Headlines: June 17, 2024

June 17, 2024 · The Pulse
By Mariam Ibrahim

The Edmonton Police Commission released a statement last week saying it stands by its decision to preserve its "internal audit function as it is currently structured." The statement came after the commission refused to release information to city council about its audit plan for the Edmonton Police Service and skipped a council meeting where the topic was set to be discussed. In its statement, the commission said it is important to maintain clear governance boundaries between it and council, particularly in terms of police oversight and budgeting. The commission has proposed a meeting with council and an independent third-party mediator. Commission chair John McDougall said there has been a communication breakdown and that council and the commission must repair their relationship.
Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi will attend a global mayors' meeting in Paris from June 19-23 to discuss homelessness solutions. Sohi will represent both Edmonton and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities at the event, which is organized by the Ruff Institute of Global Homelessness and UN-Habitat. It will be Sohi's fourth overseas trip since April 2022. Despite budget concerns, the mayor emphasized the importance of learning from global leaders to tackle homelessness and improve housing accessibility in Edmonton.
The Edmonton Oilers dominated the Florida Panthers 8-1 in Game 4 at Rogers Place, with standout performances from Dylan Holloway and Connor McDavid. The Panthers still lead the series 3-1, but the lopsided win gave Oilers fans hope the team can turn things around. Game 5 is set for June 18 in Florida. If the Oilers win, they'll force Game 6, which will happen in Edmonton. "We've got to go to Florida, do a job and drag them back to Alberta," said McDavid.
The City of Edmonton has permanently renamed 101A Avenue between 96 and 97 Street to Okisikow Way NW. A celebration of the renaming took place on June 14, which was officially declared Okîsikow (Angel) Way Day to commemorate victims of domestic and gender-based violence, and support women's shelters.
Edmonton is celebrating Waste Collector Appreciation Week from June 17 to 21 to honour the role waste staff play in keeping the city clean and safe. Residents are encouraged to show their gratitude through notes, social media messages, or other creative gestures. Residents are also asked to help collectors stay safe by following best practices, such as not overfilling carts and keeping them accessible.
Thousands of video game enthusiasts descended on the Edmonton EXPO Centre over the weekend for Game Con Canada. Organizers said attendance numbers surpassed the 35,000 seen at the inaugural Game Con Canada held in Calgary last year. The weekend featured esports tournaments, tabletop gaming, cosplay contests, and live Dungeons & Dragons games with celebrities. The event is set to return to Edmonton in 2025 and 2026.
The first National African Descent Youth Summit is set to happen in Edmonton from June 27 to 28 at the Westin Hotel, aiming to celebrate identity, deepen cultural connections, and address challenges faced by Black youth in Canada. Organized by the African Canadian Civic Engagement Council, the event will feature speakers discussing African history, systemic racism, and entrepreneurship.
Former Edmonton mayor Don Iveson was appointed as chair of the board of directors for the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. In a release, Iveson said he hopes to bring his "experience and passion for housing to the goal of ensuring everyone living in Canada has a place to call home." Coleen Volk was named president and CEO for organization, which provides services, research, and support focused on housing solutions across the country.