- The Quarters Arts Society is asking for financial assistance as it faces possible eviction from the city-owned property at 9641 102A Avenue NW that houses CO*LAB, the society's community arts venue. The city issued a notice of default last month, although administration has been working with the venue for years to meet its lease terms. The city did not say how much it is owed, but society president Stewart Burdett said the group needs to pay nearly $19,000 by Aug. 18 to stall eviction. As of Aug. 9, the venue's crowdfunding efforts had raised over $17,000.
- Large crowds gathered at the ATB Westbury Theatre in Old Strathcona on Aug. 9 as tickets went on sale for the Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival, which runs Aug. 17-27. Organizers tweeted that their phone lines and ticketing website crashed amidst the overwhelming response. This year's festival will feature 185 shows at 35 venues, making it even larger than last year's event, which marked a strong pandemic rebound.
- Airborne mould spores are unseasonably high in the Edmonton area due to rain, humidity, and warm weather, and may cause cold-like symptoms for some people. Daniel Coates with Aerobiology Research Laboratories said accumulated outdoor mould levels currently resemble cities like Vancouver and Victoria.
- The Alberta Law Enforcement Review Board dismissed two complaints from Mulugeta Tesfay, the owner of Nyala Lounge and Bar at 10875 98 Street NW, who has been in legal fights with the police since 2017 over claims of "overzealous policing activity" at his business, which is now closed. The board upheld Edmonton police Chief Dale McFee's ruling to dismiss Tesfay's complaints about false claims made by officers at an earlier business licence appeal hearing. It also upheld McFee's decision to dismiss complaints alleging his own bias and legal errors. Tesfay said a lawsuit against the city, the police, and the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission is still making its way through courts.
- Cheery Cat, a new specialty boutique for cats, opened at 4215 Calgary Trail NW on Aug. 9. Owner Angela Wong hopes to fill a void in the pet market, which tends to have more products for dogs. Cats are welcome in the store and can enjoy interactive experiences including a photo station and food-tasting station. The store is also partnering with Community Cats to support its adoption program.
- Two murals painted by Matthew Cardinal and Joshua Harnack were defaced with messages targeting the artists personally. Police have charged one man and are seeking another in connection with the vandalism at 6316 106 Street NW.
- Revera, one of the largest long-term care home operators in Canada, plans to transition out of managing retirement homes over the coming months. Information sent to unions suggests more than 80 seniors residences will be transferred to three different companies, although Revera will maintain ownership of some retirement properties. Revera has five facilities in Edmonton.
- Iron & Earth, a non-profit focused on transitioning oil sands workers to the renewable energy industry, is calling on the province to reconsider its six-month pause on renewable energy development in Alberta, calling it a "short-sighted and unnecessary decision that hurts workers and renewable energy companies and sets back net-zero planning." The organization noted that $4.7 billion has been invested in renewable energy projects in Alberta since 2019, more than any other province, which has resulted in 5,300 jobs.
Headlines: Aug. 10, 2023
By Kevin Holowack