- Ward Dene Coun. Aaron Paquette published an article in the Edmonton Journal explaining the city's efforts so far to improve transit safety and calling for a coordinated response between all levels of government to address the root causes of social disorder. Mayor Amarjeet Sohi has also emphasized the province's responsibility to address housing, mental health, and addictions in his submission for the provincial budget, which is set to be tabled Feb. 28.
- The Operation Friendship Seniors Society drop-in and rooming program for vulnerable seniors, which operated at 9526 106 Ave. since 1969, closed on Feb. 1. The board of directors pointed to decreased funding, vandalism, and escalating violence toward staff, volunteers, and seniors as reasons for the closure. The society will continue to offer services at its other facilities and said in a release the board will look for an alternative space for a drop-in program. Deborah Von Richter with Boyle Street Community Services said the closure is "yet another hard hit" for Edmontonians in need, adding that many seniors with mental health and addictions struggles found support at the drop-in and rooming house.
- Representatives from Homeward Trust, e4c, the Homes for Heroes Foundation, The Today Centre, Catholic Social Services, The Refuge Mission Foundation, and other social agencies attended a forum hosted by researcher Dr. Cheryl Forchuk, who is leading a study on homelessness across Canada. Her team has found an increase in homelessness rates and first-time homelessness since the pandemic in all 28 urban and rural centres studied so far. Forchuk noted Alberta was unique for requiring someone to have a residential address to receive income support and for having more police surveillance of people experiencing homelessness.
- Jim Gurnett with the Edmonton Coalition on Housing and Homelessness is critical of the province's plan to "deter and respond to crime and social disorder" in Edmonton by sending 12 sheriffs to work with police as part of a 15-week pilot project. "The problem is clearly that there are not enough places for people to live safely and affordably and securely," said Gurnett.
- The Hudson's Bay department store at Londonderry Mall will close in August after more than 50 years as an anchor tenant of the northside shopping centre. Landlord Cushman & Wakefield told Retail Insider the decision was disappointing but "we look forward to continuing to work on redevelopment and re-leasing efforts to enhance Londonderry's offerings to its customers and community."
- A new public art installation has sprouted in the Stadium Yards development in central Edmonton. The large, interactive LED marigold is the work of Brad Hindson with the Toronto-based Studio F Minus and commissioned by the Rohit Group for the development. The marigold is Edmonton's official flower.
- Edmonton International Airport welcomed the new year by reflecting on its progress in 2022. Last year, the airport shifted its brand from EIA to YEG, doubled its passenger numbers compared to 2021, gained four new destinations, and saw the departure of CEO and president Tom Ruth, who was replaced by Myron Keehn on Jan. 1, 2023.
- Silver Skate Festival will be the last major event at Hawrelak Park before it closes in March for a three-year rehabilitation project. The free festival includes ice skating, snow sculptures, a winter market, live music, and a culinary competition involving four breweries and eateries from various Edmonton neighbourhoods. The festival begins Feb. 10 and runs until Feb. 20.
Headlines: Feb. 3, 2023
By Kevin Holowack and Mariam Ibrahim