The conference is meant to bring together industry leaders, experts and decision-makers to discuss the production of value-added products from the oil sands.

First Nation and environment activists are gathering to protest Alberta oil sands development and proposed pipelines.

They have planned a rally and water ceremony at city hall (starting at 9AM Mountain Time), and then a march to the conference.

The rally’s organizers say the First Nation is already surrounded by 60 industrial facilities that include petro-chemical plants and refineries.

Last August, the National Energy Board approved Enbridge’s request to reverse an oil sand line from Sarnia, Ontario to an area near Hamilton.

Next, it wants to reverse a line from there to Montreal to eventually ship bitumen to Canada’s east coast refinery in Saint John, New Brunswick.

May 21st, 2013

The death toll has been revised by the state’s medical examiners office to 24 including 7 children.

Spokeswoman Amy Elliot believes some victims were counted twice in the early chaos of the storm.

U-S President Barack Obama will deliver a statement this morning about yesterday’s deadly twister.

BACKGROUND

You can easily help those affected by the massive tornado that ripped through Moore, Oklahoma yesterday.

Text REDCROSS to 30333 and $5 will automatically be donated.

More than 50 people including 20 children have been killed, and the death toll is expected to rise.

Oklahoma is now in a state of emergency.

The winds from the twister that flattened neighborhoods were recorded at more than 300km/h.

May 21st, 2013

It says the forecasted sunny skies and little rain will more than likely see the condition stick around for a while.

*It also says right now there are 2 controlled wildfires burning in the region -  but neither one is a threat.

*Fire permits have been suspended and new one won’t be issued until conditions get better.

You’re reminded that any little spark can ignite a wildfire and take precaution.

May 21st, 2013

Originally police were called to the scene around 1:30 because of a complaint of an unconscious man.

While there, they determined the man was dead, but at this time, they don’t suspect foul play.

They’re still investigating, trying to figure out who he was, and how he died.

RCMP say more info will be released when it becomes available, but are asking anybody with information to call them at (780) 788-4000.

May 20th, 2013

It happened near Gregoire Lake, and police say they became suspicious of  the car they were in.

Using, the Police Dog Services, the investigation turned up drugs that include magic mushrooms, cocaine and marijuana.

The driver, a 25 year old local, is facing possession and trafficking charges, as well as a provincial driving suspension.

The passenger, a 27 year old man from Kelowna, BC, is facing similar charges, but also, counts of breaching release conditions.

Both are in custody, awaiting court proceedings.

May 19th, 2013

BACKGROUND
Police are looking for the publics help to find a missing woman last seen late Friday night.

37 year old Tina Howse is from Lac La Biche, but was working in the Wood Buffalo area.

Investigators believe she may be somewhere in the downtown area.

RCMP have tried many attempts to find her, and now are looking to the public for help.

She is described as 5 feet 3 inches tall, about 180 pounds, with brown hair and eyes.

She was last seen wearing a bright blue sweater and faded jeans.

If you know of anything that may help police, call them at (780) 788-4000.

May 19th, 2013

CanadaROCKS will feature two nights of stellar local, national and international talent.
One evening will be a ticketed event and the the other evening we be a a free evening. Events Wood Buffalo have not announced who the talent will be. Last year Corb Lund, Doc Walker and Blue Rodeo performed.

MacDonald Island Park previously announced they wouldn’t be able to host Canada Day celebrations on the island due to the construction of Shell Place.

Other Canada Day activities include the Parade along Franklin Ave and Fort McMurray’s first teddy bear picnic.

There will be fireworks on June 30.

More info on the event website at ymmcanadaday.com

Police were called to the scene outside of the Boomtown Casino shortly after 1:30AM.

There they found the man with head injuries from an altercation that took place minutes earlier.

RCMP believe that several people were involved, and it did not appear the victim fought back.

Two men involved were witnessed leaving the scene in a white 4-door car.

The victim was sent to the Northern Lights Regional Health Centre for treatment, however, information on how he is doing is unavailable at this time.

Police immediately canvassed the area for evidence and witness accounts; the investigation is ongoing.

They say there were many people in the area at the time, and are looking for anyone who may have information to call them at (780) 788-4000.

May 18th, 2013

At the time of the incident Cody Slade was 21 years old, and he’s been handed a 3-year custody sentence.

His charges include robbery and assualt causing bodily harm.

Last September police say two men broke into the house with a gun, demanded money from and assulted the man inside, all before running away with the cash.

The victim wasn’t seriously hurt.

The co-accused Jasper Dobie is in custody on other matters, but will be in court relating to this incident at the end of August.

May 17th, 2013

Insights West measured the perceptions and familiarity of 21 different energy companies.

The survey showed residents are most familiar with Shell, ATCO, and Suncor, and least familiar with Spot Power, Bullfrog and Kinder Morgan.

It also showed the province’s energy companies are just as respected as non-energy brands

66-percent was the average energy-brand reputation score compared to 67-percent among non-energy brands

Syncrude leads for being a good employer, EPCOR received the highest scores for quality customer service, while Husky received top marks for being trustworthy.

CLICK HERE for Insight Wests detailed ratings

May 17th, 2013

Last night’s annual public meeting gave an update on the airport’s progress.

President & CEO Scott Clements says the airport is still looking for provincial and federal funding to help finance the project.

He says with the boom of the oilsands industry, he can’t see why that money wouldn’t eventually come through.

“The governments get all kinds of revenues from the resource being developed here,” he said.

“Why would you not, as a government of Canada or a government of Alberta, want to make sure that the right infrastructure is in place for all modes of transportation?”

He says the most challenging part of the process has been trying to predict future trends.

“The challenge is doing the right thing, being confident you’re doing the right thing at the right time, and I guess I have done this before,” he said.

“I’ve got 53 years in the industry. I’ve surrounded myself with people that know what they’re doing. And I think we’ve met that challenge in the right way.”

Last night’s meeting also gave an update on the construction, which is about 70% completed.

Some of the 16 new food and beverage retailers were also in attendance, giving a sneak preview of what’s to come.

The grand opening will kick off with an air show next May 31.

May 16, 2013

It’ where the CTF publishes a breakdown of how much Canadians are being taxed each time they fill up at the pump.

Last year, Alberta drivers paid almost 25 cents in tax on every litre of gas, which is actually below the national average.

But former Liberal MP Dan McTeague says the profit being made by oil companies is the real issue.

“Alberta would be the best example. We can talk about 25 cents per litre, which is tax in your province, but the other $1.09 happens to be the amount of money the oil industry is making, or at least charging to get its product to market,” he said.

McTeague also says this has been looked at before.

“It’s been proven time and time and time again, that when you drop the tax at the pumps, the savings is not passed on to motorists, it is simply absorbed by the oil industry,” he said.

May 16, 2013

This year one of the local French schools will be performing a Civil Negligence Mock Trial at 11am in French and at 2pm an English mock trial of Tarzan King of the Jungle will performed by local lawyers in Fort McMurray. There will also be a Free Legal Clinic hosted by Probono Alberta which requires pre-registration, a fundraising BBQ and local artwork auction. Police officers allow the children into their cruisers and there are tours given of the holding cells in the Courthouse.

 Saturday, June 15, 2013

9:00 am to noon

Fire Hall #1, 2 Tolen Drive

 Enjoy delicious pancakes served by local Firefighters! Activities and displays for the whole family!

Friday, May 24, 2013
5-9 p.m.
Wood Buffalo Brewing Company
Tickets $25
Get together with friends new and old to support the Ghana Playground Project. The event will include a 50/50 raffle, auction items, a special martini menu and a take home gift of marigolds for you to plant in your garden.
For tickets or information call 780-215-4743.

Our sources say Demi — who ironically is richer than Ashton — has demanded spousal support from Ashton.  It’s particularly surprising because we’re told Demi recently got around $15 million belatedly from ex-hubby Bruce Willis in connection with their divorce.   If the case doesn’t settle it’s virtually certain a judge would reject Demi’s spousal support claim.

Sources say Demi wants Ashton to help pay for the renovations to her New York apartment … something he’s unwilling to do.  BTW … we’re told the apartment (in the ritzy San Remo building) is worth somewhere between $25 mil and $40 mil!

There are other sticking points.  We’re told Demi is upset because Ashton got involved in an online business and she feels entitled to part of it.  Problem is … he got involved AFTER they split, so it’s almost certainly his separate property.

Our sources say Ashton is willing to give Demi something to end the battle … the question is how much?  Demi scored big in her divorce from Bruce Willis — getting a reported $90 million.  Her net worth is estimated at $150 million.  Ashton’s reportedly $10 million behind her.

In the end, our sources say Demi is backing off a bunch of her demands and the case could settle as early as next month.

Source- www.tmz.com

As we reported, a fleet of squad cars roared to L.A.’s Soho House yesterday following a 911 call about a suspicious black car with a weapon inside. When they arrived to the scene, cops pulled over Diddy’s Maybach.

The car — driven by Diddy’s bodyguard — had just dropped off the hip-hop mogul at the exclusive West Hollywood club and was driving away … but it barely left the driveway before cops got to it.

Cops whipped out their guns and ordered Diddy’s bodyguard — as well as the passenger — out of the vehicle and handcuffed them on the street.

But it was all for nothing — police quickly determined there were no guns in the car, and the men were let go.

Scary.

Source- www.tmz.com ]]> http://www.mymcmurray.com/it-was-all-for-nothing/feed/ 0 http://www.mymcmurray.com/got-junk-the-city-will-help-get-it-gone/ http://www.mymcmurray.com/got-junk-the-city-will-help-get-it-gone/#comments Thu, 16 May 2013 18:42:42 +0000 Ferne Wynnyk http://www.mymcmurray.com/?p=45449 Read more >]]> (Picture: Courtesy of the RMWB website)

Need to get rid of your big bulky junk?

The city will come and pick it up for you – stuff like sofas, loveseats, dressers, and stoves.

You need to register to get it picked up, but the service is only available until next Wednesday.

There is a limit of 4 items per household and space is limited.

If you need some extra planning time, the city will run the campaign again August 27 – September 11th.

CLICK HERE to register and for more details or call 780-743-7966.

Items accepted for the Heavy Item Pick-Up program include:
-  Sofa / Couch                          -  Love seat / Chair
-  Dresser                                     -  Mattress / Boxspring
-  Stove                                         -  Dishwasher
-  Washer                                     -  Dryer
-  * Refrigerator ++                -  * Freezer ++
-  Large television (24″ tube or 27″ screen or larger)

* Refrigerator / Freezer Door(s) need to be removed prior to pick-up.  Item(s) must be clean.

* Refrigerant gas removal is required – a $39.00 fee will be charged on items.
Only a certified technician can remove the gases.  Any unit that has refrigerant gas removed prior to pick up needs a certificate from the specialist who removed the refrigerant.
Any unauthorized removal can result in a fine of up to $50,000 for a individual under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (AR 125 / 93).

Registration occurs twice a year between May  8 – 22, 2013 and

May 16th, 2013

This comes after veteran judge Randy Jackson announced he is leaving the show and rumors that producers plan to replace the entire season 12 panel.

“I joined an ensemble like this in the same way I joined a band,” Urban, 45, told reporters of sitting alongside Jackson and dueling divas Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey. “I like being in a team and I felt that immediately, with [host Ryan Seacrest] and Randy, particularly.”

A recent book, The New Rules of Retail, draws attention to the company’s discriminatory clothing policies (specifically that they won’t carry sizes above a 10 or L) — which are in line with prejudiced hiring policies for which the company has come under fire before.

And in a 2006 Salon article, CEO Mike Jeffries defended the company. “In every school there are the cool and popular kids, and then there are the not-so-cool kids,” he said in the interview. “Candidly, we go after the cool kids … A lot of people don’t belong [in our clothes], and they can’t belong. Are we exclusionary? Absolutely.”

Since that interview has picked up traction, Abercrombie & Fitch has been taking a beating in the press, facing customer boycotts — even in Hollywood. Kirstie Alley took on the store, telling Entertainment Tonight, “I’ve got two kids in that [age] bracket that will never walk in those doors because of his views on people.” A popular YouTube post shows a man giving out Abercrombie’s clothes to homeless people in an effort to “rebrand” the logo.

Abercrombie & Fitch hasn’t commented on the controversy, but there’s no shortage of people willing to discuss the situation and whether it leads to bullying.

Source- www.people.com

Stephen Harper is expected to stress to the Council on Foreign Relations that Canada is halfway towards meeting its target for greenhouse gas emissions.

The `halfway’ claim is all the measures both provincial and federal governments have taken and the total effect they’ll have on emissions by 2020.

Lots of analysts suggest that closing the other half will take a miracle or a national carbon pricing program.

The feds are trying to voice the steps it has taken to ensure pipeline safety, while opposition continues to grow.

The Obama Administration is expected to make a decision on TransCanada’s Keystone X.L pipeline in the near future.

May 16th, 2013

Speaking to VH1 Radio Network’s Dave Basner at the opening of Stanley’s new Californian restaurant Rock & Brews, the frontman said, “You know, for so many years, we’ve talked about a new stage show and basically what we’ve been doing has been an extension of the old stage show. So people would sometimes come and, obviously, the band does a great show and it’s great to be there, but some people would say, ‘Gee, it doesn’t look that different.’ This is a completely different stage, it follows a really great theme, the lights are like nothing you’ve ever seen before.”

KISS recently toured Australia with Motley Crue and Thin Lizzy, and are hitting the road in Europe on June 1 in support of their latest album, Monster.

Brought to you by Gibson.com

But her medical odyssey is not done. The mother of six is also planning to undergo surgery to remove her ovaries. Because of her “faulty” BRCA1 gene, she still faces a high risk of developing ovarian cancer, which her doctors estimate at 50 percent. Some doctors recommend patients undergo the surgery by age 40 or when a woman is done having children, though it may trigger early menopause.

For now, though, the actress and her fiancé, Brad Pitt, have been focused on maintaining a sense of routine for their kids – keeping up family traditions such as a Valentine’s Day gift exchange and an Easter egg hunt while Jolie was undergoing treatment.

In the weeks surrounding the surgeries, “life was normal” for the children, says a source, and they didn’t notice anything amiss.

Adds a family insider: “Her kids always come first to her.”

Source- www.people.com

In the ocean, the rollercoaster left under water in Superstorm Sandy’s wake was in the process of being removed, while on land, the most famous tourist to set foot in the shore town – Prince Harry – visited the rebuilt boardwalk.

The prince, who has been touring the U.S. since last week, charmed a group of children affected by the storm.

Harry (escorted by Gov. Chris Christie) was greeted by screams and cheers from the largely-female waiting crowd under the shade of Jimbo’s Cafe, before strolling in the sunshine to meet locals and construction workers who’ve helped put the devastated resort back together since the storm hit last October.

He also made sure that two young girls felt like princesses. Dressed in aviator-style shades, blue khakis and open-necked white shirt, Harry, 28, met Taylor and Allie Cirigliano, 11 and 7, and joined them in playing the Ball Toss. Taylor was successful (winning a blue elephant) but when her little sister missed out Harry said, “How about this girl having a prize?”

Lucky Allie came away with a Hello Kitty toy. “It was exciting because it’s meeting royalty and I’ve never ever done that. But I was a little scared,” she told PEOPLE.

Her mother Jill, 48, from Middletown, N.J., added, “It has definitely lifted the spirits of this community. It’s an excitement and really wonderful positivity that this area has needed since October.”

“I was impressed with Harry. He is charming and very playful with them. I hoped he would seem like a real, normal person and he did so even more than I had expected.”

Jennifer Maier, borough administrator of nearby Union Beach where 220 homes were lost, told Harry they are building new solar homes with a grant from the New Jersey Sandy Relief fund.

As for the effect that Harry’s visit will have, “Oh my God it’s huge,” she said. “You could not pick anyone who would bring more attention to the Jersey Shore and the situation we are in.”

After his New Jersey visit, Harry went on to the New York City portion of his tour, where he participated in America’s pastime (see photo in carousel above!).

www.people.com

Keyano’s Director of Marketing and Communications Russel Thomas will be switching roles temporarily to join Wood Buffalo’s Art Council as its interim Executive Director.

As a long time local arts advocate his job will allow the council to get established and work through its goals quickly.

He says in the short term the first things that will be done is to solidify a governing structure, and to work with the city in creating a public art policy.

“It’s a percentage-for-art program,” he continues, ” so if you build a $100-million municipal facility, $1-million will be used for the creation of public art. So it’s going to be woven into everything we do as a community through the municipal development plan.”

The council will also focus on refining its mandate mission and vision, creating a budget, and securing funding.

It will also work with the community, engage it, try to understand the needs of the art community, mapping existing resources and build a collaborative vision for the arts in the region.

In a release, Keyano’s President and CEO, Dr. Kevin Nagel says the council is essential to growing the arts in the community.

He says the arts create a culture, that gives people a sense of place. “[culture] is what allows us to connect to where we live, to the people that we live with, where we’ve come from and where we’re going to.”

He adds, “I think [culture] is embedded in the municipal development plan. There is a political will, that this is something that has to be supported.” He goes on, “I know we have the support of our provincial partners and our federal partners as well.  Why? Because it matters.”

Looking into the future, after the council has done its work, he says public art will be noticed, and have a sense of place in the community.

Thomas says it’s exciting to see opportunity grow for arts enthusiasts in the community.

He starts the job Monday.

LISTEN HERE

Russel explains the council.

About his job in particular.

What he’ll work on first.

What the long term will look like.

May 15th, 2013

Law enforcement tells us … a 22-year-old male from the Chicago area was taken into custody for trespassing after he admitted to swimming up to the beach in front of Swift’s home around 2 AM.

Here’s the back story — around 2:20 AM, cops spotted the man getting out of the ocean, around 1 mile from Swift’s home.

Cops approached the guy and asked him what he was doing in the water — and the man allegedly told police he had just completed a swim, in which he intended to meet Taylor.

Sources say … the man told cops he swam all the way to Swift’s beach, but saw her security team … and decided to swim back to where he came from (roughly 2 miles round trip in cold water).

The man was hauled to a nearby police station where he was booked for trespassing. He’s still in custody.

We spoke to the Westerly Police Dept. which tells us, “There is a zero tolerance policy for trespassers.” The cops say they have already met with Taylor’s security to discuss the matter.

Source- www.tmz.com

As we previously reported … Brooke is gunning to wrestle temporary custody away from Denise Richards, who has been caring for 4-year-old Bob and Max while Brooke tries to get it together at The Betty Ford Center.  Brooke wants her brother to get temporary custody until she’s sober again. 

Charlie believes the almighty dollar is at the root of Brooke’s ploy.  He claims Brooke will still have access to Charlie’s $55,000 monthly child support check if her bro gets the kids, and that’s why she wants Denise out of the picture.

What’s more … sources connected to the case tell TMZ … Denise has written proof — in the form of text messages — in which Brooke makes it clear — she wants and needs those monthly cheques.

Sources say Brooke — through her lawyer — will counter that Denise is the one who is in it for the money, although our sources say Denise has not asked Charlie for a dime for taking Bob and Max.

We’re told Charlie wants Denise to keep the twins until Brooke is sober and able to prove she’ll stay that way.  Charlie realizes that could mean Denise could have the kids for a year … and maybe longer.  Charlie will tell the judge he would gladly pay Denise support money for her efforts.

Source- www.tmz.com ]]> http://www.mymcmurray.com/looking-to-get-in-on-those-huge-child-support-cheques/feed/ 0 http://www.mymcmurray.com/local-man-faces-long-list-of-harassment-charges/ http://www.mymcmurray.com/local-man-faces-long-list-of-harassment-charges/#comments Wed, 15 May 2013 17:44:53 +0000 Evan Cooke http://www.mymcmurray.com/?p=19529 Read more >]]> A Fort McMurray man has been charged after a lengthy police investigation.

54-year-old Brad Love is facing multiple charges including criminal harassment, mailing obscene matter, and harassing telephone calls.

Love has been released on bail, and has a court date set for May 27, 2013.

The police investigation has been worked on over many months, and involved several community members who were the victims of racially and politically motivated written and verbal harassment.

May 15, 2013

This year one of the local French schools will be performing a Civil Negligence Mock Trial at 11am in French and at 2pm an English mock trial of Tarzan King of the Jungle will performed by local lawyers in Fort McMurray. There will also be a Free Legal Clinic hosted by Probono Alberta which requires pre-registration, a fundraising BBQ and local artwork auction. Police officers allow the children into their cruisers and there are tours given of the holding cells in the Courthouse.

Saint Johns’ Mel Norton and other delegates were in Alberta talking about the now-dubbed, ‘Energy East’ pipeline.

Last month, TransCanada said it wanted solid support from shippers before it decides whether to go ahead with the proposal of converting a natural gas pipeline to one that could carry crude through to Quebec.

The project could also see a 1,400km extension that would ship the crude further to the port city of Saint John, which is also home to Irving Oil – the nations largest oil refinery.

May 15th, 2013

 Saturday, June 15, 2013

9:00 am to noon

Fire Hall #1, 2 Tolen Drive

 Enjoy delicious pancakes served by local Firefighters! Activities and displays for the whole family!

 Look for local Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics from the Fort McMurray Fire Department at various local organizations throughout EMS Week. They are happy to answer your questions about emergency medical services within the municipality.

It ranked first out of 160 industrial sites in a survey by the provincial government.

Two coal-fired electricity plants came in second and third place, according to the Edmonton Journal.

It also says in situ oil sands plants have seen their emissions almost double in three years.

Open pit mines had emissions go up 21 per cent in the same span.

But emissions intensity – which is the amount it takes to produce one barrel of oil – is continuing to go down.

May 14, 2013

The airport now says it’s delaying the grand opening to June 9 of next year.

The $258-million project was originally scheduled to open in April.

The airport says the later date will allow for a safe and complete airport operation when it opens.

It’s also set the dates for the city’s first ever International Air Show, which will run from May 30th to June 1st next year.

The airport is also planning several major announcements about the new terminal at its annual public meeting tomorrow.

May 14, 2013

The Canadian Press reports that the territories’ industry minister David Ramsay wants a line to run through their land, into the Yukon and eventually to Alaska for shipment to Asia.

He also says Alaskan governor Sean Parnell supports the concept.

Alberta is still studying the idea, which could be an alternative if the Northern Gateway line to BC doesn’t pan out.

May 14, 2013

RCMP superintendent Bob Couture says they’ve offered to share the existing location with the SPCA, or lease them the space while they find a new location for animal control.

The SPCA had claimed it was being threatened with being kicked out by the city; something the municipality has denied.

It used to handle animal control for the city but announced earlier this month it was terminating that contract as of July 1st because the funding it was getting wasn’t enough to cover costs.

May 14, 2013

It’s released a forecast through 2018 that says production will increase by 1.3 million barrels per day over that time.

But the growth will be limited over the next two years because there aren’t enough pipelines to move bitumen.

It says rail transport can help, but because it’s more expensive, using it might slow down new projects.

It says most of the increase will come from in situ projects, but Imperial Oil’s new Kearl mine and Suncor’s Fort Hills project are also vital parts.

May 14, 2013

http://fortmcmurray.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-trucks-2009-Dodge-Journey-RT-SUV-W0QQAdIdZ481236495

http://fortmcmurray.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-trucks-2009-Dodge-Journey-RT-SUV-W0QQAdIdZ481236495

The Fort McMurray Oil Barons have acquired 1993-born defenceman Austin Yadlowski as the future considerations in the deal with Drayton Valley that sent forward Doug Jones there at the trade deadline.

“He’s a kid that’s had some leadership qualities over the years, and we’re hopeful he can bring that to our team,” said head coach and general manager Gord Thibodeau. “[He's] a big kid that can still move; moves the puck well; we think there’s more offence in him.”

A native of Edmonton, Yadlowski was listed at just under 6’2″ and 181 lbs last year with the Thunder, where he scored 17 points in 58 games (with 93 penalty minutes). The year prior, he scored 30 points in 55 games (with 176 PIMs) with DV after spending his rookie season in St. Albert.

He formerly played minor hockey for South Side in Edmonton.

The trade leaves the Barons with 6 1993-born players, which is the limit that can be dressed on any given night. However, it’s likely that one of their two goalies will be traded before training camp, opening up one of those spots.

While the team is also awaiting two players owed to it from the Nanaimo Clippers in BC in the Brock Maschmeyer trade, Thibodeau said those players may not even end up in Fort McMurray.

“I think there’s more work to be done – at this stage, we’re fielding a lot of phone calls,” he said of the long-term roster picture. “We’d love to find a first-line centreman, and we think we could add another defenceman, a power-play guy.”

The Barons will be holding their summer camp in Fort McMurray in early July.

May 13, 2013

A vote Thursday had 98.5% of its coach division and 98% of the site services division vote to reject the company’s latest contract offer.

94.6% of the coach division and 90% of the site services division voted in favour of a strike; which can occur on just 72 hours notice.

The results were released to union members on Friday.

The Teamsters Local No. 362 is still negotiating with the company over wages and benefits after the existing contract expired.

Sources say the latest offer gave drivers a 6.5% raise over three years; 2.5% in the first year, then 2% in the following two.

The two sides are now on a two week cooling down period; but if the company doesn’t make another offer, the union is reportedly prepared to issue its 72 hour walkout notice.

May 13, 2013

At a public info session at Mac Island on Saturday, people got to see more detailed plans for a public square at Franklin and Hardin, and a Civic Centre by the Snye that would be built next to the new bridge to Mac Island.

Executive director Ron Taylor said there are lots of decisions being made as a result of public feedback.

“In our field we often get accused of ‘oh, you do the public consultation, but you’ve really made up your mind already,’ and that’s absolutely not true,” he said.

“We’ve had some comments today that have been really valuable to us.”

Taylor said building things that can be used year-round is a big priority.

One of those elements would be a rotating stage at the public square.

“The stage can be oriented at different times of day to be able to take advantage of the changing angles of the light, and also of different seasons,” he said.

“And that stage can move around to be able to accommodate the different kinds of events.”

Another common theme is the increased use of public transit, something he said has worked in other cities and can work here.

“I think the key to having people move to transit is that you provide reliable, comfortable, convenient, attractive transit,” he said.

The next info session runs Wednesday at the Jubilee Centre from 6-8.

“Nothing is going away, especially not their location!” Blake wrote. “Not sure why [it] thinks so, but have RMWB working this now.”

“They do great work in [Fort McMurray] and we want to keep it that way,” she added.

—–

The executive director of Fort McMurray’s SPCA says their organization has been “informally advised” that they’ll be kicked out of their current location next month.

Tara Clarke says the city has suggested it’ll take over the SPCA’s current location on MacAlpine Crescent to use for Animal Control services.

The SPCA used to handle Animal Control, but announced it’s terminating that contract because the city’s annual grant wasn’t enough to cover the cost of doing it.

The organization says it’s currently sheltering 90 animals at the location, which would need somewhere else to go.

It’s asking for help from the public in either finding a new location or taking in animals temporarily until the shelter can be re-opened.

Clarke says they’ve suggested the city do animal control out of the other side of the building that they occupy, which is currently used by Parks and Recreation.

But she also says no members of municipal council have reached out to speak with the SPCA yet.

May 12, 2013

Before the event, members of the media were able to talk to Messier about his time in Fort McMurray, being able to talk with some of the region’s young athletes, and the event itself.

May 11, 2013

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It says Events Wood Buffalo will have to hold its CanadaROCKS concert series off the island this year, because of the progress on Shell Place construction.

The island’s new stadium is scheduled to open in two years, and become the main facility for outdoor concerts in the region.

But that leaves two summers where the events agency will have to find an alternate solution.

Events Wood Buffalo hasn’t yet announced any plans for Canada Day this year.

In 2011, it packed the island with about 10,000 people when it attracted KISS to town.

May 10, 2013

The Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team says it executed a search warrant at a Riverstone Ridge apartment and a vehicle.

It says officers found and seized 170 grams of cocaine and crack cocaine, as well as some marijuana, drug equipment, $12,000 cash.

They also seized the vehicle.

66-year old David Grant of Fort McMurray is facing trafficking charges, as well as possession of property obtained by crime.

May 10, 2013

It happened around 8 o’clock just north of the Taiganova Crescent intersection.

A pick up truck heading south rear ended the bus, causing it to rear end another truck in front of it.

The driver of the first pickup was taken to hospital.

There were only two people on the bus, and two on the truck in front – none of them were injured.

Police say they’ll try to keep traffic flowing in the area until their investigation is finished.

May 10, 2013
(photo courtesy Jeff Fitz, Facebook)

It’s now being called Jubilee Plaza and will go right next to the Jubilee Centre, along Hardin Street and Franklin and Macdonald Avenues.

The location is part of the presentation that the redevelopment group plans to give at an engagement session tomorrow morning at Mac Island.

It says the plaza could be reconfigured throughout the year for events, and possibly include an open air projector screen, among other things.

The documents on the redevelopment’s website also say Morimoto Drive will be closed this fall so construction can start on a new Morimoto Promenade along the waterfront.

May 10, 2013

The intent of the event is to devote a separate day to grade 5 Girls and grade 5 boys in order to expose them to empowering activities in a conference like setting. 

The goal is to encourage our youth to remain active and make positive choices as they get older by introducing them to a variety of activities targeted toward healthy living.  As this seems to be an age where activity levels begin to decrease and unhealthy habits form, the hope is to curb that trend by opening their mind to new physical activity and healthy living possibilities outside what they may be offered in school.

Volunteers are also welcome to drop by anytime during regular hours to help out.

Those hours are Monday from 12-8 and Tuesday to Friday from 8:30-4:30.

It’s located at 10117 King Street, or you can visit them online at http://www.woodbuffalofoodbank.com

Needs List – As of May 10, 2013
Pasta Sauce*
Canned Pasta/Ravioli*
Canned Corn/Yellow Vegetables*
Canned Green Vegetables*
Canned Mixed Vegetables*
Canned Meat and Fish*
Canned Mushrooms*
Canned Tomatoes*
Canned Fruit*
Tomato Soup*
Hamburger Helper
Enfamil A+ Baby Formula
Jello
Cereal
Mustard
Relish
Mayo
Ketchup
Taco & Pizza Kits
Hot Chocolate Mix
Milk Powder
Canned Milk
Sidekicks
Pancake Syrup
Ramen Noodles
Nut Free Granola Bars
Instant Mashed Potatoes
Stuffing
Shake and Bake

*URGENT needs. Currently, we don’t have sufficient canned goods to make basic hampers, so these are really needed right now!

Instead, it will introduce new computer-based tests called Student Learning Assessments, that will take place at the start of the year instead of the end.

That gives teachers time to identify what subjects students need help with.

Getting rid of the PAT’s was one of Premier Redford’s election promises.

The new tests will be phased in, with Grade 3 tests starting next September, and grades 6 and 9 in the years after that.

May 10, 2013

This past weekend over 160 people were seen by a physician.

Wood Buffalo Primary Care Network spokesperson Jordan Hiltunen said it’s had a great response.

“We had an amazing weekend, we saw 85 people on Saturday and 78 on Sunday,” he said.

Hiltunen said its purely on the drawing board, but there’s a possibility of a Family Care clinic opening north of the bridge within a couple years.

“Hypothetically you’re talking about 75,000 people living in the north past the bridge, we’re certainly taking that into consideration, that’s an integral part to our planning for health care for the future,” he said.

He says the wait times at the clinic are being monitored, and when it gets busy, they’ll add another physician.

The 22-year-old Teen Mom star turned porn Queen is opening up about why she made a XXX sex tape with adult actor, James Deen, claiming she did it because she’s lonely, and that she never intended for it to go public!

Farrah Abraham claims she made a sex tape with adult actor James Deen because she’s lonely!

As OKMagazine.com previously reported, Farrah’s tape is selling out fast, debuting to four times the traffic on distributer, Vivid Entertainment‘s website, than fellow reality star Kim Kardashian‘s2007 adult entertainment offering.

The single mom sat down with Entertainment Tonight for an exclusive interview with Brooke Anderson, claiming her reasons for filming the erotic video were completely innocent and in fact came from a place of loneliness!

Farrah Superstar: Backdoor Teen Mom crashed Vivid’s website for 9 minutes and brought in over 2 million visitors

“I have no relationships,” Abraham laments. “I’m, like, sad sometimes.”

She goes on to explain that she decided to make the video with a “professional” because she thought that would insure it stayed private and claims she was “devastated” to learn that her co-star had been blabbing about their caught on camera escapades.

“I was under the belief [that filming with Deen] would help better protect me and my privacy,” Farrah says. “I was like, ‘If this guy is so professional, and everything is going to be fine, then I was like, ‘I’m happier with this choice.”

Farrah refuses to confirm or deny reports that she was paid a cool one million dolars for her porn debut

Once the cat was out of the bag, Farrah explains she had no choice but to take control of the situation and that’s when she made the decision to sell her video to Vivid.

One thing Abraham is refusing to divulge is how much money she was paid for the tape’s release, neither denying or confirming reports she netted a cool $1 million for her efforts.

Farrah claims she hired professional porn star James Deen as her co-star because she thought he would keep the tape a secret!

However, she did confirm that she’s confident the cash will keep her and her young daughter, Sophia, financially secure for years to come.

“It’s [about] creating a great environment for my daughter,” Farrah says. “A home, a nice neighborhood, you know, [my daughter's] college… so it’s just all coming together.”

Source- www.okmagazine.com

TransAlta out of Calgary and MidAmerican out of Iowa are forming a partnership called TAMA Transmission.

It’ll bid for the Fort McMurray West Transmission project.

That new line will run 500 kilometres from an existing substation in Edmonton to a new one in Fort McMurray.

The new substation would be built in the Thickwood area about 25 kilometres west of the city.

The whole project is expected to cost 1.6 billion dollars, and the winning bidders will maintain it for the next 35 years.

May 9, 2013

 Bynes also revealed via Twitter on May 5, 2013 that she had a nose job. She tweeted in part: “I had a nose job to remove skin that was like a webbing in between my eyes. I wasn’t going to tell anyone, but I look so much prettier in my new photos that I don’t want old photos used anymore! …I will never look like that again! Having surgery was the most amazing thing for my confidence!

Source- www.entertainmenttonight.com

Source- www.entertainmenttonight.com

Something unusual is heading up Highway 63 today – and it’s not another megaload.

A solar car from the University of Calgary called the Schulich Delta is scheduled to head into town.

Project manager Suzie Kubik says it’s unique because it’s a more consumer-friendly four-door car.

“That’s really why we built Delta, it’s because we found that people were asking ‘when can I drive something like this?’” She continues, “Shulich Delta really is at the point for us to say, ‘well, you know what? You could drive something like this tomorrow.’”

“Its going to be a race car, absolutely. It’ll be a contender at the World Solar Car Challenge in October,” she says.

Unlike previous one-seaters, this one is their first four-door solar car.

Kubik says, “it’s also kind of pushing our design one step more towards making solar powered vehicles a reality for the everyday consumer.”

She says it’s a more practical four-door car, which shows how solar cars are getting closer to the mass market.

“Well, I think the technology’s got to catch up with the cost and the feasibility. So, I think  it’ll be a couple of years,” she adds, “we might start to see power being integrated into our secondary systems on the car, and then, eventually I think that we could see it.”

It’s scheduled to stop at Greely Road and Beacon Hill schools.

May 9th, 2013

Country 93.3′s Morning Show Host Jerry Neville spoke to Councillor Phil Meagher this morning on getting to emcee the event, and bring Cosby on stage.

His successes span five decades and all great achievements for a kid out of  a Philly project.

He has done lots in his career, from writing books, to stand-up comedy, to ‘Kids Say the Darndest Things’, and much more in between.

Last night, MacDonald Island was packed with people ready for some laughs with Bill Cosby.

He was here as part of Fort McMurray Public Library ‘s Northern Insights series.

It was a SOLD OUT venue with cheeks hurting and even a bit of tears, all from laughing so hard.

He ended the evening with a great reminder, “We are the city, not celebrities, not trees, not dirt.” he continued, “So be the city that we want to be.”

May 9th, 2013

Source- www.cmt.ca

Until Sunday disposal fees at the regional landfill will be waived for residential loads under 400 kilograms.

If you need more info on the operations or fees head CLICK HERE

It will be done again at the end of September to the beginning of October.

It’s reminding you that there is a by-law in place to have your waste covered when transporting it.

May 8th, 2013

It says the industry produced 1.9-million barrels per day for the year.

That represents 77% of total oil production in Alberta.

It’s forecasting that by 2022, oil sands production will double to 3.8-million barrels per day.

The report says 8.8 billion barrels of bitumen have been harvested in the oil sands since 1967.

But, there’s still almost 168 billion barrels left – which is 99-percent of the total oil reserves in Alberta.

May 8th, 2013