Counting today, there are really just two proper New Music Fridays left before the end of the year. Two weeks from now, the schedule will be taken up with Black Friday releases, most of which will be reissues and special editions. After that, the stragglers will come in until early December. Beyond that, it’s the recorded music industry’s hibernation period before things back to business in 2027.

Oh, and this week is completely dominated by the first proper studio album from U2 in eight years.

Singles

1. Alexisonfire, Push the River (Dine Alone)

Even though Alexisonfire has been around since 2001, this single is from what will be just their sixth full studio album. Bleed It won’t be out for almost two seasons. Fall will expire, and most of winter will go by before the record comes out on March 19. Love the song, and the video is about as fun and simple as you can get. There had to be drinking involved.

2. Dreamboys the Band, Somebody Like You (Universal Music Germany)

Here’s some German alt-pop featuring for female songwriters from Berlin. They’ve already established a football in various places across Europe and are now curious to see if North America will bite. Thoughts? Have they got a chance?

3. Flaming Lips, God Will Control the Werewolves (Third Man Records)

It’s been a while since the last Flaming Lips record–2021, to be exact. Come January 22, they will return with their seventeenth album, The Teardrop Throbs, issued through Jack White’s Third Man Records, their first record not on Warner in 37 years. There are two changes to the lineup: Founding member and bass player Michael Ivins left in 2021; and longtime keyboardist, guitarist and drummer Steve Drozd left the band in 2025 after a family crisis (his daughter briefly disappeared, and he wants to stay close to home from now on).

4. Fall Out Boy, ACES (Atlantic)

To be honest, the arrival of this single was a surprise to me. If there had been any advance notice, I missed it. Then again, maybe we all should have expected something when the Twilight of the Punks world tour was announced. The North American leg will feature The Offspring, Good Charlotte, and The Story So Far while European fans will have A Day to Remember and Neck Deep on the bill. The sole Canadian date will be at Rogers Stadium in Toronto on July 22.

Albums

1. Tracy Bonham, LIFT (American Laundromat)

Tracy burst out of the gate with a 1996 debut album entitled The Burdens of Being of Being Upright, which contained the hit Mother, Mother. This album is an expanded re-imagining of that first record. She’s had 30 years to ruminate on things. This is the new version of the third single to be released from that first record.

2. Jake Bugg, Alamo (Lovebugg Recordings/Thirty Tigers)

You may remember Jake as the English singer-songwriter who had an international breakout when, still a teenager, he released a self-titled debut album in 2012. Some people likened him to a cross between Oasis and Bob Dylan. This is his seventh album, which returns him to the sound of that first record.

3. Joan Osborne, Relish Reimagined (Brother Mister Producers/Mack Avenue Music Group)

Another reimagined debut album, Joan Osborne was on the radio at exactly the same time as Tracy Bonham in 1996 with a song called One of Us. After 30 years, she, too, believes that the original record needed an update.

4. U2, Carnaval Du Lutz (Universal)

Unless you’ve been off world for the last year, you know all about this record. U2’s 16th studio album. The title is Spanish for “carnival of light.” Big world tour called The Greatest Show on Earth. The album rocks more than the last couple. Reviews have been good. Dolly Parton appears on a duet with Bono, which was her last-ever recording session. A million different versions are available, including a three-CD set that contains the album and the two EPs released earlier this year.

5. Various Artists, 20th Century Paddy: The Songs of Shane MacGowan (Sony Music/EMI)

This is a two-CD, 36-track tribute to the late lead singer of The Pogues, who was one of the greatest lyricists of the 20th century. Contributors include U2, Tom Waits, Johnny Depp, Bruce Springsteen, Hozier, Steve Earle, Dropkick Murphys, Bob Geldof, and more. Pour a Guinness have a have a listen and a good cry.

Listen on Spotify

© 2026 Corus Radio, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

With the Winnipeg Jets on their annual mentors trip, Mark Scheifele chose a fitting night to tie one of his biggest hockey mentors for a prestigious franchise milestone.

Scheifele scored twice and added a helper, tying Dale Hawerchuk for the franchise points record and moving within a single marker of him for the goals record too as the Jets crushed the Stars 8-3 in Dallas Thursday night, extending their win streak to five games.

The Jets rode a five-goal second period to the victory for their first regular season win against Dallas since April of 2025 after five straight losses.

“It was incredible,” said Scheifele. “We kinda just got to work. We got on their ‘D’, had good sticks, kinda started moving the way we like to and from there, just were able to create a lot. It was a great period.”

The Jets top line of Scheifele, Kyle Connor, and Gabriel Vilardi combined for nine points as each had three-point nights.

It was the first time the Jets scored eight goals in a game and five goals in a single period since December of 2024.

“Wasn’t real pleased with the first but certainly came out and kinda like the third period at home the other night against New Jersey, we played more of a direct game,” said Jets head coach Scott Arniel. “We got in and got after their defence. We had five ‘D’. They had five ‘D’ and we were really just working every chance we could to put pucks down by the goal line and try to get after them.”

The Jets struck for five goals over the span of just 19 minutes after recently scoring five goals over a four game stretch during their nine-game losing skid.

“Over these last five games, the confidence now is back,” said Arniel. “When you’re not scoring and you’re losing games, nobody wants to make a play. Everybody wants to get rid of the puck and right now we’re doing the opposite. We’re being very confident. We’re holding onto pucks and creating space for the next guy.

“That’s the feeling that you want to have all the time.”

Dawson Mercer had his second straight two-goal game, while Connor, Vilardi, Dylan Samberg, and Cole Koepke had their other markers.

With another goal on the man advantage, the Jets have now scored seven power play goals over their last four games.

Scheifele needs one more point and two more goals to pass Hawerchuk for both the franchises all-time goals and points records.

“Words can’t really describe how it feels,” said Scheifele. “It’s pretty incredible. Just the amazing player that he was and what he meant to the city of Winnipeg and what he meant to me – it’s a pretty cool feeling.”

The Jets lost defenceman Dylan DeMelo to a lower-body injury in the first period. He’ll definitely miss their next game and likely more.

“Mel will be week-to-week here,” said Arniel.

The game didn’t start well for the Jets as it took Dallas just over four minutes to break the ice with their top line cashing in on the transition.

The Stars broke the puck out of their own zone on a 3-on-2 with Arttu Hyry carrying it into the neutral zone before sliding it over to Thomas Harley. Harley took it across the Jets’ blue line, then sent a pass to his right to Roope Hintz. He found Hyry cutting to the slot, who wired a shot past Stuart Skinner to make it 1-0.

Both teams had to play most of the game with just five blueliners as Lian Bischel went down with a leg injury early for Dallas while DeMelo also left the game with a leg injury in the first.

Winnipeg appeared to tie the game on the power play with 3:21 to go in the first when Cole Perfetti found Connor in his familiar spot with the man advantage. Dallas challenged the play, believing there was a missed call for offside on the zone entry and they were right as Perfetti just barely got in early, wiping the goal off the board.

That proved huge as Dallas made it 2-0 with 1:28 left. The play began with Nils Lundkvist having the puck in his own end and passing it to Jason Robertson near centre ice. With two players going for Robertson, he one-touched the puck to a streaking Hintz down the left wing.

That sprung Hintz in on a breakaway and he beat Skinner five-hole on the backhand.

Both teams wound up getting 12 shots on goal in the first, with Winnipeg getting five of their 12 on their one power play look.

It took just 71 seconds for the Jets to find the back of the net in the second period. Scheifele tried to drive the puck to the net in the Dallas end but had it stripped. The puck hit a couple of Stars players before skittering to the point where Samberg snapped a harmless-looking shot that somehow found its way past Jake Oettinger.

The Jets tied the game with 7:03 gone in the period and once again it was Winnipeg’s top line getting it done. Josh Morrissey sent the puck to the slot from the right point, looking for a redirection from Connor. Oettinger made the initial save but nobody could find the puck as it trickled into the slot where Scheifele found it and potted it for his fifth of the season.

Dallas regained the lead at the 11:14 mark when a Harley point shot grazed off David Perron in front and past Skinner for Perron’s first as a Star.

But the lead was short-lived as Winnipeg drew level again less than three minutes later. A bad clear in the Dallas end allowed Mercer to intercept it along the half-wall before sending it to Brayden Yager on the other side of the zone. He was chased by a couple of defenders before giving it to Perfetti in the slot, who sent a great pass to a wide-open Mercer at the backdoor for his fourth in the last three games.

Yager also picked up his first career assist on the play.

Dallas had a golden look to take the lead again with less than four minutes to go in the period when Wyatt Johnston got the puck in the slot and was all alone as he fired a shot that Skinner robbed with the glove.

It was a pivotal save as Winnipeg would take their first lead of the night on the power play with 1:48 remaining.

The Jets cycled the puck low in the Dallas zone with Perfetti and Connor playing catch before Connor sent it to Vilardi at the faceoff dot to the left of Oettinger. As multiple Stars closed in around Vilardi, he sent a pass to the other faceoff dot where Scheifele was waiting to blast a one-timer home for his second of the night, making it 4-3 Winnipeg.

In the dying seconds, the Jets would get some insurance. Perfetti carried the puck over the Dallas blue line with Mercer streaking down the middle, just barely keeping himself onside as he drove past the Dallas defence. Perfetti slid him the puck and Mercer did the rest, freezing Oettinger with a deke before depositing the puck into the open net for fourth goal in the last two games.

The Jets outshot the Stars 14-9 in the second with five of them getting past Oettinger.

And they extended their lead just a minute into the third when Connor took a pass from Vilardi at the faceoff dot before ripping a shot high over the glove of Oettinger, ending his night early. It was Connor’s 16th goal of the season.

Scheifele picked up an assist on the play to tie him with Hawerchuk for the franchise points record with 929.

Vilardi made it 7-3 with 4:48 to go, sprung on a 2-on-1 as a Dallas defender fell near his own blue line. He had Scheifele cutting to the net and wanted to pass it to him to give him a chance at the record but Jamie Benn took the passing lane away, so Vilardi took the shot and beat Casey DeSmith for just his second of the season.

The Jets continued to pile on just 14 seconds later when Koepke beat DeSmith with a shot from the slot for his third of the campaign.

Skinner wound up making 30 saves on the night to earn the win.

The Jets will try to make it six wins in a row when they pay Chicago a visit Saturday afternoon.

© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

OTTAWA – Shane Pinto celebrated his birthday in style Thursday night scoring his second goal of the game 2:08 into overtime to lead the Ottawa Senators to a 4-3 win over the Colorado Avalanche.

Tim Stutzle and Drake Batherson also scored for the Senators (12-6-2).

Linus Ullmark returned to the lineup for the first time since Oct. 21 and made 26 saves.

The Avalanche lost more than the game. Superstars Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar did not finish the game due to lower-body injuries in the second period.

MacKinnon left the game with just over eight minutes remaining after taking a check from Artem Zub in the hip area and was seen grabbing his right side. Makar was injured moments earlier.

Arturi Lehkonen, Parker Kelly and Gabriel Landeskog scored for the Avalanche (11-6-3). Scott Wedgewood stopped 22 shots.

Kelly, who had left the game in the second period, tied the game 2-2 with a short-handed goal at 3:54 of the third.

The Avalanche took their first lead at 10:03 on the power play with Landeskog scoring a snap shot from the top of the slot.

The Senators tied it with 3:56 remaining when Batherson snagged a loose puck in the crease and buried his 10th of the season to send it to overtime.

Takeaways

Senators: With Ullmark back in goal, the Senators played with an added level of confidence.

Avalanche: Despite falling behind early and losing players to injury, the Avalanche stuck to their game.

Key Moment

Pinto, who turned 26, intercepted a pass in Colorado’s zone and fired a wrist shot in for the winner.

Key Stat

Zub played his 400th career game, becoming the seventh defenceman to reach that milestone as a Senator.

Up next

Senators: Visit the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday.

Avalanche: Visit the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 12, 2026.

© 2026 The Canadian Press

TORONTO – Matt Boldy completed his second hat trick of the season and the sixth of his career early in the third period as the Minnesota Wild resigned the Toronto Maple Leafs to a fifth straight regulation home loss with a 5-2 victory Thursday.

Boldy’s third goal of the night came after Maple Leafs winger William Nylander and defenceman Oliver Ekman-Larsson got their wires crossed off the rush to open a clear lane for the Wild winger.

Michael McCarron and Danila Yurov, into an empty net, also scored for Minnesota (14-3-4), which got 26 saves from Jesper Wallstedt. Kirill Kaprizov had three assists. Yurov added an assist for a two-point night.

The Maple Leafs (8-11-2) have lost the first of five contests of what has turned into a disastrous six-game homestand to move to an ugly 1-7-0 over their last eight.

The Wild improved to 8-0-2 over their last 10 since last losing in regulation to the Calgary Flames on Oct. 22.

TAKEAWAYS

Maple Leafs: Veteran defenceman Chris Tanev (load management) was kept out of the lineup for the second time in three games. Fellow blueliner Morgan Rielly (lower body) remains on the club’s long list of injured players.

Wild: Brock Faber could return to action this weekend after the blueliner suffered a fractured skull during pre-season play.

KEY MOMENT

Toronto defenceman Darren Raddysh took a penalty midway through the second that led to Boldy tying the game 2-2 on a power play.

KEY STAT

Quinn Hughes picked up an assist on Boldy’s second to give the Minnesota defenceman a point streak of at least 10 games for the third time in his career. That ties Phil Housley for the second-most by an American blueliner in NHL history. Brian Leetch tops the list with four.

COMING UP

Maple Leafs: Host the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday.

Wild: Visit the Boston Bruins on Saturday.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 12, 2026.

© 2026 The Canadian Press

CALGARY – Taffy the horse trotted calmly through a tight Calgary hotel lobby alongside the sound of screeching bagpipes and the occasional “Yahoo!”

Taffy was recreating a decades-old CFL championship tradition ahead of Sunday’s 113th Grey Cup game between the Edmonton Elks and Montreal Alouettes.

“‘Cause who sees a horse in a hotel, right?” said Lisa McKay when asked why she came to the hotel.

“I’ve done a couple Grey Cup festivals before, but never saw the horse, so super excited to check that one off on the bucket list.”

Since 1948, a horse with the nickname Tuffy Nuff strides through a hotel in the host city of the championship. That year a Stampeders fan rode a horse into the lobby of the Royal York hotel, one of the fanciest hotels in downtown Toronto, ahead of a Grey Cup game there.

Taffy, a brown-freckled and white horse, took on that moniker Thursday as he sauntered up to the check-in counter at the Homewood Suites in Calgary.

The receptionist cheekily gave him a rundown of the hotel’s amenities, such as its pool and fitness centre, and bestowed a bowl of carrots and apples to go with Tuffy’s premium room.

“Wi-Fi instructions (are) going to be your last name and your room number,” the receptionist said to a lobby of laughter.

Tuffy then clip-clopped across mats to the edge of a bar where he was served Guinness, in a bowl much bigger than your average pint. He pulled it in with his snout and slopped up the brown brew.

He had no comment on its taste.

“We’re in Calgary; that western hospitality, that Calgary spirit, you can see it here with everybody in the room,” said Steve Sommerfeld, chair of the Calgary Grey Cup Committee.

“The excitement as Tuffy comes in to check in and then obviously as we sashayed over and had a Guinness.”

Taffy is a 12-year-old cast horse that has braved simulated danger in movies and TV — a quality that kept him calm around loud sounds, music and picture-hungry fans.

“I’ve seen it on TV before, but I’ve never been here live, so I didn’t realize he actually checks in,” said Roy Dorwart, who travelled to Calgary from Regina and wore a Saskatchewan Roughriders jersey. “That was kind of neat.

“And also the Guinness drink, that was a kind of a different experience.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 12, 2026.

© 2026 The Canadian Press

The Curator independently decides what topics and products we feature. When you purchase an item through our links, we may earn a commission. Promotions and products are subject to availability and retailer terms.

Sometimes, the smallest gifts make the biggest impression–and that’s precisely why we all love a good stocking stuffer. Whether you’re shopping for the person who loves a signature scent, the one who never goes anywhere without their favourite tech or someone who appreciates a little everyday luxury, there’s plenty of inspiration to be found beyond candy and gift cards. These stocking stuffers for men and women–from brands like Stanley, Coach, Apple and more–prove that thoughtful gifts don’t have to take up much room. Read on for 16 little finds they’ll be thrilled to receive.

 

Stocking stuffers for women

Meet her next “What are you wearing?” fragrance. Bright pink pepper and honeyed florals unfold into warm woods, incense and musk for a rich, spicy new scent that lingers beautifully.[/product_listing]

 

Crafted in sterling silver with a single 18-karat yellow gold link, its sculptural silhouette serves modern charm bracelet vibes. And the best part? It’ll never tarnish.[/product_listing]

 

This iconic candle blends notes of blackcurrant berries and rose for an ambient, Parisian-inspired holiday home fragrance.[/product_listing]

 

A petite leather accessory with plenty of personality, this Coach card holder is crafted from glovetanned leather with a special rub-off treatment that gives it more character with time. Four card slots, a bill compartment and a detachable card case with an expandable zip pocket make it a clever little companion for everyday errands.[/product_listing]

 

Courtesy of their sweet ruffled edge, these Bombas socks are sure to bring a playful finishing touch to her everyday outfits. Made with a soft Supima cotton blend, they also feature hidden arch support for a comfortable, foot-hugging fit.[/product_listing]

 

Practically a stocking stuffer staple, this luxe L’Occitane hand balm is just the thing for winter-weary hands. Formulated with 25 per cent shea butter, its rich, melting texture helps nourish, soften and protect dry skin–Canadian winters don’t stand a chance.[/product_listing]

 

For the avid reader who always has a book on the go, this Kobo is a gift worth getting excited about. Its full-colour display brings book covers, graphic novels, illustrations and annotations to life, while the ergonomic design includes page-turn buttons and customizable font sizes. It’s also waterproof, offers 32GB of storage for thousands of titles and boasts weeks of battery life.[/product_listing]

 

A clever little addition to her beauty bag, this travel-size Mane brush does double duty. One side features metal pins for gently detangling knots, while the boar-blend bristles on the other help smooth strands and boost shine. The best part? It’s suitable for all hair types.[/product_listing]

 

You may also like:

Kitsch Ice Roller for Face & Eye Puffiness – $24.99

Wave Phone Case – $19.99

FRAMAR Big Claw Clips – $14.99

 

Stocking stuffers for men

A new signature scent is always a welcome surprise. Dolce&Gabbana’s The One For Men is a warm, spicy fragrance that opens with grapefruit, coriander and basil before giving way to cardamom and ginger. A deeper base of tobacco, amber and cedarwood rounds things out.[/product_listing]

 

For the guy who’s always ready to leave–once they find their keys. An Apple AirTag helps them keep tabs on an everyday essential through the Find My app, with a straightforward one-tap setup using their iPhone or iPad. Small enough for a stocking, useful enough to earn a very enthusiastic thank-you.[/product_listing]

 

For the guy who appreciates a little extra attention to his grooming routine, this trimmer is a thoughtful upgrade. Its rounded ceramic SkinSafe blade is designed to help reduce nicks and cuts, while two adjustable comb attachments offer trimming lengths from 2–12 mm. Waterproof for use in the shower, it also features a built-in LED light and up to 60 minutes of runtime per charge.[/product_listing]

 

If he has a habit of making a coffee, getting distracted and remembering it an hour later, meet their new favourite mug. This self-heating Ember keeps drinks warm for up to 80 minutes, or all day when it’s sitting on its charging coaster. [/product_listing]

 

For the guy who always has a playlist, podcast or audiobook queued up, these JBL earbuds are the perfect addition to his everyday lineup. Compact and comfortable, they deliver rich Deep Bass Sound through 8mm drivers, with an ergonomic fit made for longer listening sessions. The charging case brings total battery life to 32 hours, while a quick 10-minute charge adds another two hours of playback.[/product_listing]

 

This sleek timepiece is the ultimate stylish gift for the man in your life. Its sharp-looking silver encasement is guaranteed to elevate any outfit.[/product_listing]

 

Made for busy days, this soft, breathable cotton cap is perfect year-round. With a moisture-wicking sweatband and adjustable closure for a custom fit, it’s a comfortable accessory he’ll reach for again and again.[/product_listing]

 

For the guy who likes a well-made everyday accessory, this Stanley flask is a handsome little find. Its slim, 8-ounce design slips easily into a pocket or bag, while durable stainless steel construction and a hinged, leak-resistant cap make it an ideal companion for weekends away.[/product_listing]

 

You may also like:

Lamicall Foldable Phone Stand – $15.99

SAXX Underwear Co. Men’s Underwear – $46.95

Titleist 2025 Pro V1x Golf Balls – $74.99

© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

People living in Edmonton’s Crestwood neighbourhood fear a huge infill development may be coming to their community.

It comes after numerous permits were submitted to the City of Edmonton to build new eightplexes in the established, desirable west-end neighbourhood near the North Saskatchewan River Valley.

It’s become a conversation some Crestwood residents say they’re having all too often: the prospect of another infill development near their single-family homes.

“This is something that is destroying neighbourhoods. It’s pitting neighbours against each other, creating a horrible cause-and-effect,” said Crestwood resident Terry Paranych, who is real estate agent and developer.

Paranych has experience with redeveloping properties in established neighbourhoods — he’s developing single-family residential infill for 20 years and says respecting the existing look and feel of an area is important to him.

“I am for infill — but responsible infill.”

Earlier this year, he bought a lot slated to become an eightplex in the McQueen neighbourhood and instead is putting up a new, single-family home.

“This style of infill does not fit in the middle of residential neighbourhood,” he said of large eightplexes.

“These kinds of developments — sure, on a corner lot on a busy road, an arterial road, leading into a community — to put four or six units, that makes sense. But to put them in the middle of the block… this is just an ideological play by a very undisciplined and poor city council.”

2023 zoning bylaw changes paved the way for housing redevelopment across much of Edmonton, in an effort to increase density, affordability, and manage population growth.

Proponents of infill argue cities need to adapt to growing populations, and multiplexes offer a way to make existing neighbourhoods denser without adding to sprawl by building out into agricultural land.

Residents of established communities who are opposed have expressed concerns about property values, lack of parking, predatory developers, quality of builds, housing affordability and the neighbourhood’s look and feel changing.

When it comes to real estate, Crestwood is a highly sought-after area where it isn’t uncommon for mid-century, single-family homes to sell for more than $1 million. It’s the seventh-most expensive neighbourhood in Edmonton, according to Honestdoor, with homes and condos selling 127 per cent above the Edmonton average.

A few areas in the historic Crestwood community have undergone some major changes in recent years, with older homes being knocked down and new ones — sometimes twice the size — going up.

When the province stepped in to the city’s infill debate last month, residents were relieved.

“We thought, wonderful, now we’re going to have the opportunity to work with the city, and the city working with the province. It’s not something that we wanted to have happen; we tried on numerous occasions, sitting down with the mayor and our councillors,” said community member Nancy Sorensen.

On Oct. 8, the provincial government ordered the City of Edmonton to revert to the previous parameters for housing types, density and height, and to restore minimum on-site parking requirements in place before 2020.

Edmonton city council was given three months, until Jan. 22, 2027, to comply.

The city said given the province’s directive and its service level timelines, it was expected (dependent on volume) that any complete applications received by Nov. 8 for development within the RS zone impacted by the changes would be able to be reviewed — put simply, make it before the cutoff to rollback the zoning rules.

But now, community members fear both builders and the city are racing against that clock — trying to approve multi-unit developments under the current rules before January, when the zoning bylaw goes back to what it used to be.

“The province had stepped in and mandated to go back to (before) the 2023 bylaws, and now we end up in this situation where we feel that these permits are being expedited,” said Crestwood resident Evan Wood.

“It feels like it’s being done in bad faith.”

Crestwood residents say multiple permits were submitted to the city before the Nov. 8 deadline.

One could see two homes on 143 Street near 97 Avenue becoming ‘eightplex sandwiches’ — single-family homes dwarfed by much larger multi-unit builds on either side of it.

Residents point to an existing sandwich example a few streets over that became a point of contention during the infill debate.

“Eight units anywhere on this block, we feel is unacceptable and just not practical for this area,” Wood said.

Area city councillor Reed Clarke says he’s been in touch with community members over this development.

“I totally get their concerns and those mid-block large unit developments, I’ve always had an issue with. I think I’ve been pretty clear on that since the beginning,” said Clarke.

The ward Nakota Isga councillor says no permits have been approved on the street in question so far and said city administration assured him no permits are being fast-tracked.

“That timeline is not being sped up, was the understanding I got,” Clarke said.

“It’s still a pretty detailed process. I think even if they wanted to speed up, they need more resources and time — and those two things they don’t really have.”

While nothing is confirmed yet, residents say they will take action to prevent more ‘eightplex sandwiches’ if necessary.

“We’re hopeful that we can go down the appeal route, and get some sort of favourable result for us,” Wood said.

© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

CALGARY – Vincent Blanchard began writing things down this season.

The Edmonton Elks kicker decided to journal his kicks and outcomes in 2026, which he hadn’t done before.

“When I have something in my mind, I write it in my book,” the 28-year-old from Quebec City said Thursday.

“When you are a kicker, you try and remove more things off your head. When I have something in my head, I just try to write it in my book and try to not think about it anymore, or to help me get some key words in order to excel on the field . . . what I need to do to kick a good ball.

“I was just trying to do something better for the mental aspect.”

Blanchard was the runner-up in voting for the CFL’s special teams award this season behind Winnipeg returner Trey Vaval.

Blanchard set a CFL record for field goals in a game with nine against Hamilton on Sept. 26.

He booted a walk-off, 57-yarder field goal July 23 against the host Saskatchewan Roughriders that silenced Mosaic Stadium and vaulted the Elks to the top of the West Division.

Blanchard led all kickers in field goals (55) and percentage made (93.2 per cent) in his second full season in the league.

“I showed what I can really do in this league, I showed my potential and my real value in this league,” Blanchard said. “I’m happy with what I put on the field, but at the end of the day we have another game to play. The job is not done.”

Kicks for points could factor into Sunday’s Grey Cup game between the Elks and Montreal Alouettes at Calgary’s McMahon Stadium, where it isn’t just notoriously windy, but those winds can shift during the game.

Blanchard says he’ll check the forecast Saturday, but acknowledged he’s had mostly calm conditions when the Elks played at McMahon.

“It’s a very windy place, but at the end of the day, it’s Canadian football. You need play in the snow and the cold and the wind and the rain,” he said.

“In this type of game, when it’s the final, it’s always a tight game. One play, two plays can make a difference. But when your name is called, you need to be ready. I was ready all year and I want to continue to be.”

Blanchard went 5-for-5 in field goals to help the University of Laval’s Rouge et Or beat the Saskatchewan Huskies for the 2022 Vanier Cup.

Drafted in the fourth round (31st) by the Alouettes in 2024, Blanchard was released from Montreal’s training camp that year, but brought back to the practice roster in October.

He was 77.8 per cent accurate on 45 field-goal attempts in his rookie season in 2025, and signed a contract extension in December.

“It’s more about the experience. When I get the experience, I can be more myself on the field,” Blanchard explained.

“At university, that was the same thing. I started, I would say slowly. My second year was better, and my third year was always better.”

“When I left last year, I told Coach Mark (Kilam) before the off-season, ‘I will be better next season. I promise you I will better because I know myself and I just need to adapt myself in this environment.'”

Kilam, who was also in his first year as head coach of the Elks in 2025, has a deep special-teams background after 14 years coaching the Calgary Stampeders in that department.

“Vin just needed to be supported. He is so talented. He needed people to believe in him,” Kilam said. “He’s a pro, he’s critical of himself in the sense that he wants to continue to get better.

“He wants to be coached. He’s sometimes too hard on himself and that’s where we can balance that out a little bit. I think the sky is the limit for Vin. I think he’s going to continue to ascend.”

Elks quarterback Cody Fajardo noticed Blanchard journaling in the locker room this season.

“Maybe it’s just he’s got this clear mentality about him but we have the utmost confidence in Vin and if the game comes down to a field goal, it doesn’t matter how long it is, we believe in Vin,” Fajardo said.

“Whether he makes it or not, it’s not going to change how much we love Vin. I told him that after he hit the walk-off against Saskatchewan.

“He’s been money for us this year. In games like this where you know it’s probably going to be close, it’s always great to have an incredible kicker like this.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 12, 2026.

— With files from Dan Ralph.

© 2026 The Canadian Press

CALGARY – Football is a game of matchups, and the Grey Cup on Sunday will present no shortage of them.

One of the most intriguing will between Montreal Alouettes receiver Tyson Philpot and Edmonton Elks cornerback Tyrell Ford. Philpot led the CFL in receiving and was its top Canadian this season, while Ford was tops in interceptions.

“I do think he’s the best receiver in the league right now and so it’s a matchup I’m excited for,” Ford said Thursday during the Grey Cup Media Day.

Ford won’t line up opposite of Philpot for the entire Grey Cup as game situations as well as offensive/defensive playcalls will dictate where players are on the field. But there will be times when they’ll go head-to-head.

The six-foot, 199-pound Philpot enjoyed a record-breaking 2026 campaign. He led the CFL in catches (124), yards (1,809) and yards after catch (750) and finished tied with teammate Tyler Snead in toichdown grabs (13 each).

The 26-year-old Delta, B.C., native set single-season league marks for receptions and yards by a Canadian.

“First, we’ve got to make sure when he does catch it to tackle him,” Ford said. “He’s really elusive with the ball in his hands, I think that’s one of the biggest aspects of him being a playmaker.

“Obviously he’s good receiver, very polished, runs great routes. I think I’ve just got to do my job.”

Philpot and Ford both have twin brothers in the CFL. Jalen Philpot is a receiver with the Calgary Stampeders while Tre Ford plays quarterback with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

Ford, 28, of Niagara Falls, Ont., had a CFL-leading seven interceptions this season. He also had seven in 2024 with Winnipeg to lead the league.

“Tyrell is athletic, he’s fast and his IQ is very good to,” Philpot said. “And then there’s his ball skills, he hasn’t lead the CFL in interceptions twice in the last three years for no good reason.

“I have tremendous respect for that but we’re no going to shy away because of it. I know he knows that and am just looking forward to that matchup.”

Speed is a big part of Ford’s game. Not only was he an all-star defensive back with the Waterloo Warriors, he was also a 60-metre sprinter on the school’s track squad.

Philpot and Ford go back. Both participated in the 2022 CFL combine, where Ford posted the fastest 40-yard dash time of 4.42 seconds.

“I remember doing one-on-ones against him,” Philpot said. “He got me a couple of reps, I got him a couple of reps.

“It’s been truly a cool honour to watch him progress and for me to progress. What better stage than to get a Canadian matchup in the Grey Cup?”

Philpot said both players have definite idea of what they can/can’t do against each other.

“That just comes with film study and confidence as well,” he said. “There’s a respect there but we’re both athletes, we’re both ballers and let the best man win Sunday.”

Montreal’s offence is led by quarterback Davis Alexander, the CFL’s outstanding player this season. Alexander threw for 5,257 yards with a league-high 35 TDs.

“I think he’s pretty talented. he’s definitely a good leader for them,” Ford said of Alexander. “I also think their offensive co-ordinator Anthony Calvillo is a very good coach.

“He’s able to get good matchups and is very unpredictable. They have a tricky offence.”

Ford has registered 16 total interceptions over the last three CFL seasons.

“I think I’ve just got an eye for the ball when he (quarterback) throws it,” he said. “I think I play with good vision.

“I had seven this year, I probably should’ve had 13. I have to make sure my hands are warm for the game.”

While the Ford-Philpot matchup will be an intriguing one, so too will be Montreal’s offence facing Edmonton’s defence.

The Alouettes led the CFL in offensive TDs (65), net offence (420.9 yards per game) and were tied for tops in 30-yard completions (38) and passing TDs (39). Edmonton’s defence was ranked first in fewest offensive points allowed (23.6), net offence (338.6 yards) and yards per play (6.34) and was tied for fewest offensive TDs allowed (44).

“I think it’s going to be really exciting,” Ford said. “They’re really, really productive but again we’ve just got to do our job.

“Last week B.C. was a really good offence and we held them to 16 points (in 28-16 Edmonton West Division final win). We’ve just got to believe in what our coaches are coaching and I think we’ll be OK.”

Two of Ford’s interceptions came in Edmonton’s 48-30 loss to Montreal in August. Philpot said the Alouettes took notice.

“I know Davis is aware of him and his speed,” Philpot said.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 12, 2026.

© 2026 The Canadian Press

The Generations Foundation has launched its 27th annual holiday food and toy drive, aiming to bring holiday cheer to thousands of children and families in need across Montreal.

The organization collects new toys for children and non-perishable food items for families struggling to make ends meet, as food insecurity remains one of the greatest challenges facing families today.

Founded by husband-and-wife team Adrian and Natalie Bercovici, the foundation has raised more than $12 million since its inception, according to the organization.

After 26 years of leadership, the Bercovicis stepped back last year, handing the reins to executive director Leslie Butt, who first joined the organization as a volunteer 27 years ago.

“I started to fundraise, I joined the organization, then I ended up on their board after 10 years,” Butt said. “From the board I was on at least another 15 and just last year I was nominated as executive director.”

Butt said he hopes to build on the foundation’s work while considering new ways to support the children and families it serves.

A new website is also in the works, which Butt said will make donating easier and give people more information about the foundation’s work in the community.

The organization relies exclusively on donations to operate, and Butt said it wants to ensure contributions go directly toward feeding the children it serves.

“This place exists because you donate to Generations out of your goodwill, your hearts, pockets,” he said. “And we want to make sure that when you give us 10 bucks or 10 thousand dollars, that money goes directly into the mouths of kids we’re serving and not into our pockets.”

The foundation has received support from corporate partners over the years, including Best Buy, Mattel/Mega Bloks and the Cafe Milano group.

This year, Cafe Milano will also raffle off Montreal Canadiens tickets and match every dollar raised.

The foundation is accepting new toys for the holiday season, as well as non-perishable food and monetary donations throughout the year.

Where to donate

Donations can be dropped off at participating Best Buy stores, Cafe Milano locations and other collection points.

Best Buy locations include stores in Anjou, downtown Montreal, Saint-Jérôme, Mascouche, Vaudreuil-Dorion, Marché Central, LaSalle, Laval, Pointe-Claire, Rosemère, Brossard and Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville.

Cafe Milano collection points are located in Saint-Léonard, Pointe-Claire, Laval and Brossard.

Other drop-off locations include the English Montreal School Board central office at 6000 Fielding Ave. in Montreal, the Montreal Gazette at 2055 Peel St., Suite 700, and Mattel/Mega Bloks at 6767 Chemin de la Côte-de-Liesse in Saint-Laurent.

© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.