Headlines: Nov. 16, 2023

Nov. 16, 2023 · The Pulse
By Kevin Holowack

The city announced the completion of the 2023 construction season, which included work on more than 200 projects and employed more than 4,600 people. The city made progress on 88 transportation projects, 70 facility projects, 40 open space projects, 50 neighbourhood renewal projects, and four LRT expansion projects. Major projects completed this year included the replacement of the Latta Bridge, working with the Indigenous Knowledge & Wisdom Centre to open kihcihkaw askî, and the Smith Crossing Pedestrian Bridge. Work on the Yellowhead Trail Freeway Conversion, the Coronation Park Sports and Recreation Centre, and the William Hawrelak Park Rehabilitation Project is ongoing. Projects in the engagement and planning stages include Warehouse Park, the Metro Line Northwest LRT extension, and the expansion of the active transportation network.
The Carbon Disclosure Project recognized Edmonton as one of 119 cities across the world taking bold leadership on environmental action and transparency "despite the pressures of a challenging global economic situation." To score an "A," cities must publicly disclose emissions, have an emissions inventory, have a climate action plan, and complete a climate risk assessment. Among Edmonton's actions are launching the Clean Energy Improvement Program and the Building Energy Retrofit Accelerator. In 2022, Edmonton also signed two contracts that will provide renewable energy for 20 years and are expected to make 100% of city operations wind- and solar-powered in 2024. The city has set a goal to become a net-zero organization by 2040 and achieve net-zero across the city by 2050.
Meteorologists are forecasting an El Niño for Western Canada this winter, which means the relatively warm temperatures seen so far in November may continue. While Edmonton has recorded above-average temperatures this month, it hasn't broken any temperature records. However, November has been significantly drier than average, with no precipitation recorded at the city's Blatchford weather station. Fish in Edmonton's rivers and creeks may be at risk due to low water levels, which can cause lower oxygen levels. The Clearwater River, the Sturgeon River, the Whitemud Creek, and the Blackmud Creek are all under water shortage advisories, while water levels in the North Saskatchewan River are average.
Dan Jones, a criminologist and chair of justice studies at NorQuest College, spoke to Postmedia about the murder of Harpreet Singh Uppal and his 11-year-old son on Nov. 9, which police believe was intentional and targeted. Jones said the killing represents "another level of violence" in Edmonton, noting gangs in Canada don't generally target children. The homicides are believed to be part of a war between the United Nations and Brothers Keepers, gangs that were formed in B.C. but now operate across Canada. "We are in a city that unfortunately does have violence," said Jones, "but it's not anywhere near the violence that you see in other places."
The Hotel Macdonald introduced a new ambassador, a Labrador Retriever named Hendricks, whose job is to greet guests in the lobby and provide a sense of home. Hendricks was in guide dog training for two and a half years. Although he didn't finish, hotel officials say his gentle demeanour and fun-loving nature make him a perfect fit. The hotel's previous ambassador, a Labrador Retriever named Smudge, died in 2022 at age 14.
The Public Health Emergencies Governance Review Panel, which reviewed the province's COVID-19 response and recommended changes to improve the handling of future public health emergencies, released its final report. Former Reform Party leader Preston Manning, who chaired the panel, published an op-ed explaining the recommendations focus on improving the framework around public emergency responses, striking a "better balance" between protection from harm and human rights, and increasing health care capacity. The recommendations include putting the Alberta Emergency Management Agency in charge of public health emergency responses and giving cabinet final word over its orders. The report also urges decision-makers to consider "non-scientific evidence" and "alternative scientific narratives and hypotheses," which the Opposition NDP said could give credence to pseudoscience and conspiracies. A provincial government spokesperson said the UCP caucus will review the recommendations.