Headlines: June 12, 2024

June 12, 2024 · The Pulse
By Mariam Ibrahim

Edmonton city council approved a $263-million increase to the 2023-2026 capital budget, bringing it to $10.4 billion, mainly for housing, neighbourhood renewals, and infrastructure projects. The increase includes $170 million in funding from the federal Housing Accelerator Fund to build nearly 5,300 new housing units by 2026. Other projects include rehabilitation of city facilities and new supportive living units. The increase doesn't include an additional $242 million for the Capital Line South LRT extension.
The Edmonton International Airport announced that its upgraded departures roadway is set to reopen this fall. The project, ongoing since September 2023, includes infrastructure restoration, aesthetic improvements, increased accessibility, and added safety features. Travellers should continue use the relocated drop-off and pick-up area east of the parkade until the work is completed.
The Field Log House in Edmonton, built in 1934 by Alfred and Marguerite Field using logs from Pigeon Lake, has been designated as a historic resource by city council. The owners of the home will receive $45,554 from Edmonton's Heritage Resources Reserve fund to support renovations and restoration work.
A recent Leger poll indicates that while 58% of Albertans are closely following the Stanley Cup finals between the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers, most Canadians are not as engaged, with 58% not paying close attention. Among those who are following, 83% of Canadians are cheering for the Oilers. The Panthers are leading the series 2-0, with Game 3 set to happen at Rogers Place in Edmonton on June 13.
The Edmonton Police Service says the city has had a 27% drop in shootings so far in 2024 compared to the same period last year, with 56 reported incidents. May 2024 had a 50% decrease in shootings compared to May 2023, and police say they have seized fewer firearms this year.
The Whole Scoop, a popular ice cream shop started by Cameron and Kirsten Schriever in 2017, has opened its fourth location in St. Albert. Known for its distinctive turquoise shacks and more than 35 flavours, the shop aims to become a summer staple in the city. The pop-up location is open daily until September.
Jeff Jackson says his first 10 months as CEO of hockey operations for the Edmonton Oilers have been a "roller coaster ride," marked by a coaching change and a significant turnaround in the team's performance after a weak start to the season. Soon after joining the Oilers Jackson recruited George Mumford, a renowned sports psychologist to help the team's performance in its quest to win the Stanley Cup. The Oilers ultimately made it to the finals, and while they trail the Florida Panthers in the series, Jackson remains optimistic about the team's resilience.
National Bank of Canada announced an agreement to acquire Edmonton-based Canadian Western Bank for about $5 billion. The deal would combine the services offered by both banks, with a focus on supporting growth in Western Canada. The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2025.
Varme Energy, in partnership with Gibson Energy and the Canada Growth Fund, announced plans to advance the country's first waste-to-energy facility with carbon capture technology east of Edmonton. The facility aims to process 200,000 tonnes of municipal solid waste annually, with operations aimed for 2027 and a 15-year contract for waste supply with the City of Edmonton.
NBA legend Charles Barkley praised Edmonton as one of his favourite Canadian cities during a Sportsnet broadcast of Game 2 of the Stanley Cup finals. Barkley, who has been supporting the Edmonton Oilers throughout the postseason, received a signed jersey from Oilers star Leon Draisaitl when they recently crossed paths in Dallas.
The 3rd Canadian Division Support Base Edmonton held its first-ever triathlon on May 11 with participation from both military and civilian athletes. The event raised $5,000 for Soldier On.