- City council finalized the fall budget adjustments, setting property tax rates of 6.6% in 2024, 5.3% in 2025, and 4.7% in 2026 to maintain most city services at current levels amid rising costs and lower revenues. In 2024, the average household will pay $747 in property taxes for every $100,000 of assessed home value, the city said. The budget includes funding to operate the Metro Line LRT to NAIT Station, increased bus service hours, and more money to advance the city's Anti-Racism Strategy. Council also approved a $105-million increase to the capital budget, including $15.3 million for critical renewal projects, $15.8 million to buy 20 new diesel buses, and $22.9 million for affordable housing. Mayor Amarjeet Sohi said the budget discussions were "by far the toughest" he's ever been a part of.
- The Bissell Centre and Youth Empowerment and Social Services (YESS) are fundraising for child and youth programs on Giving Tuesday amid rising poverty and mental health needs. Bissell Centre's "Feed Our Little Ones" program aims to raise $100,000 to provide meals for children in its childcare program, with EPCOR matching donations up to $25,000. YESS is seeking donations for its wellness integration team to support youth in crisis, with the goal to fully fund an additional 10 spaces in their program. Both organizations say they have seen a demand for their services over the past year, with one in six Edmonton children under the age of 17 living in poverty.
- Edmonton landlord and community advocate Mully Tesfay is leading an effort to help people experiencing homelessness find a place to live. Tesfay began acquiring properties in the area of 109 Avenue and 97 Street a few years ago to help house people in need, and hires people living on the streets to help with renovations and upkeep. "I don't call myself a landlord, I call myself a friend of the community," Tesfay told CBC. Hope Mission has referred several tenants to Tesfay. Adeoluwa Adeoye, a manager with the agency, said "successful housing outcomes for the vulnerable and marginalized population in Edmonton" requires collaboration with landlords.
- Edmonton's Jewish community is enhancing security measures for Chanukah events this year following the Oct. 7 attacks in Israel and rising anti-Semitism concerns. The University of Alberta will host its first ever Chanukah celebration on Dec. 7, while the 32nd annual menorah lighting at the Alberta legislature is scheduled for Dec. 10. "Because there is this increase in darkness, as Jews we know we need to increase the light, increasing goodness and kindness in the world," said Rabbi Ari Drelich.
- Edmonton's housing market affordability could lead to a trend of home buyers relocating to the city from other parts of Canada. Average total residential prices were about 396,550 in October, while the price of a detached home averaged about $486,751. Many younger Canadians, first-time home buyers, and new immigrants see Edmonton in a favourable light because of its relative affordability compared to other housing markets across the country, says Max Singh with The Mortgage Group. "In Edmonton, you can live in quite a nice neighbourhood for around the $350,000 mark," he said. A recent Conference Board of Canada report found that 8,900 people moved to Edmonton from other provinces in 2022, ending a six-year streak of net losses to other parts of the country.
- The provincial government is seeking public input for Budget 2024 to help set financial priorities, with a focus on balancing the budget, and stimulating economic growth and job creation. Albertans can share their feedback through an online survey or by submitting proposals through an online portal until Jan. 19. They can also take part in telephone town halls with Finance Minister Nate Horner on Dec. 11 and 12. Budget 2024 will be released in February. Last year's consultation saw over 23,000 survey responses and around 25,000 telephone town hall participants.
- The provincial government introduced the Alberta Carbon Capture Incentive Program (ACCIP) to provide industries with up to 12% of new eligible capital project costs for carbon capture, utilization, and storage technology integration. The program aims to support the reduction of emissions in sectors such as oil and gas, hydrogen, and cement. Premier Danielle Smith said the grant is expected to bring in $35 billion in new investment over the next ten years. The provincial funding is contingent on federal support. The government says it is still working on the specifics of the program, with more details expected in spring 2024.
Headlines: Nov. 29, 2023
By Mariam Ibrahim