- Councillors heard feedback about the city's proposed zoning renewal bylaw on the second day of a multi-day public hearing that at times became heated. Among the concerns raised was the potential impact on the environment, housing affordability, traffic, parking, and property values. Some who spoke against the proposed bylaw said it mainly benefits developers and needs more public input. Speakers in support of the bylaw said it would create more density and encourage a variety of housing types, leading to more affordability. The public hearing is scheduled to continue through Oct. 19.
- The Association of Academic Staff at the University of Alberta is raising concerns about the University of Alberta's strategic plan, which aims to increase student enrolment to 60,000 within 10 years. The union, which represents more than 4,000 staff, is calling for an end to precarious work for instructors, many of whom are on short-term contracts without benefits. About 900 of the university's 2,800 academic staff are not employed full-time, said union president Gordon Swaters. "We're growing the wrong way," he said.
- The Edmonton Police Service arrested a 50-year-old man in connection with a "threat-related incident" after officers were called to a north side grocery store where a man was yelling racial slurs and making threats directed at the Muslim community. The police hate crimes unit has recommended Section 718.2 of the Criminal Code of Canada be applied to the case, which allows courts to consider increased sentences if a crime is motivated by hate. "These events hurt not only the victim, but the vicarious trauma has an impact on entire communities," police said in a release.
- A giant pumpkin head and a pair of skeleton arms were stolen from a vandalized Halloween display at a home in the Homestead neighbourhood. The Holman family is known for its elaborate displays each year, attracting dozens of trick-or-treaters. "I'm going to put a little sign up saying, 'We're not decorating this year because someone destroyed it,'" said Kevin Holman. The Edmonton Police Service advised homeowners to install lights and home security signs to help deter would-be thieves.
- Alberta Health Services issued an alert on Oct. 17 after it confirmed a case of hepatitis A in a food worker at the Edmonton International Airport. The health authority said that anyone who ate or drank at the Belgian Beer Café or the Boston Pizza at the airport may have been exposed and should contact Health Link.
- On the latest episode of her podcast, Alberta Unbound, Senator Paula Simons spoke to University of Alberta Law professor Eric Adams and Economics and Law professor Andrew Leach on the recent Supreme Court of Canada reference judgment that found the Impact Assessment Act unconstitutional. The court ruled that parts of the law, which establishes the process to determine the environmental impact of major development projects, gave the federal government powers that were too broad. The law has been criticized by politicians and industry leaders in Alberta.
- The Métis Nation of Alberta has made history with the swearing-in of its first Otipemisiwak Métis Government on Oct. 15. President Andrea Sandmaier called it a "monumental milestone in our continued journey to Métis self-government."
Headlines: Oct. 18, 2023
By Mariam Ibrahim