- More than 80 people have signed up to share their feedback during three days of public hearings on the City of Edmonton's proposed district plans. The plans are intended to support the city's growth to two million residents, focusing on the "15-minute city" concept where daily needs are within a short walk, bike, or transit trip from home. The proposals, which include significant bylaw changes and the creation of 15 new district plans, have sparked debate, with the majority of registered speakers not supportive of the changes. Postmedia obtained a confidential memo showing senior City administration initially planned to limit public access to the meeting, but it was ultimately opened to the public.
- Electric scooters and e-bikes will return to Edmonton streets on May 29 after the City of Edmonton finalized new three-year agreements with Lime and Bird Canada allowing year-round operation. The City has introduced a new vendor fee structure under its shared micromobility program, and expanded riding zones to address fleet management, parking, and street clutter issues. Last year, Edmonton saw record ridership with more than one million rides.
- Edmontonians are being urged to help manage and remove invasive weeds that threaten local ecosystems. This season, the City of Edmonton is focusing on five invasive species: Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam, Creeping bellflower, Purple loosestrife, and Garlic mustard. Images of the weeds and other resources are available online.
- NAIT is receiving $43 million from the provincial government to plan a new advanced skills centre aimed at expanding apprenticeship training by 4,200 seats annually, though the facility isn't expected to open until 2029. This expansion is aimed at addressing Alberta's skilled trades labour shortage, especially in construction, transportation, energy, and manufacturing sectors. Apprenticeship registrations at the school are up about 28% this year over the previous year.
- The 45th annual Edmonton Folk Music Festival, happening in Gallagher Park from Aug. 8-11, announced its 2024 lineup, including headliners Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, alongside acts like Ben Howard, KT Tunstall, and Black Pumas. Tickets go on sale online on June 1. Weekend passes range from $117 to $234, and children under 11 and seniors over 80 can attend for free.
- The Edmonton Police Service is urging motorcyclists to exercise caution due to increased risks on the roads. Sgt. Kerry Bates encouraged riders to be aware of conditions such as sand and gravel, and to practice road safety to reduce collisions. Over the past five years, Edmonton has recorded 635 motorcycle collisions, with 60% resulting in injury, police said.
- The federal government announced more than $18.7 million in funding for 264 projects from the 2022 Enabling Accessibility Fund call for proposals. Organizations in Edmonton that received funding include Mile Zero Dance, Jewish Family Services, and Sage Seniors Association. The funding was announced as part of a new call for proposals, with $14.7 million allocated for small-scale construction projects to improve accessibility.
- The Edmonton Oilers face a challenging Western Conference Final against the Dallas Stars, who play a different style than their previous playoff opponents. Despite some struggles in maintaining leads and capitalizing on power plays, Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl is confident the team can adjust and improve their game. The Oilers squandered an early 2-0 lead against the Stars in Game 3, ultimately losing 5-3 and falling behind 2-1 in the series. Game 4 will be crucial as the Oilers aim to even the series at Rogers Place on May 29.
Headlines: May 29, 2024
By Mariam Ibrahim