- The City of Edmonton is considering transit fare hikes next year to address a $13-million budget shortfall caused by inflation and increased demand for low-income transit passes. Proposed changes include more than doubling the monthly fare cap for seniors to $78 and raising adult cash fares by 75 cents to $4.25 per trip. City council's executive committee is set to discuss the proposed increases during its Aug. 28 meeting.
- Edmonton city council is hesitant about the proposed relocation of a Camrose casino to south Edmonton, citing concerns over increased traffic, required infrastructure upgrades, insufficient time for public consultation, and potential social issues related to gambling addiction. While city administration supports the project for its economic benefits, including additional tax revenue, Mayor Amarjeet Sohi and other council members raised concerns about the social impacts the casino could have on the city. It's the second time the casino has applied to relocate to Edmonton. Council has requested administration draft a letter to Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC), which it will review on Aug. 20. The public can submit feedback to the AGLC until Aug. 21.
- More than 6,500 runners participated in the 2024 Servus Edmonton Marathon on Aug. 18, making it the largest event in its 33-year history. Kenyan-born David Mutai won the men's marathon, while local and international participants competed for Boston Marathon qualifications and more than $10,000 in prize money. The marathon raised more than $30,000 for charities.
- Construction on the Valley Line West LRT project uncovered an old streetcar track from 1913 at 142 Street and 102 Avenue. "This is really significant to us because we feel like we're building history as well," said Jonathan Cox with Marigold Infrastructure Partners, which is constructing the LRT. Artifacts, including seven rail spikes from the track, were donated to the Edmonton Radial Railway Society, which expects to put them on display in the future.
- Edmonton-based physician John O'Connor is campaigning against the use of the insecticide rotenone in Edmonton's lakes to control invasive goldfish. O'Connor and other residents argue that rotenone poses significant health risks, while EPCOR says it is not harmful to humans. O'Connor and other community members have gained support through their advocacy efforts highlighting what they call a lack of transparency and the potential for the chemical to be used in stormwater ponds across Edmonton.
- CBC news interviewed University of Alberta biologist Heather Proctor about crayfish, which have been found in Edmonton's North Saskatchewan River. Previously restricted to the Beaver River drainage, these freshwater creatures have spread due to both human activities and natural movement. While they are edible, Alberta regulations require them to be killed on-site if caught, and their presence raises ecological concerns due to their big appetites.
- Edmonton Neighbourhood Watch has launched a week-long "Walk Your Block" event starting at Eastwood Community League to encourage residents to actively participate in community safety by being visible, meeting neighbours, and reporting suspicious activity. The initiative aims to reduce crime and improve social order through increased community involvement.
- Veteran Edmonton journalist Cam Tait wrote a column reflecting on his 45-year career in media, beginning with his first byline at the Edmonton Journal in 1979. Over the years, Tait has covered a variety of stories and beats. Now at the Edmonton Sun, Tait plans to dedicate his future columns to helping those in need.
- The Edmonton Elks secured their third consecutive victory with a 47-22 win over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Aug. 17. The win marks a major turnaround for the Elks, who started the season with seven straight losses but have now gone 3-2 under interim head coach Jarious Jackson. It was the team's first three-game win streak since 2019.
- The Edmonton Oilers have acquired Vasily Podkolzin from the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for a 2025 fourth-round draft pick, the team announced Aug. 18. The team also announced that it has acquired defenceman Ty Emberson from San Jose in exchange for defenceman Cody Ceci and a 2025 third-round draft pick.
Headlines: Aug. 19, 2024
By Mariam Ibrahim