Alberta | One person treated by EMS after CFD responds to carbon monoxide call in NW Calgary
2600 block 34 Avenue NW | 19 Feb 2012
- Leave the house immediately.
- Call 9-1-1 or the local fire department from a neighbour’s house.
- Do not go back into the house until the fire department says it is safe to do so.
- Seek professional medical help; indicate that you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning.
Labrador West | Public advisory issued after fourth confirmed case of animal rabies
Labrador City | 11 Feb 2012
The Department of Natural Resources is reporting a fourth confirmed case of rabies in Labrador West.
The department’s Animal Health Laboratory and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency confirmed that a red fox hit by a vehicle in Labrador City on January 26 and a red fox found on a trail near Labrador City on January 24 each had rabies.
“The latest confirmation of rabies further proves that the virus continues to be active in Labrador West,” said Dr. Hugh Whitney, Chief Veterinary Officer with the Department of Natural Resources Animal Health Division. “We have also been advised that two young dogs taken out of northern Quebec for adoption have been diagnosed with rabies. Given the instances of rabies in Labrador, and that dogs from Labrador have been adopted outside the region, we advise residents at this time to not adopt dogs that have not been vaccinated and are of unknown health status.”
Officials with the Departments of Natural Resources and Health and Community Services will continue to monitor this and are encouraging residents of Labrador to take the following precautions:
- Keep domestic animals, such as dogs and cats, under control;
- Vaccinate dogs and cats against rabies;
- Avoid wild animals, particularly foxes and wolves;
- Report any sightings of strange-acting wild or domestic animals to forestry officers, fish and wildlife enforcement officers, veterinarians, police or public health officials;
- Wash any bites or other areas of contact with potentially rabid animals immediately with soap and water; and,
- Immediately go to a health clinic or emergency department for treatment of any animal bites. Any contact with potentially rabid animals should be reported to public health officials.
The department will provide information on any additional rabies cases on the Provincial Government website at www.nr.gov.nl.ca/rabies.
Details on the current outbreak will be posted on www.nr.gov.nl.ca/rabies/outbreak2012.html.
Prince Edward Island | Influenza season confirmed in Prince Edward Island
Charlottetown | 9 Feb 2012
The first case of influenza for the 2011-2012 Prince Edward Island flu season has been laboratory confirmed, says Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Heather Morrison.
The case was a child under 10 years of age who had not been immunized. Typical symptoms of influenza include fever, headache, aches and pains, cough and sore throat.
“While we are seeing a later start to our flu season, Islanders are reminded to follow the necessary measures to prevent and control the spread of infection,” said Dr. Morrison. “Wash your hands often, cough or sneeze into your sleeve, stay home if you are sick, and get your annual flu shot.”
The 2011-2012 seasonal influenza vaccine is protective against three strains of influenza – Influenza A (H1N1), Influenza A (H3N2), and Influenza B. These are the three strains identified across Canada this season to date. Prince Edward Island’s first case was the Influenza B strain.
The Department of Health and Wellness has provided a total of 56,000 doses of seasonal influenza vaccine to physicians’ offices, provincial health centres, long-term care facilities, hospitals and public health nursing offices free of charge. As in past years, some physician offices and health centres may charge a fee to cover the cost of administering the vaccine.
Vaccination is recognized as the single most effective way of reducing the impact of influenza, especially for those most at risk for complications. All Islanders are encouraged to get vaccinated as it is the best defense against the spread of influenza virus and it is not too late to get your flu shot. For more information on influenza, the influenza vaccine or clinic locations, visit www.gov.pe.ca/flu.
Contact Information for Health Centres
• Eastern Kings Health Centre (Souris) – 687-7033
• Montague Medical Centre – 838-0830
• Four Neighbourhoods Health Centre (Charlottetown) – 569-7772
• Central Queens Health Centre (Hunter River) – Watch for local clinic dates
• Gulf Shore Health Centre (Rustico) – Watch for local clinic dates
• Harbourside Health Centre (Summerside) – 432-2614
• Evangeline Health Centre (Wellington) – 854-7259
• Tyne Valley Health Centre – 831-5800
• O’Leary Health Centre – 859-3929
• Alberton Health Services – 853-0403
Contact Information for Public Health Nursing Offices
• Alberton, O’Leary and Tignish – 859-8720
• Wellington – 854-7259
• Kensington and Summerside – 888-8160
• Charlottetown – 368-4530
• Montague – 838-0762
• Souris – 687-7049
Manitoba | Independent flood review will strengthen future response
Winnipeg | 9 Feb 2012
Four separate initiatives will help improve Manitoba’s ability to fight floods and manage water in the province including an independent eight-person task force that will look at Manitoba’s record flooding in 2011, Infrastructure and Transportation Minister Steve Ashton announced today.
“Record flooding affected thousands of Manitoba families in 2011 and the rapid and extended response by provincial and local officials was unprecedented,” Ashton said. “Manitoba has a history of learning from major floods and taking steps to improve flood-fighting tools for the future. The findings of the task force and these other initiatives will be a critical part of our ongoing improvement of flood management in the province going forward.”
The flood review task force, chaired by civil engineer David Farlinger, is expected to release a public report by late summer examining a number of areas and focusing on how they can be improved for future flood events including:
- provincial and municipal preparedness and response,
- flood forecasting,
- public communications and information sharing,
- operation of flood control infrastructure, and
- flood protection works.
“The task force will have full access to provincial records and staff, can seek outside expertise and can consult with municipalities and other external groups as it sees fit,” said Ashton. “As we are preparing for potential flooding in the spring of 2012, the task force will also be asked to make interim recommendations if they see an opportunity for immediate improvement in flood preparation or response.”
The minister also announced future water management concepts will be examined through a Lake Manitoba and Lake St. Martin regulation review committee, a flood-mitigation study for the Lake Manitoba watershed and the Assiniboine River basin, and a forum leading to a provincewide surface‑water management strategy.
Lake Manitoba and Lake St. Martin Regulation Review Committee
The 13-person Lake Manitoba and Lake St. Martin regulationreview chaired by economist and certified management consultantHarold Westdal will have representation from technical and environmental experts, municipal, First Nation and Métis communities, agricultural producers and fishers. The committee will consult with local stakeholders and advise the province on the appropriate interim regulatory ranges for the lakes and complementary operating guidelines for the Fairford River Water Control Structure and Lake St. Martin channel. The committee will become a permanent advisory group to the province regarding ongoing operation of these water control works.
Flood Mitigation Study
The province expedited work this summer and fall to construct the $100-million Lake St. Martin emergency channel and has committed to permanently enhancing flood protection in Brandon and along the Assiniboine River. In addition, a flood mitigation study for the Lake Manitoba watershed, including Lake Winnipegosis, Dauphin Lake and the Shoal Lakes, and the Assiniboine River Basin, including Lake of the Prairies and the Qu’Appelle and Souris rivers, will be conducted by an independent consultant who will identify potential methods for enhanced flood protection in these systems. A wide range of stakeholders will be given an opportunity to provide input throughout the process.
Surface-water Management Strategy
A forum will be the first step in the formation of a provincewide surface-water management strategy that will work to ensure a co-ordinated approach on water management to prevent or reduce flooding of agricultural, industrial and residential land. It will involve representatives from conservation districts across the province, the Association of Manitoba Municipalities, Keystone Agricultural Producers and the Manitoba Water Council. Shannon Stunden Bower, University of Alberta professor and author of Wet Prairie: People, Land, and Water in Agricultural Manitoba, will also participate in the development of this strategy.
“The 2011 flood affected many areas of the province which have not seen major flooding in several decades,” said Ashton. “And we are still fighting the flood now. There are families that still have not been able to return home and there is ongoing uncertainty about lake levels and what future floods may bring. The initiatives we are announcing today are the first step towards better long-term flood protection and water management in the areas of the province hit by record flooding last year.”
Manitoba | USAR team conducting major training exercise
Winnipeg | 9 Feb 2012
Members of Manitoba’s Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team will participate in a major provincial training exercise in Winnipeg from this evening until Saturday at the former James A. Richardson International Airport terminal building, Family Services and Labour Minister Jennifer Howard, minister responsible for the Office of the Fire Commissioner (OFC), said today.
“The USAR team is constantly working to keep their skills sharp and the chance to put them to the test in a large-scale operation will pay huge dividends in the event of a real emergency,” said Howard. “The OFC organizes these exercises on a regular basis to keep the team up to date on skills and the latest practices so they are ready to be called into action at any time.”
The former airport terminal is slated for demolition and will become the exercise area. This exercise is designed to be as realistic as possible, with volunteers called in from around the province. K-9 dog teams and specialized search equipment like cameras and listening devices will be put to the test as the team trains to locate trapped and buried people in a simulated rubble pile.
The USAR team will remain on site in a self-contained camp and command post that will include all‑season tents, water and galley supplies. The camp also features an environmentally friendly power system, computer-aided search tools and satellite communications systems.
“We appreciate the Winnipeg Airports Authority offer to let us put our team and equipment through the paces at the old terminal building,” said Dave Schafer, Manitoba’s acting fire commissioner. “Manitoba’s Urban Search and Rescue team members will test themselves and their ability to rescue people from a simulated building collapse, as well as a number of other specialized training exercises.”
Members of the travelling public are reminded there will be considerable activity involving emergency vehicles at the abandoned terminal.
The OFC co-ordinates the 100-plus-member USAR team in Manitoba, made up of emergency‑response professionals from municipal, provincial and federal services. The Manitoba USAR team can be mobilized within hours and has the capacity to be self-sustaining for up to 10 days in any weather anywhere in the country. It’s expected that about 100 team members will take part in this exercise.
Although this is a Manitoba exercise, there are four other Canadian USAR teams in place. The teams were formed shortly after the terrorist attacks in the U.S. on Sept. 11, 2001. Teams are based in Vancouver, Alberta, Manitoba, Toronto, and Halifax and receive funding support from the Government of Canada.
British Columbia | Precautionary search of old avalanche site
Mercury Bowl, Fernie | 9 Feb 2012
Shortly after 11 am today, February 7th, an experienced back country skier reported to the Elk Valley RCMP that, while he was skiing yesterday in the area known as Mercury Bowl near Fernie, BC, he noticed an avalanche site that appears to be a few days old. When leaving the area this morning, he also noticed two sets of ski tracks, which concerned him.
The RCMP immediately launched Search and Rescue to the site. A Search and Rescue team from Fernie, along with an RCMP police service dog handler were flown to the site by a helicopter. At this point, no one has been found and the police have not received any reports of missing persons on the mountain.
Search is continuing this afternoon as a precautionary measure. Further updates will be provided if/when available.
British Columbia | City launches road safety program; Aim to reduce preventable road collisions, injuries and fatalities
Vancouver | 9 Feb 2012
The City of Vancouver today launched People are Fragile, a new safety awareness program to raise the profile of some common yet inconsiderate, risky and illegal behaviours that can cause serious harm to pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.
The program is designed to raise awareness about road safety and ultimately prevent collisions, injuries and fatalities for all road users. The program, which uses outdoor advertising, sidewalk writing, social media and other tactics, addresses three key behaviours in and around intersections that put people at risk:
- pedestrians jaywalking;
- cyclists running stop signs; and,
- motorists failing to yield to pedestrians in both marked and unmarked crosswalks.
The City intends to continuously improve the safety of Vancouver’s streets, particularly around intersections where the majority of conflicts occur between pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles.
The People are Fragile program builds on many City-led initiatives that have made our streets safer and more enjoyable for all users. Recent steps to make Vancouver streets safer include implementing pedestrian countdown timers at high-risk intersections, separated bike lanes on major cycling routes, and installing 43 new intersection safety cameras.
“While we’ve made many changes to improve the safety of our streets, we need to do more. Even one fatality is too many,” says Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson. “We urge all Vancouverites to remember that people are fragile and we all need to practice courtesy, be aware of our surroundings, and follow the rules of the road, especially around intersections. The responsibility for safer streets belongs to everyone.”
Every day, inconsiderate, risky and illegal behaviour continues to contribute to unsafe situations on city streets. According to the Vancouver Police Department’s 2006-2011 collision data, an average of 18 road users are killed in traffic collisions each year in Vancouver. Of those fatalities, 56 per cent occur at intersections.
“These dangerous behaviours can have tragic but often totally preventable consequences, especially for pedestrians who are the most vulnerable and most at risk of being injured and killed,” said Staff Sergeant Earl Andersen with the Vancouver Police Department Traffic Section.
According to the Vancouver Police Department’s 2006-2011 collision data, 61 pedestrians were killed in collisions:
- 13 were jaywalking;
- 21 were struck by drivers not yielding at intersections; and,
- the remaining 27 fatalities resulted from a combination of pedestrian and driver error, confusion and inattention, and poor weather.
In addition, during the same period, five cyclists, 19 drivers, 11 passengers and 12 motorcyclists were killed in collisions.
“The City of Vancouver’s People Are Fragile program complements the awareness-building that ICBC does every year through our road safety campaigns,” said ICBC’s Director of Road Safety Fiona Temple. “Each one of us can play an active role by making smart decisions ― whether we’re driving, cycling or walking. Be alert, safe and use caution.”
“Every day, our health professionals treat largely preventable injuries from motor vehicle collisions. We support the People are Fragile program and other City-led initiatives aimed not only at preventing injury and death, but also at helping Vancouver become a healthier city,” said Dr. Patricia Daly, Vancouver Coastal Health Chief Medical Health Officer.
People are fragile, they are not invincible. Don’t let inconsiderate, risky, and illegal behaviour in the roadway put yourself and others at risk. Always yield to pedestrians at intersections, stop at stop signs, and cross at intersections.
To learn more about what you can do to be safe on city streets, visit the People are Fragile website www.practiceroadsafety.ca
Video of the three target behaviours can be downloaded on the City’s YouTube channel
Safe Streets – A City of Vancouver Priority:
Safe streets are a priority for the City of Vancouver and a number of initiatives are designed to make our streets and sidewalks safer and more enjoyable for all road users – pedestrians, cyclists and motorists. Here’s a list of key road safety improvements completed in 2011 and underway in 2012.
- Installed pedestrian countdown crossing signals at 12 intersections, including at the 10 intersections with the highest number of pedestrian collisions in Vancouver.
- Installed six new speed reader boards to monitor traffic speeds, a project done in conjunction with the VPD and ICBC.
- Installed 43 new intersection safety cameras through B.C.’s upgraded Intersection Safety Camera (ISC) program.
- Installed 14 new pedestrian/cyclist activated traffic signals.
- Established a trial 30 kilometre-per-hour pedestrian safety zone on Hastings Street between Abbott and Jackson streets. This six-block zone is supported by speed reader boards, signage, 30 kilometre-per-hour pavement markings. The pedestrian safety zone trial seeks to address the fact that Main and Hastings has the highest number of pedestrian collisions of any intersection in the city – 46 per cent higher than Broadway and Commercial, the intersection with the second highest number of collisions.
- Undertaking a comprehensive Pedestrian Safety Study and Action Plan to identify opportunities to improve pedestrian safety through engineering, education and enforcement measures. The plan is expected to be completed by the end of February 2012.
- Established an Active Transportation Advisory Committee to advise City Council on strategic priorities relating to walking, cycling and all active transportation modes in Vancouver.
To view the Improving Pedestrian Safety and Accessibility Report to Council (July 26, 2011), please visit vancouver.ca.
Statistics and Rules of the Road:
Pedestrians
According to ICBC’s 2006-2010 statistics:
- On average, 620 pedestrians are injured in collisions in Vancouver each year.
- Approximately 41 per cent of pedestrian-related collisions in Vancouver occur on weekends (Friday through Sunday).
- 42 per cent of pedestrian-related collisions in Vancouver occur between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.
- In Vancouver, the top three contributing factors to collisions that involve pedestrians are driver inattention, pedestrian error/confusion, and weather.
- According to the Vancouver Police Department’s 2006-2011 statistics, 61 pedestrians were killed in collisions:
- 13 were jaywalking;
- 21 were struck by drivers not yielding at intersections; and,
- the remaining 27 fatalities resulted from a combination of pedestrian and driver error, confusion and inattention, and poor weather.
- On average, 10 pedestrians are killed in Vancouver each year.
- In 2011 alone, nine pedestrians were killed in collisions on Vancouver streets: four fatalities as a result of pedestrian jaywalking and three as a result of vehicles failing to yield to pedestrians at intersections.
- Do not jaywalk. Jaywalking means to cross a road (not a lane), at any place which is not within a crosswalk and which is less than 1 block from an intersection where there is a traffic control signal.
- Jaywalking is illegal under Section 12 of the Vancouver Street and Traffic By-Law 2849 and carries a $100 fine. Always cross at intersections.
Cyclists
According to ICBC’s 2006-2010 statistics:
- In BC, the top five contributing factors to collisions involving cyclists with cause attributed to drivers are: driver inattention, failing to yield right-of-way, driver error/confusion, improper turning and weather.
- In BC, the top five contributing factors to collisions involving cyclists with cause attributed to cyclists are: cyclist inattention, cycling on the wrong side of the road, failing to yield right-of-way (including stopping at stop signs), cyclist error/confusion, and ignoring traffic control device.
According to VPD’s 2006-2011 statistics:
- Five cyclists have been killed in collisions.
- Not stopping at stop signs on a bicycle is a violation of Section 186 of B.C.’s Motor Vehicle Act. The Vancouver Police Department may issue a Provincial violation ticket which carries a fine of $167. Always stop at stop signs.
Motorists
According to VPD’s 2006-2011 statistics:
- 19 drivers, 11 passengers and 12 motorcyclists have been killed in collisions.
- A driver must yield to a pedestrian in an intersection or crosswalk if the pedestrian is on the same side of the roadway that the vehicle is travelling or close enough to the middle that the pedestrian would be in danger.
- Not stopping for pedestrians in these situations, even in unmarked intersections, is illegal and a violation of Section 179 of the B.C.’s Motor Vehicle Act. Always yield to pedestrians at intersections.
Alberta | Eighth Calgary death linked to PMMA
Calgary | 9 Feb 2012
Alberta | RCMP confirm one man dead – looking for another man wanted in connection with shooting of two RCMP officers in Killam
Killam | 9 Feb 2012
Early this morning, the “K” RCMP Division Emergency Response Team (ERT) entered the rural residence near Killam where a search warrant was executed yesterday. They found one adult male deceased inside the home, but have not yet confirmed his identity.
Sawyer Clarke Robison
Sawyer Clarke Robison, age 27, was reportedly seen leaving the same residence after four RCMP members from Killam Detachment arrived at the property yesterday afternoon. At this time, his whereabouts is unknown. He is described as being 188 cm in height, 91 kgs in weight, with brown hair and brown eyes. He is very fit in appearance. He may be driving a black, 2000 Chevrolet Silverado with Alberta license plate number UZE 545.
The RCMP now considers him to be a person of interest in the shootings of two RCMP members, and believe he could be armed and dangerous. This individual should be considered a high risk.
Members of the public should not approach him, and are asked to call the RCMP Tip Line at 1- 780-385-3502 or 911 immediately to report any sightings of him or the vehicle. Sgt WEBB of the RCMP stated that “It would be in Robison’s best interests to call the nearest RCMP Detachment as soon as possible to make arrangements to speak with the investigators.”
The “K” Division Emergency Response Team (ERT), with the assistance of Edmonton Police Service ERT, continues its search of the residences and outbuildings on the property.
The two RCMP members who were shot yesterday, Cst. Sheldon Shah and Cst. Sidney Gaudette, of the Killam Detachment have both undergone surgery and are recovering in hospital in Edmonton.
The RCMP continues to deploy ERT, Air Services, Serious Crimes Branch, and members from several adjacent detachments in this investigation. The “K” Division Major Crimes Unit is responsible for carriage of the criminal investigation resulting from this event.
This incident has been referred to the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT), an independent agency mandated to investigate all incidents that involve serious injury or death that may have resulted from the actions of the police.
Alberta | RCMP seek public’s help in Slave Lake wildfire investigation
Slave Lake | 9 Feb 2012
The RCMP is seeking the public’s help in their investigation into the cause of the Slave Lake wildfire. Police would like to talk to at least six individuals who were on Highway 2 outside of Slave Lake late in the afternoon on May 14, 2011, the day before the wildfire entered the town.
Investigators believe these people may have information that could assist them. The RCMP emphasizes that they do not consider these individuals to be suspects in any criminal act.
The public is asked to call their local RCMP detachment or CrimeStoppers (1-800-222-TIPS) if they have information that might help identify the following individuals:
- two men observed driving ATVs, 15 kms east of Slave Lake on the north side of Highway 2 at about 4:30 p.m. on May 14, 2011. Both ATVs were described as Hondas, one red, and one yellow. One of the ATV’s had a weathered set of moose antlers attached to its front cargo rack.
- anyone associated with a green Dodge Neon parked on the side of Highway 2, but closer to the Town of Slave Lake, at about 4:30 p.m. on May 14, 2011. This could be the same individual who was observed at the same time near the car, standing in the ditch close to the tree line.
- anyone associated with an older (1999-2004) white Ford pick-up truck observed in the vicinity of the Flat Top Observation Tower, late in the afternoon of May 14, 2011. The truck is believed to be the same one that was observed farther east on Highway 2, later that day.
- two people, possibly one male and female, who flagged down members of the local Fire Department in order to alert them to the location of some burning brush east of the weigh scale on Highway 2. These individuals may have been in or near a white car.