Latest news with #Northern
Calgary Herald
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Calgary Herald
'Cried my eyes out': Northern Saskatchewan communities evacuated as wildfires burn
Article content For some, like Brian Ballantyne, it starts with a knock on the door. Article content Article content Northern wildfires are forcing many communities to issue mandatory evacuation orders, and lives are suddenly upended. Article content Ballantyne — from the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation community at Pelican Narrows — is among the people who have been forced from their homes. Ballantyne was looking after his brother's house when he heard what he described as persistent knocking at the door. Article content Article content Evacuees to Saskatoon are being supported by the Canadian Red Cross, which is providing necessary supports out of the Cosmo Civic Centre. Article content Ballantyne said many people had already left ahead of the evacuation order, so the road into the community was not extremely busy as he was leaving. He said air quality was not bad, but added officials were expecting the wind to change and bring smoke into the Pelican Narrows townsite. Article content 'I wasn't planning on going out of town,' he said. 'I was planning on staying there, but they told me you had to go.' Article content Article content When it comes to the battle against fires threatening the community, Ballantyne said he saw water-bombers and helicopters working to contain the flames. Article content The province, in conjunction with the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency, on Thursday declared a state of emergency. As of Thursday, there have been 206 wildfires in Saskatchewan this year — well above the five-year average of 125. Article content Article content 'We are seeing the devastating effects of wildfires impact communities across our province,' Premier Scott Moe said. Article content The state of emergency will be in effect for 30 days and can be extended if necessary. Article content Lana Sheppard said East Trout Lake is 'devastated' after fire on Wednesday swept through, leaving the small resort subdivision north of Narrow Hills Provincial Park largely destroyed. Article content East Trout Lake was issued an evacuation orders earlier this week, along with nearby Little Bear Lake campground. Article content 'There's nothing left. Everything's gone,' she said, after receiving aerial photos from the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency showing the aftermath.
Edinburgh Reporter
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Reporter
Oldest rockhopper in town
Keepers at Edinburgh Zoo recently celebrated their oldest penguin when Northern rockhopper Nestor turned 32 years old. The 20 inch tall penguin has been dubbed 'oldest rocker in town' — and he even has a mate exactly half his age. The oldest penguin of any kind at Edinburgh Zoo, he is also believed to be currently the third longest-lived rockhopper penguin in the world. Nestor celebrated his birthday chilling out in the shade in the attraction's Penguins Rock, with his long term mate, 16 year old Issy. Edinburgh Zoo animal keeper Katherine Burnet, said: 'Nestor is a really nice boy and our oldest penguin. 'At the ripe old age of 32 now, he can be a little slower than some of the other penguins in the colony, but he's lovely to work with. 'It's amazing to think he's the third oldest rockhopper in the world. He's already lived over twice the lifespan of a rockhopper in the wild.' Rockhoppers are among the smallest penguins, easily recognised by their bright yellow head plumage and red eyes. The species has declined by 90 per cent in the wild since the 1950s and is listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List. Nestor hatched in France in 1993 and also spent time in Belgium before coming to the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) attraction in 2006. He can be identified among the other rockhoppers in his colony by the unique blue and pink coloured band on his right wing. Nestor can be found spending most of his time around the pool with long term partner Issy. They can be seen waddling around their enclosure or preening one another on their nesting ring in a shaded area to the rear of the colony. Katherine said: 'Nestor and Issy have been pair bonded for a few years now and he takes really good care of her. There may be a 16 year age gap but they make a really sweet couple. 'They tend to go around the enclosure together and wherever you see one you often find the other. They have certain spots they frequent. 'Nestor is quite a chilled out boy. He tends to avoid any drama going on in the colony, although he can be quite protective of Issy and he will tell the youngsters off if they come too close to his nest. 'He's also pretty smart so when it's sunny or hot you'll find him in the shade keeping cool.' Edinburgh Zoo is home to over 100 Gentoo, Northern rockhopper and King penguins. The attraction is famed for its Penguin Parade, which first took place in 1951 when a keeper accidentally left the gate open and a few curious penguins left the enclosure. The parade became a much-loved daily ritual until March 2020, when it was stopped to avoid people gathering in large crowds during Covid. The Zoo now hosts the 'Wee Waddle', a reimagined version, which is completely voluntary. Penguins are not coerced into taking part or leaving their enclosure. There is also a small, 'penguin-sized' fence separating the birds from visitors along the short route. Edinburgh was previously home to the world's oldest rockhopper penguin. Mrs Wolowitz was killed by a fox that broke into the enclosure in 2022, just months after she celebrated her 35th birthday. The world's oldest rockhopper is now thought to be 34-year-old JT in Moody Gardens, Texas, a year older than 33-year-old female Janet who lives at Montreal Biodome in Canada, and two years older than Edinburgh's Nestor. Edinburgh Zoo has the oldest Rockhopper 32 (Back and Right) and his partner Issy 16 Picture Alan Simpson Edinburgh Zoo has the oldest Rockhopper 32 (Back and Right) and his partner Issy 16 Picture Alan Simpson Edinburgh Zoo has the oldest Rockhopper 32 (Back and Right) and his partner Issy 16 Picture Alan Simpson Keeper Katherine Burnet PHOTO Alan Simpson The penguin enclosure at Edinburgh Zoo Picture Alan Simpson Like this: Like Related
South Wales Guardian
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Guardian
Spice Girls lead stars wishing Melanie Brown a happy 50th birthday
Brown was known as Scary Spice when she performed in the girl group, who released their first single, Wannabe, in 1996 and had other hits with songs including Stop and 2 Become 1. The music star, who is also known as Mel B, wrote in a social media post on Thursday: '50 today!!! Thank you so much for all the love and messages I see you and appreciate you all soooo much.' A post shared by 'scary spice Mel B' (@officialmelb) Singers Paloma Faith, Una Healy and Alexandra Burke were among those wishing her a happy birthday in the comments section. Elsewhere, Brown's bandmate Melanie Chisholm marked the singer's birthday with a post that included photos from their time in the Spice Girls. She wrote: '50 years on this planet my darling @officialmelb Oh the adventures we have had! 'I still remember the first day we met and thinking you were the coolest person I had ever seen, how is that over 30 years ago?! 'I'm so proud of everything we have achieved and adversities you have not only overcome but have used to help others Mel B MBE Hon D Univ you're a f***ing rock star and I love you more than words can say. A post shared by Melanie C / Mel C (@melaniecmusic) 'Looking forward to BIG celebrations soon! Happy Birthday you Northern nutter.' In another social media post, Geri Horner, otherwise known as Ginger Spice, shared a photo of her with Brown and wrote: 'Happy 50th birthday @officialmelb wishing you a very wonderful year ahead.' Horner, 52, left the girl group in May 1998 and though the band split almost three years after, the singers have reformed numerous times across the years. Emma Bunton, who was known as Baby Spice due to her age, joked that she was not 'far behind' when wishing Brown a happy birthday. In an Instagram post she wrote: 'Happy 50th @officialmelb! I'm not far behind you!!! From zig ah zig ahs to belly laughs. Hope you have the best day. Sending love and birthday hugs.' A post shared by emmaleebunton (@emmaleebunton) Also wishing her a happy birthday was Victoria Beckham who posted a photo of her and Brown featuring handwriting that said: '24th July 96′, me and Mel. Tokyo Airport. Going home!!!!' Fashion designer Beckham, who was known as Posh Spice while in the group, celebrated her 50th last year with a party that saw the singers dance to their hit song Stop. As well as her singing career, Brown is known for her campaigning and she was awarded an honorary doctorate from Leeds Beckett University last year in recognition of her work advocating for domestic abuse victims. In 2022, she was made an Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her service to survivors and she recently featured on Netflix survival series Celebrity Bear Hunt.
Web Release
a day ago
- Business
- Web Release
Acube Developments breaks ground on Vega in Dubai Sports City
Acube Developments has officially broken ground on Vega, its third landmark project in Dubai, reinforcing its reputation as a visionary force in the UAE real estate sector. With 95% of units already sold, Vega has drawn strong demand from homebuyers and investors alike. Scheduled for handover in Q2 2027, the project marks another milestone in Acube's mission to reshape urban living in the country. The company is set to launch 10 new projects over the next two years, including landmark developments along Sheikh Zayed Road. Inspired by Vega – the brightest star in the Northern constellation of Lyra – the new 23-floor tower will feature 129 luxurious studios, one-, two-, and three-bedroom residences, each thoughtfully designed to blend comfort, style, and functionality. Residents will enjoy more than 35 amenities, including a sky pool, open-air cinema, waterfall, wellness spaces, pickleball court, gaming lounge, and smart home technology, all perfectly integrated to offer a nature inspired living experience in the heart of Dubai. As Acube Developments continues to expand its portfolio, the company has now achieved full backward integration through its subsidiary Acube Industries, which manufactures interiors including woodwork, joinery, interior design, and fit-out. This strategic integration ensures unmatched quality and efficiency in project delivery, positioning Acube as a key player in Dubai's real estate sector. 'Breaking ground on Vega marks the realisation of a vision inspired by Dubai's relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence,' said Ramjee Iyer, Chairman & Managing Director of Acube Developments. 'This is a city that constantly rethinks what's possible, and Vega embodies that spirit – seamlessly blending nature with modern luxury to create a living experience unlike any other. As we move forward, our commitment remains to create spaces that enhance lifestyles and contribute to the exciting future of the emirate.' With construction progressing rapidly and sales momentum at an all-time high, Vega is on track to becoming a defining architectural icon in Dubai Sports City.
Hamilton Spectator
a day ago
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
Health care premiums not the solution to NWT's failing system, says MLA
Range Lake MLA Kieron Testart says plans by Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority (NTHSSA) to explore potential user fees and premiums for health care services is going in the wrong direction. On May 16, the seven-page public administrator's work plan was released. It detailed what NTHSSA public administrator Dan Florizone has done since he was appointed on Dec. 16, 2024, and provided a timeline for several projects. Those included developing a proposal on how to bring services closer to small communities by November of this year, streamlining the medical travel process and establishing an employee acquisition plan by June. It also calls for a review of budgets and a survey of potential revenue sources, 'including supporting the establishment of income assessment and fee collection structures, as applicable' by December. NNSL Media reached out to NTHSSA for clarification on what fee collection structures would look like in practice. 'As part of the expenditure reduction plan, the Public Administrator has directed NTHSSA to work with the Department of Health and Social Services to review options related to user fees and health care premiums,' said Krystal Pidborochynski, NTHSSA's communications and public affairs director in response. 'The aim is to reduce the projected deficit while prioritizing the essential programs and services that residents, especially those in smaller regions and communities, rely on. 'The NTHSSA has a responsibility to manage its limited resources responsibly. Without an increase in funding – including for example those provided through the Government of Canada for the Medical Travel and Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Programs – the NTHSSA needs to make difficult decisions to ensure the long-term sustainability and health of the organization.' Testart said most people in the territory, even many well-paid government employees, are already effectively living paycheque to paycheque and adding more costs to their monthly budgets could push them to the breaking point. Instead, he called on the GNWT to take the fight to Ottawa, particularly surrounding medical travel and NIHB, which he said the federal government should be funding. 'There's a big portion of that which isn't being covered by the federal government,' he said. 'So there is a role to play for Ottawa to increase the revenue. But if we're serious about that side of the issue, we should be playing hardball with the federal government and basically telling them 'If you're not going to cover these services, neither are we — and you've got a year to sort this out.' 'The NIHB program should be funded by Ottawa and current the NWT subsidizes that program. It is a problem that needs to be solved — we have a new government, we have a new focus on the North and a Northern prime minister, so the timing is right to have that conversation. Don't pussyfoot around, take bold action and get their attention. If you keep doing what you've been doing for the last 10 years or more, probably since the last NIHB and medical travel agreements were signed, we'll continue to wait. We don't have time to keep bleeding money when Ottawa is not keeping up with its responsibilities to Northerners and, more importantly, honouring its treaty obligations to Indigenous people in Northern Canada.' NTHSSA should be looking towards its upper management when looking for cost savings, said Testart, rather than targeting the end user for revenue. He repeated his call for higher compensation for medical staff in the NWT to cover the higher cost of living and the remote nature of the work. He said discussions about 'slaying the deficit' should take backseat to improving health care delivery, noting NTHSSA has been operating at a loss since its inception. 'We need to create an advantage up here, making people pay more for health care is not going to do that,' he said. 'If that means our health care system is more expensive then so be it, but right now it's expensive and its failing.' Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
