- Mayor Amarjeet Sohi kicked off the 2023-2026 budget deliberations on Dec. 7 with a multi-item motion pitching a series of investments into public transit, bike lanes, green projects and retrofits, Chinatown improvements, and affordable housing, along with a series of cuts, including axing the 100 Street pedestrian bridge project and reducing the extent of repairs to the High Level Bridge. "We want to let Edmontonians know that council as a whole deeply believes in improving our public services, keeping them affordable, at the same time taking action on climate change, on affordable housing, social housing, doing our part in ending houselessness, as well as building a city that is free from racism and shows a strong commitment to reconciliation," Sohi said. "I hope the majority of council supports this approach."
- The city announced 25 recipients of this year's Community Safety and Well-being (CSWB) Grant, who will receive a combined $1.58 million. "These diverse community organizations have put forward inspiring and innovative projects to advance our collective goals of prioritizing anti-racism and reconciliation, eradicating poverty, improving mental health, and advocating for justice," said Mayor Amarjeet Sohi. The program received 226 applications this year.
- Service at Corona LRT Station was disrupted on Dec. 8 around 7:30am after Edmonton Transit Service suspended operations because a man was trespassing in the station ceiling. The area contains operational equipment, and the man was deemed a potential safety risk to staff, passengers, and himself. Police later said he escaped through a street-level manhole. Service resumed around 9am.
- The city is looking for around 45 Edmontonians to join 15 civic boards, which include agencies, committees, and commissions that provide input into council decision-making. In a release, the city described serving on a civic board as "an exciting opportunity to use your expertise and unique perspectives to positively impact our city." The city's website includes a list of civic boards currently accepting applications. The deadline to apply is Jan. 15.
- The father of Ben Stelter, the six-year-old Edmonton Oilers fan who passed away from an aggressive glioblastoma brain tumour on Aug. 9, announced the launch of the Ben Stelter Fund to help children who are battling cancer. The fund, which was kickstarted with $100,000 donated by Connor McDavid and local entrepreneur Ashif Mawji, will support four key pillars: outcome-based research into glioblastoma and other pediatric cancers, medical equipment, magical experiences for children, and venture philanthropy. "We want Ben's name and his legacy to go on forever, and I think this is the perfect way," said Ben's father Mike.
- The federal government announced over $3.5 million in funding for Canada Snowboard in 2022-2023, including $450,000 to host the Style Experience FIS Snowboard Big Air World Cup in Edmonton from Dec. 9 to 10, and the Welcome to Paradise Para-Snowboard World Cup in Kelowna, British Columbia from Dec. 15 to 21. "Edmonton is a world-class sports city, and we are ready to welcome athletes, families, support teams, and visitors from around the world," said Randy Boissonnault, the federal tourism minister and MP for Edmonton Centre.
Headlines: Dec. 9, 2022
By Kevin Holowack