Headlines: June 26, 2024

June 26, 2024 · The Pulse
By Mariam Ibrahim

Edmonton city council has approved the first part of a new district planning program in a 10-2 vote. During the June 25 meeting, councillors tried to address concerns and clarify misconceptions about the 15-minute cities concept, which would divide the city into 15 districts with an aim to promote home construction and business activity. In response to public fears, an amendment was added to ensure the policy does not limit movement or commerce. The policy must be approved by the Edmonton Metropolitan Regional Board before council can finalize it.
The Edmonton Police Service said it made six arrests at the Edmonton Oilers watch party in the Ice District, with no major incidents reported among the 33,000 fans gathered downtown to watch the Stanley Cup Final. Five of the arrests were for public intoxication and one was for mischief, police said.
Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi will wear a Florida Panthers jersey after losing a bet with Sunrise Mayor Michael J. Ryan after the Edmonton Oilers failed to clinch the Stanley Cup. Oilers fans reflected on their disappointment after the loss, with some CBC spoke to expressing pride in the team's hard work. Boston Pizza, which had promised 30,000 free pizzas if the Oilers won the Cup, says it will still honour the promise "to ease the sting" of the loss. The company said all 30,000 pizzas will be given away on June 26 in Edmonton and other select markets in the "biggest (though maybe saddest) pizza delivery in history."
EPCOR is set to start billing some private golf courses, cemeteries, and City of Edmonton properties for stormwater services, which could help it generate millions in additional revenue and help ensure a fairer distribution of costs among all users. EPCOR has also proposed a 2.9% increase in wastewater rates starting April 2025, which will be reviewed in a public hearing this October.
The City of Edmonton has reopened its Change Homes for Climate Solar Rebate Program to provide financial incentives for multi-unit residential properties to install rooftop solar photovoltaic systems. The $1.3 million in rebates is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Applications open July 2, with installations required to be completed by Dec. 16.
Bag fees associated with Edmonton's Single-use Item Reduction Bylaw will increase July 1, with paper bags costing 25 cents and the price for reusable bags increasing to $2. With 73% of shoppers already using reusable bags as the bylaw approaches its first anniversary, most shoppers will avoid the new bag fees, the City said. The City is targeting a 10% reduction in single-use items by 2025.
Bill Flanagan has been reappointed for a second term as president and vice-chancellor of the University of Alberta. In a statement, the university board of governors said Flanagan's leadership has been marked by navigating provincial funding cuts, increasing student enrolment, and elevating the university's international rankings. Flanagan has held the role since July 2020. The reappointment comes as Flanagan faces backlash and a non-confidence vote from the Arts Faculty Council after the removal of a student-led Palestine solidarity encampment.
Constable Ezio Faraone Park has been rededicated to honour all Edmonton police officers who have died in the line of duty. The bronze statue of Faraone in the park was newly engraved with the names of all 10 officers who have died on duty since 1918. The rededication ceremony was held June 25, which was the 34th anniversary of Faraone's death, who was killed while pursuing suspects in an armed robbery.
The Edmonton Oilers' failure to win the Stanley Cup has prompted several questions ahead of what could be an interesting off-season, the Canadian Press reported. A major question concerns the future of Leon Draisaitl, who can negotiate a contract extension starting July 1. If Draisaitl decides to leave, the team must choose between trading him or risking losing him for nothing after next season. Additionally, with general manager Ken Holland likely departing, CEO Jeff Jackson needs to find a replacement who will be responsible for contract decisions related to several unrestricted free agents.
Alberta Innovates is undergoing a senior leadership transition as CEO Laura Kilcrease departs, with Lyn Brown temporarily stepping in to fill the role until an interim CEO is appointed. The organization says it is shifting towards a new strategic direction to bolster Alberta's research and innovation sector, and has recently appointed five new members to its board of governors.