Premier Danielle Smith serves pancakes at the annual Premier's K-Days breakfast in Edmonton on July 19. Smith is still expected to be parade marshal in Medicine Hat on Thursday, though the province's wildfire situation could still change that.--CP Photo Jason Franson
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Premier Danielle Smith is still scheduled to attend the Medicine Hat Stampede on Thursday, but her office is monitoring the fire situation in northern Alberta.
The Brooks-Medicine Hat MLA is scheduled to act as the honorary parade Marshall on Thursday, then provide a noon-hour address on the grounds before attending that evening’s rodeo go-round.
Late Sunday, residents and visitors to Jasper National Park were told to evacuate to B.C. as routes eastward into Alberta were blocked by fire.
On Monday, Smith addressed reporters in Calgary regarding an education announcement, but began with a statement about the fire situation which officials say could worsen.
“We want to thank all our wildfire fighting personnel and local authorities and emergency personnel,” Smith said, detailing that Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis and Forestry Minister Todd Loewen are heading up the file.
“It’s a stressful time and full of uncertainty, but I’m pleased to know the evacuation went as smoothly as we could hope for … our government is ready to act to keep Albertans safe.”
Staff at Smith’s constituency office told the News that planning for the visit is continuing.
This week will be Smith’s second Stampede as the sitting MLA for the city. She also attended the parade in 2022 when it was held the day after a local candidates debate in the United Conservative leadership contest. She was elected in a byelection here that fall.
Parade route closed
City officials announced that portions of downtown will be closed Thursday morning as the annual Stampede parade is carried on an abridged route due to major construction in the city centre.
Roadways including Finlay Bridge and Maple Avenue Bridge will be closed from 8:30 a.m. until conclusion, along with River Road, First Street (between Maple Ave. and Third Ave.), Second Street (between S. Railway and Third Ave.) and portions of S. Railway, Fourth Avenue and Sixth Avenue in the core.
Parking is also being restricted near the float staging areas on Allowance and Woodman avenues, and blocks of Eighth and Ninth streets adjacent to Maple Avenue.
