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Swimming pool roof blew off, damaged school | CTV News Edmonton at Six for March 9, 2026
Summary
Swan Hills School has been closed due to significant damage caused by a wind storm that blew off the roof of the town's swimming pool, which shares the building with the school. Classes have been moved online until a structural assessment and necessary repairs can be completed.
The storm resulted in wind gusts reaching up to 100 kilometers per hour, causing widespread damage across Edmonton, including fallen trees and power outages affecting thousands of homes. The local government is working to address the damage and restore services.
In response to the growing need for educational facilities, the province has announced plans for ten new school projects in Edmonton, which will create and renovate over 8,400 student spaces. These projects aim to alleviate pressure on existing schools that are currently over capacity.
The ongoing situation highlights the vulnerability of infrastructure to extreme weather events, raising concerns about the adequacy of current building standards and emergency preparedness. The community's response to the storm and the subsequent school closure reflects the challenges faced by local authorities in managing such crises.
Perspectives
short
Support for New School Projects
- Proposes ten new school projects to address overcrowding in Edmonton schools
- Highlights the urgency of building new facilities to accommodate growing student populations
- Emphasizes the need for timely execution of school projects to alleviate pressure on existing institutions
Concerns Over Infrastructure Resilience
- Questions the adequacy of current infrastructure to withstand extreme weather events
- Critiques the reliance on existing building codes and maintenance practices
- Calls for a reassessment of emergency preparedness in light of recent storm damage
Neutral / Shared
- Reports on the impact of wind storms on local infrastructure and services
- Details the communitys response to the storm and the subsequent school closure
Metrics
oil_price
over $100 a barrel USD
current oil price
High oil prices can lead to increased costs across various sectors.
the price of oil is up sharply in the 10 days since Iran was attacked
budget_oil_price
just over $60 USD
Alberta budget oil price assumption
This misalignment could lead to budgetary issues for the province.
The latest Alberta budget is based on an average price of just over $60 a barrel.
school_capacity
more than 8,400 students
total student capacity from new school projects
This expansion is crucial to accommodate the growing student population.
Together, these Edmonton projects will create and renovate more than 8,400 students' bases.
school_growth
more than 17%
growth of Edmonton Catholic School enrollment
This significant growth indicates a pressing need for new educational facilities.
Edmonton Catholic School has grown by more than 17% in the past five years.
student_spaces
more than 8400 student spaces units
total student spaces created and renovated in Edmonton
This expansion aims to alleviate overcrowding in schools.
Together these Edmonton projects will create and renovate more than 8400 student spaces.
school_projects
10 new projects units
number of new school projects in Edmonton
New projects are essential for accommodating growing student populations.
The province is looking to build other schools like this with 10 new projects in the works for Edmonton.
school_opening_time
within 4 to 5 years
expected time frame for new schools to open
Delays could exacerbate current educational pressures.
The province says the new schools will be open within 4 to 5 years.
students_online
200 students from kindergarten to grade 12 students
number of students attending online classes due to school closure
This shift impacts students' learning continuity.
The only school in Swan Hills is closed and classes have been moved online because of wind damage to the building's roof.
Key entities
Timeline highlights
00:00–05:00
Oil prices have surged over $100 a barrel, significantly affecting global markets and local economies. The Alberta budget, which relies on an average oil price of just over $60, is misaligned with current market conditions.
- Oil prices surged over $100 a barrel, impacting global markets and local economies
- The Alberta budget relies on an average oil price of just over $60, misaligned with current conditions
- Farmers face rising fertilizer costs due to oil price increases and supply chain disruptions
- Many farmers are preemptively buying fertilizer to manage potential price spikes
- The Italian Center Shop in Edmonton anticipates supplier surcharges from rising oil prices
- Consumer impacts from rising oil prices are expected to be less severe than during the pandemic
05:00–10:00
Swan Hills School is closed due to wind damage, with classes moved online until repairs are completed. The province is planning to build new schools in Edmonton, creating over 8400 student spaces.
- Swan Hills School is closed due to wind damage from gusts of 100 km/h, with classes moved online until repairs are completed
10:00–15:00
Swan Hills School is closed due to wind damage, with classes moved online until repairs are completed. Wind gusts in Edmonton reached 95 km/h, causing widespread damage and power outages.
- Swan Hills School is closed due to wind damage from the swimming pools roof blowing off, with classes moved online until repairs are completed
- Wind gusts in Edmonton reached 95 km/h, causing widespread damage and power outages
15:00–20:00
Federal conservatives have 51% support in Alberta, while liberals have risen to 36%, indicating a competitive political landscape. Approval ratings for the federal government vary across Alberta, with urban centers showing higher approval than rural areas.
- Federal conservatives lead in Alberta with 51% support, while liberal support rises to 36%, indicating a more competitive political landscape
- Three federal by-elections could impact the balance of power in Ottawa, with liberals optimistic about securing a majority
20:00–25:00
David Poppa created outdoor art in Alberta, attracting over 4 million views on Travel Alberta's Instagram. His work highlights the challenges of outdoor artistry amid unpredictable weather conditions.
- David Poppa created outdoor art in Alberta, showcasing its scenic locations and attracting over 4 million views on Travel Albertas Instagram. His work highlights the challenges of outdoor artistry amid unpredictable weather
25:00–30:00
MPs are discussing Canada's inconsistent position on the Iran War, which has lasted 10 days and caused widespread destruction. The Iranian community in Edmonton is advocating for global awareness of the conflict's effects, with over 5,200 Canadians seeking assistance to leave the region.
- MPs are debating Canadas contradictory stance on the Iran War, raising concerns about its coherence
- The war has lasted 10 days, causing destruction across multiple countries
- The Iranian community in Edmonton is rallying for global awareness of the conflicts impact
- Approximately 110,000 Canadians are registered in the Middle East, with over 5,200 seeking assistance to leave
- The Canadian government has organized flights for about 300 citizens escaping Iran
- Tehran faces intensified strikes as Iran targets Israel and Gulf nations oil facilities