- The City of Edmonton is replacing its payment system for EPark with the online and mobile pay platform HotSpot Parking. The new system, which launches April 29, will offer flexible payment options, including scanning a QR code, and a pay-as-you-go app that will be available in May. Customers with funds in an existing MyEPark account can use them until April 29. Accounts with more than $25 will have funds transferred to a new HotSpot account, and customers with less can request a refund until June 30. The City said the changes are in response to requests for improvements over the years.
- Edmonton city council voted to extend an agreement with the Katz Group that allows the group to continue operating surface parking lots just north of Rogers Place. The agreement, which expired last year, is now in place until 2029. "The choice that I feel is in front of us is a surface parking lot or a vacant lot, and a vacant lot that will not be redeveloped any faster by virtue of being empty," said Ward O-day'min Coun. Anne Stevenson. Council also voted unanimously in favour of a plan to target more than 100 illegal surface parking lots in the downtown area with increased enforcement in hopes of encouraging redevelopment.
- City of Edmonton contractors will begin demolishing the former NAIT LRT station starting around April 8. The work, expected to last about two months, will happen in phases and take place overnight from 8pm to 5am on weekdays and two weekends. PCL Construction has obtained an overnight noise permit. After demolition, the City plans to install landscaping, architectural elements, and public art in the area. The station was replaced by the NAIT/Blatchford Market LRT station, which opened for service in January.
- Zebra Child and Youth Advocacy Centre, which supports children in Edmonton who have experienced abuse, is hoping to move from downtown to its new location at 14325 112 Avenue NW by September. CEO Emmy Stuebing said the existing centre on Jasper Avenue serves more than double its annual capacity of 2,000 children, with demand rising 85% since 2019. The new 3,716-square-metre building includes two child forensic interview rooms, 22 staff and partner offices, a sacred wellness room, access to green space, and free parking. The centre has so far fundraised $3 million of its $6.18 million goal to relocate and renovate.
- Adam Laughlin, a former City of Edmonton manager, announced he has started a new job as a construction manager for PCL Construction. Laughlin served as deputy city manager for integrated infrastructure services and acted as interim city manager throughout 2020 before council hired Andre Corbould. Laughlin, who left the City on Feb. 2, is among the seven high-ranking officials to leave Edmonton's administration within the last year. The mayor officially announced this week that Eddie Robar will be interim city manager until a replacement can be found for Corbould, who left the City effective April 3.
- The Métis Capital Housing Corporation is the first organization supported by the City of Edmonton's new Indigenous-led affordable housing grant. The company will receive $2.29 million to build a seniors lodge at 11935 65 Street NW in the Montrose neighbourhood, which will include 36 affordable suites. The new facility replaces the company's Nihgi Métis Seniors Lodge, which closed in 2021.
- CBC journalist Emily Fitzpatrick visited some downtown Edmonton businesses that have used "a little money and creativity" to make the most of available properties, despite challenges. Fitzpatrick spoke to Dennis Aronyk, owner of Revolution Cycle, which recently opened in the old Edmonton Motors car dealership at 11445 Jasper Avenue, and Aga Wajda-Plytta, co-owner of Good Goods, which opened its first brick-and-mortar store at 10250 106 Street NW with help from a Downtown Retail Project grant from the Edmonton Downtown Business Association. "We have too much space, and we have to retrofit it and make sure that it's the right space for the consumer today," said Heather Thomson with the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce.
- The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's latest housing market outlook forecasts that housing starts in Edmonton will "remain strong" in 2024, with modest growth in sales and homes prices. However, the rental market will "remain tight" with demand outpacing supply. The CMHC's latest housing supply report says housing starts in Edmonton fell 10% in 2023 but remain above average compared to other large Canadian cities when adjusted for population, while the rental market began feeling greater "supply squeeze."
- Youth Empowerment and Support Services (YESS), which supports youth in crisis in the Edmonton area, announced it is closing its supportive housing facility, Shanoa's Place, and is shifting its focus away from housing. In a statement, YESS said it trusts its partners in the Youth Agency Collaboration to carry on their "outstanding work" in housing.
- Edmonton Fire Rescue Services is accepting applications until April 30 from high school students interested in its fire cadets program. The 10-month program offers a mix of classroom and hands-on learning, and up to six high school credits.
Correction: This file has been changed to correct inaccurate information about YESS.