Headlines: Aug. 18, 2023

Aug. 18, 2023 · The Pulse
By Kevin Holowack

The city's reception centre at the Edmonton EXPO Centre will accept evacuees fleeing Northwest Territories wildfires beginning at noon on Aug. 18. Officials say the centre can provide all immediate needs, including lodging, food, health services, and pet services, and does not currently need additional volunteers or donations. Calgary and Red Deer opened evacuation centres on Aug. 17, joining a host of Alberta communities that have done the same. Northwest Territories residents who need to leave or have already evacuated can register on the government's website.
Residents of Yellowknife, the capital and largest community in the Northwest Territories, continue to flee by road and air as a wildfire burns west of the city. Rain forecast for Aug. 18 won't be enough to suppress the fire, said information officer Mike Westwick. The nearest evacuee reception centre is more than 1,000 kilometres from Yellowknife, and there were gas shortages in some communities along the highway. About 1,500 people were airlifted from Yellowknife on Aug. 17, with more scheduled to leave on Aug. 18. Airlines added additional flights to their schedules, and WestJet said it had increased its limit on pets allowed on board.
The Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society has been working to send animal crates from Edmonton to Yellowknife to help evacuees flee with their pets. Yellowknife is sold out of pet carriers, which owners need to bring pets on planes, trains, and buses. The first shipment went to Yellowknife on Aug. 17, but the rescue society is still taking donated carriers, which can be dropped off at 8108 Coronet Road NW in Edmonton. Veterinarians Without Borders is also accepting donations to support animals affected by the situation in Yellowknife. Michelle Tuma with the group shared an emotional plea for support.
The YMCA of Northern Alberta is offering Northwest Territories evacuees free access to four health, fitness, and aquatics centres in Edmonton. Individuals and families can access the centres at no cost for recreational use, showers, or drop-in programming during standard hours of operation. Photo ID is required. The centres are: Castle Downs Family YMCA, Jamie Platz Family YMCA, Don Wheaton Family YMCA, and William Lutsky Family YMCA.
Members from across Treaty 6 nations and visitors gathered at Enoch Cree Nation west of Edmonton on Aug. 17 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations. The organization was founded in 1993 to advance members' political positions and advocate for their rights. Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi and provincial Indigenous Relations Minister Rick Wilson both attended the celebration. Postmedia published a photo gallery of the event.
The city announced it will integrate hydrogen as a fuel source for four city vehicles — two city buses and two waste collection trucks — as part of the Guardian Hydrogen Diesel System pilot project with Diesel Tech Industries. Edmonton also runs 60 electric buses and plans to add a hydrogen bus to its fleet in the fall.
Flair Airlines has announced the launch a pilot program that will train people to fly 747 MAX aircraft within 18 months. The company says the program is "the fastest path" to a becoming a first officer on a commercial jet. Similar programs exist in Europe, but Canadian pilots have generally had to spend years flying small or regional planes before flying commercial jets. Canada is experiencing a pilot shortage due to the pandemic, an aging workforce, and the rise of discount airlines.
The Alberta Motor Association is installing beehives at some of its locations, including the Calgary Trail location in Edmonton, to raise awareness about pollinators. Urban beekeeping company Alvéole will maintain the hives, 10 of which will be installed in 2023 and 10 more in 2024.
Paradox Museum, an experience-based museum, will launch an 11,000-square-foot space in West Edmonton Mall in 2024. The museum's co-founder said the experiences are based on paradoxes or illusions, and visitors can immerse themselves in the exhibits. The concept has also been launched in cities across Europe and North America. Matthew Dutczak of Best Edmonton Mall, said the addition follows WEM's history of "new, whimsical, one-of-a-kind entertainment."