Headlines: Sept. 11, 2024

Sept. 11, 2024 · The Pulse
By Mariam Ibrahim

City council received a financial update on Sept. 10 showing that Edmonton is projecting a $34-million deficit this year. Among the factors contributing to the financial pressures are increased overtime costs for firefighters and transit operators, declining transit revenue, and rising expenses for fuel, maintenance, and construction. Councillors are looking for ways to avoid a projected 13% tax increase next year, with the potential to halt spending on new major projects. Mayor Amarjeet Sohi has publicly called on the provincial government to contribute more towards property taxes and infrastructure, but said so far there's been "no movement."
Coun. Andrew Knack appeared on Real Talk with Ryan Jespersen to discuss a variety of topics, including his decision to not seek re-election in next year's municipal election. Knack also addressed Edmonton's financial challenges, saying that while there will be a tax increase next year, it won't be double-digit. "There's just no way people can handle a double-digit tax increase," Knack said in the interview.
Edmonton is gearing up to host the 42nd annual Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) Awards at Rogers Place on Sept. 14. A weeklong celebration kicks off on Sept. 11, featuring more than 90 performances, and various free family-friendly events across the city, including 'Country in the Square,' a car show, and movie screenings at Sir Winston Churchill Square. The events are supported by the City of Edmonton's Downtown Vibrancy Fund.
Postmedia columnist Keith Gerein wrote that Edmonton could be in for a long fight against Dutch elm disease. The City of Edmonton recently announced it has detected the fungus for the first time, identifying it in four trees in the Killarney and Yellowhead Corridor East neighbourhoods. While the City has begun a response plan to contain the spread, Gerein wrote that residents should accept the likelihood that Edmonton is "merely at the beginning of a long-term fight that could see us lose a large number of our mature elms."
Brian Peel, a homeowner in Edmonton's Garneau neighbourhood, told CTV News that his property value will significantly drop because of the City of Edmonton's plan to build a 34-unit supportive housing development on lots next to his home. Recent zoning changes have allowed the City to proceed with the development, which Peel argues will leave his home sandwiched between two tall buildings. Peel said he attempted to sell his lot to the City for a fair market price, but negotiations ultimately failed. The City's head of real estate told CTV the rezoning gives Peel more options to redevelop his own lot.
The University of Alberta has renamed its dental school to the Mike Petryk School of Dentistry in honour of alumnus Mike Petryk and his family's $10-million donation. The funding will create an endowment to enhance dental education and provide pediatric dental care for underserved populations. Petryk, who graduated in 1960, had a 40-year career as a dentist in Calgary before retiring.
Postmedia published an interview with John Carter, a broker/owner at RE/MAX River City, to discuss Edmonton's housing market in the wake of the Bank of Canada cutting its interest rate to 4.25%. With Edmonton in a seller's market, Carter advised potential buyers not to wait for further rate drops, as property values are increasing faster than the savings from lower interest rates. The market is particularly competitive for homes under $500,000, with high demand driven by buyers from Ontario, he said.
No injuries were reported following a collision between a Capital Line LRT train and a vehicle at 112 Avenue and 82 Street on the morning of Sept. 10. Edmonton Transit Service said the crash happened when the driver of the vehicle tried to cross the tracks while the crossing arms were down. The collision caused delays on the Capital Line for several hours.
Edmonton woman Erin Rempel ignited an online debate about airplane etiquette after sharing a TikTok video showing her struggle with two "manspreaders" encroaching on her space during a Flair Airlines flight from Winnipeg to Edmonton. The video received mixed reactions, with some viewers justifying the men's actions and others sharing Rempel's frustration. In a statement sent to Fox News, Flair said it doesn't believe it should be "stepping into this disagreement between two customers."
Many Edmonton Oilers, including star players Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid, are already in the city ahead of the team's training camp, eager to start the new season and build on last year's journey to the Stanley Cup final. McDavid, who is entering the seventh season of his eight-year contract, told reporters he is focused on the upcoming season rather than his future contract negotiations.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith promoted carbon capture technology as a solution to balance the province's energy needs and emission reductions during a speech at the Carbon Capture Canada Conference in Edmonton. Despite criticism over its high costs and mixed results, Smith emphasized Alberta's efforts to lead in carbon capture and highlighted government incentives to attract investments. Critics argue the technology is inefficient and heavily reliant on taxpayer subsidies.