- City crews are completing pothole and asphalt repairs, work that happens year-round but mostly takes place in spring. Residents can report potholes on the city's website or by calling 311. According to a city release, crews filled 29,884 potholes from Jan. 1 to April 4 of this year. The city expects to fill about 500,000 potholes in 2023, which is roughly the same number as last year.
- The city is updating its EPark parking system to introduce new operating hours, adjust rates, and convert some low-demand zones into time-restricted zones. Starting May 1, all EPark zones will operate from 8am-9pm from Monday to Saturday and 10am-5pm on Sunday, and hourly rates will increase from $3.50 to $4.50 in some high-demand areas. Monthly rates at city-owned parkades will also increase from $315 to $350, and free curbside parking in all EPark zones will be reduced from 30 minutes to 15 minutes. Full enforcement of updated curbside parking rules will begin on May 15. Puneeta McBryan, executive director of the Edmonton Downtown Business Association, told Postmedia the changes come at the expense of small businesses, whose customers park downtown on weekends and evenings.
- The Oilers Entertainment Group announced that the Edmonton Oilers will host two outdoor watch parties in the ICE District for every Oilers home game during the NHL playoffs. One party will once again be hosted at Scotiabank Playoff Plaza in the ICE District Plaza, but because the venue reached capacity several times during the 2021-2022 playoffs, a second party called the Ford Tailgate Party will happen at ICE District Fan Park. Admission to both events will be free, but space will be limited.
- The man who became trapped in the Talus Dome on April 9 told CTV News he climbed the structure because he "wanted to go on an adventure" but slipped through. He says he was inside for about an hour before being rescued by firefighters. The Talus Dome was fenced off for repairs following the incident.
- More than 30 employers are expected to participate in an in-person job fair hosted by Prospect Human Services on April 13, which is happening at the Royal Hotel West Edmonton from 3pm to 6pm. Up to 700 job-seekers are anticipated to attend. You can register for the event for free online.
- The Edmonton International Airport experienced a partial power outage on April 12 and advised travellers to check their flight status. A spokesperson said the issue affected parts of the terminal and the area surrounding the airport. The airport's website indicated most flights were able to depart on time and power was restored shortly after 5pm.
- Sports writer Don Landry wrote a piece for CFL.ca about Eugene "Geno" Lewis, a celebrated former Montreal Alouettes receiver acquired by the Edmonton Elks in February. "The Elks are getting a wizard in their midst," wrote Landry. "Just Google his name and click on 'videos' if you need a reminder." The Elks have also signed new receivers Steven Dunbar Jr., formerly of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, and Kyran Moore, formerly of the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
- The province is partnering with Al Rashid Mosque and the Alberta Council of Imams to explore opportunities for halal financing, which creates alternatives to traditional mortgage financing for Muslims whose faith prohibits paying or charging interest. In a release, the province said it introduced a regulatory sandbox in 2022 that granted temporary regulatory relief to businesses and made it easier for them to try new products and services. "We are laying the foundation for Halal mortgages in Alberta so the Muslim community can easily own affordable housing in similar terms as regular mortgages," said Omar Mahmoud, president of the Edmonton Council of Imams.
Headlines: April 13, 2023
By Kevin Holowack