Headlines: March 20, 2024

March 20, 2024 · The Pulse
By Mariam Ibrahim

Edmonton Coun. Sarah Hamilton left a council meeting early on March 13 to attend a "Politics & Prosecco" United Conservative Party fundraiser. Hamilton's attendance at the event was advertised with her official title, despite city council's Code of Conduct prohibiting councillors from engaging in partisan activities in their official capacity, The Orchard reported. The event, which took place at Edmonton's Royal Glenora Club, featured Hamilton alongside Conservative MP Shannon Stubbs and UCP MLA Rebecca Schulz. Hamilton defended her attendance in a statement posted online, saying she "did not view or vet any promotional materials" and was not there as a representative of city council.
Planned maintenance on the northern section of the Capital Line will close Clareview and Belvedere LRT stations on March 23, March 29-30, and April 6-7. Replacement bus service will run every seven to eight minutes between Clareview and Coliseum stations. The Capital Line will run on its normal weekend schedule between Coliseum and Century Park stations, while Metro Line and Valley Line Southeast service will not be affected.
Edmonton's urban planning committee voted to remove residential parking permit zones for 15 neighbourhoods, including Belgravia and Southgate, making street parking available to anyone beginning in June. The decision, intended to provide more equitable access to street parking, will also reduce the size of permit zones in areas like Garneau and Commonwealth. Residents that need designated parking will have to purchase an annual permit for $120, but the city will introduce provisions for reduced or waived fees for people with lower incomes or accessibility needs.
Edmonton has completed its transition to paperless waste collection calendars, with schedules instead provided online or through the WasteWise app. The city said more than 220,000 people have already transitioned to the digital resources. Residents can visit the Edmonton Public Library for help to download the app or to print the calendar for a small fee. Residents can also request a printed calendar from the city free of charge.
The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team has cleared an Edmonton Police Service officer of wrongdoing in the non-fatal shooting of a man during a fight and stabbing near an Edmonton Oilers playoff game watch party in the Ice District last April. In its report, ASIRT found the man did not drop the knife he was holding after being told to do so by officers on the scene. "The force used was proportionate, necessary, and reasonable in all the circumstances," the report says.
Edmonton Elks head coach Chris Jones is remaining hopeful about the potential impact new ownership could have on the team. Jones said he is focusing on what he can control, but said new ownership "can be a positive thing." The Elks recently confirmed that the club is working with sports investment bank Park Lane to explore its sale to a private buyer.
The Alberta Avenue Business Association is collaborating with Masjid Quba and Coliseum Freshco Grocery on a Ramadan toy drive to ensure every child receives a gift for Eid, the holiday celebrated at the end of the Muslim month of fasting. Toy collection drop-off boxes will be placed in Alberta Avenue businesses, and toy collection tables will be set up at the Coliseum Freshco on March 23 and March 30.
Alberta Auditor General Doug Wylie released a report highlighting the need for better oversight of the province's Income Support program, which helps more than 48,000 households meet their basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter. The report notes the province doesn't track whether the program provides enough money for households living in poverty to adequately meet their needs, or its effectiveness in the longer term.
Alberta's finance ministry has for the second time denied a freedom of information request from Postmedia for the results of public consultations on a potential provincial pension plan. Postmedia reported that it has filed an appeal with Alberta's Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for both of its requests.