1 dead, several injured in Alberta tent collapse
One person was killed and others were hurt when an event tent collapsed on hundreds of people north Edmonton on Wednesday.
Severe weather caused the tent to collapse around 5:30 p.m. at Tu Viện Tây Thiên, also known as the Westlock Meditation Center, run by the Edmonton Buddhist Research Institute, south of Westlock, RCMP say.
Mounties did not know the total number of people injured, only that several were taken to local hospitals by EMS.
Yellow tape surrounds a collapsed tent at Tu Viện Tây Thiên, also known as the Westlock Meditation Center, north of Busby and south of Westlock, on Aug. 1, 2024. One person was killed and several others were injured when the tent collapsed the previous afternoon. (Evan Klippenstein / CTV News Edmonton)
The person who died was not from Canada but one of 400 visitors from around the world who were attending a retreat starting Thursday, a centre spokesperson told CTV News Edmonton.
Westlock was hit by a "straight-line wind event," high-speed winds produced during a severe thunderstorm, Alysa Pederson with Environment and Climate Change Canada told CTV News Edmonton.
"The peak life of that storm was essentially 5 p.m. to about 6:30 p.m. as it moved through north of Edmonton," Pederson said. "The wind damage is likely somewhere in that 80 to 90 or 80 to 100 km/h as what we would expect of that storm."
The retreat
Attendees live and pray as Buddhist monks and nuns, practicing monasticism, for 10 days during the retreat.
The spokesperson said the retreat would continue with a modified schedule and those who were injured would be cared for at the centre once they are released from hospital.
Yellow tape surrounds a collapsed tent at Tu Viện Tây Thiên, also known as the Westlock Meditation Center, north of Busby and south of Westlock, on Aug. 1, 2024. One person was killed and several others were injured when the tent collapsed the previous afternoon. (Evan Klippenstein / CTV News Edmonton)
Westlock County's reeve, Christine Wiese, called the incident tragic and offered condolences to the family of the person killed and all others affected.
"To the residents of Westlock County, and especially to the owner and staff of the Westlock Meditation Center, we share in your grief and sorrow. This incident has deeply impacted our community and we stand together in mourning and support."
Both RCMP and Occupational Health and Safety are investigating the tent's collapse.
Thursday morning, about 1,000 residents in the surrounding rural area did not have power after it went out Wednesday afternoon or evening. In the Legal area, crews were making "emergency repairs," Fortis Alberta said on its website. Heavy winds were listed as the reason for at least one outage in the Gibbons area to the east. Power was expected to come back online between 1 and 3 p.m., Fortis estimated.
With files from CTV News Edmonton's Nicole Lampa and Evan Klippenstein
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW
NEW Health data collected from Indigenous Peoples in Canada has a dark history. One Indigenous company is turning that around
Software company Mustimuhw Information, which develops medical records systems built on a foundation of Indigenous traditions and values, is allowing health providers to capture data informed by cultural practices.
Hezbollah handed out pagers hours before blasts, even after checks: Reuters
Lebanon's Hezbollah was still handing its members new Gold Apollo branded pagers hours before thousands blew up this week, two security sources said, indicating the group was confident the devices were safe despite an ongoing sweep of electronic kit to identify threats.
Cognitive decline reduced by MIND diet, especially for women and Black people, study finds
Following the MIND diet for 10 years produced a small but significant decrease in the risk of developing thinking, concentration and memory problems, a new study found.
'It's disgusting': Quebec minister reacts after body of boy, 14, found near Hells Angels hideout
The province's public security minister said he was "shocked" Thursday amid reports that a body believed to be that of a 14-year-old boy was found this week near a Hells Angels hideout near Quebec City.
Ontario man to pay $1,500 surcharge after insurer says his SUV is at higher risk of theft
An Ontario man says it is 'unfair' to pay a $1,500 insurance surcharge because his four-year-old SUV is at a higher risk of being stolen.
Federal firearm buyback program has cost $67M, still not collecting guns after 4 years
The federal firearm buyback program has cost taxpayers nearly $67.2 million since it was announced in 2020, but it still hasn't collected a single gun.
No, these viral purple apples don't exist in Saskatchewan
If something looks too good to be true, it might be. That's the message from Saskatchewan horticulturists after customers have come into their stores hoping to buy purple apple trees this month.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police has lost 205 firearms since 2020, including machine-guns
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police has lost 205 firearms since 2020, including more than 120 handguns and at least five fully automatic weapons like machine-guns.
Influencer couple denies leaving kids alone on cruise
For most people, dinner on a cruise ship is a time to relax. But when influencer couple Abby and Matt Howard decided to kick back with a dinner à deux, they ended up kicking up a storm.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
Calgary
-
Murder suspect wrote 'I'm sorry' in blood on cell wall to Banff, Alta., stabbing victim, court hears
Defence counsel for accused murderer John-Christopher Arrizza argues he was in an “altered state of mind” due to days of drug and alcohol use, sleep deprivation and not eating, when he fatally stabbed a man at a Banff nightclub in 2022.
-
Dangerous offender who left Alberta woman in vegetative state denied parole
The Parole Board of Canada says a man who assaulted a young pregnant woman and left her for dead remains too dangerous to be released into the community.
-
5 bison killed in collision with trucks at Elk Island National Park
Five bison are dead at Elk Island National Park east of Edmonton following an early Thursday morning collision.
Lethbridge
-
Second-degree murder charge laid after woman found dead in Oyen, Alta.
A Vulcan, Alta., man has been charged with a Lethbridge woman's murder after her body was found in the Oyen area.
-
Lethbridge couple has car stolen while waiting for an appointment
A Lethbridge couple got a good reminder as to why you should keep your vehicle doors locked at all times.
-
Lethbridge police to hold low-light shooting training exercise Wednesday and Thursday evening
Lethbridge residents who live near the police range can expect to hear plenty of shots fired Wednesday and Thursday.
Saskatoon
-
Sask. mother says gym teacher at private Christian school hit her 7-year-old in the head with a relay baton
A gym teacher at a private Christian school in Saskatoon has been charged. Terra MacEwan, 44, is charged with assault with a weapon. A Saskatoon mother who spoke with CTV News says her autistic son was MacEwan's victim.
-
In letters to slain girlfriend's family, Thomas Hamp said he thinks weed caused his psychotic break
Thomas Hamp says he believed secret police were out to kidnap, torture, and kill him when he fatally stabbed his girlfriend Emily Sanche in February of 2022.
-
AI photo of purple apples growing in Sask. sparks attention, experts debunk image
A social media post of purple apples “growing” in Saskatchewan has sparked a lot of attention. However, garden experts say there's no such thing.
Regina
-
AI photo of purple apples growing in Sask. sparks attention, experts debunk image
A social media post of purple apples “growing” in Saskatchewan has sparked a lot of attention. However, garden experts say there's no such thing.
-
Sask. court orders trial in fraud case after $100K in stolen cash was traded for bitcoin
A case involving stolen funds from a Saskatchewan business being used to purchase cryptocurrency will be heading back to the courts, thanks to a new decision by Saskatchewan's Court of Appeal.
-
Tornado confirmed near Langbank, Sask.: ECCC
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has confirmed a tornado touched down Wednesday evening near Langbank, Sask.
Vancouver
-
Woman dead, toddler uninjured following B.C. police shooting, watchdog says
B.C.'s police watchdog is investigating the death of a woman who was shot by the RCMP after allegedly barricading herself in a room with a toddler early Thursday morning.
-
Woman nearly shut out of mother's will sues brother in B.C. Supreme Court – and wins
Since she was a young girl growing up in Vancouver, Ginny Lam says her mom Yat Hei Law made it very clear she favoured her son William, because he was her male heir.
-
'Namgis First Nation touts success of land-based fish farming
The 'Namgis First Nation says a fish farm it owns near Port McNeill shows the potential of land-based aquaculture in B.C.
Vancouver Island
-
'Seems very political': Greater Victoria teachers surprised by ministerial order on student safety
In a rare move, the Greater Victoria School District Board of Education has been slapped with a ministerial order from the province requiring it to update a student safety plan – drawing concern around political posturing leading up to an election.
-
UBCM calls for province to pay for free transit for teenagers
The Union of B.C. Municipalities is asking the provincial government to make transit free for teenagers.
-
B.C. senior recalls becoming trailblazing car designer
To appreciate why Mimi Vandermolen is so pleased to notice one particular vehicle she’s walking past, you need to know that seeing this many cars in one place would have been unimaginable when she was growing-up in the post-war Netherlands.
Toronto
-
Toronto mom pleads for return of young son allegedly abducted by dad during Vietnam trip
For the last seven-and-half months, Toronto resident Heather McArthur has been living out what she describes as her 'worst nightmare.' On Feb. 7, her then three-year-old son Jacob along with his father Loc Phu 'Jay' Le departed for what was supposed to be a week-long visit to Vietnam to celebrate the Lunar New Year with family, McArthur says.
-
Ontario man to pay $1,500 surcharge after insurer says his SUV is at higher risk of theft
An Ontario man says it is 'unfair' to pay a $1,500 insurance surcharge because his four-year-old SUV is at a higher risk of being stolen.
-
How a group of Toronto tenants turned to a risky last resort and got a 'huge victory'
In the middle of the small crowd — near the tents, the lineup of kids awaiting face painting, the snack table — stood a jubilant Chiara Padovani. 'When I say 'tenant, you say 'power,'' she commanded to several dozen tenants, who chanted back with gusto. What looked like a summer block party in front of two north-end Toronto apartment buildings last month was a celebration of what renters who withheld payments for months called a 'huge victory.'
Montreal
-
'It's disgusting': Quebec minister reacts after body of boy, 14, found near Hells Angels hideout
The province's public security minister said he was "shocked" Thursday amid reports that a body believed to be that of a 14-year-old boy was found this week near a Hells Angels hideout near Quebec City.
-
Quebec Premier François Legault's approval rating continued to rise this summer
Premier François Legault's approval rating continued to rise this summer, according to the Angus Reid Institute. After reaching a low at the end of 2023, his support rose by three percentage points over the summer to 39 per cent.
-
Graphic video of drive-by shooting shown at Montreal murder trial
A harrowing video has been presented to a jury at the trial of three men facing first-degree murder charges.
Atlantic
-
Maritime gas prices increase for first time in more than a month
Gas prices increased in all three Maritime provinces for the first time in more than a month.
-
Section of Herring Cove Road in Halifax closed to traffic after vehicle crashes into power poles
A section of Herring Cove Road in the Spryfield area of Halifax is closed to traffic in both directions following a single-vehicle collision Friday morning.
-
Bear removed from Dartmouth Commons, area open to public again
Police are asking people to avoid the Dartmouth Commons area in Dartmouth, N.S., as they assist with a wildlife call for a bear.
Winnipeg
-
'I'm devastated': Manitobans cleaning up after surge of rain floods communities
Manitobans are continuing to mop up after a deluge of rain hit southern Manitoba earlier in the week.
-
Missing six-year-old boy disappeared after school breakfast program: Manitoba RCMP
Shamattawa RCMP are searching for a missing six-year-old boy who hasn’t been seen since Wednesday morning.
-
'They're dying up north': Possible parvovirus outbreak in Manitoba
A Winnipeg pet rescue is putting out a warning to dog owners across the city about a possible parvovirus in the province.
Ottawa
-
BREAKING NEWSBREAKING NEWS Stabbing leaves man in life-threatening condition on Baseline Road
A man has been taken to hospital in life-threatening condition following a stabbing incident that happened on Baseline Road in the early hours of Friday morning, according to the Ottawa Paramedic Service.
-
Man dies in hospital after shooting in Heron Gate area
Police say a man who was taken to hospital in critical condition after being shot Thursday night has died.
-
Here's how it feels in Ottawa this Friday
Higher than average temperatures are in the forecast for Ottawa this Friday.
Northern Ontario
-
Northeastern Ontario under a high forest fire rating
As northern Ontario gets ready to welcome autumn this weekend, it’s still feeling a lot like summer as provincial forest fire crews continue to battle blazes.
-
Ontario man to pay $1,500 surcharge after insurer says his SUV is at higher risk of theft
An Ontario man says it is 'unfair' to pay a $1,500 insurance surcharge because his four-year-old SUV is at a higher risk of being stolen.
-
Driver hauling 36,000 kg of ammonia arrested for impaired driving near Timmins, Ont.
James Bay Ontario Provincial Police have charged four commercial vehicle drivers with impaired, including one who was hauling 36,000 kilograms of ammonia hydrate.
Barrie
-
Two Barrie men charged in connection with double homicide at Keswick park
Two men from Barrie have been charged after a deadly shooting at a park in Keswick on Wednesday.
-
Brides and vendors claim they were ripped off by Barrie photographer
A growing group of brides and wedding photographers from across the province say they have been taken for tens of thousands of dollars by a Barrie, Ont. wedding photographer.
-
Secret drug lab discovered in Walkerton
Ontario Provincial Police executed a search warrant in Walkerton.
Kitchener
-
Ayr couple out almost $23K after closure of Kitchener pool store
Amber and Adam Brueckner have a pool-shaped hole in their backyard – and their wallets.
-
Missing family last seen in a rideshare vehicle in Kitchener, Ont.
New details have been shared about a missing family that was last seen on Sept. 1 in Kitchener, Ont.
-
Police seek to identify 'suspicious' person
Police are trying to identify a man who approached a woman and child in Wellesley.
London
-
Four teens rob north London store, assault employee
Police say just before 7:00 p.m. four teens entered a business in the 1000 block of Adelaide Street North.
-
Heavy police presence in downtown London as result of weapons investigation
Police were focusing their attention on the northeast corner of Richmond and Horton, with members of the emergency response unit taking up positions at the scene.
-
Population of Southwold Township projected to double due to new development
Shedden, southwest of London, hasn’t changed much in decades – but word is spreading that hundreds of new residents could soon be calling the town home.
Windsor
-
Dozens gather to 'Take Back the Night' in downtown Windsor
Standing up, speaking out, and showing solidarity — survivors and supporters gathered in the core to take back the night in Windsor. The city is just one of a growing list of communities that have declared intimate partner violence (IPV) an epidemic.
-
Windsor police seize $56,000 in drugs, arrest made
The Windsor Police Service (WPS) has seized over $56,000 in drugs and have arrested one suspect.
-
Global procurement solution company launches Canadian operations in Windsor-Essex
SERVEONE Canada, a global procurement solution company, has begun Canadian operations in Tecumseh.
