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· The Pulse
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  • Advocacy group Paths for People is calling for 102 Avenue downtown between 99 Street and 103 Street to be made pedestrian-only. Currently, the roadway is expected to re-open with one eastbound traffic lane after LRT construction wraps up. Coun. Anne Stevenson is supportive of the idea and plans to bring forward a motion to seek more information.
  • The city estimates the cost of the 50 Street Widening and Railway Grade Separation project will be 41% over budget, up to $145 million from $103 million, due to a major design change requiring an overpass. According to Jason Meliefste, branch manager of infrastructure and delivery, the City of Edmonton has about 275 capital projects underway and the most recent review showed more than 96% were on budget.
  • Early Saturday morning, the University of Alberta, Edmonton Police Service, and Edmonton Fire Rescue Services conducted a "planned and controlled" disposal of chemicals at Hawrelak Park. The peroxide-forming chemicals, used in biochemical research, were detonated in a parking lot in what an EPS spokesperson called "a routine exercise."
  • Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many Edmonton charities and non-profits are holding 50/50 raffles this holiday season to make up for fundraising shortfalls and challenges associated with hosting large, indoor gala events. According to Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC), nearly 25% of the licenses issued to charitable organizations since April 1 have been for 50/50 draws.
  • With the Valley Line LRT expected to open in early 2022, CBC spoke to David Turnbull, the director of public art and conservation with the Edmonton Arts Council, about the line's public art. The project's $2.6 million art budget includes over 400 paintings commissioned from Métis artist David Garneau for the ceiling of Tawatinâ pedestrian bridge, as well as commissions for all 11 stops and one station.
  • University of Alberta staff held a mock labour strike on Nov. 26, to demonstrate their frustration with ongoing bargaining negotiations. Over 1,000 people have been laid off from the U of A in the last year due to provincial funding cuts.
  • The City of Edmonton has shared tips and guidelines for managing waste in the winter, such as pre-freezing organics to prevent them from freezing to carts. This will be the first winter with the new waste cart system, which began rolling out in March 2021.