Headlines: Dec. 13, 2023

Dec. 13, 2023 · The Pulse
By Mariam Ibrahim

The city is projecting a year-end budget deficit of $52 million, which is an improvement from the previously projected deficit of $73.8 million, but still risks depleting the city's financial stabilization reserve below the minimum balance. In an update to council on Dec. 12, administration mainly attributed the deficit to salary settlements, decreased transit revenue, and wildfire costs, but said it found savings through unfilled city job vacancies and increased revenue from recreational facilities. To address the shortfall, the city is considering a multi-year tax levy that would result in a 0.48% tax increase in 2025, on top of previously proposed increases.
The province followed through on an $8.3-million funding promise for the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) to recruit, train, and deploy 50 additional officers in Edmonton, including transit centres and the downtown core. In a release, the province said the funding will cover officer salaries, benefits, equipment, and technology costs. Meanwhile, city council heard an update on the city's transit safety plan on Dec. 12. EPS has assigned 21 officers to patrol LRT stations, while the city has 93 transit peace officers patrolling stations.
City council designated five historic structures within William Hawrelak Park as Municipal Historic Resources to recognize their significance and ensure their preservation. These structures, which include the Main Pavilion, Boat House, and picnic shelters 1, 2, and 3, are notable examples of the Organic Modern/International Style of architecture, featuring parallel concrete columns and cedar shake roofs with distinctive acrylic domed skylights. The park remains closed for rehabilitation work and is expected to reopen in winter 2025/26.
A pedestrian was hit by a Valley Line Southeast LRT train near the Bonnie Doon Stop just after 11am on Dec. 12, causing a temporary delay in service. One person was taken to hospital in stable condition, and transit service resumed around 12:30pm. Edmonton Transit Service and TransEd are investigating the incident, which is the latest in a series of collisions involving the new low-floor trains on the LRT line. In a separate incident, an Edmonton Transit Service bus collided with a dump truck at the overpass of 170 Street and Yellowhead Trail on Dec. 12, sending six people to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The Edmonton Police Service is investigating the crash, which happened around 10:15am when the dump truck made a left turn in front of the bus.
Council has ratified a new collective agreement between the city and the union representing about 150 DATS workers. Amalgamated Transit Union Local 569 DATS members voted to accept the terms of the new agreement on Dec. 5. The two-year agreement includes a 1% wage increase for 2022 and a 2% cent increase in 2023. The city and union have also agreed to merge DATS members into the union's main agreement as of Jan. 1. Union president Steve Bradshaw called it the "beginning of a new era of recognition of the value of workers who serve the disabled population."
Public school teachers represented by Edmonton Public Teachers Local 37 are preparing for a strike vote in January after rejecting a settlement offer from Edmonton Public Schools. The Alberta Teachers' Association has requested the government-appointed mediator conclude its involvement, which is required before a strike vote can happen. The teachers' grievances include issues with calendar development, compensation, and working conditions, particularly for online teachers. Public school teachers in Edmonton haven't had a finalized contract agreement since September 2020.
SkipTheDepot, an Alberta-based recycling app, is partnering with The Mustard Seed to launch a province-wide bottle drive for the holidays. Users can donate the 100% of the value of bottles, electronics, and clothing donations made through the app using a special promo code. App users can also support the Mustard Seed's 12 Days of Giving by leaving specific donations out with their pickup until Dec. 26. Acceptable items include winter gear, new men's and women's underwear, and personal care items.
The province has authorized the Alberta Petroleum Marketing Commission to borrow up to $2.9 billion for the North West Redwater Sturgeon Refinery to support the project's financing and operations. The refinery, which converts raw bitumen into diesel and other products, has faced financial challenges, prompting the government to step in to ensure it can meet its contractual obligations and continue operations.
The federal government recently tabled a management plan for Elk Island National Park in an effort to protect the park's ecological integrity, strengthen relationships with Indigenous Peoples, and respond to climate change. The plan was developed with input from Indigenous partners, local stakeholders, and visitors, with a focus on preserving the park's natural heritage and providing educational opportunities. The park has an average of more than 400,000 visitors annually.
The Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation is hosting the Holiday Homestand 50/50 raffle until Dec. 16 in support of local charities, including 630 CHED Santas Anonymous, the Christmas Bureau, Mothers Against Drunk Driving Canada, Hope Mission, and Kids Kottage. The raffle includes 20 early bird prizes and incentives for ticket purchases, such as vouchers for JW Marriott and Century Casino. Tickets are available online.