- Edmonton city council has voted against a $250,000 grant program for businesses struggling with the impact of Valley Line West LRT construction on Stony Plain Road. The motion, which aimed to provide small payments to affected businesses, was rejected in an 8-5 vote due to concerns about its limited impact and the city's ongoing budget challenges. Business owners have reported losing up to $15,000 a month due to construction impacts, but some councillors argued that the proposed $2,250 payments wouldn't provide significant relief. Mayor Amarjeet Sohi and other council members cited the need to prioritize citywide financial challenges, including potential service cuts and higher property taxes.
- A petition to save the former Royal Alberta Museum building from demolition has attracted more than 17,000 signatures following Alberta Infrastructure's plan to convert the site into green space. The decision has sparked opposition from Albertans, including senators, historians, and MLAs, who argue the building should instead be repurposed. The petition, originally started in 2016, has seen a resurgence in support since the demolition announcement.
- NorQuest College in Edmonton has cancelled several employment preparation programs due to changes in federal funding, including a key program for young adults with developmental disabilities. The funding reductions, stemming from the end of federal top-ups to labour market transfer agreements, have left hundreds of students without educational opportunities. A spokesperson for the federal government said the province was aware of the funding reductions and should have planned accordingly.
- Agnes Murphy, a descendant of early Black settlers in Edmonton, celebrated her 105th birthday at Shiloh Baptist Church on Aug. 17. Murphy reflected on her experiences with discrimination and resilience throughout her life. Despite facing racial prejudice, Murphy said she found ways to thrive and emphasized the importance of self-worth and perseverance.
- The Alberta Teachers' Association (ATA) says there is confusion among educators about Alberta's new cellphone ban in classrooms, which takes effect Sept. 1. ATA president Jason Schilling noted that while the ban starts this fall, schools have until Jan. 1 to create their own policies, leaving teachers uncertain about enforcement and worried about confiscating expensive phones without the proper policies in place.
- Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway have joined the St. Louis Blues after Edmonton Oilers general manager Stan Bowman declined to match the offer sheets for both players due to salary cap constraints. Holloway signed a two-year deal worth $2.29 million and Broberg's two-year contract is valued at $4.58 million. The Oilers received draft picks as compensation, and Bowman said the team is focused on maintaining flexibility in the future to retain key players like Leon Draisaitl, Connor McDavid, and Evan Bouchard.
- Two Edmonton families received new homes through Habitat for Humanity. The homes are part of the Orest Myckan Legacy Build, named after a volunteer with the organization who died in 2022. The families celebrated the additional space and comfort their new homes offer.
Headlines: Aug. 21, 2024
By Mariam Ibrahim