really felt would raise the most hours for the community."

The event is taking place tomorrow at 7:00 p.m at MacDonald Island Community Art Gallery.

Tickets can be purchased for $25 at www.wbtimeraiser2013.eventbrite.ca.

Wood Buffalo RCMP are investing in local youth.

RCMP presented a $1,000 cheque to the Stepping Stone Mobile Outreach program on behalf of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Foundation. 

The program works with Woods Homes Society to provide shelter and resources to at-risk youth within our community.

The funds are raised through the Foundations management of the RCMP licensing program and retail and online stores. 

Drug awareness, child safety, literacy, bullying, self-help and victim services, internet safety, sports teams and events are some of the areas the donations are used for.

Alberta's physicians are preparing to vote on a tentative seven year deal.

The Alberta Medical Association have completed formalizing a legal agreement, which will go through the ratification process with doctors.

The deal is based on the Memorandum of Understanding that was reached on April 15th.

The agreement includes:

• Zero per cent increases from 2011-12 to 2013-14, a 2.5 per cent increase in each of 2014-15 and 2015-16, and a Cost of Living Adjustment in 2016-17 and 2017-18;
• A one-time lump-sum payment totaling $68 million, to address various financial challenges faced by physician practices;  
• Creation of a physician compensation committee to oversee compensation practices, including reviewing and adjusting relative payment rates, or fees;
• Commitment to an ongoing agreement that reflects the permanency of the relationship between Alberta Health and the AMA;
• Arbitration rights on prices for fees and specific benefits;
• Recognition of the AMA as the ongoing representative of physicians for compensation negotiations.
• Commitment for Alberta Health and the AMA to continue to work together on how primary care evolves in the future;
• Commitment by Alberta Health to consult with the AMA on a new electronic medical records strategy for physicians; and
• Commitment to consult together on other matters outside the agreement, including on opportunities to
  
• find efficiencies and savings within the health system.

Doctors will complete mail in ballots prior to the final vote count by the AMA on May 30th.

Non-profits displaced by downtown expropriation will get a break on their rental rates, for now.

In light of RMWB expropriation, a handful of agencies, tenants of the Franklin Avenue properties currently embroiled in provincially mediated negotiations, are facing a forced relocation.

As approved unanimously at council last night, the municipality will provide the affefcted non-profits a break on their rent, and offer them sub-leases within an RMWB held property in the downtown core.

However, Mayor Melissa Blake says the deal, the details of which were not disclosed, will eventually run out.

"If we're able to offer the space to a non-profit at a subsidized rate similar to what they had in their other location it actually offsets the cost of owning or operating that property in the duration that we have it, the only limiting factor is the lease term that exists, I don't think anything exceeded a three year time horizon, os you can very well see in the future that the organizations that we're helping right now may have difficulty transitioning in the future."

The YMCA Settlement Program, the Canadian Mental Health Association, McMann Housing and the Genealogy Society are among those ensnared in pending litigation, looking to clear the way for a downtown arena.

Council recently approved a motion to expropriate a number of downtown properties; a block stretching from the former Oil Can site to the A&W will be levelled to make way for a Sports complex project.

"I don't think its a surprise that we've been going through some massive development in the downtown and some of the displaced citizens that are included that are some the non-profit associations so that's where is it makes sense to us to offer an alternative, as opposed to turning those non-profits out without remedy, this is one that serves the community a whole lot better, as those organizations are very important in meeting the needs of our citizens," said Blake.

Four developers are lined up for the controversial arena development which is expected to cost $100 million, but no detailed planning has been completed.

A Fort McMurray woman is laughing all the way to the bank.

Joan White won $100,000 on a Super Monopoly Scratch 'n Win.

"It was amazing the way it happened because I am an avid scratcher. I have been scratching for, well I don't want to say because it will give away my age, but needless to say for quite a few years." says White, who can hardly believe she has finally won. "It has finally paid off."

The $5 ticket had revealed both Park Place and Boardwalk to win the game’s top prize.

"This win means lots of freedom and it puts a different perspective on things, but we will keep it for safe keepings for now." explains White. "I am sure as time goes on it will be put to good use." 

White purchased the winning ticket at Mac's Convenience Store on Real Martin Drive but got distracted from her game.

"I bought it on April fools day. I got four and I scratched three of them the next day. I was in a rush and I just scratched the barcode on the $100,000 winner, but at the time I didn't know at the time that it was." says White. "I went to the drug store and scanned it. I saw a one and a couple of zeros and I thought it was a $1,000 and I thought yay me and I thought a good party. When I scanned it again I saw it was $100,000.

After recovering from the initial excitement, White plans to save her winnings for retirement and maybe take a trip for two.

Council is putting their concerns over a provincial tax hike in writing.

Mayor Melissa Blake and Wood Buffalo council are penning a letter to Premier Alison Redford which outlines  the municipality's concerns with the elimination of the education tax cap.

The formula change, made in tandem with the tabling of the March 7th budget, will increase property taxes by 47 percent in the region.

Mayor Melissa Blake says the average tax payer will pay over 400 dollars more per year for the next two years.

"We need our public to know very distinctly that's not a municipal request, it's one that's coming from the province of Alberta, we got immediate feedback from our residents about how dissatisfied they we're to learn of this consequence, so our concerns is that we did not receive alot of notice about this, we think the removal of the cap, whether justified or not required further consultation and understanding before it was implemented."

Blake states in the letter that the change is not meeting our regions taxpayers needs, who are carrying the largest education tax in the province due to higher real estate prices.

Mayor Blake says despite the municipality keeping local tax rates status quo, they have no say in these changes. 

"I would suggest that although I've been here for the whole duration of that requisition cap, I would have never would have been thinking about it being in place, I know we've had struggles as a municipality with escalating housing assessment values so those years that in was in existence it seemed like a positive natural fit for us, so when it was eliminated, we forgot we had it in the first place, which sure stings now."

The phase increase is expected over the next three to four years, with an increase in education taxes by up to 96 per cent over the next two years.

Although council argues the levees unfairly burdens the local tax base, the province has said that municipalities such as Wood Buffalo were being unfairly subsidized by the cap, and eliminating it puts regional governments across the province on equal financial footing.

Both MLAs Don Scott and Mike Allen say they lobbied against the changes, but were only able to extend the time line for implementation.

Budget constraints will force the municipality to extend the timeline for-long awaited downtown redevelopment.

A financial Strategy approved unanimously in council chambers tonight points to the financial burden of an infrastructure overhaul and the expropriations required to alter the city's landscape.

For 2015, $590 million in RMWB project remain unfunded, and that's not including the cost of establishing a new recreation corporation for the region.

The document says, if the RMWB wants to remain within it's recently elevated debt limit, the timeline for redevelopment must be extended from 5 to 10 years to 10 to 20 years.

Despite fiscal turbulence on a provincial level, Wood Buffalo council continues to ratchet up spending.

"The amended operating budget revenue for 2013 is $676,535,568, which represents a 12.2% increase from the 2012 approve budget and a $16,872,861 increase from the 2013 Operating Budget approved by Council on December 11th, 2012."

An increase in user fees for residents for all municipal services, including water and recreational services, will be considered upon the completion of a regional study.

A transition to a Municipal Corporate Utility and Alternative Financing arrangement with private corporations are expected to ease the financial strain.

The region's consolidated surplus shrank from approximately $406 million in 2011 to roughly $326 million in 2012.

Helping to build the foundations for sport in our community, is earning a local businessman a nod from the Wood Buffalo Sports Hall Fame.

John Wilson has been selected as the third inductee for the Class of 2013.

"He was a member the Alberta Junior Hockey Leagues Fort McMurray Oil Barons and he was on the Board of Directors for that." explains Hall of Fame Board Member, Curtis J. Phillips. "In later years, he was also the co-chair of the Arctic Winter Games that were held here in 2004 and he was also Chair in the Syncrude Sport and Wellness Centre campaign to build the amazing facility down at Keyano College. He has always had his hand in the community." 

Wilson's contributions have served a variety of Winter sports, including the expansion of the Vista Ridge Ski Hill.

"I have heroes that I look up to and usually my own heroes are local people." says Phillips, who says it is more than money donated, it is the time donated to the community. "John Wilson is one of those heroes. He digs deep into his pocket to help local organizations but he also gives up his time which is more valuable sometimes than money."

Wilson will join Professional Skating coach Benjamin Sauve, and judo champion Laurie Wiltshire at the 7th  annual Induction Dinner on June 13.

Tickets are still available at the Keyano Theatre box office.

The average Canadian family is spending more on taxes than on food, clothing, and shelter combined.

That according to a new report from the Fraser Institute which says the outlook for consumers is bleak.

Although rates have climbed by more than 1900 per cent since the early sixties, the tax man will only become more hungry and federal and provincial governments fall deeper into the red.

According to the Canadian Consumer Tax Index, the average family spent 43 per cent of their income on taxation.

But only 37 per cent was spent on household necessities like meals and rent.

An increasing number of families are struggling to put food on the table.

But a pair of local grocery stores are stepping in to assist in stocking the shelves at the Wood Buffalo Food Bank.

Real Canadian Superstore and Extra Foods taking part in the Extra Helping Food Drive, from this Friday through to May 9th.

The locations will be collecting cash donations, providing bins for non-perishable items, and marking their most donation-friendly food products to encourage consumers to give.

Every month more than 50-thousand Alberta residents  44 per cent of them children  turn to a food bank for assistance. 

For more information on how to donate visit www.woodbuffalofoodbank.com. receiving

Alberta shoppers are putting the province on top for retail sales.

According to Statistics Canada, the province recorded the best retail sales growth in Canada during the month of February, reaching close to $6 billion.

Provincial sales were up 7.4 per cent from a year ago.

And spiked by 2.2 per cent on a month-to-month basis, posting the largest gain in dollar terms.

Nationally, retail sales rose 0.8 per cent in February climbing to $39.5 billion, representing a second consecutive monthly gain. 

For the year, sales up 1.5 per cent, nationwide.

The largest gains came from a 2.8 per jump at general merchandise stores, followed by a 1.9 per cent rise in sales at gas stations, prompted by a spike in prices at the pumps.

According to a local band, their traditional lands will be sullied by industry contamination, if a proposed oil sands project is given the green light.

The Fort McKay First Nation is opposing the Dover Project, which is slated for development 95 kilometres northwest of Fort McMurray.

Communications Director for the Fort McKay First Nation Dayle Hyde, says community witnesses and officials will present evidence during regulatory hearings with the Energy Resources Conservation Board, which get underway today at MacDonald Island Park.

"The Fort MCKay Community is prepared to go the ERCB hearings to oppose a portion of the Dover project, the portion which is closest to our reserve near Moose Lake, about 60 kilometres north of our reserve."

Hyde says the mine, set for operation in their proverbial backyard will undermine the health of their community.

The band is concerned the project proponents have failed to create an appropriate buffer between the project and nearby lakes, and argue that government agencies have failed to recognize the first nation's stake in the tract of land.

Project partners, Athabasca Oil Corp and PetroChina were looking to break ground on the five stage SAG-D site in 2013, but the objections tabled by Fort McKay will delay the project time line by at least a year.

The project will be constructed over five phases, eventually producing 250,000 barrels per day.

American regulators are calling for further review of the much-delayed Keystone XL Pipeline.

The Environmental Protection Agency has tabled a report, saying current reviews on environmental impacts of the proposal are 'insufficient'.

The letter calls into question assertions that the TransCanada link would have a minimal impact on the growth of emissions from the oil sands, undercutting a State Department review, released in March.

The environmental agency also called for more review surrounding pipeline safety and alternative routes through ecologically sensitive regions of Nebraska.

The operator is expecting a Presidential ruling on the Alberta to Texas line this Summer.

If approved, the controversial link would transport bitumen over 3,200 kilometres to refineries on the Gulf Coast.

A recent cold snap could mean river break-up is more lamb than lion.

Taking annual averages, snowfall and Winter temperatures into account, Alberta Environment forecasted river break for April 19th give or take approximately 6 days, but ice cover on the Athabasca and Clearwater River remains largely in tact.

Assistance Deputy Chief of Operations with Regional Emergency Services with the RMWB, Dana Allen adds the break up date is unpredictable. 

If the ice melts slowly, a thermal break can occur, meaning the heavy sheets of ice melt in place, rather than fracturing which causes a rush of water and heightens the risk of flooding.

"Because our precipitation in the Fall and late Summer was normal to a little bit low, the ground wasn't saturated, so it needs that moisture right now, so as it warms up it kind of melts in and then freezes over, and it kind of helps us because when the snow pack melts it raises the water levels and that's when you get the ice break-up."

Allen adds the Clearwater and Athabasca will start shifting more as the temperatures rise this week.

"The rivers are lower than normal so the ice is just kind of sitting there, waiting, which is a good thing because in parts of the Athabasca its now clearing channels on the rapids where the water is more active than in other parts and there are clear channels, so the ice is kind of melting there in place, which is good, we would rather not have an ice run if we didn't have to," said Allen.

Allen reminds residents to be prepared for river break up by having a 72 hour emergency kit and up to date home insurance.

For more information visit woodbuffalo.ab.ca/areyouready

Fort McMurray residents stepping up to bail a group of prisoners out of jail for a good cause.

Westwood High School's annual Project Kenya Jail and Bail event raised thousands of dollars for a Better World Charity on Friday.

"We did really well considering there wasn't too many people involved, but we just called around as much as we could and you guys with the radio helped." says Leader of Project Kenya, Sheldon Betts. "The totals are still coming in but it is going to be somewhere around $6,000 to $7,000." 

Betts says the community showed incredible support for the staff, parents and students that took part.

"I was the staff person who was helping out and there was one parent as well." says Betts. "There was anywhere from four to nine students helping out calling as many people that they could think of." 

All the funds raised will help educate children in Kenya.

"We want to give a big thanks to the community. There were several people who popped in who specifically said I don't know anyone who is getting bailed out but I heard about you on the radio." says Betts. "Fort McMurray is an awesome town and we are really great for that. We hope to do even better next year." 

Project Kenya is looking to have a car wash in the school's parking lot is there next big event coming up in May.

For more information on Project Kenya contact Westwood High School at 780-791-1986 or visit them at 221 Tundra Drive.

Business is back to normal for one Alberta energy regulator.

The Energy Resources Conservation Board has completed testing and their systems are being restored after a system outage on April 4th.

Electronic submissions can now be accepted by the ERCB and updated entry deadlines will be released on the www.ercb.ca this week.

During a routine hardware upgrade on April 2nd, staff discovered production servers were unavailable.

Further servers developed problems during the repairs and the systems were shut down for over two weeks.

A third party review will be conducted to identify the cause of the outage, which is expected to cost the company over 170,000.

The community is preparing to remember all those whose lives were claimed by tragedy Highways 63 and 881.

A candlelight vigil will be hosted Saturday night, outside the Jubilee Centre on Franklin Avenue.

The event coincides with the one year anniversary of a crash near Wandering River that left two families devastated, killing seven, including a two year old boy, a teenaged girl, and a woman seven months pregnant.

"I think it's bittersweet. I don't even think that's proper. I don't think you can call it bittersweet." explains a passing motorists at the crash, Dion Lefebvre ."I don't think here is any sweetness involved in the tragedy there but just the action and to reduce the fear that the highway has created with action. That is definitely positive."  

Lefebvre pulled Faith Kondusky from the flaming wreckage, the 11-year old succumbed her inquiries hours later.

He says it was that immeasurable tragedy that finally prompted provincial improvements along the deadly route.

"Fear has a tendency of crippling us, where it victimizes us or makes us dependent on something else. We have a lot of power within ourselves, a lot of power to make differences in other peoples lives." explains Lefebvre. "I mean the ripple effect is there. I think that is the biggest thing and the biggest message is to just get involved. If you can make a difference, make a difference. Don't let fear cripple you." 

Starting at 7:00pm On April 27th, the crowd will gather for speeches from family, rescuers and first responders, including a moment of silence.

Alberta seniors, looking to save for their golden years, are getting a little help from the province.

Through the Seniors Property Tax Deferral Program, homeowners can defer all or part of their residential property taxes through a low-interest home equity loan with the Alberta government.

The loans are repaid when the home is sold, or sooner if the senior chooses.

The program will free up an average of $2,000 a year for senior homeowners.

Over the next three years, it's expected to provide over $50 million for more than 23,000 senior households.

The province says the savings provided to seniors will allow them to better save for their retirement and enable them to stay in their homes longer.

To be eligible, homeowners must be 65 years or older, and have a minimum 25 per cent equity in their home.

Visit http://www.health.alberta.ca/seniors/property-tax-deferral.html for more details. 

After a six year legal battle, Alberta is losing out on an estimated $120-million in taxes.

The province was fighting nearly a dozen companies for reaping the benefits of a tax loophole, which allowed them to shift out billions of dollars in earnings to offshore firms, where they were clear of provincial taxation.

Two of the firms, Canada Safeway and Husky Energy convinced the courts that their financing schemes were legitimate way to enjoy lower rates.

An appeal by the province has been denied by the Supreme Court, meaning the government will have to forgo any plans on collecting their share of the billions earned by the local operators.

Research on the environmental impacts of expansion in Fort McMurray's oil patch is now at your fingertips.

Federal Environment Minister Peter Kent and his Alberta counterpart Diana McQueen have launched an Information Portal, tracking the progress of a new monitoring plan for the industry.

The new web page provides citizens full access to all available data on air, land, water and wildlife, including interactive maps, graphs and site specific information, detailing the monitoring underway at each project.

"The lower Athabasca Regional Plan was the first. It came into effect September 1st, 2012. What that plan does is it sets a legally binding limit for air and water and what we have in there as well is targets." explains McQueen. "Early warning signs that if we would get close one of the limits it gives industry, cumulatively in the region, the opportunity to make the changes so that we actually never have to stop the development, 

Government officials say the data includes completed studies and real time data, and adds that the information provided is a carbon copy of what is provided to government scientists.

"This really raises the bar globally. I don't know another jurisdiction around the world that is doing as much environmental monitoring and being as transparent as this is, in addiction to what we are doing with the integrated resource management on the land as well." explains Kent during a teleconference today. "So I think this is an opportunity for Canada and Alberta to share how this can happen and how it can be transparent. I am sure there will be instances where we will learn and we may need to make regulatory changes."

The public reporting component, unveiled this morning in Ottawa is long over due.

Transparency was touted as a cornerstone of the joint monitoring initiative announced last February, but open documentation has taken months to come online.

"It is definitely good to have better data, because before we had very poor data, but it doesn't mean a lot of it isn't independent data so that we can fully trust it." explains Climate and Energy Campaigner for Greenpeace, Mike Hudema who adds that the data can't be trusted as it is not independent."As well, if the government isn't using it to make better decisions. So what we have seen from the government is that they have admitted they don't have a full understanding of the current impacts of tar sands operations and yet they are continuly approving new projects.

The plan, announced last February, was promoted as a way to maintain industry's social license, ensuring transparency and independence in research.

But Hudema says that is not the case. 

"It really throws a lot of the government motivation behind this into question. Is this more of a public relations exercise than it is a real attempt to actually obtain how much damage is currently being done to the environment by tar sands operations and to try and limit that damage as much as possible." explains Hudema. "If that was truly the government's motivation I would them not approving new projects until they can set those baselines and really determine where we are currently at."

Private operators had pledged to provide the $50 million a year required to enact the plan, but in the absence of a financing strategy, government agencies have been footing the bill.

"They announced that they were prepared to pay up to $50 million dollars a year for the three years of the implementation of the plan, which was peer-reviewed by scientists, as an appropriate expansion of monitoring." says Kent. "We have been moving forward since our announcement in Edmonton last February. Implementation has been moving ahead at full speed, and invoices have been submitted and payments have been made."

The portal will be made available on the Alberta and Federal government websites.

The number of passengers travelling though the terminal at the Fort McMurray airport continues to soar.

In March, more than 96,000 passengers passed through YMM, a monthly record for the northern hub.

And over the past 12 months, the airport welcomed more than one million jet setters, also a record setting figure for foot-traffic at the terminal.

Overall, travel at the airport is up 27 per cent so far this year.

A terminal expansion remains on schedule for completion in the Spring of 2014, and is expected to not only ease congestion but expand the list of international destinations available to local travellers.

In advance of the expansion, flights to Mexico hit the YMM runway in December and service to Denver begins this June.

More information on the terminal expansion is available here:

 http://flyfortmac.ca/FortMcMurrayAirportAuthority/NewTerminalProject.aspx#.UXVc1qCD-YI

After months of delay, the long-awaited results of a new oil sands monitoring plan are set to be revealed.

Federal Environment Minister Peter Kent and his Alberta counterpart Diana McQueen will unveil a public portal program in Ottawa on Monday, finally delivering on a pledge to create transparency  surrounding the research garnered on air, land, water and wildlife in the Athabasca region.

The online portal will look to provide public access to all detailed reports,  allowing all completed research to be scrutinized by all affected parties, including citizens.

The plan, launched in February last year, was touted as a means to counter environmental opposition to the oil sands and minimize concerns that industry-led research was unreliable. 

The program will cost an estimated $50 million dollars per year to operation.

Industry operators had pledged to cover the cost, but a strategy for financing has yet to be established and government agencies have, so far, been footing the bill. 

Monday's announcement was originally scheduled for a few weeks ago, but rescheduled due to the failing health of former Premier Ralph Klein. 

In light of concerns over 'inconsistencies', and in attempt to curtail the possibility of 'public embarrassment, regional government is considering an overhaul to its internal communications strategy.

According to public documents, the fast-paced nature of municipal government is leading to some miscommunication between Wood Buffalo council and administration. 

In light of those concerns , a proposed 'Administration Communication Protocols' document will be tabled in council chambers on Tuesday night.

Under the proposed guidelines, council will be required to direct all general inquiries through the office of the Chief Administrative Officer,  where office staff will direct the questions along to the appropriate official.

Questions requiring detailed explanations will be personally vetted first by the CAO Glen Laubenstein, and then directed to the responsible Department.

If the regulations were approved, elected officials would be told to refrain from engaging with members of administration below the level  of Director and administration staff would be asked to decline from speaking to elected officials if approached for information outside the aforementioned chain of contact.

The new policy also called on Administration to avoid engaging with elected officials on business matters without discussing it with the CAO in advance.

The document suggests that governing roles need to be clarified and the policy changes are supported by provincial guidelines: 

-Following established communication protocols for both parties lessens the risk of public embarrassment due to miscommunication or communication of incorrect or incomplete information." 

-Council is a governing body, directs the CAO and an individual Elected Official does not have the authority to direct the CAO or any member of Administration. 

- As identified in the Municipal Government Act, the CAO is the only direct report to Council. The CAO delegates authority and responsibility within the organization on a regular basis at his discretion in response to daily matters and emerging issues. 

Students are leading the charge to beautify Wood Buffalo.

Tomorrow is Earth Day, and the municipality is hosting community clean-up efforts across the region.

Beautification Coordinator, Seville Kwan, says The Amazing Waste Race challenge will crown one school that goes the extra mile to promote a green lifestyle.

"All of our schools take part in the campaign, actually they participate in the Amazing Waste Race, which is another one of our activities that only the schools participate in and they can win some great prizes just by taking part" says Kwan. "It is doing something that they should be doing everyday in regards to beautifying their community and creating litter awareness and other community pride initiatives." 

The Amazing Waste Race kicks off today until May 31st.

The municipality is also hosting the April 30th Business Block Challenge, where neighbouring businesses team-up to take on a 20-minute spring cleaning frenzy around their properties.

 
Volunteers can also participate in Spring Clean Up events across town until May 12th. 

Registration is open until Thursday. 

The province's Education Minister is calling upon colleges and universities to adopt a three year wage freeze.

Thomas Lukaszuk sent a letter to board chairs asking the postsecondary institutions to freeze wages for instructors and staff over the next three years.

A two per cent increase would follow in the fourth year.

Lukaszuk is encouraging schools to examine provisions in their collective agreements to help achieve this goal. 

Critics, including the head of NAIT's faculty association Doug Short, say the letter is inappropriate as the decisions are made between the board and the faculty association.

This follows last week's announcement that the province will devote $16 million to keep tuition costs the same in the coming school year.

A big year for Canadian artists as the majority of Juno Awards were handed out at last night's untelevised dinner gala. 

Thirty-five of the 42 awards were handed out, and R&B crooner The Weeknd was the only artist to win two prizes.

Known off-stage as Abel Tesfaye, the 23-year-old Toronto native took home breakthrough artist of the year and R&B/Soul recording of the year for his three-disc set, "Trilogy."

Pop album of the year went to "Call Me Maybe" singer, Carly Rae Jepsen for her album "Kiss", and Metric won alternative album of the year for "Synthetica".

Artist of the year went to 78-year-old Leonard Cohen.

The other seven awards will be handed out when the Juno Awards go live tonight.  

For the full list of winners, visit: http://junoawards.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/JUNO-Gala-Dinner-Awards-Winners.pdf.

The oil sands are countering Canada's decline in green house gas emissions.

A report issued to the United Nations shows that while carbon pollution in most sectors is leveling off or falling, the oil sands industry is surging.

The 2011 data, revealed an overall increase of 0.14 per cent, with emissions reaching about 702 million tonnes.

The oil sands industry has seen its greenhouse gas emissions grow from 15 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent gases in 1990 to 55 million tonnes in 2011.

The oil sands sector also now represents about 8 per cent of Canada's overall annual emissions.

The report also reveals that Alberta's industrial facilities are responsible for 48 per cent of all industrial emissions in the country in 2011.

With a recent surge in animal abuse cases in Fort McMurray, the annual Walk to Stop Animal Abuse is hoping to raise awareness and funds for neglected animals.

Executive Director, Tara Clark says the event will also provide the shelter with critical financial support.

"The Walk To Stop Animal Abuse is very important because I think it brings to light abuse and neglect, and unfortunately these things do happen in this community," says Clark.

"When the public comes out in support of this walk, we're sort of standing as one voice, saying 'no more', and I think that that is really important, that the community is involved and we're all on the same page with regards to the way in which animals should be treated."

The event was inspired by public outcry surrounding the slaughter of 100 sled dogs in Whistler three years ago.

The event will take place at the Gazebo on Thicket Drive tomorrow.

Registration begins at 10 am, or pre-register at www.fortmcmurrayspca.ca.

The Thickwood walk begins at 11 am. 

What are your thought on the tendering and construction of the Prairie Loop Boulevard?

Residents are invited to learn about the construction plans at the municipality's public discussion on Apr. 24.

The following proposed construction plans will be available for review:

• Prairie Loop Boulevard Phase 1 - Riedel Street to McLeod Street and McLeod Street to Prairie Loop
• Prairie Loop Boulevard Phase 2 - McLeod Street to Hardin Street
• Prairie Loop Boulevard Phase 3 - Riedel Street to Franklin Avenue
• Prairie Loop Boulevard Phase 4 - Hardin Street to Morrison Street
• Extension of Fraser Avenue between MacIver Street and McLeod Street.

The session will be held at the Merit Hotel on Franklin Avenue from 5:30 to 7:30.

For more information contact the Construction Hotline at 780.793.1054 or constructionhelpdesk@woodbuffalo.ab.ca. 

Getting 5 to 10 daily servings of fruits and vegetables is putting more pressure on wallets nationwide.

Statistics Canada released their Consumer Price Index, and veggie prices jumped over 7 per cent year-over-year while the cost of fruit spiked almost 9 per cent.

Consumer prices rose in six of the eight major components observed in the index.

Transportation and health care costs were the only categories that stayed steady.

Overall, the price index for March is seeing a 1 per cent increase compared to the same month last year.

The trend is consistent in Alberta, where prices rose 1.2 per cent, with electricity costs slightly decreasing since March of last year.

Start the talk with your children about drugs and alcohol.

The Fort McMurray Public School District and Alberta Health Services will host a workshop to give parents the tools to be candid with their kids about the dangers of substance abuse.

The free workshop will be held this Saturday from 9 am to 12 pm at the Timberlea RCMP detachment.

For more information: http://fmpsdschools.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/The-Power-Of-Parents2.pdf.

One of the suspects in the deadly Boston bombings is dead, and the second is in police custody.

The suspect was found alive, hiding in a boat attached to a trailer in the backyard of a Watertown home.

Both of the men linked to the Monday afternoon blasts, identified for the first time with photographs yesterday,  led police on a wild chase through the suburbs west of Boston this morning which killed an MIT police officer and severely injured a transit officer.

The pursuit erupted into a violent confrontation, marked by heavy gunfire, when the suspects began throwing bombs at police in the sleepy community of Watertown.

The surviving suspect was identified as 19-year old Dzhokha Tsarnaev of Massachusetts.

The suspect who was killed was identified as his brother 26-year old Tamerlan Tsarnaev, both whom are Chechen nationals.

The pursuit began after 10:00 p.m last night when two men robbed a 7/11 and the MIT police officer was discovered dead, with multiple bullet wounds inside his cruiser.

A 20-block residential area remains on lockdown with a virtual army of law enforcement officials on scene.

Police are set to deliver an update on the manhunt.

Are you worried about your coworkers, peers or friends not accepting you?

The LGBTQmunity says for coming out can be scary for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or questioning people in Fort McMurray.

Marketing Coordinator for LGBTQ, Kaitlynn Ross, says that there is a huge stigma to anyone who is not straight in our industry drive community.

"There’s a huge stigma towards anyone who is not straight, essentially. It’s really frustrating and that’s another key reason why this has got to stop. People are people. There are tons of people in the town who identify as LGBTQ, but they’re terrified to come out or say anything because of the community they live in."

The group works together to bring the LGBTQmunity out through a series of events such as movie nights, swimming trips at Mac Island.

"We try really hard to make them feel accepted within the city, because some go onto the oil sands, they identify as LGBTQ in town, but out on-site, they won’t, because it’s not OK," says Ross.

"Everyone contributes to the community, and without having certain individuals as part of the certain community within the community, not having their contribution, then that means that not everyone is heard, it’s not a real community feel without having everyone really working together." 

Ross adds that they hope their pride parade, Proud 2 Be Me, this Summer will increase community awareness and acceptance.

For more information visit the groups Facebook page Fort McMurray LGBTQmunity. 

As environmental concerns with proposed pipelines continue to clash with oil sands development, projects looking to reduce the industry's footprint are receiving a financial boost from the province.

The Innovative Energy Technologies Program is providing $33 million to five new pilot projects promoting greener efforts.

Vice President of Technology Development with Canadian Natural Resources, Joy Romero, says the company's recycling process will reduce the need for fresh water in mining operations.

“Because we recycle our water within the process so many times, our tailings water is used as process water, and we keep reusing that water within the process. The pilot treated the tailings water as well, to make sure that we keep it at a quality of water that we can use in the process. We’ve been very excited, the pilot results are excellent.”

Imperial Oil is behind one pilot, the Cyclic Solvent Process, which looks at extraction alternatives that could highly reduce greenhouse gases.

“Rather than injecting steam into the underground reservoir, we’ll be injecting solvent, so that has the potential to eliminate the need for water,” says Imperial Oil Spokesperson Pius Rolheiser.

“By doing that, by eliminating the need for heating that water to generate steam, it has potential to have a very large reduction in greenhouse gas intensity.”

Cenovus Energy is behind two of the five projects receiving funding from the Innovative Energy Technologies Program.

Spokesperson Brett Harris explains the 10MW Chemical Looping Steam Generator project, totaling costs of $62 million.

“What chemical looping does, is it uses a very specialized method to separate out the CO2 streams, so that you get the oxygen and nitrogen coming out one end, but out of the other end you get a pure stream of CO2 coming out, so it is carbon capture ready. That’s really what this is about, finding a way to create that pure stream of CO2 that could be captured as part of an overall carbon capture and storing scheme.”

In total, industry is contributing an estimated $173 million towards the pilot projects.

The RMWB is releasing this week's photo radar vehicle locations. 

Photo radar locations for April 12-28 include:

• Bulyea Avenue
• MacDonald Crescent
• Highway 63 and Hospital Street
• Brett Drive
• Millenium Drive 

The province is reaffirming its pledge to twin Highway 63.

Transportation Minister Ric McIver says construction season will herald in a number of improvements.

“Part of what we’re up for here today just to have a conversation with Mayor Blake and the Councillors and make sure we’re on the same page. I think the good news is that the government is still committed to completing Highway 63 from Grasslands to Fort McMurray by the end of 2016. We’re on track, I think for anyone who’s driven down there lately, they've seen lots of activity, there will be lots of clearing and grading this year and that is in preparation for the paving in years to come."

McIver says $93 million worth of grading is set to be completed this year.

"That was the big promise the Premier made, because the Premier supports the economy and this area of Alberta. She understands that we have to enable economic development. One of the Premier’s priorities is to build the economy, create markets and support communities, and Highway 63 and the other projects that we do around here really falls right into line with all of the Premier’s main priorities and as a government we support that."

The construction worker's are working hard towards their 2016 goal, says McIver.  

I’m getting more and more feedback every day from people that are on the road, or have just driven Highway 63, to go, 'wow I can’t believe how much works going on.' It’s hard to find a square inch that doesn't have some form of development happening on it right now, so it’s really encouraging. We’ve made a significant amount of progress in a very short period time and I’m very encouraged."  

2013 will see almost 60 kilometres of grading completed on Highway 63.

A major tree-clearing project billed at $3 million will also finish this spring, clearing the way for 55 kilometres worth of new construction.

Work also continues on eight passing lanes, slated to finish this Summer.

A large vehicle has reportedly struck the King Street overpass on Highway 63.

RCMP is on scene and the extent of damage has not been determined.

Motorists are advised to proceed with caution as police have received reports of falling debris.

All lanes of traffic are passable at this time.

The suspect vehicle has been located and is described as a flat-bed tractor-trailer unit hauling an oversized piece of machinery.

There is no update on charges at this time and the investigation is on-going.

A Wood Buffalo RCMP search warrant leads to a seizure of drugs.

Around 11:00 a.m RCMP executed the warrant in the Thickwood area as part of a drug investigation.

With the assistance of General Duty Investigators, ALERT and the Wood Buffalo Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit 21 pounds of marijuana was seized and $300 Canadian Currency.

Three adult males have been arrested and are facing charges including Possession of Marihuana for the purpose of Trafficking, Possession of Property obtained by Crime, as well as charges related to Breach of Release Conditions.

All three remain in police custody and are awaiting judicial proceedings.

A local first nation is fighting to block portions an oil sands project proposed for their traditional territory.

The Fort McKay First Nation filed an objection to the Dover project as it's been presented, prompting regulatory hearings which are slated to get underway on Tuesday.

"The Fort McKay community is prepared to go to the ERCB hearing on April 23rd to oppose a portion of the Dover project, the portion that is closest to our reserve near Moose Lake, about 60 kilometres north of our reserve," says Communications Director Dayle Hyde.

The first nation says the 250,000 barrel per day mine, set for operation in their proverbial backyard, will further undermine the health of their community, which is increasingly cramped by industry development.

The band argues the companies have failed to establish an adequate buffer between the SAG-D site and nearby lakes and fear the site will contaminate the local environment.

Hyde says it's one of the only places the band can practice traditional activities, like hunting and trapping, and its members fear the significant impact it will have on wildlife and fish in the area. 

Project partners, Athabasca Oil Corp and PetroChina had hoped to avoided the regulatory hurdle, which will delay operations at the SAG-D site, 95 kilometres northwest of Fort McMurray by at least a year.

No further comment from the Fort McKay First Nation is available at this time. 

The band outlined their concerns in a statement to Mix News in January.

• Fort McKay has put forward proposals and requests to Dover and Alberta for reasonable protection measures. Unfortunately, Alberta has not responded to requests to meet about the Dover Project and Dover OPCO has not yet been able to adjust its project plans to accommodate a buffer area to protect our traditional territory surrounding Namur and Gardiner Lakes, which includes our adjacent reserve lands.

• Because no protection is planned, Fort McKay cannot accept the Dover Project or other projects planned for the door step of its sensitive reserve lands. That is why Fort McKay is forced to intervene in ERCB hearing set  for April to determine if the  Dover Project is in the public interest

• The community of Fort McKay where members live, work and go to school is surrounded by intensive oil sands development and almost all of its traditional territory is being industrialized by oil sands production or is leased for such development.

• Fort McKay' s reserves adjacent to Dover' s planned project provide a refuge for the community on its own lands that are relatively untouched by development and the only significant intact area that can support Fort McKay' s culture, traditional way of life, and treaty rights.

• These reserves have been designated by Fort McKay for the protection of their traditional land use and heritage and this has been communicated to government for several years and to Dover since it announced its Project in 2010.

• Our members need, and have, the fundamental right to have the air, water and wildlife on their lands at Namur and Gardiner Lakes protected for their health and wellbeing and their children' s cultural heritage.

• This small part of the oil sands region can be protected without compromising Alberta' s prosperity.

• Dover project is a large 250,000 barrels per day bitumen extraction project that is planned for the border of Fort McKay's reserve lands at Namur Lake and will operate for 65 years.

Gravel roads will be restricted to 75 per cent of the legal load limit as of Apr. 22. 

The RMWB says load restrictions are implemented due to seasonal conditions like spring thaw, and the load adjustment helps to preserve roads.

The number of Albertans receiving regular Employment Insurance benefits is falling.

The beneficiaries in the province fell to 28,780 in February down 160 people from January.

Year-over-year recipients fell 8.2 per cent from February 2012.

Nationally, following three consecutive months of declining, people receiving regular EI benefits was virtually unchanged in February at just under 528,940.

Canada Employment Insurance benefits were down over 2,620 people from the previous month, a decline of 0.5 per cent.

Several Fort McMurray residents are being thrown in jail.

Westwood High School is hosting their annual Project Kenya's Jail and Bail today.

"Project Kenya is a group that has been run out of Westwood High School and partners with a charity call A Better World and they partner with schools and orphanages in Kenya." explains Project Kenya Leader, Sheldon Betts. "The event is our annual Jail and Bail which is our big fundraiser. We throw people in a makeshift jail and they only have their cellphones and maybe a laptop if they are lucky. They try to get a hold of all of their friends and anyone they can get a hold of to bail them out for charity." 

The event will have students, staff and community members locked in a room until their $500 bail has been paid.

"They do a really good job at making sure that there is  a lot of community buy in. They basically fund schools mostly because we believe that education is the number one way to break this cycle of dependency." says Betts. "They make sure that the parents are involved, they have to actually build the foundation and it has to be on land that has been donated by someone in the community and the government also has to put in some sort of funding so that we all sort of work at is as one."

Betts says the event runs from 8 am to noon tomorrow.

"Anytime from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. today anyone can call into Westwood High School." explains Betts. "We are ready to take anyone's donations at 780-791-1986 and you just tell them that it is for the Jail and Bail. You can also drop off money at  221 Tundra Drive as well."

Visit Westwood High School today before noon or call 780-791-1986 to donate.

A 64-year old woman is facing trafficking charges after a drug bust at a downtown business.

The woman, originally of Wetaskiwin a former employee of Source Adult was charged after 2,500 packages of synthetic marijuana and $1,000 incash was seized from the downtown store in early March.

Not all synthetic marijuana products are illegal,

But many of the products including the Spirit 4:20 brand Herbal Incense recovered from the store contained marijuana derivatives called cannabinoids, substances which are banned under federal law.

Officers with Wood Buffalo' s Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit, who executed the warrant, say synthetic marijuana products are dangerous to public health as their production is largely unregulated, leaving consumers vulnerable.

Jeanine Perreault has been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking in relation to the case and is due in court May 7th.

Management with Source Adult confirmed Perreault is no longer employed by the chain, but declined to provide further comment.

According to one local operator, Fort McMurray taxi drivers are once again preparing to withdraw from the road in protest of new municipal bylaws for the sector.

According to a statement released by Sun Taxi, starting at 6:00 am on Thursday, April 25th, drivers with launch a work-to-rule for a 24-hour period.

"The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo has passed a new Vehicle for Hire By-Law that is detrimental to the taxi industry and to the interests, safety and convenience of the  public. The bylaw was constructed with limited input from the taxi industry. The taxi industry is concerned that the by-law' s requirements will interfere with the sound functioning of taxi service throughout the region, " reads the statement.

Thursday will mark a second service distribution for local customers since the bylaws were approved last month; drivers halted service on the weekend of March 23rd in protest of the document.

The changes will multiply the cost of licensing to $1,000, charge non-resident drivers $500 in added fees and allow the Chief taxi Inspector to legislate at will.

The document reduces flat rate fares and bars company mechanics from performing fleet inspections.

Dozens of drivers and union members opposed the bylaws, but municipal officials say they will improve customer service and better serve local drivers.

Responding to concerns that the document was anti-business Mayor Melissa Blake indicated she had no qualms about pushing non-resident drivers out of the industry, saying the local market was flooded and the previous document was long outdated.

The regulations will come into effect in October, 2013.