- The city said it is on track to eclipse its four-year affordable housing targets but also warned that without continued investment Edmonton is at risk of losing many of the 14,837 social and affordable housing units built several decades ago. The $132 million Affordable Housing Investment Program, approved in 2018, set a target of 2,500 new or renovated affordable housing units by the end of 2022, and thus far the city has committed to 2,404 units with another 439 units expected by the end of the year. Preliminary figures from the forthcoming Affordable Housing Needs Assessment — slated to be finalized in time for council's budget discussions — show that one in seven Edmonton households are in housing that is inadequate, unsuitable, or unaffordable. Administration has proposed three funding scenarios to build and refurbish 2,400-3,500 units of affordable housing over the next four years, ranging from $163.4 million to $246.4 million.
- The city is proposing a bylaw amendment that would enable taxi companies to add a fuel surcharge of as much as 13.29% to help deal with a rise in gas prices and other operating costs. That could increase the taxi drop rate from $3.60 to $4.08, and the per kilometre fee from $1.48 to $1.70. Edmonton's taxi fares were last reviewed in 2007.
- The Alberta NDP have announced Edmonton Public School Board trustee Nathan Ip as their candidate for Edmonton-South West in next year's election. Labour and Immigration Minister Kaycee Madu currently represents the riding. "I'm excited for the chance to be a voice for my community, and to build a future for Alberta where no one is left behind," Ip said.
- Sisters Dialogue and the Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues have teamed up to launch a SafeWalk program in the Bannerman and Fraser neighbourhoods, funded in part by a $35,000 grant from the city. The program currently has 10 trained volunteers and is accepting applications for more.
- The estimated wait time at the passport office in Canada Place was more than four hours last week, with some people lining up as early as 1:30am to secure a spot in line. Service Canada told CTV News that increased demand for passports after COVID-19 restrictions were eased has resulted in delays across the country in recent weeks.
- The donation centre hosted at the Boilermakers Lodge 146 is asking the public for mattresses, sofas, and other household items to support Ukrainians new to Canada. "Literally as quickly as we get stuff coming in, it's moving out just as fast," said volunteer Jamie Hanlon.
- The Edmonton SHIFT Lab, Islamic Family and Social Services Association, and the Edmonton Police Service's Human-Centred Engagement & Liaison Partnership are among the individuals and organizations recognized in the 2022 Alberta Community Justice Awards which celebrate Albertans who have found ways to prevent crime and promote restorative justice in their communities.
