- The city is accepting applications for up to $15 million in grants through its Affordable Housing Investment Program to spur the development of affordable housing. The program covers up to 25% of construction costs for projects that offer below-market rates for 25 to 40 years and meet environmental sustainability criteria. Since 2019, the city has invested $165 million to help create 3,127 affordable housing units. Grant applications are accepted until March 22.
- Edmonton Public Schools is facing increasing enrolment pressures, leading it to close the boundaries for 44 schools during the 2023-2024 school year to manage space, up from 32 the previous year. The division's student accommodation plan includes measures such as adding modular classrooms and reclaiming leased spaces, but warns of reduced programming and choices for students as capacity issues persist. Despite three new school construction projects underway, the division expects it will reach full capacity by 2030 without funding for additional schools.
- The Edmonton International Airport joined a global memorandum of understanding to support the growth of international green shipping corridors, in line with the United Nations COP28 conference's sustainability goals. In a release, YEG highlighted its Airport City Sustainability Campus, along with planned initiatives like a 112 MW solar farm and the adoption of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles. YEG, the only Canadian airport in the Transport Canada-led agreement, is working towards net-zero emissions by 2040.
- Edmonton business owners say they are struggling to repay pandemic loans from the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) before the Jan. 18 deadline to avoid high interest rates. Repaying the $40,000 loan will be extremely difficult for many businesses, with some planning an "exit strategy," said Jessica Harquail, an accountant with Givens LLP. The Canadian Federation of Independent Business estimates that one in five small businesses in Alberta could be at risk of shutting down, and is calling on the federal government to delay the repayment deadline. Peter Keith of Meuwly's on 124 Street said he is trying to maximize cash flow this month as he works to put together the money to repay the loan. "For a lot of small business owners, this probably will be the tipping point," he said.
- The Alberta Medical Association (AMA) is drawing attention to the long emergency room wait times and overcapacity hospitals in Edmonton. The situation is the worst it has been in 25 years, said AMA President Dr. Paul Parks, adding that hospitals are activating overcapacity plans. Last week, Edmonton Zone hospitals had no beds for 202 patients who were stuck in the emergency department instead, he said. A new Fraser Institute study found that Canadians now wait an average of about 28 weeks for health care.
- The Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) is appealing a court ruling that dismissed its request for an injunction against Getty Images and Jobber over the use of the title "engineer." APEGA argues that the court's interpretation of the Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act could dilute the title's meaning, threaten public safety, and undermine its ability to effectively regulate the engineering profession in Alberta.
- Zach Hyman has been instrumental in helping the Edmonton Oilers come back from a rough start this season, according to an article from TSN's Travis Yost. Despite the team's struggles with goaltending, Hyman's ability to generate and capitalize on offensive opportunities has been valuable for Edmonton, he wrote. Hyman has scored 15 goals so far this season, a pace that could take him past 50 goals.
Headlines: Dec. 12, 2023
By Mariam Ibrahim