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Headlines: Sept. 20, 2023

· The Pulse
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  • Law enforcement and data analysts gathered in Edmonton for the inaugural Safety of Our Cities Conference beginning Sept. 18 at the Edmonton Convention Centre. The first day focused on how to gather, share, and analyze data ethically to ensure privacy is protected. "To make decisions based on evidence, we need compelling data," said Anil Arora, the chief statistician for Statistics Canada. Police services are working to better integrate data in their decision-making processes, Edmonton Police Service Chief Dale McFee told media. The conference's second day looked at the need for bail reform, and how law enforcement should focus on violent offenders to target guns and gangs. The conference wraps up Sept. 20.
  • CTV News spoke to a registered psychologist who said the increased smoke and wildfires this year has led to some people experiencing eco-anxiety because of concerns over the environment. "A lot of people do suffer from seasonal affective disorder in the winter, but now potentially, we're seeing it in the summer," said Sabrina Roach. Edmonton has had a record-setting year for smoke hours, with more than 300 already recorded. The smoke is expected to continue as long as wildfires persist. As of Sept. 18, a record 2.03-million hectares have burned in Alberta. Wildfire season lasts until October.
  • Severe storms in Alberta and the Prairies this summer have resulted in more than $300 million in insured losses, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC). Of that, more than $90 million went to replacing or repairing vehicles damaged by storms in Alberta. "This is the third straight summer in which Alberta has seen significant insured damage from hail, wind and rain," said Aaron Sutherland, a vice-president with IBC. The increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events is putting pressure on insurance premiums, the association said.
  • Councillors on the urban planning committee heard from administration during a Sept. 19 meeting about the challenges of enforcing development permit requirements on surface parking lots in central Edmonton. A city report found that 90% of lots are operating without a current development permit, but city director Lyla Peter said strict enforcement "may result in many vacant lots, which could become a target for social disorder." Coun. Michael Janz said limiting enforcement is unfair to other business owners who are following the rules. "It seems like an uneven application of justice," said Janz. The committee referred the report back to administration to recommend a new strategy for the lots, including enforcement and ways to increase vibrancy and safety.
  • The University of Alberta has unveiled its new 10-year strategic plan, called Shape, which aims to increase student enrolment by 35% and achieve a top-50 ranking among worldwide research universities. The plan focuses on increasing research funding, expanding its faculty, and prioritizing research areas such as energy and environment, artificial intelligence, and health and wellness. "By 2033 we will be known as a university with transformational impact," the plan states.
  • Longtime Edmonton reporter and news anchor Courtney Theriault is moving to radio to join 630 CHED as the host of Midday on 630 CHED with Courtney Theriault starting on Oct. 2. The show will air weekdays from 12pm to 2pm and focus on "all things Edmonton", providing listeners different points of view.
  • Sky watchers in central and northern Alberta were treated to a colourful aurora borealis display on Sept. 18. "It was just an incredible event," said Frank Florian with TELUS World of Science. The University of Alberta's AuroraWatch group reported high geomagnetic activity in the Edmonton region between 9pm and midnight. Northern Lights were also seen in St. Albert, Drayton Valley, Fort Saskatchewan, and Sturgeon County.
  • The Alberta government approved $7 million from the Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction Fund to help Cenovus Energy study the potential use of small modular reactors in northern Alberta. In a release, the province said small modular reactors could provide zero-emissions energy and help reduce emissions from oil sands, but noted that adopting the technology in the future would require a full regulatory and engagement process.
  • More than 100 children from Alberta and the Northwest Territories departed for a theme park in California on Sept. 19 as part of the first Dreams Take Flight trip from Edmonton International Airport since 2019. The children, who were selected through the Dreams Take Flight charity, face mental, emotional, physical, or social adversity. Over the past three decades, Dreams Take Flight and Air Canada have given more than 42,000 Canadian children the opportunity to take a Dreams flight.
  • Sportsnet announced its full broadcast schedule for the Edmonton Oilers 2023-24 season. The regional broadcast team returns with play-by-play announcer Jack Michaels, game analyst Louie DeBrusk, and host Gene Principe. The team's first regular season game is set for Oct. 11 in Vancouver against the Canucks.