Alphonso Davies's agent says the Canada captain was pressured to start against the U.S. on the weekend in a game that saw him go down with a knee injury that required surgery.

Data for 2024 suggests that Canada is home to 90 casinos. In a world where physical venues are closing for a variety of reasons, should Canadian players worry about the future of the industry? History has shown that scarcity can quickly become a self-perpetuating concern for businesses in a number of industries.

While it may initially appear to give an air of exclusivity, it can spiral out of control and lead to the pricing out of regulars who are forced from a space they once inhabited. Additionally, if travel becomes a prerequisite for frequenting a business due to a local shortage, it can restrict the profitability and success of those that remain. This is often because visitors prioritise more accessible pastimes or services.

With all that in mind, should we be worried about the country’s casino industry and what do the figures really mean in a global context?

The Shifting Sands of Doing Business in the Modern Age

Firstly, it has to be stated that the casino industry as a whole is largely in rude health and in no real danger. Many will see the closure of any physical venue as a dent in the entire industry. However, the modern age has meant that this is a market that doesn’t exist solely in bricks-and-mortar.

The late 20th and early 21st Century saw a major change for casinos when the first online examples entered the fray. Since then, it has been a rapidly evolving landscape that has refused to stand still. As such, the health of the industry must take into account the enduring success of the online outlets.

Looking at Karamba casino in Canada as an example, there’s no real difference between what is offered at a traditional venue and a digital site. All of the games, like roulette, blackjack, and slots, are included. Further, live casino games replicate the casino experience by streaming real-life dealers managing the games, as you would see on a real casino floor.

Numbers Must be Taken in Context to Understand Reality

Additionally, while a headline figure like 90 casinos might seem to be a cause for concern, the underlying narratives are actually much more nuanced. As is often the case, it’s beneficial to make comparisons with our peers in order to understand what the state of play is. In particular, it’s worth looking at our neighbours to the south.

With Las Vegas and Atlantic City as their world-famous flagship destinations for casino gaming – as well as tribal casinos dotted throughout the country – the United States is much more closely associated with the industry. And, while they certainly have a healthier number of venues, the numbers aren’t as far apart as you might guess.

The US is estimated to have between 1,500 and 2,100 casinos. At the higher end, per capita, that means there’s around one casino for every 160,000 people in the country. For Canada, this comes in at around one for every 444,000. It is a clear difference, but only a little over twice the casino proliferation here in the Great White North.

Canada Not Uniquely at Risk but Nowhere Too Big to Fail

While these figures show that the story isn’t as worrisome as it might initially sound, it is worth noting that even Las Vegas is seeing closures of iconic casinos. Forbes reported in 2024 that The Mirage would close its doors in the same summer to be demolished. Yes, it is going to be replaced by the Hard Rock Casino, but it indicates that change is likely in even the most iconic of venues.

The industry itself doesn’t seem to be struggling. However, in a world where real estate is king and businesses like retail are increasingly moving online, it isn’t outside the realm of possibility that the number of casinos in Canada will change soon. If that is the case, though, it isn’t the case that it will disappear.

Instead, this is an industry that has very much embraced the online sphere and used it to elevate itself to a popularity that it had never experienced prior. Maybe we’ll just see a different kind of casino.

The post Does the Casino Remain a Big Draw for Canadians? A Look at Canada’s Gaming Venues appeared first on Cult MTL.

The central Labrador community has given community safety officers the power to deny vehicles and previously banned people from entering the reserve.

Mathieu Grondin remains a mystery for many. But From Bluesfest to the Lafayette, nightlife mainstays see a diligent ally working behind the scenes to tear down bureaucratic barriers to fun.

A log of wood believed to be 50 million years old has been hauled up from below ground at Diavik diamond mine in the N.W.T. — a find that researchers say is remarkable but not uncommon. 

The beleaguered Hudson's Bay Co., which plans to close most of its 96 stores by the end of June, will pay up to $3 million total in retention bonuses to 121 managers and executives — but will not pay severance to its more than 9,300 workers, most of whom will soon lose their jobs. 

As of March 24, three cases of measles have been confirmed in the south zone. All have been linked to an Ontario resident travelling in Alberta.

This latest update confirms the south zone is now at outbreak status, meaning two or more linked cases are in a given zone. Overall, there are now 17 confirmed cases of measles in Alberta across four health zones — three in the south, four in the Edmonton zone, and eight in the north zone.

According to an official from Alberta Health, Patient Zero is an Ontario resident who acquired measles in Ontario and was the initial case that led to exposure notifications in the Taber area.

The three cases, the official says, have all been identified as being within a single household and are confirmed as being linked to the Ontario resident. Two are under the age of 18, and none are currently hospitalized.

The potential for exposure, an advisory from Alberta Health says, began on March 8, 2025 on Flair Airlines Flight No. F8629 from Toronto Pearson International Airport to Calgary International Airport, the exposure time period was from 9:12 p.m. EST to 11:57 p.m. MST, and continued on March 9, 2025, at Calgary International Airport (YYC) and Budget Car and Truck Rental Calgary International Airport from 11:55 p.m. to 2 a.m.

From there, Alberta Health says, the potential for exposure continued at the Taber Health Centre Emergency Department on March 11, 2025, from 5:30 to 8:15 p.m., as well as at the Shoppers Drug Mart in Taber from 6:15 p.m. to 9 p.m., and on March 12 and 13, 2025, at the Taber Health Center’s Emergency Department from 10:15 p.m. to 10:50 a.m.

“Anyone who attended these locations at these times, who was born in or after 1970 and has less than two documented doses of measles-containing vaccine, is at risk for developing measles and is strongly encouraged to review their immunization records and monitor themselves for symptoms of measles,” stated the advisory.

“If symptoms of measles do develop, individuals are advised to stay home and call Health Link at 811 before visiting any healthcare facility or provider, including a family physician clinic or pharmacy.”

Alberta Health describes measles as being ‘an extremely contagious disease that is spread easily through the air, with the symptoms including a fever of 38.3° Celsius or higher, a cough, runny nose and/or red eyes.

A red blotchy rash appears three to seven days after fever starts, beginning behind the ears and on the face and spreading down the body, and then to the arms and legs.

The measles vaccine, Alberta Health says, is ‘highly effective at preventing infection and complications.

People born in or after 1970 who have received fewer than two doses of measles-containing vaccine are susceptible to infection.

Those who have received fewer than two doses of measles-containing vaccine and are pregnant, under one year of age, adults, and/or have a weakened immune system are at most risk of complications from measles and should contact Health Link at 811 promptly if exposed, as they may be eligible for vaccine or immune globulin to reduce their risk of becoming ill.

Vaccines for measles, Alberta Health says, are offered free of charge in Alberta through Alberta’s publicly funded immunization program and children in Alberta typically receive their first dose of measles vaccine at 12 months old, and their second dose at 18 months old.

Alberta Health says those unsure about their immunization information or that of their childrens’ can text ‘vaccine record’ to 88111, call Health Link at 811 or your local public health office.

Albertans, Alberta Health says, can also text ‘Measles’ to 88111 to get measles health information texted to their mobile device, and anyone who is not up to date for their recommended vaccines can receive them by booking an appointment with their local public health office.

Find additional information on measles here.

According to provincial vaccination data collated by the CBC, 59.6 per cent of children in the south zone born in 2021 were fully vaccinated (two doses) by their second birthdays in 2023, while the target is 95 per cent.

Drastically lower rates are being reported in local areas like the County of Forty Mile (27 per cent) and the MD of Taber (28.4 per cent).

The provincial average in 2023 was 69.3 per cent.

The post Three linked measles cases spark South Zone outbreak appeared first on Shootin' the Breeze.

Pacific Whale Watching Association executive director Erin Gless recounts the moment a baby orca, descended from the legendary matriarch Wake, was spotted in the Salish Sea, off the coast of Vancouver Island.

The Yukon government is amending its fishing regulations for Little Atlin Lake to protect its lake trout population. 

Brendan Maguire says he will make it clear to South Shore school officials that a directive to remove any flag other than the Canadian and Nova Scotian flags must be reversed.

Winnipeg police will hold a Wednesday afternoon news conference to give an update on their investigation into the murder of Mashkode Bizhiki'ikwe, or Buffalo Woman, who was among the four Indigenous women killed by Jeremy Skibicki in 2022.

The government’s messaging for this year’s budget centred around the need to invest in the Quebec economy to better position it in the face of U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff threats but the deficit will hit a record high.

RCMP in the Windsor, Ont., detachment have been patrolling the Canada-U.S. border in ways they've never done before since President Donald Trump pushed for increased security between the countries. "We're looking for anything suspicious in regards to people or contraband, drugs, commodities coming into Canada or leaving Canada illegally," says Const. Ian Smith.

Crowsnest Pass municipal council is facing growing public concerns over transparency and development following the recent introduction of land use amendment bylaws. While council maintains that the bylaws align with provincial mandates and public needs, some residents worry about the impact on the community and the environment.

One bylaw drawing significant opposition is Bylaw 1221-2025, which proposes redesignating multiple parcels in Bellevue and Coleman from recreation and open space (RO1) and non-urban area (NUA1) to high-density residential (R3).

Mayor Blair Painter defended the bylaw, emphasizing the need for more housing in the area.

“When it comes to housing, we are housing-negative. We do not have rental accommodations in our community,” Painter told Shootin’ the Breeze.

He pointed to a development underway in Blairmore, expected to employ 220 to 250 people, and asked: “Where are they going to live? Maybe some people can afford high-value homes, but the majority of them are looking for rental accommodations, which we do not have.”

Some residents, however, oppose the rezoning and development plans, citing concerns like overcrowding, inadequate parking spots, and potential effects on wildlife corridors and archeological sites.

Brian Gallant, a Bellevue resident and vocal opponent of the land rezoning, raised concerns about the planning process and the lack of clear infrastructure support for the proposed high-density residential development.

“There’s no plan. They keep pointing back to the municipal development plan and saying the density numbers are fine, but the plan talks about easing into higher density and placing it in more suitable areas,” Gallant argued.

“It doesn’t say anything about cramming it into the middle of existing neighbourhoods. That’s not good planning,” he told Shootin’ the Breeze.

He also highlighted concerns about the impact on traffic, parking and safety in the area.

Gallant said that while the municipality claims the infrastructure is adequate, they have now fast-tracked projects to revamp sewer and water lines to support the development.

“They’re making it up as they go along,” he said.

“There’s been no traffic study to understand how 300-plus new residents will affect our roads. And there aren’t even sidewalks in many areas — people walk on the roadways, so it’s a major safety concern.”

Gallant further questioned the adequacy of parking in the development.

“There will be overflow parking. Anyone with multiple vehicles or trailers will park on the street, taking up space in front of our homes,” he said, emphasizing that the community is a low-density residential area designed for single-family homes.

Gallant also raised concerns about the proximity of the proposed development to an archeological site.

“There’s a sign here that says ‘Archeological Site, No Entrance,’ ” he noted.

In response to these concerns, Painter defended the need for the rezoning.

“We need high-density housing,” he said. “We have direction from both the federal government and the provincial government to concentrate on high-density housing.” 

He stressed the demand for housing given the rising number of immigrants. 

“We have hundreds of thousands of people moving to Alberta. People are moving to our community. They want to live in our community and they are looking for accommodations,” he said.

“That’s why we need to build in our province, to accommodate all these people coming in. We have to put these people somewhere.” 

Gallant further argued that the process lacked genuine public engagement and transparency, questioning how the proposal got to this stage with minimal input from residents.

He criticized the limited information shared with the public, and said residents didn’t fully understand the scale of the development until the first reading in February. He also said that only a few people received the notification letter, and that the public hearing did not allow for open discussion about the development itself.

The process seemed disingenuous, Gallant said, especially since the rezoning was directly tied to the development. He also said it was unfair that developers were allowed to speak as if they were residents at the public hearing, while the affected residents only had five minutes to present their concerns.

Gallant called for a more transparent process for future redevelopments, suggesting that municipalities engage the public more effectively before land is rezoned or sold.

Painter said the municipality strictly follows the guidelines set by the province through Municipal Affairs, ensuring transparency throughout the process.

“There are definitely strict guidelines that we must follow. And we follow every single one,” he said.

Painter clarified that while public hearings allow residents to express concerns, the focus of a rezoning bylaw is strictly on land use changes, not on specific development plans.

“This is a rezoning bylaw only, not a development bylaw,” he said.

He said residents can be assured that concerns raised during the public hearings will be considered during the development process, if the rezoning passes.

Addressing opposition, Painter acknowledged the community’s limited space for development in a mountain valley that doesn’t have the vast amount of buildable area like prairie communities do. 

“So, being as we’re restricted to a very narrow corridor, we have to utilize all the space that we have.”

He also expressed frustration with opposition to development, pointing out what he considered a contradiction: “We’re hearing from people who want development, but then oppose it when it’s proposed.”

Following the public hearing, two groups of affected residents have raised concerns and are considering legal action.

One group has already written to the municipality through its lawyer, indicating its intention to take legal action.

Another group, which includes Gallant, has consulted with an attorney and is discussing options for judicial review or further legal action if the bylaw proceeds.

“This is not what we want,” Gallant said. “We would like to work with the municipality.”

He appealed to the municipality to talk to the people.

“Talk about how this could go ahead and what kind of development we want in our neighbourhood,” he said. “That is, I think, the sensible way to go, and it would make everyone feel included in the process.”

In response to questions about the possibility of legal challenges, Painter said the municipality follows all the required processes outlined in the Municipal Government Act.

While acknowledging the potential for legal action, he remained confident, adding, “What are they going to do? We follow all the laws. So, I’m not too worried about that. I know we follow every single step, and we go over and above.”

The post Crowsnest council faces backlash over rezoning bylaw appeared first on Shootin' the Breeze.