- The City of Edmonton has activated its extreme weather response due to poor air quality, which is expected to last until 9 a.m. on Aug. 17 but could be extended if conditions persist. City facilities will be open for those seeking respite from the smoke, and some will distribute N95 masks. Concerned about someone outside? Reach the 24/7 crisis diversion team by dialing 211 and pressing 3, or call 911 in emergencies. Edmonton has recorded 136 smoke hours so far in 2024, making it the third-smokiest year on record, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada.
- The annual Edmonton Marathon may be cancelled for the first time in its 33-year history due to extreme air quality advisories expected to last several days. If the marathon proceeds on Aug. 18, more than 6,500 runners are expected to participate, with the course running the entirety of Jasper Avenue. Organizers will announce the event's status on Aug. 16 at noon.
- The provincial government has opened the third of its 11 planned "recovery communities" where people with addictions can seek recovery-oriented care at no cost. The newest facility, the Lakeview Recovery Community, has 75 beds and is located in Gunn, 95 km northwest of Edmonton. Other recovery communities are already operating in Red Deer and Lethbridge, with eight more planned for Calgary, Grande Prairie, Edmonton, and five Indigenous communities. Data earlier this year showed Edmonton had the highest number of opioid-related deaths in the province. While the province-wide addiction death rate is trending down this year compared to 2023, some advocates believe the numbers are higher than reported.
- The Edmonton Police Service confirmed that the unidentified officer who shot and killed Mathios Arkangelo on June 29 has returned to active duty after completing a "reintegration" program. Funke Olokude, president of the Nigerian Canadian Association of Edmonton, called the reinstatement "disheartening," saying the community feels frightened by the video of the shooting and believes it is "crucial to protect the public from this unidentified officer." The family has called for the officer's suspension as the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team continues its investigation.
- The Edmonton Elks have officially been sold to private owner Larry Thompson, a heavy construction investor and former owner of Thompson Construction Group. Thompson is the first private owner in the team's history, which has been community-owned since its founding in 1949. News of the team's potential sale circulated earlier this year amidst major financial woes. While rumors have surfaced about a possible return to the "Edmonton Eskimos" name, Thompson has so far said he'll focus on the "Double E" logo.
- Edmonton's housing market saw a rise in sales in July, even as the national market experienced a dip compared to previous months, according to data from the Canadian Real Estate Association. Market gains in Edmonton helped offset declines in Calgary and other areas. Meanwhile, rental prices in Edmonton have soared this year, recording the third-largest year-over-year increase in one-bedroom rental costs.
- The Edmonton Oilers are projected to be the NHL's top offensive team for the 2024-2025 season, according to sports columnist Mike Fink. With star players like Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Zach Hyman, and Evan Bouchard, and the addition of veteran Jeff Skinner and the exchange of Ryan McLeod for Matthew Savoie, the Oilers are poised for a strong season.
- Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced that her government will introduce legislation on pronouns in schools after classes begin in September. The proposed policy would require parental consent before children under 16 can change their names or pronouns at school. Alberta Teachers' Association president Jason Schilling expressed concern that teachers might be forced to choose between violating student trust and complying with the policy.
Headlines: Aug. 16, 2024
By Kevin Holowack and Mack Male