CALGARY — As 2015 comes to a close, it’s time to look back at which stories readers in the Calgary area found the most interesting this year.
From severe weather to a stunning victory by the NDP in Alberta’s spring election, these are the stories that drew the most attention from Global Calgary’s online audience.
You can also vote on your most memorable story of the year in our poll at the bottom of the page.
10) Alberta doctor’s sick note goes viral
Getting a doctor’s note is something many Canadians are asked to do by their employers when calling in sick. Some complain that leaving their bed to see the doctor defeats the whole purpose. And in April, an unverified doctor’s note made waves on the Internet.
The letter was written for a Lethbridge teen. While the note explains the teen’s absence, the doctor went one step further, suggesting the documentation was a waste of time.
“I have no test for the common cold and therefore believe him/her, however you feel his time and mine should be wasted by making him sit in the walk-in clinic for hours and me spending time writing a sick note that I could be spending on people who genuinely need my attention,” the note read in part.
9) Flash flooding closes roadways as Calgary pummelled by hail storm
Weather in Alberta can be crazy at times and that was the case on Aug. 4 when rain and toonie-sized hail pummelled Calgary and the surrounding area, closing roadways and cutting power to thousands of people.
The storm caused extensive damage to area buildings and knocked down several trees. It also caused flash flooding, which forced the closure of many underpasses.
8) Body found in Acadia garden identified as Justin McKinnon-Blomme
The body of a young man was found in the community of Acadia on Wednesday, March 25. The following day, police confirmed the body was that of 21-year-old Justin McKinnon-Blomme.
McKinnon-Blomme was last seen getting out of a friend’s car the previous September. He attended a house party where police said he was assaulted before he went missing.
A 20-year-old man was charged in connection with the assault, but police at the time said they did not believe it was linked to McKinnon-Blomme’s disappearance.
Calgary’s Chief Medical Examiner confirmed McKinnon-Blomme’s death was not criminal in nature.
7) One person killed at Calgary New Year’s party
Condolences came pouring in from across the country on New Year’s Day after a deadly shooting at Calgary party.
Emergency crews were called to a home in the community of Killarney at around 5 a.m. Seven people were treated for gunshot wounds, one of whom did not survive their injuries. Friends identified the victim as 26-year-old Abdullahi Ahmed.
More than 50 people attended the party.
6) Hate crime charges laid against passenger in Calgary taxi abuse video
Global News initially brought you this exclusive story in August after a woman who was caught on CCTV video abusing a Calgary taxi driver was charged with a hate crime.
The video obtained by Global News showed 24-year-old Brittany Bachinsky berating the cab driver, saying “I don’t know why the f-k they let people like this into our f-ing country.”
The story led to charges being laid against Bachinsky.
5) 3 young sisters killed in farming incident in central Alberta
It’s a story that touched the hearts of families, particularly farm families, across the province. In early October, three young Alberta sisters were playing on a truck loaded with canola at a rural property 15 kilometres east of Rocky Mountain House when they were buried by the seed.
Two of the girls were pronounced dead at the scene. The third sister died early the following morning.
Sisters Catie, 13, Dara, 11, and Jana, 11, were mourned by family, friends and even complete strangers.
4) Tornado touches down southwest of Calgary: Environment Canada
Yet another wild weather story drew in readers on July 22 when a tornado touched down in the Tsuu T’ina First Nation. Funnel clouds were seen west of Cochrane, over southern areas of Calgary and near Strathmore.
The summer storm downed trees and power lines, but it also made for some incredible pictures and video.
3) Orange crush: NDP sweeps to victory in Alberta
Alberta saw a political shift earlier this year when Rachel Notley’s NDP won a majority government during the spring election. The orange crush put an end to the 44-year reign of the Progressive Conservatives.
The real-time results of the election garnered much attention online, with many glued to their screens to see the results as they unfolded.
2) Live results of the 2015 federal election
Canada also saw a political shift earlier this year when Justin Trudeau’s Liberal Party won a majority government in the federal election. Most of the country’s 338 ridings were painted red on Monday, Oct. 19.
While the majority of Alberta remained a Conservative stronghold, the Liberals won four seats in Alberta – two in Calgary and two in Edmonton. The last Liberal to win in Calgary was in 1968, when Patrick Mahoney won a seat in Calgary-South.
1) Two-year-old Hailey Dunbar-Blanchette, father Terry Blanchette killed in southern Alberta
Our most-read story of the year came out of southern Alberta, where a two-year-old girl and her father were killed in September.
RCMP were called to a home in Blairmore. Alta. on Monday, Sept. 14 where 27-year-old Terry Blanchette was found dead. A few hours later an Amber Alert was issued for his daughter, Hailey Dunbar-Blanchette.
The Amber Alert, which was extended into B.C., Saskatchewan and Montana, was dropped on Tuesday evening when the little girl’s remains were found in a rural area near Blairmore.
The little girl’s tragic death spurred reaction from coast to coast. This was also one of the most-read stories of the year across all Global News markets.
Derek Saretzky was charged with two counts of first-degree murder. After a psychiatric evaluation, the 22-year-old has been found fit to stand trial. His next court date is set for Feb. 26.
Which story resonated most with you? Vote in our poll below. And if your most-memorable story of the year isn’t on the list, tell us about it in the comments section below.