Headlines: Sept. 27, 2023

Sept. 27, 2023 · The Pulse
By Mariam Ibrahim

The city announced the new Smith Crossing Pedestrian Bridge is now open, ahead of schedule. The $6.3-million bridge, located on 23 Avenue, provides safe access over Whitemud Creek to the MacTaggart and Larch Sanctuaries. The new structure replaced the previous bridge, which dated back to the 1900s, and has been built higher for improved flood resilience and to allow larger animals such as moose and deer safe passage below.
Residents who receive curbside waste collection will have two yard waste pick-up days this fall. The first is scheduled for before Oct. 31, and the second will happen after. Collection will take place on Mondays from Oct. 2 to Nov. 27. Yard waste includes plant material such as twigs, branches, grass, fallen fruits, and leaves. Residents can find their collection date on the Wastewise app or online at edmonton.ca/YardWaste.
Edmonton's proposed zoning overhaul, which would allow developments up to three storeys in residential areas, is receiving support from developers who argue the changes are necessary to meet the city's increased housing demand. The overhaul of zoning rules, the first of its kind since the 1960s, aims to create a more dense and environmentally friendly urban space as the city grows towards a population of two million. Opponents, including the Coalition for Better Infill, are concerned about the proposed changes, and have accused the city of "giving too much to developers and getting too little in return." A public hearing on the updated bylaw is scheduled to begin on Oct. 16.
The Old Strathcona Business Association has launched a letter campaign to urge the city and the province's Edmonton Public Safety and Community Response Task Force to address the rising violence and crime in the area. The association is asking for an increased police presence, an outreach street team, grants for security cameras and tamper-proof waste bins, and funding to help repair broken windows. "We are facing huge challenges with public safety that go well beyond what we, as a non-profit association, can do," executive director Cherie Klassen said in a release.
Explore Edmonton has launched a new development strategy aimed at promoting Indigenous tourism. The agency said a key component of the strategy will be "building understanding and knowledge by sharing Indigenous stories." The strategy includes principles for promoting Indigenous cultures to visitors and building relationships between Indigenous tourism operators and others in the sector. Explore Edmonton said there are 89 Indigenous tourism businesses in the city, about two-thirds of which are Indigenous-owned and operated.
Several events are planned across Edmonton for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, held annually on Sept. 30. All Edmonton Public Library (EPL) branches will be closed to mark the day as a "sombre day of remembrance," noted Emily Riddle of the EPL. However, EPL is holding a pipe ceremony at the downtown branch with its Elder in Residence Jo-Ann Saddleback on Sept. 29, and branches have displays up through the week, Riddle said.
The NHL and Adidas unveiled the jerseys that the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames will wear for the 2023 Tim Hortons Heritage Classic outdoor game at Commonwealth Stadium on Oct. 29. The Oilers' jersey features a vintage-inspired design with the team's oil drop crest, while the Flames' jersey pays tribute to the historic red and white colours of the Calgary Stampeders hockey team.