- Edmonton's derelict residential tax subclass introduced this year has encouraged the cleanup more than 15% of identified derelict properties in mature neighbourhoods, the City said in a release. The new tax imposes a rate about three times higher than the average residential property tax, encouraging owners to restore their properties to avoid higher taxes. Edmonton is the first city in Canada to introduce a tax subclass targeting derelict properties.
- The City of Edmonton launched its 2024 construction season, with more than 200 infrastructure projects underway or set to kick off, including transportation, facilities, LRT, and open space developments. Major projects include Warehouse Park, the Yellowhead Trail freeway conversion, and Valley Line West LRT construction. Residents are advised to expect traffic disruptions and can find details on the City's interactive traffic disruptions map.
- Edmonton Elks fans can use their game-day tickets for free access to Edmonton Transit Service, including Park & Ride and regular bus and LRT services, for two hours before and after home games at Commonwealth Stadium. The Football Park & Ride service starts on May 25 and will operate from several locations. Fans are encouraged to arrive early to the stadium for security screening, and parking restrictions in nearby neighbourhoods will be enforced on game days.
- The Alberta government is investing $340,000 through the Affordable Housing Partnership Program into Joey's Home, a supportive housing facility in Edmonton, which will fund the construction of five new units set to open in 2025. Funding will also support the renovation of Joey's Home Mindful Hearts Memory Care Centre, which will provide 17 specialized units for people with dementia and intellectual disabilities. Joey's Home, established in 2007, is named after Edmontonian Joey Moss, who was an advocate for people with disabilities and a passionate Oilers and Elks fan.
- The Edmonton Oilers will face the Dallas Stars in the Western Conference Final of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, with the first game in the best of seven series set for May 23. The Oilers defeated the Los Angeles Kings and Vancouver Canucks to advance, while the Stars overcame the Vegas Golden Knights and Colorado Avalanche. Edmonton's Leon Draisaitl and Dallas's Miro Heiskanen are expected to be key players to watch in the series.
- Jack's Burger Shack in downtown Edmonton has become a lucky charm for the Oilers' NHL playoff success. Owner Tu Le said he and his staff have noticed that the team hasn't lost when the coaches and training staff order their pre-game meal of cheeseburgers and fries. "Whether we're a part of the routine or whether they think we're lucky or we just think we're lucky, it's kind of neat," Le said.
- CBC News analysis shows that the Alberta NDP membership base has shifted away from its traditional stronghold in Edmonton, with nearly half of party members now residing in Calgary, compared to a quarter in Edmonton. The change is expected to influence the upcoming leadership race in favour of Calgary-based candidates Naheed Nenshi and MLA Kathleen Ganley. The leadership election is scheduled for June 22.
Headlines: May 22, 2024
By Mariam Ibrahim