Headlines: May 9, 2024

May 9, 2024 · The Pulse
By Kevin Holowack and Mariam Ibrahim

Last week, Edmonton city council's community and public services committee discussed administration's proposed sponsorship agreement to rename the Terwillegar Community Recreation Centre. City administration has drafted a deal that could generate $150,000 annually if council approves the plan during its May 14 meeting. Councillors expressed mixed views, with Andrew Knack and Tim Cartmell in support and Jo-Anne Wright raising concerns about losing Edmonton's identity. Administration's list of recreation facilities to be renamed through sponsorship deals also includes the Clareview Community Recreation Centre, the Meadows Community Recreation Centre, and the Lewis Farms Community Recreation Centre.
Edmonton city council unanimously voted for Mayor Amarjeet Sohi to write a letter urging the provincial government to rescind Bills 18 and 20, advocating instead for engagement with Edmontonians and others that would be affected by the proposed laws. Bill 20 grants the government powers to dismiss city councillors and override municipal bylaws, while Bill 18 would require provincial approval for new or modified funding agreements between the federal government and municipalities or provincial entities like universities. Both urban and rural municipalities have strongly opposed Bill 20, highlighting concerns about its flaws and its potential to undermine local democracy. Municipal Affairs Minister Ric McIver is expected to introduce amendments to Bill 20.
Canadian Utilities, a subsidiary of ATCO, announced plans to build a $2-billion natural gas pipeline that will supply Dow Chemical's $9-billion Path2Zero facility being built near Fort Saskatchewan, among other users. The new 200-kilometre pipeline will run from the hamlet of Peers in Yellowhead County to northeast of Edmonton. Construction is expected to start in 2026, with operation beginning by the end of 2027. Construction on Dow's Path2Zero facility is expected to start this year, with phase one finished by 2027.
A beloved IGA grocery store on 142 Street is closing, with owner Andy Taschuk set to retire after owning the business for decades. The IGA has a reputation for having a community atmosphere and a good selection of kosher foods. The store will be replaced by L'OCA Quality Market late this year or early next year. The CEO of L'OCA, which is opening its first location in Sherwood Park on May 10, said his company is "standing on the shoulders of giants" and hopes to carry on the legacy of Taschuk and his family.
CBC's This is Edmonton podcast took a look at Edmonton's "DVD resurgence" after a little free library styled after a Blockbuster video store went viral last month. Host Clare Bonnyman also spoke with Bethany Arsenault, collection strategies librarian at the Edmonton Public Library, about the library's large movie and DVD collection.
The Edmonton Police Service announced the return of the Cadet Corp program after a temporary four-year suspension. The program for youth aged 14-18 has been updated with a new curriculum, partnerships with various police service units, and a more hands-on learning approach. Applications for the 2024-2025 year are open until May 31.
A United Airlines flight arriving at the Edmonton International Airport from Denver on May 7 got a wheel stuck in the mud brought on by recent rain. The plane was "disabled when its back wheel became stuck just off the maneuvering area," but airport operations were unaffected, a YEG spokesperson said.
Serena Mah with Asian Heritage Month, appeared on Global News to talk about celebrations in Edmonton this year, which include several pop-up events and a food truck extravaganza on the May long weekend.
The Edmonton Elks posted an operating deficit of $3.9 million in 2023, which was the team's fifth consecutive year posting a loss. However, the team still has enough working capital to meet its obligations for an ongoing ownership review, the club's treasurer said. The team confirmed in March that it is working with Park Lane to explore selling to a private buyer.
Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi and Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim entered into a friendly NHL playoff wager, where the losing party needs to fly the winning team's flag outside their city hall, and the mayor must wear the winning team's jersey. The premiers of Alberta and British Columbia have placed a similar bet, as have the Global News morning anchors in both cities. The Edmonton Oilers and the Vancouver Canucks haven't faced one another in a post-season game since 1992.
The province announced proposed policies aimed at increasing housing supply and reducing building costs for homes. The policies require amendments to the Municipal Government Act and Edmonton's and Calgary's city charters. Changes include creating property tax exemptions for non-profit providers, widening the criteria for the Community Revitalization Levy, and removing Edmonton and Calgary's ability to impose energy efficiency standards through bylaws that are stricter than provincial building codes.