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Wood Buffalo RCMP Gives Out Almost 700 Charges to Drivers in 10 Day Period

Wood Buffalo RCMP, driving charges
Wood Buffalo RCMP, driving charges

For the 10 day period, starting on August 22 and through September 1, the Wood Buffalo RCMP gave out 680 driving charges to motorists for a variety of offenses. The daily average was 68, and the driving charges ranged from going a few miles over the speed limit to impaired driving. There were 23 individuals charged with exceeding the speed limit by more than 50 kilometres, 3 individuals were charged with impaired driving under the Criminal Code, 6 individuals were charged with careless driving, and 9 drivers received roadside suspensions for substance abuse while they were driving. The sheer number of driving charges handed out by the Wood Buffalo RCMP show the magnitude of the problem when it comes to keeping the roads in Wood buffalo safe for motorists.

Some of the most notable driving charges and other offenses that the Wood Buffalo RCMP encountered included a 26 year old male who was driving 135 km/h in an area posted for 60 km/h, and he was driving a Ford Mustang when stopped and charged. Another report detailed a Hyundai Sonata which was reported stolen, and the 25 year old male driver was doing 130 km/h in a 100 km/h area. This occurred on Highway 63 near Fort MacMurray, and the man was charged with a number of offenses. The report states that the driver had several outstanding warrants, he was under suspension, both criminal and provincial, and he assaulted an officer after being stopped. These are in addition to driving a stolen vehicle and being impaired.

 

 

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Winter in Fort MacMurray can be Fun for Those Who are Well Prepared

winter in Fort MacMurray, well prepared
winter in Fort MacMurray, well prepared

The remoteness and the natural setting can make winter in Fort MacMurray miserable or fun, depending on how well prepared you are for the local conditions. If you have the proper clothing, accessories, and equipment being outside can be a blast during the winter in Fort MacMurray. Imagine a snowscape with exquisite natural beauty, pristine conditions, and many different trails and remote untouched areas to explore. Snowmobiling, skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, ice skating, and many other activities are just a short distance away for those who are well prepared to brave the elements and get outdoors. If you do not have the proper gear and equipment being outside in cold weather conditions in and around Fort MacMurray can be dangerous though, with the threat of hypothermia or even freezing to death a real possibility if something goes wrong.

If you plan on going outdoors in the winter in Fort MacMurray being prepared is a must. Make sure that you have the right clothing to stay warm and comfortable for the outside temperature. If it is bitter cold then you should not have any visible skin showing, and you will need to have gloves, scarves, and even ski masks in order to do this. Snowshoes work well in areas with deep snow. Goggles can protect your eyes from any sleet, icy rain, or snow if there are high winds. Layering your clothing is more effective than a single bulky item. Each layer will help trap heat so that you stay warmer during the winter in Fort MacMurray. Make sure the outermost layer is waterproof if possible.

 

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New Schools in Fort MacMurray are Celebrated

schools in Fort MacMurray, school year
schools in Fort MacMurray, school year

There were a few new schools in Fort MacMurray that were opened in time for the new school year, and parents and administrators both celebrated these welcome editions to the school system in the area. There are 2 new elementary schools in Fort MacMurray that were not available to students last year, and although the schedule was tight both managed to open in time for the start of school this year. St. Kateri School, in the Fort MacMurray Catholic School District, opened on September 2nd, although there is still some construction going on even now. In the Fort MacMurray School District the Walter and Gladys Hill Public School also opened on September 2. Both schools are operating normally, with both classes and extracurricular activities already in full swing.

Opening up 2 new elementary schools in Fort MacMurray in time for the new school year means that there are enough spaces for all the elementary students in Fort MacMurray and then some. It is undeniable that the area is growing and expanding quickly, with more people arriving from around Canada and the world every week. Both elementary schools will be connected in the middle by the new community centre, however this part is still under construction. Right now St. Kateri does not have all of the classrooms open, and some classes are larger than normal but there are two teachers instead of one so the quality of learning is not affected. According to St. Kateri principal Valerie Dyck“In the classroom, there would be more students than what would be typical, but there are two teachers in the room at all times. The kids really do get the benefit of if the teacher that happens to be teaching is busy, there’s another teacher walking around, understanding what they’re supposed to be doing. It seems to be working really well.”

 

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Fort McKay Health Study Launching Soon

health study, Fort McKay
health study, Fort McKay

 

First Nations and Metis residents in Fort McKay and the surrounding area will soon launch a health study that is comprehensive in the hopes of addressing community health problems and needs. For years these groups have been frustrated with the Alberta health information and processes, and they decided to launch their own health study in Fort McKay as a result. Starting in September data and health information collection will be undertaken by medical staff in the local community. This collection will hopefully include all of the residents, numbering at more than 700. Physical exams, samples of blood and urine, and even hair samples may be taken. Once all of the health data has been collected it will be turned over to epidemiologists and toxicologists who will review all of the data closely.

The Fort McKay health study will include an examination of the oilsands, and he environmental impacts that they have. Other factors that will be examined and analyzed will include diet, medical history, genetics, substance abuse, lifestyles, obesity, and other activities. According to the resident physician at Fort McKay, Dr. John O’Connor, “This is going to be complete and comprehensive. It must be comprehensive. Let’s look at every determinate of health. We’re going to take the high-road on this study. It’s not like we will try to twist the data towards a conclusion we’re looking for. This is going to be very thorough. The assumption is the government has decided they have other priorities, despite their public announcement. So it’s time to stop waiting and take things into the hands of the community.”

 

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Missing Women March Held by First Nations

missing women, First Nations
missing women, First Nations

 

Members of the First Nations recently held a march for missing women, some of who have been found murdered since they disappeared. Last Saturday more than 60 people, many who were First Nations or Meti’s but some who were simply supporters, marched in Fort MacMurrayto bring attention to the fact that the federal government has refused to start an inquiry into the numerous Aboriginal women who have either disappeared never to be seen again or who have been murdered. The march started off down Franklin Ave at Borealis Park and ended at Keyano College. According to Mikisew Cree First Nation Chief Steve Courtoreille “The prime minister would rather spend spend money on looking for an expedition lost a hundred years ago.”

Instead of starting an inquiry into the missing women, and into cases where First Nations women who have been murdered, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced that he was launching a naval expedition to search for signs of the 1845 Franklin Expedition which was doomed. First Nation Chief Steve Courtoreille responded to the naval expedition announcement by stating “Instead of lashing out in anger, say a prayer for him. Prayers are very powerful. Pray he changes his mind and does the right thing. It’s up to us as First Nations people and at the grassroots to put the pressure on the prime minister.” Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Chief Allan Adam commented that “There is already a lot of mistrust from First Nations towards the Harper government. Even if Harper does the right thing eventually, a lot of First Nations will never forgive him because of this delay.”

 

 

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Winter Weather Terms Every Fort MacMurray Resident Should Know

winter weather, Fort MacMurray
winter weather, Fort MacMurray

 

There are a number of winter weather terms that Fort MacMurray residents, and even visitors during the colder months, should know and understand. These terms will help you understand what type of weather to expect and how severe conditions may become. These include:

  • Wind Chill- Wind chill means what it feels like outdoors in Fort MacMurray, not what the actual temperature actually is. When there is a brisk wind it can feel much colder than the actual temperature reading, and you could become cold or even suffer from hypothermia faster if your skin is exposed to the wind. This is helpful in determining the time until frostbite can occur.
  • Sleet- This is rain that freezes high up in the sky, and it comes down as frozen droplets.
  • Freezing Rain- This is the term for rain that will freeze when striking the ground. This creates an ice coating which can make conditions extremely slippery.
  • Winter Weather Advisory- A winter weather advisory for Fort MacMurray or Alberta means that the weather may become hazardous, and that anyone who goes out may have considerable inconveniences caused by the winter weather.
  • Winter Storm Watch- This means that a winter storm has a high probability of hitting the area, and this includes severe winter weather. Heavy snow, ice, sleet may hit within the next 36 hours although the timing of the storm arrival is not yet certain, and the storm may still miss the area.
  • Winter Storm Warning- A winter storm warning means that the storm will hit or has already arrived, and it is expected.
  • Blizzard Warning- Blizzard conditions are expected or have already arrived. Heavy snow, high winds, and ice are part of a blizzard so residents should expect these.
  • Frost or Freeze Warning- Temperatures will fall below freezing, and the ground and road conditions may frost over or freeze completely.