Calgary Morning Brief: Monday, February 23, 2026

Good morning, Calgary. Here are the top stories from Sunday, February 22, 2026.

1. Ukrainian Community Marks Four Years Since Invasion

The Ukrainian community in Calgary gathered Sunday to mark the fourth anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine. Rallies and vigils took place across the city, honoring lives lost and calling for continued international support.

Community members assembled to commemorate the anniversary that falls on Monday, February 24. The events featured speakers, traditional music, and moments of silence for those who have died in the conflict.

Organizers emphasized the need for sustained humanitarian aid and military assistance to Ukraine. The gatherings also served to maintain awareness of the ongoing situation as the war enters its fifth year.

Calgary has a significant Ukrainian population, with many families maintaining direct connections to relatives in the affected regions. The community has organized regular support events since the invasion began in 2022.

2. Couple Appeals for Return of Stolen Vehicle With Wedding Items

A Calgary couple made a public appeal Sunday for the return of their stolen vehicle containing a wedding dress and wheelchair. The theft occurred in the city while the owner was shopping, just weeks before the couple’s scheduled wedding date.

The vehicle contained the bride’s wedding dress and the groom’s wheelchair. The groom relies on the wheelchair after being diagnosed with ALS.

The couple described the items as irreplaceable due to their personal significance and the medical necessity of the wheelchair. They requested anyone with information about the vehicle’s location to contact Calgary Police Service.

The theft adds financial and logistical challenges to the couple’s wedding preparations. The wheelchair’s specialized nature makes replacement difficult on short notice.

Calgary police confirmed they are investigating the theft. No suspects have been identified at this time.

3. Hitmen Face Red Deer in Sunday Matinee

The Calgary Hitmen returned to the Scotiabank Saddledome Sunday afternoon for a matinee matchup against the Red Deer Rebels. The game was part of a busy WHL weekend schedule featuring multiple contests across the league.

The afternoon game allowed families to attend during the weekend. Both teams entered the matchup looking to improve their standings in the Central Division.

The Hitmen have played at the Saddledome since the arena opened in 1983. The facility has undergone renovations and upgrades over the decades while remaining home to both the Hitmen and the Calgary Flames.

Sunday’s game continued the long-standing rivalry between Calgary and Red Deer, with both teams drawing from hockey communities in southern and central Alberta. The WHL regular season continues through March before playoffs begin.

4. Year of the Dragon Celebrations Conclude

Celebrations for the Year of the Dragon concluded Sunday at the Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre. The events featured traditional lion and dragon dances, martial arts demonstrations, and local vendors.

The multi-day celebration marked the Lunar New Year, which began on January 29, 2026. The Year of the Dragon holds particular significance in Chinese culture as a symbol of strength and good fortune.

Attendees viewed performances by local cultural groups and martial arts schools. The centre hosted food vendors offering traditional Chinese cuisine and merchants selling decorations and gifts.

The Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre serves as a gathering place for the city’s Chinese community and hosts educational programs throughout the year. The facility includes a museum, library, and event spaces for cultural activities.

Sunday’s closing events drew families from across Calgary and surrounding areas. The centre reported strong attendance throughout the extended celebration period.

5. Police Address Thin Blue Line Patch Timeline

Calgary Police Service continues to navigate community discussions regarding the phase-out of thin blue line patches. The department has set a deadline for removal at the end of February.

The patches have been a point of debate between police members and community groups. Some officers view the symbol as representing solidarity with fallen colleagues, while critics associate it with opposition to police reform movements.

Calgary police administration announced the phase-out policy in recent weeks, giving members until February 28 to remove the patches from uniforms. The decision followed consultations with community organizations and police associations.

Officers who continue to wear the patches after the deadline may face disciplinary measures. The policy aligns Calgary with decisions made by other Canadian police services in recent years.

The thin blue line symbol gained prominence in North America over the past decade. Its use by law enforcement has sparked ongoing discussions about police culture and community relations.

Calgary Police Commission has received input from both supporters and opponents of the patches. The end-of-month deadline allows for a transition period before the policy takes full effect.

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These stories reflect events and developments from Sunday, February 22, 2026. Calgary Bureau provides daily morning briefings covering local news, community events, and public safety updates across the city.