CTV Calgary's top 5 stories for April 2024
At CTV Calgary, we strive to bring attention to the stories that matter to the community and resonate with our audience.
Here are the top stories for the month of April.
5. Alberta's population growth is breaking records, but signs of strain are showing
Amid a nationwide housing crisis, the issue of affordable housing in Alberta is no different here than in any other part of Canada.
A rapid population growth in Alberta, spurred on by government campaigns, is a double-edged sword in many respects.
While population growth is considered a marker of prosperity, many experts are aware of the added strain on services and house prices that comes with it.
4. Alberta's second grid alert in 2 days leads to rolling blackouts
In early April, the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) issued a grid alert to Albertans, saying that there was insufficient power being generated in the province for its needs.
The alert was the second in two days and, this time, it led to blackouts in several communities.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, speaking in Brooks, Alta., said the issue was due to a shift in reliance on renewable power sources rather than fossil fuels.
"We've built the system completely backwards," she said, suggesting that Alberta would not be able to support itself solely through wind and solar power.
Smith said her government would take a closer look at building new electricity arrangements with neighbouring provinces and Montana to prevent future disruptions.
Rolling blackouts affect Calgary
3. 'Shocked and concerned': Calgary principal charged with possession of child pornography
On April 29, members of the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams announced a Calgary principal had been arrested in connection with possession of child pornography and accessing child pornography.
Authorities began an investigation into Bruce Campbell, 61, a principal at Sacred Heart Elementary School, in March after they were notified by the RCMP.
It led to several devices and computers being seized from Campbell's home and police soon located an image, depicting child sexual abuse, to his work phone.
"These are very shocking and concerning offences made worse by positions of trust and authority. But at this time we do not believe any of the material is of children at the school," said Staff Sgt. Mark Auger with ALERT.
Campbell was released from custody and is expected to appear in court on May 10.
2. Two men charged with first-degree murder in death of Calgary woman
In early April, Calgary police revealed that the subject of a missing person case from February had likely met a tragic end.
Chelsea Davidenas was last seen on Feb. 17 and was reported missing by her family 10 days later.
Police told the media on April 3 that Davidenas was presumed murdered and two men, one of them known to her, were charged with her murder.
The investigation discovered that the 29-year-old woman was likely killed inside a home in Rundle and her body was disposed of east of the city.
A few days later, her remains were found in a rural area near Chestermere.
Chelsea Davidenas, 29, was last seen on Feb. 17, 2024 and reported missing by her family on Feb. 27, 2024.
The case prompted Calgary Police Chief Mark Neufeld to highlight the supports being offered to all women who feel they are at risk of violence.
1. Alberta minor hockey volunteer charged with alleged sexual offences involving teenage boys
CTV News Calgary's top story for April was the report of charges against a Sundre, Alta., woman accused of sexual offences involving underage members of the community's minor hockey association.
On April 8, RCMP charged Alexa Suitor, a member of the Sundre Minor Hockey Association's executive committee with sexual interference, sexual assault and four counts of making sexually explicit material available to a child.
A parents of one of the alleged victims told CTV News at the time that Suitor "took their innocence away."
Suitor's next court appearance will be in Didsbury on May 27.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Serial sexual offender linked to unsolved 1970s homicides of four Calgary girls, women
An investigation into unsolved historical homicides from the 1970s has linked the deaths of two girls and two young women in and around Calgary to a now-deceased serial offender.
Wildfires are dampening against cool, rainy weather, but there's plenty left to contain
An opportune system of cool, wet weather Friday is dampening the spread of wildfires across Western Canada, but there's still plenty of work for responders and residents alike.
Woman with liver failure rejected for a transplant after medical review highlights alcohol use
For nearly three months, Amanda Huska has been in an Ontario hospital, part of it on life support, because of severe liver failure. Her history of alcohol use is getting in the way of her only potential treatment: a liver transplant.
$500K-worth of elvers seized at Toronto airport
Fishery and border service officers seized more than 100 kilograms of unauthorized elvers at the Toronto Pearson International Airport on Wednesday.
Dabney Coleman, actor who specialized in curmudgeons, dies at 92
Dabney Coleman, the mustachioed character actor who specialized in smarmy villains like the chauvinist boss in '9 to 5' and the nasty TV director in 'Tootsie,' has died. He was 92.
Information commissioner faces $700K funding shortfall, says system is 'overwhelmed'
Canada's information commissioner says her office is facing a $700,000 funding shortfall that could impact its ability to investigate complaints about government transparency and accountability.
Backlash over NFL player Harrison Butker's commencement speech has reached a new level
The NFL is distancing itself from controversial comments by Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker during a recent commencement address.
Craig Berube named as next head coach of Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs have named Craig Berube as their new head coach.
B.C. man 'attacked suddenly' by adult grizzly near Alberta boundary: RCMP
A B.C. man is recovering from multiple injuries after he was "attacked suddenly" by an adult grizzly bear near Elkford Thursday afternoon.