'Considerable amount of strain': Edmonton business owner struggling with mounting rent, utility prices
Blenderz Garment Recyclers in south Edmonton. (Evan Klippenstein/CTV News Edmonton)
A small business in Edmonton says it's struggling to stay afloat as the cost of rent and power continue to increase.
Blenderz Garment Recyclers in south Edmonton is a textile recycling company that aims to give old clothes a new life.
The owner says rent has recently spiked along with extremely high electricity bills.
"Both of those costs have gone up suddenly and without warning," owner Sarah Janzen told CTV News Edmonton on Tuesday.
"That puts a considerable amount of strain on a small business especially where there aren't a lot of reserves."
Janzen said she had to choose between paying her employees or her power bill, and as a result, the businesses' power was temporarily shut off.
Thanks to community support, she was able to open her doors again on Tuesday.
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.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
U.S. president-elect's son shares post on X of Donald Trump buying Canada on Amazon
U.S. president-elect Donald Trump and those in his corner continue to send out strong messages about Canada.
Economists say more room to fall as Canadian dollar continues downward trend
Experts say the next few months are going to be rough for the Canadian dollar as it appears set to continue its downward trend.
Trudeau could stay or go. Either way, Canadians should brace for a spring election
Canada appears to be barrelling toward a spring election now that the NDP is vowing to vote down the government early next year -- whether Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stays on or not.
Balkans snowstorm leaves tens of thousands of homes without power and causes traffic chaos
Tens of thousands of homes in Bosnia were without electricity on Tuesday after heavy snow and winds that also brought traffic chaos in neighbouring Croatia and Serbia.
Norad crew waiting for Santa to fly over Canada as annual holiday track underway
Departing from the North Pole while we were all sleeping, Santa Claus' journey around the world bringing presents and Christmas cheer for all of the good boys and girls who believe is underway.
Quebec fugitive killed in Mexican resort town, RCMP say
RCMP are confirming that a fugitive, Mathieu Belanger, wanted by Quebec provincial police has died in Mexico, in what local media are calling a murder.
American imprisoned in Russia sentenced to new 15-year jail term for espionage
A Russian-born U.S. citizen already imprisoned in Russia on a bribery conviction has been handed a second 15-year jail term for espionage, Russian news agencies reported Tuesday.
American Airlines briefly halts flights nationwide after technical issue
American Airlines briefly grounded flights nationwide Tuesday due to a technical issue just as the Christmas travel season kicks into high gear.
Quebec doing better job at retaining immigrants, Atlantic Canada still struggling
Immigrants are increasingly choosing to stay in Quebec, according to a new report from Statistics Canada, but the same isn't true in the Atlantic region, which continues to lose newcomers to the rest of the country.
Calgary
-
Glenmore Trail closed due to serious crash involving crane truck
Calgary police have shut down Glenmore Trail for a crash between a car and a crane truck.
-
Year in review: Alberta's biggest weather events of 2024
From a polar vortex in January to golf in November, 2024 proved to be quite the weather rollercoaster ride for Albertans.
-
Four-legged volunteers help calm anxious passengers at Calgary International Airport
Calgary International Airport has a special crew to alleviate travelers' stress by offering a moment of pause (and paws).
Lethbridge
-
'20 per cent increase': Interfaith Food Bank helps more than 900 households this holiday season
The last food bundles are heading out the door ahead of Christmas Day, as the Interfaith Food Bank nears the threshold of helping 1,000 households this holiday season.
-
Lethbridge Polytechnic announces new education and training opportunities for police
Lethbridge Polytechnic is taking steps to strengthen education and training opportunities for future police cadet graduates.
-
Milk River emergency department shuttered through Thursday
Alberta Health Services says the Milk River emergency department has temporarily closed due to a lack of physician coverage.
Saskatoon
-
More drivers opt for personalized plates in Sask. — and behind every one there's a story
You may have noticed a few more vanity plates on Saskatchewan roads in recent years, and every one of them comes with a personal story.
-
Over 10,000 members join Sask. Facebook group dedicated to positivity
A Prince Albert Facebook group dedicated to positivity has been growing in popularity.
-
'There are lines': In year-end interview, NDP leader says Moe went too far in election campaign
Saskatchewan’s two main political leaders had agreed before October's provincial election not to target the families of candidates during the campaign, says Opposition NDP Leader Carla Beck.
Regina
-
'A nice way to connect': Christmas card exchange between Sask. friends spans 60 years
What started out as a little holiday fun between two Regina friends has turned into a tradition that now spans six decades.
-
Dog lost in Saskatchewan during cross-country trip reunited with family
A family moving from Ontario to Alberta in November had a scare when their family dog got loose during a stop in Dafoe, Sask. and ran away.
-
Estevan police officer arrested following SIRT investigation
An officer of the Estevan Police Service (EPS) is facing several charges following an investigation by the province’s police oversight agency.
Vancouver
-
Double rainbow lights up Vancouver skies
Those in Vancouver dreaming of a white Christmas might be disappointed to learn there’s no snow in store this season, but the weather gods did offer something else over the weekend as consolation.
-
Year-end interview: B.C. Premier David Eby reflects on nail-biting 2024 election
It was a year that saw David Eby elected B.C. premier for the first time, and lead his party to government for a third consecutive term.
-
5 rescued after avalanche triggered north of Whistler, B.C. RCMP say
Emergency crews and heli-skiing staff helped rescue five people who were caught up in a backcountry avalanche north of Whistler, B.C., on Monday morning.
Vancouver Island
-
B.C. woman sentenced for impaired driving crash that killed retired Mountie
A Vancouver Island woman who was high on drugs when she crashed a car into a pickup truck, killing a retired Mountie and injuring his two passengers, "did not realize what was happening and took no steps to avoid the accident" a B.C. Supreme Court judge found.
-
5 rescued after avalanche triggered north of Whistler, B.C. RCMP say
Emergency crews and heli-skiing staff helped rescue five people who were caught up in a backcountry avalanche north of Whistler, B.C., on Monday morning.
-
Cleanup underway after rockslide derails train in B.C.
No injuries were reported after a rockslide derailed a freight train, sending railcars into British Columbia's Fraser River, on Sunday night.
Toronto
-
Chance of flurries in Toronto after snowy Monday night
A chance of flurries is on tap for Toronto after a snowy Monday night, and the snow could stick around long enough for a white Christmas.
-
U.S. president-elect's son shares post on X of Donald Trump buying Canada on Amazon
U.S. president-elect Donald Trump and those in his corner continue to send out strong messages about Canada.
-
One person seriously injured; suspect arrested for impaired driving after 2-car crash in North York
One person was seriously injured and a man in his 20s was arrested for impaired driving following a two-car crash in North York,
Montreal
-
Snowfall in Quebec leads to multiple road accidents
Quebecers travelling on Christmas Eve should do so with caution as snow continues to flurry in the early morning.
-
Quebec doing better job at retaining immigrants, Atlantic Canada still struggling
Immigrants are increasingly choosing to stay in Quebec, according to a new report from Statistics Canada, but the same isn't true in the Atlantic region, which continues to lose newcomers to the rest of the country.
-
What's open and closed in Montreal during the holidays
Here's a list of what's open and closed for the holidays in Montreal.
Atlantic
-
Court of appeal certifies class action lawsuit against health authority, former nurse
A New Brunswick mother who is the lead plaintiff in a court case has received an early Christmas gift after the province’s top court certified her class-action lawsuit.
-
No need to dream, White Christmas all but assured in the Maritimes
An early nor'easter followed by a low-pressure system moving into the region all but ensure a Maritime White Christmas
-
CTV’s Katie Kelly solves decades old mystery involving “anchor” tattoo
It’s been almost two decades since a 21-year-old man from New Glasgow, N.S., got a tattoo of CTV’s Bruce Frisko, but it’s a piece of Maritime history that hasn’t been forgotten.
Winnipeg
-
An alleged sniper, pair of animal claims featured on MPI’s top five fraud list for 2024
From hitting animals that weren’t there to a sniper that didn’t exist, Manitoba Public Insurance has released its top five frauds of 2024.
-
Manitoba government to make permanent cut to gas tax
Manitobans can expect to see a permanent change at the gas pump as early as next week
-
What's open and closed in Winnipeg over the Christmas holidays
Christmas is coming up on Wednesday, which means some businesses, services and organizations may be closed or operating at reduced hours for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Ottawa
-
NEW THIS MORNINGNEW THIS MORNING House to Home organization in Ottawa helps newcomers set up their lives
Refugees and some immigrants who arrive in Ottawa can come with nothing, and a local organization is working to help them build new lives by providing everything they need.
-
Traffic dispute threatens to dampen holiday spirit on Taffy Lane
A visit to Ottawa's Taffy Lane in Orléans is a staple this time of year, but a dispute amongst neighbours over traffic congestion is threatening to dim the magic of the holidays for one neighbour.
-
Ottawa mayor speaks on transit funding, federal turmoil in year-end interview
Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe spoke with CTV News on a variety of issues, including transit, the city budget and political turmoil on Parliament Hill in a year-end interview.
Northern Ontario
-
Fatal snowmobile crash in northern Ont. near Parry Sound
A 30-year-old has died following a snowmobile crash near Parry Sound on Sunday.
-
Norad crew waiting for Santa to fly over Canada as annual holiday track underway
Departing from the North Pole while we were all sleeping, Santa Claus' journey around the world bringing presents and Christmas cheer for all of the good boys and girls who believe is underway.
-
U.S. president-elect's son shares post on X of Donald Trump buying Canada on Amazon
U.S. president-elect Donald Trump and those in his corner continue to send out strong messages about Canada.
Barrie
-
OPP R.I.D.E. program in full swing
OPP return a car to its rightful owner after a R.I.D.E. check in Midland.
-
Two suspects wanted in New Tecumseth on mischief offences
Ontario Provincial Police are searching for two men caught on CCTV causing mischief.
-
Barrie's Jewish community celebrates Hanukkah brightly with 10-foot menorah
Barrie's Jewish community celebrates Hannukah on Wednesday.
Kitchener
-
What’s open and what’s closed over the holidays
A detailed guide to what’s open and closed between Dec. 25 and New Year's Day.
-
Winter weather travel advisory before Christmas
Anyone planning to travel is being urged to be prepared as 5 to 15 cm of snow could hit a large portion of southern Ontario on Monday.
-
Trudeau could stay or go. Either way, Canadians should brace for a spring election
Canada appears to be barrelling toward a spring election now that the NDP is vowing to vote down the government early next year -- whether Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stays on or not.
London
-
LGBTQIA+ community expresses concern over bus advertisements
The local LGBTQIA+ community is expressing concerns over an advertisement running on three city buses in London.
-
Blast of Ontario snow brings weather warnings, signs of white Christmas
A white Christmas is forecasted for parts of Ontario as winter weather and snowfall sweeps across the province Monday.
-
Egremont Drive in Strathroy closed due to collision
Middlesex OPP have closed Egremont Drive between Hedley Drive and Hickory Drive in Strathroy due to a collision.
Windsor
-
Restaurant staff aid in rescue of two men that fell into the frigid waters of the Detroit River
Windsor police say that shortly before 9:00 p.m. on Dec. 20, officers were called after a man fell into the water while standing too close to the marina wall. A second man jumped in to help him.
-
Early morning blaze that displaced two people deemed suspicious
Windsor fire was on scene of an early morning blaze in the 1500 block of Pelissier Street on Monday.
-
Child luring investigation sees Windsor resident charged
According to Essex OPP, 45-year-old Shaun Ouellette is facing charges of luring a person under 16 years of age by means of telecommunication.
