Calgary Morning Brief: Today’s Top 5 Stories – February 19, 2026

Good morning, Calgary. Here’s what’s happening across the city and region today.

1. Federal Energy Minister Sets April Pipeline Deadline

Federal Energy Minister Tim Hodgson has set an April deadline for a pipeline memorandum of understanding between the federal and provincial governments.

The deadline establishes a firm timeline for intergovernmental negotiations on pipeline infrastructure. Hodgson announced the timeframe during a ministerial briefing earlier this week.

The memorandum of understanding would formalize cooperation between Ottawa and provincial authorities on pipeline projects affecting Alberta’s energy sector. Specific terms of the proposed agreement have not been disclosed.

Industry stakeholders are monitoring the April deadline as negotiations continue. The energy minister’s office has not provided additional details on the scope of the memorandum or which pipeline projects would be covered under the agreement.

2. Calgary Trade with United States Reaches All-Time Low

Calgary’s trade agreements with the United States have dropped to under 25 percent of all deals signed in 2025, according to Calgary Economic Development.

The figures represent an all-time low for U.S.-Calgary trade partnership activity. Calgary Economic Development released the data in its latest trade diversification report.

Trade officials attribute the shift to Calgary businesses pursuing opportunities in emerging international markets. The percentage reflects signed agreements rather than total trade volume.

Over 75 percent of Calgary’s 2025 trade agreements now involve non-American partners. Calgary Economic Development identified Asia-Pacific markets and European partnerships as primary growth areas during the reporting period.

The organization tracks formal trade agreements, partnerships, and export contracts signed by Calgary-based companies. Historical data shows U.S. trade agreements represented over 60 percent of Calgary’s international business activity as recently as 2020.

City trade officials have not released projections for 2026 partnership distribution.

3. Canmore’s Britt Richardson Begins Olympic Alpine Competition

Canmore alpine skier Britt Richardson is set to begin her Olympic competition today, representing the Bow Valley region on the world stage.

Richardson competes in alpine skiing events at the winter games. The Canmore athlete qualified for Olympic participation through World Cup performance results during the 2024-2025 season.

Richardson trains at facilities in the Bow Valley corridor. She has competed internationally for three years at World Cup and continental championship levels.

The alpine skiing schedule begins today with Richardson’s first competitive event. Additional competition dates have been confirmed throughout the games schedule.

Richardson is one of several Alberta athletes competing at this year’s winter Olympics. The Canadian alpine skiing team includes competitors from across the country.

Olympic alpine skiing events are being held at designated mountain venues. Competition results will be released following each scheduled event.

4. Alberta Birds of Prey Foundation Receives $1 Million Conservation Grant

The Alberta Birds of Prey Foundation has been awarded a $1 million grant for facility expansion and enhanced wildlife care programs.

The conservation organization received funding through a provincial wildlife conservation initiative. Grant administrators announced the award yesterday.

Foundation officials confirmed the funds will support facility infrastructure improvements at the organization’s location near Calgary. The expansion project includes new rehabilitation enclosures and medical treatment areas for injured raptors.

The Alberta Birds of Prey Foundation operates a wildlife rehabilitation center specializing in raptor care and conservation. The organization treats injured birds of prey including eagles, hawks, owls, and falcons found across the province.

The $1 million grant represents one of the largest single awards in the foundation’s operating history. Foundation leadership stated the expansion will increase capacity for wildlife intake and extend rehabilitation program services.

Construction timelines for facility improvements have not been announced. The foundation continues daily operations during the expansion planning phase.

Provincial wildlife conservation grants are awarded annually to qualifying organizations across Alberta. The funding initiative supports habitat protection, species rehabilitation, and public education programs.

5. Province Reviews Calgary Water Infrastructure as Repairs Continue

The provincial government is conducting a review of Calgary’s water infrastructure as emergency crews continue work on local water main repairs.

Provincial infrastructure officials initiated the review following recent water main failures in Calgary neighborhoods. The assessment examines the condition and maintenance requirements of municipal water systems.

Emergency repair crews are currently working on water main breaks reported across multiple Calgary districts. City officials have not provided a timeline for completion of active repair projects.

The provincial review will evaluate infrastructure age, replacement schedules, and investment requirements for Calgary’s water distribution network. Review findings will be shared with municipal authorities upon completion.

Calgary’s water main system includes infrastructure installed across several decades. Portions of the network date to original city development periods, while other sections represent more recent construction and upgrades.

City water services have remained operational during repair work. Some neighborhoods experienced temporary service disruptions during emergency repairs.

The provincial infrastructure review is part of broader assessment work examining municipal utility systems across Alberta. Similar reviews are being conducted in other major population centers.

Provincial officials have not announced a completion date for the Calgary water infrastructure assessment. City engineering departments are cooperating with provincial reviewers during the evaluation process.

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