- The Edmonton Oilers are set to face the Florida Panthers in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final after overcoming a 0-3 series deficit. Edmonton's recent surge was led by Connor McDavid's performances and solid goaltending from Stuart Skinner. Thousands of fans have been packing Rogers Place and the Moss Pit plaza, creating an electric atmosphere downtown. The Oilers, who haven't won the Cup since 1990, aim to end Canada's championship drought dating back to the Montreal Canadiens' 1993 victory.
- With the Edmonton Oilers' Stanley Cup playoff run putting Edmonton in the international spotlight, the New York Times published an interview with Mayor Amarjeet Sohi focused on challenges in the city's downtown. While the area around Rogers Place has developed a lively bar and restaurant scene, the rest of downtown struggles with vacant storefronts and office space, along with high numbers of people experiencing homelessness. In the interview, Sohi called on the provincial and federal governments to provide more resources to address the underlying problems contributing to homelessness and poverty.
- Boston Pizza has promised to give away 30,000 free pizzas on parade day if the Edmonton Oilers win the Stanley Cup Final. Fans will be able to pick up their free 10-inch pies at the Boston Pizza location in Ice District, and a spokesperson said the company will also give away free pizzas in "other markets that have rallied behind the Oilers."
- Developers are opposing a recommendation from the City of Edmonton to stop any planning and development on the city's outskirts until 2029, arguing it could exacerbate the housing affordability crisis as the city's population continues to grow. The City's strategy aims to complete infrastructure and amenities in Edmonton's existing developing areas before expanding to newly annexed lands, to help reduce sprawl and support climate goals. City council will discuss the recommendation on July 3.
- Bear-spray attacks against people under 19 are increasing, according to data from the Edmonton Police Service. In response, the City of Edmonton is considering a bylaw that would restrict its sale to people under 18. The bylaw would also require businesses to have a license to sell it, and record all transactions. City council is expected to vote on the bylaw in July.
- The shareholders, board, and management of Edmonton Global released a joint statement saying they have reviewed and approved key recommendations from a working group formed six months ago in response to concerns raised by municipal shareholders. Late last year, several municipalities voted to leave the regional economic development organization. The recommendations, gathered from various stakeholders, aim to improve funding, governance, and strategy as the organization marks five years of operations, the statement said.
- Postmedia published a feature on Big Lake in northwest Edmonton, which spans 1,357 hectares and is a crucial wetland and bird habitat within Lois Hole Centennial Provincial Park. The lake supports a diverse range of wildlife, including at-risk bird species and various mammals, and serves as an artistic inspiration for photographer and artist Memory Roth.
- Moxies has opened its flagship location in South Edmonton Common, which is its fourth restaurant in the city. The company plans to open 15 to 18 new locations across North America over the next three years, with one-third in Canada and the rest in the U.S. The company will also spend the next two years renovating existing locations to match its new design aesthetic.
- Former Calgary mayor Naheed Nenshi won a decisive first-ballot victory to become the new leader of the Alberta NDP, taking over from Rachel Notley. Nenshi secured more than 86% of the vote to become the party's first leader from Calgary.
Headlines: June 24, 2024
By Mariam Ibrahim