Headlines: Feb. 21, 2024

Feb. 21, 2024 · The Pulse
By Mariam Ibrahim

The City of Edmonton is facing a potential labour disruption as about 5,000 workers represented by CSU52 are poised to go on strike or be locked out by their employer if the parties don't come to an agreement. A strike or lockout would impact a variety of city services, including emergency call operations, recreational facilities, services at the Edmonton Public Library, and some Edmonton Police Service support roles, though essential services such as snow clearing and garbage collection would continue. The city has offered a 7.25-per-cent wage increase from 2021 through 2025, and has asked the Alberta Labour Relations Board for permission to hold an employer proposal vote, which would allow city workers to vote on the offer.
Edmonton city council approved a rezoning application for the George Spady Society to move its detox unit from its current location downtown to a larger space at 156 Street and Stony Plain Road. The move is intended to add capacity, increasing the number of detox beds to 41 and residential recovery beds to 19. The centre's supervised consumption site will remain at its downtown location as it is not allowed to operate at the new site in west Edmonton.
EndPovertyEdmonton says it is assessing how funding cuts by Edmonton city council have impacted the organization's ability to deliver its poverty eradication initiatives. In a statement posted Feb. 20, the organization's board noted that council cut its 2024 funding by $600,000, with further reductions planned for 2025 and 2026. "This is a period of uncertainty and a challenging time for everyone involved," the statement says. The organization also announced the departure of its executive director, Erick Ambtman, but did not announce a replacement.
A new City of Edmonton report shows a high demand for more off-leash dog parks, particularly in suburban areas. The city piloted 19 pop-up dog parks across Edmonton from May to October 2023 and has plans to make several permanent in neighbourhoods like Summerside and Meadowlark Park. Coun. Michael Janz said dog parks are a cost-effective way to foster community. Council's community and public services committee will review the report at its Feb. 26 meeting.
A transit safety and security town hall is scheduled at Mill Woods Town Centre on Feb. 24 for residents in southeast Edmonton. Ward Karhiio Coun. Keren Tang and representatives from Sifarish, a business and community network, appeared on Global News to preview the meeting and discuss community concerns. Tang said representatives from the Edmonton Police Service, Edmonton Transit Service, the city's Neighbourhood Empowerment Team, and Bent Arrow will be at the meeting.
Explore Edmonton says the NHL Heritage Classic generated $25.3 million for the local economy, including a demand for 18,000 room nights in local hotels. The game between the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers happened at Commonwealth Stadium last October and featured a week of events in the city.
A new mural dedicated to the late Edmonton Oilers forward and mental health advocate Colby Cave was unveiled at the CASA Centre in Edmonton. The artwork, designed by Edmonton artist Rahmaan Hameed, celebrates Cave's legacy and supports mental health initiatives for children and youth. It was commissioned by Cave's widow, Emily Cave, in collaboration with CASA, and funded by the Colby Cave Memorial Fund.
The Griff, MacEwan University's student news outlet, took home publication of the year at the Nash student journalism conference, which took place in Edmonton from Feb. 16-18. The Griff won the award alongside the Western Gazette after both publications received the same number of votes.
Parking fees at Alberta Health Services facilities will increase beginning April 1 to reflect rising inflation and maintenance costs. While rates will vary, the prices will rise an average of 75 cents in large markets and 50 cents in smaller markets, AHS said, adding that parking rates haven't been adjusted in more than eight years.
The Alberta government announced the 2024 wildfire season will begin 10 days earlier than the traditional March 1 start because of increasing wildfire risks due to warmer temperatures and below-average precipitation. Alberta Forestry and Parks Minister Todd Loewen said the earlier start will allow the province to better direct resources, with plans to hire 100 new firefighters. During the 2023 season, Alberta saw a record 1,092 wildfires that burned more than 2.2 million hectares and prompted multiple prolonged evacuations.
With at least 25 million COVID-19 rapid tests set to expire in March, the Alberta government is coordinating with the federal government to bring in additional tests with longer expiry dates, CBC reported. The test are expected to begin arriving in Alberta in the coming weeks and will be distributed for free through participating community pharmacies.
The Edmonton Oilers will honour Black History Month during their game against the Boston Bruins on Feb. 21. A special jersey featuring a logo inspired by African textiles, designed by Alberta artist AJA Louden, will also be on display. "My hope is that people (feel) seen," Louden told CTV News. The logo is one of four commissioned by the Oilers to celebrate cultural communities.
The Edmonton Stingers have re-signed Canadian forward and University of Alberta alumnus Brody Clarke for the 2024 Canadian Elite Basketball League season, marking his fifth year with the team. Clarke was the team's leading scorer in 2023. "This organization and these fans have watched me grow into the player I am today and I take great pride in wearing this city on my chest," Clarke said in a release.