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Good morning and Happy Sunday Neighbour!!
If you felt a little rumble last night, you were not imagining things. There was a 4.1 magnitude earthquake north of the city, and that is just one of the stories we are unpacking today. We also have a deeply frustrating local justice story and some genuinely good news heading into your Monday. Let's get into it.💛
🌍 A 4.1 Magnitude Earthquake Was Felt North of Edmonton Last Night. Here Is What We Know.
If you thought you felt something rumble late Saturday, you were right.
A 4.1 magnitude earthquake struck central Alberta on Saturday evening, with the epicentre located north of Edmonton according to Earthquakes Canada. Residents across the region reported feeling the tremor
Alberta experiences occasional seismic activity linked to both natural geological faults and, in some areas, industrial activity. A 4.1 magnitude quake is significant enough to be widely felt but not typically strong enough to cause structural damage
No injuries or property damage have been reported. Earthquakes Canada confirmed the event and the data is publicly available on their site
Did you feel it? Where were you when it hit? Drop it in the comments — Edmonton loves a good "I felt the earthquake" story. 👇
⚖️ Sexual Assault Charges Against Edmonton Spiritual Leader John de Ruiter and His Wife Have Been Stayed. The Women Who Came Forward Are Devastated.
This outcome is hard to read.
Johannes de Ruiter, who leads a group known as the College of Integrated Philosophy near Edmonton, and his wife Leigh Ann faced 12 sexual assault charges between them involving six women. A trial was scheduled for September. The Alberta Crown stayed all charges Friday, saying it could not proceed due to court delays and unspecified misconduct by the prosecution
The Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton called the outcome devastating. "They had the bravery to come forward and share their stories, and then to have the case stayed in this way without clarity on why it happened," CEO Lena Betker said. "My heart just goes out to those people so much."
Edmonton Police said it was disappointed. The Crown acknowledged it was conducting an internal review and thanked the women for coming forward. The defence said the de Ruiters were ready to go to trial and were not given the chance to have the allegations tested in court
This is the kind of outcome that shakes public trust in the justice system. What does accountability look like when the system itself fails?
⛽ The Federal Gas Tax Cut Kicks In Tomorrow. Here Is Exactly What to Expect at the Pump.
Monday just got a little more affordable.
Starting tomorrow Monday April 20, the federal government is suspending the full fuel excise tax on gasoline and diesel until Labour Day September 7. That is 10 cents per litre off regular gas and 4 cents per litre off diesel, province wide
Worth knowing: Alberta is not suspending its own provincial fuel tax at the same time. Finance Minister Nate Horner says the province is sticking with its existing formula, at least until July, pointing to its automatic tax relief program that kicks in when oil prices stay above a certain threshold
One thing to keep in mind: the mandatory seasonal switch to summer blend gasoline, which costs refiners more to produce, could offset some of the savings at the pump. Analysts say diesel users and truckers will feel the relief most clearly
Combined with oil prices dropping more than 10 percent on Friday after the Strait of Hormuz reopened, Monday could bring the most meaningful pump price relief Edmonton drivers have seen in months.
✈️ Air Canada Is Cutting Flights Between Toronto and Montreal to New York's JFK Airport. Jet Fuel Costs Have Doubled Since the Iran War Began.
If you have summer travel plans that route through JFK, check your booking now.
Air Canada announced Friday it will suspend all flights from Toronto and Montreal to New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport starting June 1, with plans to resume October 25. The airline said jet fuel prices have doubled since the Iran conflict began, making some lower demand routes unprofitable to operate
Air Canada will continue to offer 34 daily flights to New York's LaGuardia and Newark airports from six Canadian cities, so direct access to the New York area is not gone entirely. Affected customers will be contacted with alternative travel options
Air Canada is not alone. Lufthansa, KLM and WestJet have all either suspended routes or added fuel surcharges in recent weeks. The International Energy Agency warned last week that Europe has roughly six weeks of jet fuel supply remaining if Middle East shipping disruptions continue
The Iran war's reach is now showing up in everyday Canadian travel. If you were planning to book a summer flight, do it sooner rather than later.
🌍 Iran Just Opened the Strait of Hormuz. Oil Crashed More Than 10 Percent. Here Is What That Means for You.
This is the biggest economic news of the week and Alberta drivers are going to feel it.
Iran's foreign minister announced Friday morning that the Strait of Hormuz is completely open for commercial shipping for the duration of the 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. Oil prices immediately plunged more than 10 percent, with US crude dropping to around $83 a barrel. Global stock markets hit record highs
The Strait carries roughly one-fifth of the world's oil and had been effectively shut since the conflict began in late February. The closure sent oil prices surging toward $120 a barrel, driving up fuel and food costs around the world
There are still cautions. The US naval blockade of Iranian ports remains in place and some shipping companies are waiting for clearer safety guarantees before sending vessels through. Prime Minister Carney confirmed Canada stands ready to support safe passage through diplomatic means
The timing could not be better for Albertans. The federal gas tax cut kicks in Monday April 20. Combined with oil crashing today, drivers could see meaningful relief at the pump very soon. The region is not out of the woods yet but this morning felt like a genuine exhale for the global economy.
Edmonton local Weather
Day ⬆7° higher than historical avg, Night⬆3° higher than historical avg.
🌤️ Edmonton Weather - Saturday April 18th
Sunday is the best day of the week. A gorgeous 16°C with wall to wall sunshine and clear skies tonight. Monday climbs to 17°C and stays sunny, perfect timing for the gas tax cut and the start of a big week in Edmonton. Spring is fully here.
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📅 Events Happening This Week in Edmonton
Sunday, April 19
🍻 Edmonton BeerFest 🎟️ Details
🗓 Apr 18–19 · ⏰ 2 PM–10 PM · 📍 Edmonton Convention Centre
Edmonton's biggest and longest-running beer festival. 19th year. 100+ beers, ciders, and spirits.🐼 LEGO Treasure Hunt 🎟️ Details
🗓 Apr 19 · ⏰ 11 AM–4 PM · 📍 Participating Indigo & Chapters locations
Kids ages 6+ find animal clues hidden around the store. Free prize upon completion. Space limited—register first.🏊 Hardisty Fitness & Leisure Centre Open House 🎟️ Details
🗓 Apr 19 · ⏰ 10 AM–3 PM · 📍 Hardisty Fitness & Leisure Centre (10650 95 St NW)
FREE admission for your family. Tour the building, try out the pool, join a program, crafts, and prize giveaways.🫖 Madhatter’s Tea Party 🎟️ Details
🗓 Apr 19 · ⏰ 1–3 PM · 📍 Stageworks Academy (10424 82 Ave NW)
Wonderland-inspired tea party. Craft your own hat, play whimsical games, enjoy tasty treats.🧔 Beards and Beads at Grizzly Cubs Den 🎟️ Details
🗓 Apr 19 · ⏰ 10 AM–12 PM · 📍 Grizzly Cubs Den (12204 102 Ave NW)
Themed Daddy and Me event for kids ages 1–10. Make beaded keychains, necklaces, and more with Dad.🛍️ Wholly Handmade Market (Day 2) 🎟️ Details
🗓 Apr 19 · ⏰ 11 AM–4 PM · 📍 401 Festival Lane (Sherwood Park)
Last chance to shop 40+ local makers before they pack up.🌾 Camrose Vendor Splendor Spring Market 🎟️ Details
🗓 Apr 19 · ⏰ 10 AM–3 PM · 📍 Days Inn Camrose (6505 48 Ave)
Spring vendors benefiting the Camrose and Area Animal Shelter. Free admission.🎭 Stage Struck! One Act Play Festival (Final Day) 🎟️ Details
🗓 Apr 18–19 · ⏰ 7:30 PM · 📍 Workshop West Playwrights’ Theatre (10447 81 Ave NW)
Six new one-act plays by Edmonton writers compete for a spot at the Alberta Drama Festival. Catch the finale.🎸 Edmonton BeerFest (Final Day) 🎟️ Details
🗓 Apr 19 · ⏰ 2 PM–10 PM · 📍 Edmonton Convention Centre
Last day to taste 100+ beers, ciders, and spirits from Alberta and beyond.
🤔 BET YOU DID NOT KNOW
Edmonton's river valley park system is the largest urban parkland network in North America. Stretching over 7,400 hectares along the North Saskatchewan River, it is more than 22 times larger than Central Park in New York City.
Edmontonians walk, bike, ski and kayak through it every season without realising they are living next to one of the most remarkable urban green spaces on the continent. The river valley connects more than 160 kilometres of maintained trails across the city and surrounding areas.
Next time someone tells you Edmonton does not have much going for it, remind them of that.
What is your favourite spot in the river valley? 👇