Calgary Morning Brief: Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Good morning, Calgary. Here is the briefing for Wednesday, February 25, 2026.

1. MISSION: TWO CHARGED IN TARGETED KIDNAPPING AND ASSAULT

CALGARY: The Calgary Police Service announced charges Tuesday against two men following a violent incident in the Mission district. The investigation stems from a targeted attack that occurred on February 17, 2026. Officials confirmed the arrests took place early Tuesday morning after a week-long surveillance operation.

According to police reports, the victim was forcibly taken and subjected to a physical assault during the initial incident. Investigators characterized the event as targeted. No threat to the general public was identified during the course of the investigation. The suspects face multiple charges, including kidnapping, assault with a weapon, and possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking.

During the arrest on Tuesday, officers executed a search warrant at a residence associated with the suspects. Authorities seized an undisclosed quantity of illicit drugs and several prohibited weapons. The two men remain in custody and are scheduled for a court appearance later this week. Police have not released the names of the accused pending formal processing. The victim received medical treatment for non-life-threatening injuries following the February 17 event.

This incident follows a broader trend of targeted violence currently under investigation by local authorities. The Calgary Police Service continues to monitor organized crime activities in the downtown periphery. Members of the public with additional information regarding the Mission area incident are encouraged to contact the non-emergency line or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers.

2. EDMONTON: CONSERVATIONISTS RAISE ALARM OVER ALL-SEASONS RESORTS ACT

ALBERTA: Conservation groups and local MLAs expressed significant concerns on Tuesday regarding the impact of the All-Seasons Resorts Act. Legislative records indicate the act has facilitated the transfer of more than 1,000 hectares of provincial park land to private developers. These land transfers are intended for the expansion of year-round resort facilities across the province.

Critics of the legislation argue the move prioritizes commercial interests over ecological preservation. Representatives from environmental advocacy groups stated on Tuesday that the scale of the transfer threatens local biodiversity. The land in question includes several sensitive alpine regions and sub-alpine forests previously protected under provincial park designations.

Proponents of the All-Seasons Resorts Act maintain the policy is necessary for economic diversification. Government officials stated Tuesday that private investment in the tourism sector creates sustainable jobs and enhances Alberta’s competitive position in the global travel market. The act allows for long-term leases and land sales to developers who meet specific criteria for infrastructure investment.

Local MLAs representing mountain constituencies voiced opposition during Tuesday’s legislative session. They cited a lack of public consultation prior to the finalization of the land transfers. The 1,000 hectares cited in recent reports represent one of the largest shifts in public land management in the last decade. Legislative debates regarding amendments to the act are expected to continue into the spring session. Information on provincial land use policies can be found at thecanadianist.news.

3. CALGARY: CITY COUNCIL ORDERS SCAN ON RETAIL THEFT PENALTIES

CALGARY: Calgary City Council approved a motion Tuesday to conduct a jurisdictional scan of shoplifting penalties. The decision follows a reported increase in retail thefts, specifically involving items valued at under $100. Local business owners have lobbied for more effective enforcement measures to deter frequent, low-value shoplifting.

The jurisdictional scan will analyze how other North American municipalities manage petty theft and what legal frameworks exist for enhanced municipal penalties. Council members noted that current provincial and federal laws often result in minimal consequences for thefts under the $100 threshold. The report is expected to outline potential bylaw adjustments or collaborative strategies with the provincial government.

Representatives from several Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) presented data to Council on Tuesday morning. The data showed a 15 percent rise in reported shoplifting incidents over the last fiscal quarter. Small business owners reported that the cumulative effect of frequent low-value thefts impacts the viability of retail operations in the downtown core and surrounding neighborhoods.

The City Solicitor’s office will lead the scan in coordination with the Calgary Police Service. The objective is to identify "effective penalties" that do not place an undue burden on the judicial system while providing a tangible deterrent. The findings are scheduled for presentation to the Executive Committee by the end of the second quarter of 2026. Further updates on municipal policy can be tracked through the blog-horizontal section of our digital platform.

4. SOUTHWEST: HIGH-RISE FIRE DISPLACES 100 RESIDENTS

CALGARY: An early morning fire at a high-rise building in southwest Calgary displaced approximately 100 residents on Tuesday. The Calgary Fire Department responded to reports of smoke on the 23rd floor of the residential tower shortly after 4:00 a.m. Upon arrival, crews identified a blaze on a balcony that had begun to spread toward the interior of the unit.

Fire officials confirmed that the building's internal sprinkler system activated immediately. The system successfully contained the fire to the 23rd-floor unit, preventing a full-scale structural spread. Despite the containment, significant water damage occurred on the floors directly below the affected unit. Emergency crews evacuated the building as a precautionary measure while the situation was brought under control.

Displaced residents were provided temporary shelter in a nearby community center. Calgary Transit buses were deployed to the scene to keep residents warm during the evacuation process. Building management and fire investigators remained on-site throughout Tuesday to assess the safety of the structure. Most residents were permitted to return to their units by Tuesday afternoon, though occupants of the 23rd and 22nd floors remain out of their homes.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Fire investigators are examining electrical components and items located on the balcony where the blaze originated. No injuries were reported among the residents or responding firefighters. This incident marks the third high-rise fire in the southwest quadrant in the first two months of 2026. Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of maintaining clear balconies and functioning smoke detectors.

5. WEATHER: CALGARY TEMPERATURES CLIMB AHEAD OF FORECASTED COLD SNAP

CALGARY: Weather conditions in Calgary on Tuesday saw a gradual increase in temperatures, reaching slightly above the freezing mark. The afternoon sunshine provided a brief reprieve from typical February conditions. However, Environment and Climate Change Canada issued a bulletin Tuesday afternoon warning of a significant shift in weather patterns.

Forecasters indicated that a high-pressure system currently moving through the region will be replaced by an arctic front by Thursday evening. This transition is expected to bring significant snowfall to the Calgary area and the surrounding foothills. Accumulations are projected to reach between 10 and 15 centimeters in the city, with higher totals expected in higher elevations.

The temperature drop associated with this front will result in a weekend cold snap. Highs on Friday and Saturday are forecasted to stay below minus 15 degrees Celsius. Wind chill values may reach minus 25 in some areas. Municipal road crews began pre-treating major intersections Tuesday night in anticipation of the freezing conditions and moisture.

Commuters are advised to prepare for deteriorating road conditions beginning Thursday night. The City of Calgary’s winter maintenance plan will be in full operation, prioritizing the clearing of high-volume routes and emergency access paths. Historical data for late February suggests these fluctuations are common for the Calgary region. Current weather alerts for Alberta and other regions like Toronto and Montreal are monitored continuously for national reporting.

ADDITIONAL DEVELOPMENTS: CRIME AND PUBLIC SAFETY

In other municipal news from Tuesday, two arrests were confirmed in relation to a jewelry store robbery that occurred in the Dalhousie area in January. Austin James Florell and Jonathon Michael Orgill were taken into custody following an extensive investigation into the theft of $200,000 worth of property. Both individuals are scheduled for court appearances today. A third suspect remains at large, and police have requested public assistance in locating the individual.

The Calgary Police Service also provided an update Tuesday on the ongoing extortion investigations targeting the South Asian business community. The number of active cases has increased to 28. Authorities have designated these investigations as a top priority for the service’s specialized units. Police are working with federal partners to address the cross-jurisdictional nature of these threats.

SPORTS AND EVENTS

The Calgary Flames are scheduled to play the San Jose Sharks in California on Thursday evening. The team departed Calgary on Tuesday following a practice session. The Flames currently hold a competitive position in the Pacific Division. This matchup concludes a three-game road trip before the team returns to the Saddledome for a homestand.

SUMMARY OF THE DAY

The events of Tuesday, February 24, 2026, reflect a period of heightened municipal activity and legislative debate. From the implementation of the All-Seasons Resorts Act to the City Council’s focus on retail security, provincial and local governance remains focused on economic and safety regulations. The high-rise fire in the southwest highlights the efficacy of modern fire suppression systems, while the upcoming weather shift signals an end to the mid-week thaw.

For more information on national and regional news, visit thecanadianist.news.