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Police service officially replaces RCMP in northern Alberta city
New police service in Alberta city replaces RCMP
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sammy Kogan
A new police service has officially taken the reins from the Mounties in a northwestern Alberta city.
The Grande Prairie Police Service said the RCMP is no longer responding to calls coming from within city limits starting Wednesday.
The service said it has completed its transition into becoming the city's official police force two years ahead of schedule.
It said the city's roughly 71,000 residents should still call 911 for emergencies.
Grande Prairie councillors voted not to renew a contract with the RCMP in 2023 after a cost analysis found that having a municipal police service wouldn't be as expensive.
Mayor Jackie Clayton said the transition is a significant milestone.
"This transition reflects years of planning, collaboration, and commitment from many people and organizations," she said in a statement Wednesday.
"We are proud to welcome the Grande Prairie Police Service as our police service, marking a new chapter in public safety built on local oversight, strong community partnerships, and a shared commitment to keeping Grande Prairie safe."
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 21, 2026.
Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.
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This Toronto park is over 20 times bigger than Central Park and has breathtaking views
There are so many trails to explore.
You don't need to go far from Toronto to discover open air and endless trails. This massive park is a gorgeous spot for a hike, and it will have you forgetting you're anywhere near the city.
Open year-round, it's a dreamy destination to soak up the last of the fall colours, or enjoy a snowy-weather stroll once winter sets in.
Rouge National Urban Park is one of the largest urban parks in North America, according to Parks Canada, spanning Toronto, Markham, Pickering and the Township of Uxbridge.
Covering more than 19 square miles, the sprawling natural area is 23 times bigger than New York City's Central Park.
Before planning your visit, though, there are a few access restrictions to keep in mind.
The Zoo Road Day Use Area is closed for construction of a new visitor centre until 2027, and Rouge Beach and Marsh is also closed for construction. While other areas of the park remain open, some popular trailheads and parking options are affected, so it's worth checking your route before heading out.
There are several trails to choose from, with hikes ranging from a quick 15-minute stroll to a four-hour adventure. Here are a few worth adding to your bucket list:
- Vista Trail: This route is a favourite for soaking up the season's vibrant colours, thanks to its two-level viewing platform overlooking the Rouge Valley.
- Orchard Trail: You can wander through a landscape filled with wetlands and traces of the area's early European settlers, including historic orchards, former residences and a mill.
- Woodland Trail: With a mix of forests, meadows and water, this trail is a good pick if you want a more relaxed hike.
- Glen Eagles Vista Trail: Short on time? This 15- to 30-minute walk leads to a scenic lookout where you can take in views of the Rouge River and Little Rouge Creek, framed by colourful autumn leaves. Keep in mind that the Glen Eagles Vista parking lot closes seasonally from November 1 to May 1, so it's not an option for parking during an early-November visit.
- Northeast Trail: At over 10 kilometres one-way, this longer route winds through marshes and farmland. Along the way, you'll encounter seven boardwalks and a pergola overlooking the marsh.
The park offers free admission year-round and free guided walks on select days. Upcoming events include a spooky Halloween walk and an autumn senses experience.
During the winter, you can enjoy snowy hikes, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and more, so it's worth keeping this spot in mind for some cold-weather adventures.
Planning your trip from Toronto? Rouge National Urban Park has multiple access points, but getting to a specific trail may take a little extra planning right now.
For the Vista and Orchard trails, Twyn Rivers Day Use Area remains open and can be reached from the Altona Road side in Pickering.
However, parking is limited, particularly on weekends, and the walk from nearby transit stops can involve a stretch of road without a sidewalk.
Check the official Parks Canada directions and current park bulletins before leaving, as closures and access conditions can change.
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Ontario's 1 km mountain coaster winds through a dreamy forest with views of a cozy village
Buckle up!
You don't need to head to an amusement park to enjoy an epic ride. This Ontario attraction is nestled in a quaint village and takes you on a high-speed ride down a mountain.
Along the way, you can soak up views of a lush forest and the cozy village below.
It's especially beautiful in the fall, when the trees burst into shades of red and gold, so if you're planning a last-minute autumn adventure, it's worth keeping this spot in mind.
The Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster is a year-round attraction located in Blue Mountain Village, about 2 hours from Toronto.
It's Ontario's first mountain coaster of its kind, and it runs along a 1-kilometre track through trees, over a stream, and past scenic hiking paths, giving you beautiful views of the Niagara Escarpment and the village below.
The coaster can reach speeds of up to 42 km/h, but you control how fast you want to go. The experience includes corkscrew turns, quick drops and high-speed descents, making it a thrilling way to enjoy the outdoors.
The ride up to the top of the mountain is slow and relaxing, allowing you to take in the views before you begin your descent.
While the Ridge Runner operates year-round, fall is an especially beautiful time to experience the attraction. The scenery is alight with vibrant colours, and the cozy village below looks even more charming.
If you can't make it for a late-fall visit, winter is also a magical time to ride the mountain coaster and visit the village.
The snowy forest and sparkling scenery make the ride feel like a journey through Narnia, and Blue Mountain Village lights up for the annual Holiday Magic at Blue event starting November 20.
The Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster is included with the Full-Access Ticket, starting at $60 per adult.
The ticket includes access to a range of attractions around the village and allows you unlimited rides on the coaster.
If you're up for a thrill this fall, or even a magical winter escape, this mountain coaster ride is worth checking out.
Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster
Price: $60 + per adult for Full-Access Ticket
Address: 190 Gord Canning Dr., Blue Mountains, ON
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