Headlines: Oct. 11, 2023

Oct. 11, 2023 · The Pulse
By Mariam Ibrahim

Mayor Amarjeet Sohi held a press conference to clarify his response to the ongoing violence in Israel and Gaza after he became the target of both criticism and support for a social media post he made on the weekend. Sohi said he has denounced "all forms of terrorism," and that his job as mayor is to support to all Edmontonians rather than "offer personal opinions on global issues." Sohi has been heavily criticized by the Jewish Federation of Edmonton, which posted on X that the mayor's original statement was a "disgraceful false equivalency." However, a member of the Edmonton chapter of Independent Jewish Voices said it was "completely appropriate" for Sohi to issue a "balanced statement acknowledging that there is suffering on both sides."
The city provided $9,000 in funding for a website to help support Stony Plain Road businesses impacted by Valley Line West LRT construction. The Rally for the Road site, launched in partnership with the Stony Plain Road Business Improvement Area, promotes local businesses, includes an interactive map and parking information, and provides ongoing construction updates. Last week, city council approved a motion from Coun. Andrew Knack directing the city to explore options for a financial relief program to help businesses that lose revenue due to impacts from major construction projects.
TransEd, the consortium building the Valley Line Southeast LRT, said it has successfully completed testing on the 13-kilometre line. TransEd said in a social media post that it will complete some maintenance in the coming days and that independent certification work is ongoing. The long-delayed line is expected to open sometime this fall, though TransEd has not specified a date.
The Edmonton Public School Board elected Ward F trustee Julie Kusiek as its new board chair during a meeting on Oct. 10. The position was vacated last week after former chair Trisha Estabrooks announced she would seek the federal NDP nomination in Edmonton Centre. "I'm humbled and look forward to carrying on the role of telling the story of Edmonton Public Schools, advocating for students, and working alongside division staff, families, and government to make it happen," Kusiek said in an Instagram post.
The Edmonton Chamber of Commerce named former Alberta MLA Doug Griffiths as its new president and CEO. Griffiths had a 13-year career in the provincial legislature and in 2014 founded the consulting firm 13 Ways. He takes over the position from Haydar Al Dahhan, who has been the chamber's interim president and CEO for the past eight months. Al Dahhan will remain chair of the chamber's board of directors.
Edmonton's municipal golf courses are wrapping up their 2023 season as staff begin work to prepare the greens for the winter. Rundle Golf Course closed Oct. 9, while the Riverside Golf Course and Victoria Golf Course will close Oct. 15. The Victoria Golf Course Driving Range will remain open throughout October, but its hours will be reduced from 9am to 5pm effective Oct. 15.
Edmonton Fire Rescue Services has launched the Home Fire Safety Assessment Challenge as part of Fire Prevention Week to help Edmontonians reduce the risk of house fires. According to the fire rescue service, there were 705 residential fires in Edmonton last year, causing more than $60 million in damages. The online questionnaire will help people reduce the risk of fire, and residents who complete the assessment by Oct. 31 will be entered into a draw for prizes. Fire Prevention Week runs Oct. 8-14.
Edmonton was among nearly two dozen Alberta communities to set new record high temperatures on Oct. 9. According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, Edmonton reached 25.2°C, beating the old record of 25°C set in 1991. Calgary's temperature hit 25.4°C, and Taber had the highest temperature with 29.1°C.
The city closed parts of the road and sidewalk at 102 Avenue and 100 Street after a concrete panel fell from the former National Bank building on Oct. 10. The closures will remain in place until a safety review of the building's exterior is completed. A pedestrian detour has been set up, and southbound traffic on 100 Street has been reduced to one lane.
The You Can Play Project, which advocates for inclusion and diversity in sports, criticized the NHL's decision to ban Pride Tape on hockey sticks. The ban is part of updated league guidance that says teams can't alter uniforms or gear to reflect theme nights. In a statement on Oct. 10, You Can Play said "the NHL is stepping back from its longstanding commitment to inclusion, and continuing to unravel all of its one-time industry-leading work on 2SLGBTQ+ belonging." Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid and winger Zach Hyman also expressed their disappointment in the league's decision.
Albertans can now book appointments for COVID vaccines and flu shots through the province's online portal or by calling 811. The new COVID vaccines, which target the XBB 1.5 strain, are a "real upgrade what we had previously," said Dr. Lynora Saxinger, an infectious diseases specialist at the University of Alberta. Vaccine appointments will begin Oct. 16.
The Alberta government is expanding the Space Creation Grant to include private child-care operators with $28 million in funding provided by the federal government. The grant is expected to help create up to 22,500 new licensed child-care spaces in high-demand communities across the province, bringing Alberta closer to its target of $10 per day child care in the province by 2026.