- Boyle Street Community Services has for the second time had its permit revoked for a proposed health hub and overdose prevention site in what is currently a commercial building in Ritchie, a block south of Whyte Avenue. The City of Edmonton's subdivision and development appeal board released its decision on an appeal from May, stating that plans for the site failed on aspects of crime prevention and didn't consult with the City's heritage planner. Boyle Street said it remains committed to "ensuring that this essential service is available" and will consult legal counsel.
- The City of Edmonton's fee for paper and reusable bags will increase on July 1. Currently, paper bags cost at least 15 cents and reusable bags cost at least $1. On July 1, the prices will increase to at least 25 cents and at least $2, respectively. Surveys have shown Edmontonians have mixed views on the policy, and a majority of businesses oppose it. Calgary city council repealed a similar policy in May. More information about Edmonton's single-use item reduction bylaw, including guides for businesses, is available on the City's website.
- Ardrossan, a hamlet in Strathcona County, has seen its population double to 1,000 in the past 10 years, with new developments expected to increase the population sixfold. With record year-over-year population growth in Edmonton, developers and officials see Ardrossan as an opportunity to address the surge in new residents, CBC reported. Meanwhile, the upcoming Bremner development northeast of Sherwood Park is expected to accommodate nearly 80,000 residents.
- Jim Gurnett of the Edmonton Coalition on Housing and Homelessness and Sam Mason of the Coalition for Justice and Human Rights spoke to CTV News about the province's navigation and support centre for people experiencing homelessness, saying the funds would be better spent supporting existing social services organizations. Premier Danielle Smith dismissed the criticism, saying the province is best positioned to coordinate among various jurisdictions and agencies. The centre opened in downtown Edmonton in January after police ramped up encampment sweeps, and the province plans to launch a similar model in Calgary in July. The City of Edmonton says 2,191 encampments have been removed since Jan. 17.
- Next week, Edmonton city council will review a letter sent in April from the Edmonton Police Commission in response to a December motion asking the commission to provide council with its audits of the Edmonton Police Service. The commission said it will not provide council "information relating to the internal audit plan of the EPS." Coun. Keren Tang, who introduced the motion, said she was disappointed because her goal was to increase police accountability and transparency.
- The City of Edmonton has several opportunities for residents to celebrate Bike Month this June, including City-led educational rides and various pre-planned routes to follow on your own. The City also created a map of businesses providing special offers for people who cycle to their establishment.
- Alberta Health Services is the subject of a class-action lawsuit filed April 26 in Calgary on behalf of a group of clinical assistants and clinical and surgical assistants. The workers allege that AHS consistently told them they are exempt from overtime pay, which they say is against provincial law, and some claim to have worked shifts longer than 12 hours. The statement of claim says about 228 AHS staff would be part of the class action, plus people who are no longer with AHS. The class action has not yet been certified in court.
- Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid said his "veteran team" is not intimidated by the fast, "in-your face" game played by the Florida Panthers as the teams get ready to face off in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final on June 8.
- CBC's This is Edmonton podcast spoke to hockey fans about their experience following the playoffs, and the prospect of the Edmonton Oilers becoming the first Canadian team in 18 years to win the Stanley Cup.
- Celebrated Edmonton-born rapper Cadence Weapon is releasing a sequel to his 2017 single "Connor McDavid" to celebrate the Edmonton Oilers reaching the Stanley Cup Final. "Connor McDavid (2024 Stanley Cup Version)" is set to drop on streaming platforms on June 7. The artist shared a preview of the track on social media.
Headlines: June 6, 2024
By Kevin Holowack