Calgary Water Crisis Deepens As Stampede Park Hotel Breaks Ground News Summary

📝 Overview

Scrutiny intensifies over Calgary’s troubled water system amid reporting on governance failures, while the city moves to prepare its first census in nearly a decade. Construction has begun on the first hotel at Stampede Park, marking a significant redevelopment milestone

Business

Construction has begun on a 13-storey, 320-room Autograph Collection Hotel at Stampede Park in Calgary, the first hotel built on the site. Set to open by 2028, the project adds meeting, ballroom and dining space as part of a wider redevelopment ahead of the city’s flagship annual event.

First hotel to be built on Stampede Park officially begins construction

Source: LiveWire Calgary • Published: January 09, 2026

Construction has officially begun on the first on-site hotel at Stampede Park, following weeks of excavation and site preparation.

Construction breaks ground on Stampede Park's first on-site hotel

Source: Calgary Herald • Published: January 09, 2026

Culture

A Chestermere family expressed relief after the stolen ashes of a mother were recovered and returned by a funeral home.

'Absolutely elated:' mother's stolen ashes returned to Chestermere family

Source: Calgary Herald • Published: January 09, 2026

Politics

An investigation portrays Calgary’s water system as poorly governed, opaque and prone to repeated missteps, arguing that weak oversight and insular decision-making have produced unreliable service for a major city.

Braid: The secretive, serial bungling that gave Calgary the worst big-city water system

Source: Calgary Herald • Published: January 09, 2026

Calgary is preparing for its first civic census in nearly a decade by recruiting a program co-ordinator to manage planning and execution.

City preparing for first census in almost a decade by hiring co-ordinator

Source: Calgary Herald • Published: January 09, 2026

An opinion piece argues that Calgary’s recent water problems highlight deeper infrastructure risks and urges leaders and residents to treat the crisis as a call for reform and investment.

Opinion: Calgary’s water crisis is a warning we must heed

Source: Calgary Herald • Published: January 09, 2026

Safety

An RCMP officer in southern Alberta and his wife have been charged with multiple counts of fraud and theft, according to police.

Southern Alberta RCMP officer faces fraud, theft charges

Source: Calgary Herald • Published: January 09, 2026

A Calgary woman convicted of fraud received a prison sentence and substantial fine after twice leaving Canada to contest extradition, with a judge limiting credit for time spent in British custody.

Calgary fraudster who twice fled Canada to avoid prosecution handed prison term and massive fine

Source: Calgary Herald • Published: January 09, 2026

Sports

Jim Furlong, a long-serving Calgary Stampeders player and Grey Cup champion, has died at 85 after a 13-season career that spanned 174 games.

Calgary Stampeders stalwart, Grey Cup champion Jim Furlong dies at 85

Source: Calgary Herald • Published: January 09, 2026

Glenn Hall, a legendary NHL goaltender known as “Mr. Goalie,” is remembered for his significant influence on hockey and his notable contributions to the Calgary Flames.

Remembering Glenn Hall: Mr. Goalie had major impact with Flames, too

Source: Calgary Herald • Published: January 09, 2026

Calgary Flames analysts debate how the team should manage rookie defenceman Zayne Parekh’s playing time upon his return from injury amid a recent losing streak.

Hot Topics: How should the Flames handle Zayne Parekh’s playing time?

Source: Calgary Herald • Published: January 09, 2026