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· The Pulse
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  • The new River Valley Outdoor Activity Centre, which will be led by the Edmonton Ski Club and will provide "inclusive cultural and sport experiences," has received $6.6 million in federal funding through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program. Construction is scheduled to begin in May 2023 and wrap up by November 2024. "Investing in this net-zero building will not only enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors here in Edmonton, but it advances our shared priorities related to climate action, economic development, and community building," said Coun. Ashley Salvador.
  • According to new data published by Statistics Canada, Edmonton's crime severity index (which measures both the volume and severity of crime reported to the police) declined 8% from 2020 to 2021, while the crime rate (which measures the volume of crime reported to the police per 100,000 population) dropped 5% over the same time period. While the national homicide rate increased 3%, Alberta reported fewer homicides in 2021 than in 2020.
  • A petition from Coun. Michael Janz that calls for increased fines for noisy drivers has collected more than 500 signatures. Janz would like to see fines for noise in excess of 74 decibels, compared to 85 as per existing provincial and municipal laws. "These are illegally modified vehicles," Janz said. "They should already be taken off the roads, yet they're ripping out around the city." Janz said the provincial pause on automated enforcement like photo radar prevents the city from using noise radar technology.
  • K-Days attracted 760,889 people over ten days, which is 8% more than the previous event in 2019. "We are really happy with the turnout for our first year," said Arlindo Gomes of Explore Edmonton, which took ownership of the festival after Northlands was dissolved. "It's clear the community was excited to be back at K-Days."
  • A crane collapsed at an Abbey Homes construction site in Oliver near 102 Avenue and 119 Street on Aug. 2, damaging power lines and causing a power outage in the area. No one was injured.
  • The Edmonton Oilers announced that Kevin Lowe is retiring after more than 40 years with the organization. Lowe was the team's first-ever draft pick in 1979, played in all five Stanley Cup wins, and later served as head coach, general manager, and vice chair. "He exemplifies leadership and has done so much to help connect the organization with our fans, while supporting so many worthwhile causes in our community," Oilers chairman Bob Nicholson said in a press release.
  • "Canada welcomed me and my family and gave us the opportunity for a better life," soccer star Alphonso Davies said in a tweet. "It enabled me to live my dreams. It's a great honour to play for Canada and I want to give back, so I've decided that I will donate this year's World Cup earnings to charity." The World Cup kicks off Nov. 21 in Qatar.
  • Many Albertans feel relief now that the province has expanded COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to children under five. "(Those) families with the little kids haven't had the opportunity to protect their kids, so this is a really memorable day for a lot of parents," said Sara Borchiellini with Vaccine Hunters Alberta, a grassroots group that helps Albertans book appointments. A study out of the University of Alberta published this month found that 41.9% of Canadian parents with children aged 6-23 months intended to have them vaccinated, compared to 45.4% of parents with children aged 2-4 years. Around 50.2% of kids in Alberta aged 5-11 currently have at least one dose.