Headlines: Oct. 17, 2023

Oct. 17, 2023 · The Pulse
By Mariam Ibrahim

More than 200 people have registered to speak on the first day of the three-day public hearing on the city's proposed zoning bylaw renewal. As of the afternoon of Oct. 16, 106 people were registered to speak in support of the new bylaw, while 123 were opposed. If passed, the bylaw would reduce the number of zones across the city from 46 to 24, and would allow for more density in residential areas. The changes also aim to improve housing affordability, but some experts have cautioned that more density doesn't necessarily mean more affordable housing, and that additional regulations may be needed. "Higher density is generally associated with higher housing costs and worse affordability and that's a very big problem," said Wendell Cox with the Urban Reform Institute.
The city is expanding its Window Repair Program to include all Business Improvement Areas. The grant program helps businesses replace broken or damaged windows by covering 50% of the cost, up to $2,500. The city has allocated $500,000 for the grant program, with about 25% already dispersed to local businesses. The Old Strathcona Business Association and Alberta Avenue Business Association have previously received funding to administer their own programs, and will be eligible for the city grant once they've used up their existing funding allotment.
The president of Voice of Albertans with Disabilities is raising concerns about how the reduced snow and ice clearing budget will impact accessibility across the city. Katrina Breau said the city needs to look at snow clearing as a necessity. "I don't think they truly understand the full impacts of the snow on people with these types of limitations," Breau said. Included in the city's cuts is reduced funding for snow-clearing enforcement on private property owners, who are responsible for clearing their own sidewalks. The city has earmarked $275,000 for enforcement this year, compared to $1.05 million last season, and will have 26% fewer enforcement officers. On Oct. 24, council will consider a proposal to increase the snow clearing budget by $5 million to allow bus stops and some public paths to be cleared within 14 days of a snowfall, instead of 22 days.
Canadian Blood Services is urging Edmontonians to donate blood between now and Nov. 11, as the need in city hospitals outpaces donations. The organization needs 3,600 donations in Edmonton, 2,800 in Calgary, and more than 1,000 in Red Deer. Donations could also be distributed across Canada to other hospitals in need, said Jasmin Vallarta, an Edmonton-based manager with the organization.
Changing mortgage rates are impacting the ability of Canadians to become home buyers, even as home prices continue to fall, according to a new report from Ratehub.ca. The analysis, based on data from the Canadian Real Estate Association, found that home affordability declined in 10 cities across the country. In Edmonton, the average home price dropped $700 between August and September, but the average income required to buy a home increased by $1,390.
Geoff Hastings is the new anchor of CTV News at Six. Hastings, who has anchored the 5pm broadcast since 2019, takes over the role following the departure of Erin Isfeld.
Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid and winger Evander Kane are staying positive despite the team's 0-2 start to the season. Kane said the team is focused on getting its first win and regaining confidence. The Oilers will attempt to turn the tide on Oct. 17 against the Nashville Predators. McDavid noted that a win would put the team at 1-2, which was how the Oilers started last season.
Sports news website The Athletic made a "bold prediction" that Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid will score 70 goals this season. However, Oil on Whyte writer Paul Taylor suggested the prediction is unlikely to come true, even though McDavid scored 64 goals last season and is "the best player in the game today."